diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 11:51:29 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 11:51:29 -0800 |
| commit | e9d17ea006b74135e898b17214b696d4833cd4ec (patch) | |
| tree | d805284c7eb0a2fc925e5c7548cd05c13b6ae849 | |
| parent | ebc0d3492fbf0e60c9f95a9450968540389fa671 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-0.txt | 7396 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-0.zip | bin | 94293 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-h.zip | bin | 171955 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-h/66700-h.htm | 7473 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-h/images/colophon.png | bin | 3007 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-h/images/comic.png | bin | 30748 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66700-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 35010 -> 0 bytes |
10 files changed, 17 insertions, 14869 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2671630 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66700 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66700) diff --git a/old/66700-0.txt b/old/66700-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 652dbcf..0000000 --- a/old/66700-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7396 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Cigarette Clew;, 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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: A Cigarette Clew; - "Salted" For a Million - -Author: Nicholas Carter - -Release Date: November 10, 2021 [eBook #66700] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: David Edwards, Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CIGARETTE CLEW; *** - - - - - _The Biggest Line of Copyright Detective Literature Published_ - - THE MAGNET LIBRARY - - OF FASCINATING DETECTIVE STORIES - - PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK - - -This line has become famous for its excellent stories of the detection -of crime. Of late, it has taken truly remarkable strides in the public’s -favor. The reason for this is, that every book is a marvel of its kind. -They are high-class tales, not of the “blood and thunder” order, but -with plausable plots which hold the reader fairly captivated with -breathless expectation. Among these are the stories of the adventures of -Nick Carter and his clever assistants; of “Old Spicer,” the clever -private detective, whose exploits are among the most remarkable ever -performed by any detective. If you are in search of good, interesting -matter, a decided change from that to which you have been accustomed, -purchase a few of these titles. They will not only please and interest -you, but will give you a clear insight into the methods of the various -classes of criminals. - - -To be Published During July - -400--The Living Mark By Nicholas Carter -399--An Oath of Vengeance By John K. Stafford -398--Under a Black Veil By Nicholas Carter - - -To be Published During June - -397--A Crime Without a Name By Dick Stewart -396--A Baffled Oath By Nicholas Carter -395--A Kentucky Moonshiner By Inspector Stark -394--Playing for a Fortune By Nicholas Carter - - -To be Published During May - -393--The Convent Mystery By John K. Stafford -392--With Links of Steel By Nicholas Carter -391--A Villain’s Work By Dick Stewart -390--A Royal Thief By Nicholas Carter - - -To be Published During April - -389--A Deed of Darkness By Inspector Stark -388--The Diamond Trail By Nicholas Carter -387--Under the Surface By John K. Stafford -386--Down and Out By Nicholas Carter - - -To be Published During March - -385--The Search for a Motive By Dick Stewart -384--A Cigarette Clew By Nicholas Carter -383--The Mafia’s Victim By Inspector Stark -382--A Villainous Scheme By Nicholas Carter - - * * * * * - -381--A Millionaire’s Crime By John K. Stafford -380--The Price of Treachery By Nicholas Carter -379--Confederated Rogues By Dick Stewart -378--A Tangled Case By Nicholas Carter -377--The Telegraph Clew By Inspector Stark -376--A Mysterious “Graft” By Nicholas Carter -375--A Cruel Suspicion By Fay P. Rathbun -374--Trapped In His Own Net By Nicholas Carter -373--A Bid for a Life By Scott Campbell -372--A Scientific Forger By Nicholas Carter -371--The Signs of the Dagger By H. O. Cooke -370--The Ruby Pin By Nicholas Carter -369--The Tell-tale Watch By Meta De Vere -368--In the Gloom of Night By Nicholas Carter -367--Who Was He? By Philip Little -366--Ahead of the Game By Nicholas Carter -365--A “Spurious Note” Maker By John K. Stafford -364--Following a Chance Clew By Nicholas Carter -363--A Political Plotter By Dick Stewart -362--A Broken Trail By Nicholas Carter -361--The Shadow of an Assassin By Inspector Stark -360--A Missing Man By Nicholas Carter -359--A Daring Express Messenger By John K. Stafford -358--A Mysterious Foe By Nicholas Carter -357--A Game of “Draw” By Dick Stewart -356--The Queen of Diamonds By Nicholas Carter -355--An Unexpected Move By Scott Campbell -354--An Ingenious Stratagem By Nicholas Carter -353--The Missing Bracelet By Inspector Stark -352--The Master Villain By Nicholas Carter -351--Smugglers at Odds By John K. Stafford -350--Playing a Lone Hand By Nicholas Carter -349--The “Green Goods” Speculator By Dick Stewart -348--The Mystic Diagram By Nicholas Carter -347--A Queen of Blackmailers By the author of “Seth Hunt” -346--The Cab Driver’s Secret By Nicholas Carter -345--The Deed of a Night By the author of “Nat Tyler” -344--Against Desperate Odds By Nicholas Carter -343--The Stolen Jewels By “Old Spicer” -342--The Secret Panel By Nicholas Carter -341--Two Conspirators By the author of “Seth Hunt” -340--The Criminal Link By Nicholas Carter -339--The Confession of a Thug By the author of “Nat Tyler” -338--The Wizard of the Cue By Nicholas Carter -337--The Palace of Chance By “Old Spicer” -336--Driven From Cover By Nicholas Carter -335--The Woman in Red By Scott Campbell -334--Beyond Pursuit By Nicholas Carter -333--A Question of Evidence By “Old Spicer” -332--The Certified Check By Nicholas Carter -331--A Secret Suspicion By the author of “Seth Hunt” -330--The Toss of a Penny By Nicholas Carter -329--The Price of “Protection” By the author of “Nat Tyler” -328--A Detective’s Theory By Nicholas Carter -327--The Tattooed Wrist By “Old Spicer” -326--A Bundle of Clews By Nicholas Carter -325--The Cross in the Dust By the author of “Seth Hunt” -324--The “Hot Air” Clew By Nicholas Carter -323--Sherlock Holmes. Vol. II By A. Conan Doyle -322--Sherlock Holmes. Vol. I By A. Conan Doyle -321--The Missing Bullet By the author of “Nat Tyler” -320--The Cloak of Guilt By Nicholas Carter -319--Tightening the Coils By “Old Spicer” -318--The Cashier’s Secret By Nicholas Carter -317--A Midnight Vigil By the author of “Nat Tyler” -316--Circumstantial Evidence By Nicholas Carter -315--In the Shadow By “Old Spicer” -314--The Barrel Mystery By Nicholas Carter -313--Cunning Against Force By Tom Steele -312--Heard in the Dark By Nicholas Carter -311--A Transatlantic Puzzle By the author of “Seth Hunt” -310--The Crown Diamond By Nicholas Carter -309--The Power of a Villain By the author of “Nat Tyler” -308--The Photographer’s Evidence By Nicholas Carter -307--A Desperate Game By “Old Spicer” -306--A Ring of Dust By Nicholas Carter -305--The Tell-Tale Tattoo By Jack Sharpe -304--The Twin Mystery By Nicholas Carter -303--The Branded Hand By the author of “Seth Hunt” -302--Under False Colors By Nicholas Carter -301--The Wall Street Swindlers By Jack Sharpe -300--A Blow for Vengeance By Nicholas Carter -299--The Sleepless Eye By the author of “Nat Tyler” -298--A Masterpiece of Crime By Nicholas Carter -297--The Shadow of Guilt By “Old Spicer” -296--The Guilty Governor By Nicholas Carter -295--Tracked by a Pin By Richard Hackstaff -294--The Blood-Red Badge By Nicholas Carter -293--On the Stroke of Midnight By the author of “Seth Hunt” -292--A Great Conspiracy By Nicholas Carter -291--In Terror’s Grasp By the author of “Nat Tyler” -290--The Hole in the Vault By Nicholas Carter -289--The Crippled Hand By Frederick S. Stewart -288--The Council of Death By Nicholas Carter -287--A Dead Witness By “Old Spicer” -286--A Bonded Villain By Nicholas Carter -285--A Rascal’s Nerve By the author of “Seth Hunt” -284--A Blackmailer’s Bluff By Nicholas Carter -283--The Crimson Glove By the author of “Nat Tyler” -282--A Race Track Gamble By Nicholas Carter -281--The Stroke of a Knife By Burnham F. Mason -280--The Seal of Death By Nicholas Carter -279--On the Brink of Ruin By “Old Spicer” -278--A Sharper’s Downfall By Nicholas Carter -277--An Eye for an Eye By the author of “Seth Hunt” -276--A Checkmated Scoundrel By Nicholas Carter -275--The Banker’s Millions By the author of “Nat Tyler” -274--Paid With Death By Nicholas Carter -273--The Rogue With a Past By Robert Wesley -272--The Chain of Evidence By Nicholas Carter -271--A High-Class Swindler By “Old Spicer” -270--The Fatal Prescription By Nicholas Carter -269--The Man Who Knew By the author of “Seth Hunt” -268--Hounded to Death By Nicholas Carter -267--An Unfortunate Rogue By the author of “Nat Tyler” -266--A Stroke of Policy By Nicholas Carter -265--The Three Finger Marks By “Old Spicer” -264--Two Villains in One By Nicholas Carter. -263--The Loaded Orange By Gilbert Jerome. -262--A False Combination By Nicholas Carter. -261--A Matter of Thousands By the author of “Old Spicer” -260--At the Knife’s Point By Nicholas Carter. -259--The Band of Mystery By Maro O. Rolfe -258--Man Against Man By Nicholas Carter. -257--The Man Who Made Diamonds By the author of “Nat Tyler” -256--The Vial of Death By Nicholas Carter. -255--The Sport of Fate By the author of “Old Spicer.” -254--Behind a Mask By Nicholas Carter. -253--The Fatal Request By A. L. Harris. -252--The Man and His Price By Nicholas Carter. -251--The Nine of Hearts By B. L. Farjeon. -250--A Double-Handed Game By Nicholas Carter. -249--Old Stonewall, Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -248--The Toss of a Coin By Nicholas Carter. -247--The Results of a Duel By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -246--Nick Carter’s Death Warrant By Nicholas Carter. -245--A Victim of Villainy By F. L. Broughton. -244--A Trusted Rogue By Nicholas Carter. -243--The Man and the Crime By Harry Rockwood. -242--Run to Earth By Nicholas Carter. -241--From Thief to Detective By Fergus Hume. -240--Weaving the Web By Nicholas Carter. -239--The Man from the South By Judson R. Taylor. -238--The Claws of the Tiger By Nicholas Carter. -237--A Kidnapped Millionaire By Richard A. Wainwright. -236--A Move in the Dark By Nicholas Carter. -235--True Detective Tales By Maurice Moser. -234--The Tell-Tale Photographs By Nicholas Carter. -233--The Secret of the Missing Checks By Harry Rockwood. -232--The Red Signal By Nicholas Carter. -231--The Crime of the Golden Gully By Gilbert Rock. -230--A Race for Ten Thousand By Nicholas Carter. -229--The Dexter Bank Robbery By Harry Rockwood. -228--A Syndicate of Rascals By Nicholas Carter. -227--From Clew to Climax By Will N. Harben. -226--A Deal in Diamonds By Nicholas Carter. -225--Tracked by Fate By Fergus Hume. -224--Played to a Finish By Nicholas Carter. -223--Found Dead By Hero Strong. -222--A Prince of Rogues By Nicholas Carter. -221--Other People’s Money By Emile Gaboriau. -220--The Dumb Witness, and Other Stories By Nicholas Carter. -219--A Hidden Clew By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -218--The Man from London By Nicholas Carter. -217--Baron Trigault’s Vengeance By Emile Gaboriau. -216--The Count’s Millions By Emile Gaboriau. -215--The Seal of Silence By Nicholas Carter. -214--The Missing Cashier By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -213--Millions at Stake, and Other Stories By Nicholas Carter. -212--A Mystery Still By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -211--In Letters of Fire By Nicholas Carter. -210--An Excellent Knave By J. F. Molloy. -209--A Triple Crime By Nicholas Carter. -208--The Condemned Door By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -207--The Blow of a Hammer, and Other Stories By Nicholas Carter. -206--The Portland Place Mystery By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -205--A Bogus Clew By Nicholas Carter. -204--Hunted Down By Richard Ashton Wainwright. -203--The Price of a Secret By Nicholas Carter. -202--The Lady of the Lilacs By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -201--The Steel Casket, and Other Stories By Nicholas Carter. -200--Detective Against Detective By Donald J. McKenzie. -199--The Man at the Window By Nicholas Carter. -198--Stairs of Sand By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -197--The Coleraine Tragedy By Eugene T. Sawyer. -196--The Queen of Knaves, and Other Stories, By Nicholas Carter. -195--Sealed Lips By Scott Campbell. -194--The Tiger’s Head Mystery By Eugene T. Sawyer. -193--The Missing Cotton King By Nicholas Carter. -192--A Dangerous Quest By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -191--The Murray Hill Mystery By Nicholas Carter. -190--The Fate of Austin Craige By Scott Campbell. -189--The Man of Mystery By Nicholas Carter. -188--A Strike for Millions By Eugene T. Sawyer. -187--The Wall Street Wonder By Donald J. McKenzie. -186--A Desperate Chance By Nicholas Carter. -185--A Supernatural Clew By Scott Campbell. -184--The Secret of the Diamond By Ernest De Lancey Pierson. -183--Hands Up By J. H. Bethune. -182--The Bottle with the Black Label By Nicholas Carter. -181--The Man Outside By Scott Campbell. -180--The Watertown Mystery By Harry Rockwood. -179--Caught at Last By Dick Donovan. -178--The Handkerchief Clue By Harry Rockwood. -177--A Scrap of Black Lace By Nicholas Carter. -176--The Tragedy of Ascott Mills By Scott Campbell. -175--The Secret of the Marionettes By E. De Lancey Pierson. -174--A Princess of Crime By Nicholas Carter. -173--The Honor of a Black Sheep By Scott Campbell. -172--Linked to Crime By Barclay North (W. C. Hudson). -171--The Silent Passenger By Nicholas Carter. -170--The Doctor’s Secret By Scott Campbell. -169--The Black Carnation By Fergus Hume. -168--Brought to Bay By Nicholas Carter. -167--The Links in the Chain By Scott Campbell. -166--Dr. Villagos By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -165--Held for Trial By Nicholas Carter. -164--The Reporter Detective’s Triumph By Scott Campbell. -163--Phil Scott, the Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -162--Nick Carter’s Star Pupils By Nicholas Carter. -161--A Plot for Millions By Scott Campbell. -160--Harry Williams, New York Detective By F. L. Broughton. -159--A Framework of Fate By Nicholas Carter. -158--The Lion of the Law By Scott Campbell. -157--By a Hair’s Breadth By Edith Sessions Tupper. -156--A Victim of Circumstances By Nicholas Carter. -155--Mrs. Donald Dyke, Detective By Harry Rockwood. -154--Driven to the Wall By Scott Campbell. -153--Nick Carter’s Clever Ruse By Nicholas Carter. -152--Fifteen Detective Stories By Police Captains of New York. -151--The Disappearance of Mr. Derwent By Thomas Cobb. -150--Lady Velvet By Nicholas Carter. -149--A Mystery of the Fast Mail By Byron D. Adsit. -148--Gipsy Blair, the Western Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -147--Nick Carter’s Retainer By Nicholas Carter. -146--The Stevedore Mystery By Barclay North. -145--The Railway Detective By Harry Rockwood. -144--The Twelve Wise Men By Nicholas Carter. -143--An Exchanged Identity By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -142--A Seven Days’ Mystery By Frederic R. Burton. -141--Nick Carter Down East By the author of Nicholas Carter. -140--Detective Reynolds’ Hardest Cas By Gabriel Macias.e -139--Fritz, the German Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -138--Crossed Wires By Nicholas Carter. -137--Donald Dyke, the Yankee Detective By Harry Rockwood. -136--In Peril of His Life By Emile Gaboriau. -135--The Crime of the French Café By Nicholas Carter. -134--By Whose Hand? By Edith Sessions Tupper. -133--The Piccadilly Puzzle By Fergus Hume. -132--Nick Carter’s Girl Detective By Nicholas Carter. -131--The Dugdale Millions By Barclay North. -130--A Millionaire’s Folly By L. E. Smyles. -129--The Man Who Stole Millions By Nicholas Carter. -128--The Caruthers Affair By Will N. Harben. -127--The Severed Hand By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -126--A Game of Craft By Nicholas Carter. -125--The Pomfret Mystery By A. D. Vinton. -124--The Trail of the Barrow By James Mooney. -123--The Elevated Railroad Mystery By Nicholas Carter. -122--The Mystery of Orcival By Emile Gaboriau. -121--The Man from Manchester By Dick Donovan. -120--The Twelve Tin Boxes By Nicholas Carter. -119--The Reporter Detective By Donald J. McKenzie. -118--Old Quartz By Eugene T. Sawyer. -117--A Herald Personal By Nicholas Carter. -116--520 Per Cent.; or, The Great Franklin Syndicate, - By Barclay North. -115--The Detective Tales of Edgar Allan Poe. -114--The Man Who Vanished By Nicholas Carter. -113--The Man with a Thumb By Barclay North. -112--The Garden Court Mystery By Burford Delannoy. -111--The Stolen Race-Horse By Nicholas Carter. -110--The Workingman Detective By Donald J. McKenzie. -109--Blackmail By Harrie Irving Hancock. -108--Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé By Nicholas Carter. -107--The Passenger from Scotland Yard By H. F. Wood. -106--Shadowed by a Detective By Virginia Champlin. -105--A Bite of an Apple By Nicholas Carter. -104--A Past Master of Crime By Donald J. McKenzie. -103--Old Mortality By Young Baxter. -102--Bruce Angelo, the City Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -101--The Stolen Pay-Train By Nicholas Carter. -100--The Diamond Button By Barclay North. -99--Gideon Drexel’s Millions By Nicholas Carter. -98--Tom and Jerry By Judson R. Taylor. -97--The Puzzle of Five Pistols By Nicholas Carter. -96--No. 13 Rue Marlot By Rene du Pont Jest. -95--Sealed Orders; or, The Triple Mystery By Nicholas Carter. -94--Vivier, of Vivier, Longman & Co., Bankers By Barclay North. -93--Adventures of Harrison Keith, Detective By Nicholas Carter. -92--Van, the Government Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -91--The Great Money-Order Swindle By Nicholas Carter. -90--On the Rack By Barclay North. -89--The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor By Nicholas Carter. -88--The North Walk Mystery By Will N. Harben. -87--Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men. -86--Brant Adams By Judson R. Taylor. -85--A Dead Man’s Grip By Nicholas Carter. -84--The Inspector’s Puzzle By Charles Matthew. -83--The Crescent Brotherhood By Nicholas Carter. -82--The Masked Detective By Judson R. Taylor. -81--Wanted by Two Clients By Nicholas Carter. -80--The Poker King By Marline Manley. -79--The Sign of the Crossed Knives By Nicholas Carter. -78--The Chosen Man By Judson R. Taylor. -77--The Van Alstine Case By Nicholas Carter. -76--Face to Face By Donald J. McKenzie. -75--The Clever Celestial By Nicholas Carter. -74--The Twin Detectives By K. F. Hill. -73--Two Plus Two By Nicholas Carter. -71--The Diamond Mine Case By Nicholas Carter. -70--Little Lightning By Police Captain James. -69--Detective Bob Bridger By R. M. Taylor. -68--The Double Shuffle Club By Nicholas Carter. -67--The Mystery of a Madstone By K. F. Hill. -66--The Detective’s Clew By O. L. Adams. -65--Found on the Beach By Nicholas Carter. -64--The Red Camellia By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -63--The Chevalier Casse-Cou By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -62--A Fair Criminal By Nicholas Carter. -61--The Maltese Cross By Eugene T. Sawyer. -60--A Chase Around the World By Mariposa Weir. -59--A Millionaire Partner By Nicholas Carter. -58--Muertalma; or, The Poisoned Pin By Marmaduke Dey. -57--The Vestibule Limited Mystery By Marline Manley. -56--At Thompson’s Ranch By Nicholas Carter. -55--His Great Revenge, Vol. II By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -54--His Great Revenge, Vol. I By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -53--An Accidental Password By Nicholas Carter. -52--The Post Office Detective By George W. Goode. -51--The Los Huecos Mystery By Eugene T. Sawyer. -50--The Man from India By Nicholas Carter. -49--At Odds with Scotland Yard By Nicholas Carter. -48--The Great, Travers Case By Dr. Mark Merrick. -47--The Mystery of a Hansom Cab By Fergus Hume. -46--Check No. 777 By Nicholas Carter. -45--Old Specie, The Treasury Detective By Marline Manley. -44--The Blue Veil By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -43--Among the Nihilists By Nicholas Carter. -42--The Revenue Detective By Police Captain James. -41--John Needham’s Double By Joseph Hatton. -40--The Mountaineer Detective By C. W. Cobb. -39--Among the Counterfeiters By Nicholas Carter. -38--The Matapan Affair By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -37--The Prairie Detective By Leander P. Richardson. -36--The Crime of the Opera House, Vol. II. By F. Du Boisgobey. -35--The Crime of the Opera House, Vol. I. By F. Du Boisgobey. -34--The Society Detective By Oscar Maitland. -33--The Convict Colonel By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -32--A Mysterious Case By K. F. Hill. -31--The Red Lottery Ticket By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -30--The Bag of Diamonds By George Manville Fenn. -29--The Clique of Gold By Emile Gaboriau. -28--Under His Thumb By Donald J. McKenzie. -27--The Steel Necklace By Fortune Du Boisgobey. -26--File No. 113 By Emile Gaboriau. -25--The Detective’s Triumph By Emile Gaboriau. -24--The Detective’s Dilemma By Emile Gaboriau. -23--Evidence by Telephone By Nicholas Carter. -22--The Champdoce Mystery By Emile Gaboriau. -21--A Deposit Vault Puzzle By Nicholas Carter. -20--Caught in the Net By Emile Gaboriau. -19--A Chance Discovery By Nicholas Carter. -18--The Gamblers’ Syndicate By Nicholas Carter. -17--The Piano Box Mystery By Nicholas Carter. -16--A Woman’s Hand By Nicholas Carter. -15--The Widow Lerouge By Emile Gaboriau. -14--Caught in the Toils By Nicholas Carter. -13--The Mysterious Mail Robbery By Nicholas Carter. -12--Playing a Bold Game By Nicholas Carter. -11--Fighting Against Millions By Nicholas Carter. -10--The Old Detective’s Pupil By Nicholas Carter. - 9--A Stolen Identity By Nicholas Carter. - 8--An Australian Klondike By Nicholas Carter. - 7--The American Marquis By Nicholas Carter. - 6--A Wall Street Haul By Nicholas Carter. - 5--The Crime of a Countess By Nicholas Carter. - 4--Tracked Across the Atlantic By Nicholas Carter. - 3--A Titled Counterfeiter By Nicholas Carter. - 2--The Great Enigma By Nicholas Carter. - 1--A Klondike Claim By Nicholas Carter. - - - - - _The Radium of all Humor_ - - [Illustration: - - _Comical - Confessions - of Clever - Comedians_ - - _By_ F.P. PITZER - - EDITED BY - - DEWOLF - HOPPER - ] - - -Search the world over and you cannot find more genuine, original humor -than that contained in “Comical Confessions of Clever Comedians.” This -little volume has been compiled after the fashion of a continuous -performance. There is an All-Star Cast, or we might say a regular -“Whoop-De-Doo,” introducing such well known comedians as DeWolf Hopper, -Francis Wilson, Lew Dockstadter, Frank Daniels, Dave Warfield, Joe -Weber, and others. Just imagine what there is in store for the reading -public when a glance at the title page reveals the fact that DeWolf -Hopper, the hero of “Wang,” is the editor or manager of this All-Star -Vaudeville Company. - -Issued in a very attractive cloth binding. Price, 75c. postpaid. - - -Street & Smith, Publishers, 238 William St., New York City - - - - - A CIGARETTE CLEW; - - OR, - - “SALTED” FOR A MILLION - - - BY - NICHOLAS CARTER - AUTHOR OF - - “In the Gloom of Night,” “The Ruby Pin,” “A Scientific Forger,” - “Trapped in His Own Net,” “A Mysterious Graft,” etc. - - [Illustration: S AND S - NOVELS] - - - NEW YORK - STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS - 238 WILLIAM STREET - - - Copyright, 1905 - By STREET & SMITH - - A Cigarette Clew - - - - - A CIGARETTE CLEW. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -WANTED: TWO MEN. - - -“Well, Chick, it’s good to strike little old New York again.” - -Nick Carter jumped down from the railroad car and shook himself like a -huge dog as his feet touched the stone flagging of the Grand Central -Station. - -“You’re not more glad to see New York than New York is to see you,” -piped a shrill voice, and Patsy, Nick’s younger assistant, darted -forward to greet his chief and Chick, who were elbowing their way -through the crowd on the arrival platform. - -The great detective had been out West on a puzzling case in which he had -to run to earth a combination of Montana swindlers. Nick and his chief -assistant had done splendid work, but there were still two members of -the swindling gang to be accounted for. - -Patsy’s first question as they jumped into a cab was: - -“What’s the latest from Montana?” - -“We landed all of the crooks but two,” said Nick. “They took fright a -month ago when they heard we were to take the case and it has been -reported that they have come East. In that case, Patsy, you may have a -chance to bag the men who slipped through my hands.” - -“Nothing would please me better,” was Patsy’s retort, and Nick laughed -at the boy’s eagerness. - -“I bet Patsy will strike the fellows before you can say Jack Robinson,” -put in Chick, with a grin. - -“You win your bet,” said Patsy, coolly. “I think I can put you on the -trail of at least one of the men you want. The other fellow will have to -stand till I look around a little.” - -“What!” - -“What!” - -The word leaped from the lips of both Nick and Chick. - -It was Patsy’s turn to grin now. - -“When you boys stop jollying,” he said, “we will get down to business.” - -“See here, Patsy, you’ve got news,” cried Nick. “Out with it.” - -“Well, the truth is I have just come from an interview with a man who is -trying to get back his senses after a cold plunge in the Sound. The cold -plunge was not of his own choosing. He was thrown in at midnight, and -the man who flung him in was a Westerner. Now are you interested?” - -“But there are more Westerners than one in the world,” objected Nick. - -“Yes, but this one was called Yasmar.” - -“Singular name for a Westerner; but that don’t help us any. The man we -want is a fellow called Ramsay.” - -“And Ramsay spelled backward is Yasmar,” added Patsy. - -“By Jove, you’re right! I never thought of that.” - -“No,” retorted Patsy; “it’s a good thing you have a man of brains on -your staff.” - -“Let that pass,” said Nick, smiling. “Any old way, this is bully -information. The report was true, then, and Ramsay and his pal have -really come East and are at their tricks again.” - -“Don’t know about the pal, but I think we have come up with Ramsay all -right. The man he attacked is waiting for you at the office.” - -“Great Scott, Patsy; that’s the most important piece of information you -have brought us.” - -“And I kept it till the end for a good reason.” - -“The reason?” demanded Nick. - -“Oh, simply that the man himself is in no great hurry, and, besides, -he’s a good deal better off in Nick Carter’s study than anywhere else I -can think of. You will say the same when you hear his story.” - -“Well, you need not go into the details since you have the man at home, -but what are the outstanding facts in the matter?” - -“They’re not hard to tell. This man, his name is John Lansing, was on -board a Fall River boat bound from New York to Boston, when he was -attacked by Ramsay--or Yasmar as he calls himself now--and was flung -over the side. He escaped with his life and came to New York to give you -the story. - -“I told him you were expected back in town by this train, and he said -he’d wait till I came back with you. He’s had a pretty close shave and -he was just a bit hysterical, but I quieted him down and I guess you -will find him quite rational when you reach home.” - - * * * * * - -Half an hour later Nick was closeted with the man who had narrowly -escaped death in the waters of the Sound. - -Mr. John Lansing he found to be a young man hardly more than out of his -teens. - -His face was pale and on his left temple there was a large patch of -court-plaster. - -“My younger assistant has told me something of your startling -adventure,” said Nick, “and I am especially interested in the matter, -for I suspect that your assailant is a man who escaped me in the West.” - -“You mean Yasmar?” - -“Yes, or rather Ramsay, to give him his right name. Since coming East he -has seen fit to spell his name backward--the thinnest kind of an alias -conceivable. But please let me have your story from the beginning.” - -“First let me ask, Mr. Carter, have you seen a copy of the evening -paper?” - -“Yes, I glanced hastily at one, and noticed your case.” - -“That is what I wanted to know. What do the papers say about me?” - -“Not much; they simply print a dispatch from Boston, saying that Mr. -John Lansing has disappeared.” - -“Any other particulars?” - -“Oh, yes, the usual gush about your being such a good man and all that. -They mentioned, by the way, that you left New York on a Fall River boat -Monday night with Mr. Yasmar, and that the last Mr. Yasmar saw of you -was on Tuesday afternoon.” - -“Yes, I supposed he was spreading such a report,” said Lansing, “but -the truth is, Mr. Carter, the last this man Yasmar saw of me was off the -Long Island coast at midnight Monday, when he threw me overboard; and -that brings me to the matter about which I wanted your help. You are the -only man living who can help me; the question is will you do it?” - -“Tell me your whole story first and then I will answer you.” - -“I will be as brief as I can,” said Lansing. - -“My parents are dead, and my sister Louise and I live with our uncle, -Horace Montgomery, on West Forty-fourth Street. - -“Mr. Montgomery is our guardian, and is the trustee of certain funds -which were left to us. - -“Between us, Louise and I have some five hundred thousand dollars on -interest with a trust company. - -“This man Yasmar came from the West, a month or more ago, and has -interested my uncle and some Boston men in a Montana mine which he calls -the Royal Ophir. - -“Mr. Montgomery, in spite of my objections, is determined to invest this -five hundred thousand in Yasmar’s mine, but I am sure that the whole -thing is a swindle from start to finish.” - -“How long have you felt sure that Yasmar was a swindler?” interposed -Nick. - -“I have had a feeling that he was crooked ever since my uncle first -introduced him to me.” - -“Just a ‘feeling.’ No other evidence prior to what happened on the Sound -steamer Monday night?” - -“No. But the fact that Yasmar hit me on the head and threw me overboard -is proof that he considered me a menace to his plans and wanted me out -of the way.” - -“Of course. And then his spreading the report that you disappeared from -Boston is another convincing detail.” - -“Why did he spread that report? Why didn’t he say that I committed -suicide by jumping from the boat?” - -“That would have led to awkward questioning. Not only that, but if you -were dead your money would be tied up in the probate court, and your -uncle could not invest it.” - -“I see. That had not occurred to me before. What a consummate villain -that man Yasmar is!” - -“If he is the fellow I am looking for,” said Nick, bluntly, “I may tell -you there isn’t a more cunning scoundrel alive. But how did he manage to -get the better of you on the Sound steamer? Put in all the details of -the occurrence. They may help in working your case.” - -“Well, Mr. Carter, it happened in this way. I met Yasmar on board, and -we sauntered around the deck, talking pleasantly about general affairs. -All went well till about midnight. Maybe it was ten or fifteen minutes -after. But just about that time we got down to business. Yasmar and I -were sitting on a bench in the narrow passage between the side of the -boat and the cabin, well aft where it was shady. - -“There was a full moon, the sky was cloudless, and the surroundings were -almost as plain as day. But nobody seemed to care anything for the -beauty of the scene except Yasmar and myself. - -“We were not, however, vastly interested ourselves in the moonlit coast -line or the white-topped waves that surged past. - -“We had other things to think of just then, and I will confess that I -was giving him a piece of my mind in reference to that mining affair. - -“As we talked, both of us became excited and we rose and faced one -another. In a sudden flash of anger Yasmar, who is a taller man than -myself, made a jump for my throat. - -“Then he bent me backward over the steamer rail. - -“For a moment he held me in that position, glaring at me like a tiger. - -“‘Be a little more temperate in your speech,’ he hissed, ‘or something -will happen.’ - -“‘You’d kill me!’ I gasped, as he withdrew his hands. - -“‘Well, something will happen,’ he repeated, threateningly. - -“‘Why don’t you kill me?’ I said, with a sneer, ‘then you could have -everything your own way.’ - -“‘Will you be reasonable?’ - -“‘I am reasonable,’ I replied. ‘You come from the West, Yasmar, and -those knockdown-and-drag-out Western methods of yours won’t go in the -East.’ - -“He muttered something under his breath. - -“‘I am armed,’ I continued, threateningly, ‘and if you lay a hand on me -again it will be at your own peril.’ - -“‘Don’t give me any cause to lay a hand on you, and you’ll be safe -enough.’ - -“‘When I tell you I think you are trying to swindle my guardian on this -Royal Ophir mine deal, I am stating what I believe to be a fact.’ - -“‘Swindle is a hard term, young man.’ - -“‘It’s the only term to use--sometimes.’ - -“‘This is not one of the times. Everything in this transaction is open -and above board.’ - -“‘That is, it seems so.’ - -“‘It is so.’ - -“‘I have a feeling in my bones that my guardian is being tricked,’ I -said. - -“‘Poppycock!’ - -“‘Sneer if you like, but it is my sister’s money and mine my guardian is -putting into the deal; not yours or his.’ - -“‘Your guardian is safeguarding your interest in every possible way.’ - -“‘I don’t care if he is. You’re shrewd enough to pull the wool over his -eyes, and I think you’re doing it.’ - -“‘There’s no possible chance to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. It’s -a straight, legitimate proposition.’ - -“‘I tell you I have a feeling that it is not.’ - -“‘You’re a man--don’t be so childish.’ - -“‘Childish! Is it childish to wish to keep for my sister and myself what -money was left to us?’ - -“‘You’re a weak-kneed fool, Lansing!’ - -“‘Now you are using strong language,’ I answered, and I shouldn’t be -surprised if my voice trembled with anger. ‘I give you fair warning of -what I am going to do.’ - -“‘What are you going to do?’ - -“‘I’m going to hire the best detective in America to look into this -mining proposition and see whether it’s as straight as you say it is.’ - -“‘You’re going to put a detective on my trail, are you?’ he hissed. - -“‘That’s my intention.’ - -“‘I see your game! You’re going to fake up some sort of evidence to -prove me dishonest and queer this mining deal!’ - -“‘If you are honest you have nothing to fear. If dishonest, you’ll be -unmasked and a million will be saved to these New York and Boston -investors.’ - -“‘Who are you going to hire?’ - -“‘Nicholas Carter, if I can get him.’ - -“‘Carter!’ When I spoke your name, Mr. Carter, it leaped fiercely from -Yasmar’s lips, and was followed by a muffled oath. ‘You’re going to get -Nick Carter to dog me about New York?’ - -“‘If he’ll take the case.’ - -“‘Then you really think I’m dishonest?’ - -“‘I think you’re a confidence man, Yasmar; a swindler, a ----’ - -“Like lightning, his hand, which had been thrust into his pocket and -stealthily withdrawn, shot toward my temple. - -“The hand was armed with a set of murderous knuckles, and the blow laid -me half over the rail, silent and motionless. - -“I was as nearly unconscious as I ever want to be, but I still had some -feeling left, and I, as I hung there, half over the boat, I can remember -Yasmar looking round to see if the coast was clear. - -“Quickly he lifted me and pushed me over the rail.” - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -TO THE CREDIT OF THE CATBOAT. - - -“The moment I struck the cool water it brought all my senses back with a -rush. - -“I kept myself afloat, and was picked up by two young men in a catboat. -These young men were members of a fishing club that had a boathouse on -the Sound, and were out for an all-night sail. - -“They were close at hand when the steamer passed, and I was hurled into -the water.” - -“I see. You do not want your uncle to invest your money in the mine, and -he is determined to do it.” - -“That’s it. Yasmar is a glib talker, and uncle Horace is entirely -carried away with him.” - -“Could you not get a restraining order from the court and thus prevent -your uncle from using the money?” - -“Under my mother’s will, Mr. Carter, my guardian has a free hand. I will -do Mr. Montgomery the credit of saying that he has gone into the matter -in good faith, and he is usually level-headed. In this instance, -however, he is playing directly into Yasmar’s hands.” - -“It was Monday night when you were picked up by the young men in the -catboat. This is Wednesday morning. Where have you been in the -meantime?” - -“At the boathouse on Long Island, where I gave a fictitious name.” - -“You wish to make it appear to Yasmar that you are dead?” - -“Yes. I feel that I can fight him better in that way.” - -“That’s rather clever in one way, Mr. Lansing. In another way, however, -it may be a very foolish move.” - -“How so?” - -“If you went to your uncle and told him how the villain had attempted -your life, you would at once convince him that the Western man was a -fraud, and thus prevent the investment in the Royal Ophir.” - -“You do not know my uncle, Mr. Carter. He is investigating the mining -proposition, and, if he is satisfied with the result of his -investigations, the money will be invested.” - -“Headstrong, is he?” - -“Yes, sir; very much set in his way.” - -“How did you happen to be on the same steamer with Yasmar?” - -“I was going to Boston to interview some capitalists there, who are also -intending to put money into the mine. By chance, he was on the same -boat.” - -“How is your uncle investigating the Royal Ophir mine?” - -“The Boston men sent an expert in whom they have the utmost confidence -to Montana to take a sample of ore from the Royal Ophir. - -“That sample was not out of the expert’s hands, day or night, from the -moment it was taken until, in a sealed bag, it was deposited in a New -York bank. - -“The Boston men and my uncle, accompanied by the expert, will call for -the ore this afternoon, take it to an assayer, and have it assayed. - -“On the result of that assay hangs the investment of a round million of -dollars.” - -“Who is to do the assaying?” - -“Cruse & Cupell, near Sixth Avenue and Twenty-third Street.” - -“Who is the expert?” - -“Orlando G. Bates.” - -“I know Bates, and he’s as straight as a string. The assayers are all -right, too. Will Yasmar be present during the assaying?” - -“No; no one but Mr. Bates, my uncle and the Boston men. Will you take -the case for me, Mr. Carter?” - -“It’s hardly a ‘case,’ Mr. Lansing. You want me to prove to your uncle -that the Royal Ophir mine has been ‘salted,’ as the saying is.” - -“That’s it. I’m sure the mine has been ‘salted,’ and I’m also sure that -neither the expert nor my uncle nor the Boston men are clever enough to -discover it. You are the only one who can do that, Mr. Carter.” - -The detective smiled at the young man’s confidence. - -Before he could answer Lansing’s question, another rap fell on the door, -and the servant handed in a card bearing the following name: - -“Adolphus Yasmar.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A FAMILIAR FACE. - - -“Bring him up,” said Nick, to the servant. - -When the servant had gone, the detective opened the door of an adjoining -apartment. - -“You will have to step in here for a few minutes, Mr. Lansing,” said he. -“Your man Yasmar has come to see me.” - -“Yasmar!” exclaimed Lansing. - -“Yes. Step in, quick. Be quiet, and do not come back until I open the -door.” - -“But what can he want?” murmured the astounded youth, passing into the -other room. - -“I shall find out very soon.” - -Nick closed the door, and was seated at his desk, writing, when his -second caller entered the study. - -“Mr. Carter?” - -Nick dropped his pen, whirled around in his chair, and got up. - -He saw before him a man of forty, or thereabouts, tall, muscular, smooth -shaven and wearing a long frock coat, dark trousers, patent leather -shoes and a flowing necktie. - -In his left hand he held a black “slouch” hat. His right hand was -extended and an amiable smile wreathed his face. - -Nick took the extended hand, and was surprised to find the palm hard, as -though roughened with manual labor. - -For a “promoter,” dressed as this man was, the fact might have been -significant. - -“What can I do for you, Mr. Yasmar?” asked Nick, when they were both -seated. - -“I have a case, and there is no one in the city, except yourself, whom I -desire to handle it.” - -“Excuse me a moment while I finish this letter, and then I will give you -my attention.” - -Yasmar nodded, picked up the paper Nick had recently laid down, and the -detective touched a bell. - -“Send Patsy to me,” he said to the servant. - -He scribbled away for a few seconds, folded the sheet and put it in an -envelope, sealed the envelope and wrote the following: - -“Look at this man well. He may be Ramsay, but I’m not sure. Shadow -him.” - -Patsy stood beside the desk when Nick faced around, the letter in his -hand. - -“Here’s a letter, Patsy, which I wish you to deliver immediately. You -know the party, I think?” - -The assistant studied the writing on the envelope. - -“No, Nick,” he answered, “I don’t know him; but I know the address.” - -“You’ll attend to it?” - -“Sure.” - -Patsy left. - -“Now, Mr. Yasmar,” said Nick, “I’m at leisure for a few minutes.” - -“I only read this morning that you were expected back from your trip -West, and I hate to trouble you, but the matter is very important. Have -you seen to-day’s paper?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then perhaps you recall my name in connection with the disappearance of -young John Lansing.” - -“Oh! Are you the Adolphus Yasmar mentioned in that account?” - -“I am. And it is in relation to John Lansing that I have called on you -this morning.” - -“You want me to find the young man?” - -“Yes. I want you to go to Boston by first train and begin a search for -him. Lansing’s sister and uncle are very much worked up over the young -man’s disappearance, and I told them I would call here and put you on -the case--providing I could get you.” - -“I’m very sorry,” said Nick, “but I could not take the case for two or -three days. As you say, I have just returned from the West, and you can -easily understand how work has accumulated during my absence.” - -“You will be well paid----” - -“That is a minor consideration. In two or three days, if you like, I -will----” - -“That will be too late. In cases of this kind, as you perhaps know, -little time should be lost.” - -“Exactly. For that reason it is strange that you allowed Tuesday to pass -without coming to me.” - -“I knew you had not returned home, sir; and, besides, I was in Boston -Tuesday, Mr. Carter.” - -“There are detectives in Boston--good ones.” - -“But Nick Carter doesn’t live in Boston,” said Yasmar, with a flattering -smile. “The police there are doing their best. Still, the young man’s -relatives would feel better to know that you had taken the case.” - -“That is out of the question, unless you wait for two or three days.” - -“Would not a large retainer tempt you to lay aside your other work and -give your immediate attention to this matter?” - -“No, sir.” - -Yasmar got up. - -“Then I suppose there is nothing else for it but for me to wait.” - -“Or get some one else,” added Nick. - -“Who shall I go to?” - -“The New York chief of police.” - -“I’ll think about it. Good-morning, Mr. Carter.” - -He left. - -When the front door had closed, the detective admitted John Lansing from -the other room. - -“The infernal scoundrel!” cried Lansing. “He dared to come here to you -to get you to look for me--a man whom he believes he murdered.” - -“He’s a pretty smooth rascal,” said the detective. - -“Will you help me out in the mine matter, Mr. Carter?” - -“Yes.” - -“Good! My sister’s money and mine is as good as saved. I thank you very -much, and your bill will be met as soon as presented.” - -“That will come later. For the present, carry out your present -policy--keep in the background, and don’t go about the city very much. -Do not even communicate with your sister. Leave that part of it to me, -and I will see that she does not worry about you. Where will I be able -to communicate with you?” - -Lansing wrote his address on a card. - -Then, after thanking Nick again, he left the house. - -The detective lighted a cigar and threw himself into a chair. - -“He certainly had his nerve with him, to call on me as he has done,” -thought Nick. - -“It’s plain that he wants to get me out of town, and at once. - -“I wonder if he knows Nick Carter never forgets a face? - -“I have seen his face before--but whether that is the face of the -tough-looking Westerner called Ramsay, who is ‘wanted’ in Montana, I -can’t say for certain.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE ROLL-TOP DESK. - - -On leaving Nick Carter’s house, Yasmar walked rapidly off down the -street. - -At the first corner he passed a typical East Side tough, leaning against -a lamp-post, rolling a huge cigar between his teeth. - -Stepping out into the street, Yasmar hailed an open electric car. - -As he got aboard, well forward, the tough jumped on the rear and took -one of the seats reserved for smokers. - -At Canal Street the Western man changed to a cross-town car, getting off -again at Vestry Street. - -He had not looked behind him, or displayed any nervousness whatever. - -But, nevertheless, it seemed as if he had an idea he might be followed. - -Vestry and Canal meet at an acute angle, forming a “V” shaped point. - -Yasmar walked down Vestry Street for a few doors, then hastily turned to -the right, mounted a short flight of steps and vanished through a dingy -doorway. - -The tough was close after him. - -Passing through a long, dark hall, he made an exit through a door -opening on Canal Street. - -The tough, apparently, did not come out of the building. - -The man who did follow Yasmar out onto Canal Street looked more like a -laborer than he did like a tough. - -The Westerner, walking leisurely, made his way to the next block and -halted in front of a four-story building. - -There was a moving van backed to the curb in front, and at the very top -of the building two men were engaged in rigging a block and tackle. - -Yasmar came to a halt before a door leading into a hallway, and from -there, for the first time, he took a survey of the street behind him. - -The laborer, his hands in his pockets and a corncob pipe in his mouth, -was watching the riggers at work on the roof. - -There was nothing suspicious about the laborer, and Yasmar passed into -the building and started upstairs. - -When he reached the head of the first flight, the laborer was in the -doorway. - -Something had been shouted by one of the men on the roof. - -“All right,” the laborer called back, “I’ll bring it up to ye.” - -Thereupon Patsy--for, of course, the supposed laborer was none other -than Nick Carter’s assistant--rushed upstairs with a coil of rope. - -He passed Yasmar on the second flight. - -At the top of the third flight, he waited and listened until he heard -the Westerner start up from the foot. - -That was Patsy’s signal to make for the narrow passage leading to the -skylight and the roof. - -“There ye are,” he said, as he tossed the coil of rope to the riggers. - -Then, without loss of a moment, he returned to the fourth floor. - -A door was just closing down the hall as Patsy stepped out of the -passage. - -The detective was too late to see the man who entered the room, but he -was fairly certain it was Yasmar. - -Proceeding noiselessly to the door, he halted and listened. - -Voices, pitched in a low key, reached him. - -It was impossible to distinguish the spoken words, although Patsy -strained his ears in the attempt. - -He was anxious to overhear something which would make it absolutely sure -that he was on the right trail. - -Stooping, he tried the old-fashioned trick of looking through the -keyhole, but found that a hat had been hung from the knob inside, -effectually covering the small aperture. - -Raising himself erect, Patsy made a quick survey to left and right. - -Instinctively, he came to the conclusion that the door to the right of -the one before which he was standing was more promising than the one on -the left. - -He went to the door and tried it, but found it locked. - -A skeleton key admitted him with very little trouble, and he found -himself in an empty room. - -A door led from this room into the one which Yasmar had entered, but it -was closed and probably fastened. - -Again Patsy tried to look through the keyhole, but this time he found -the opening stuffed with paper. - -“It’s dead sure they do things in that room they don’t want people to -get onto,” thought Patsy, “and that proves, in a way, that my man is -there. Still, I’d like to get a fair and square look at him.” - -Sinking down on his knees, he laid his ear against the crack at the edge -of the door. - -The talkers were still guarded in their tones, and he could hear -nothing. - -He remained on his knees, however, and presently he heard a movement as -of some one rising. - -Steps crossed the floor. - -“This is getting infernally tiresome,” said a voice. “Gillman is slow in -keeping his appointment.” - -“Something has happened to detain him,” said another voice. - -“Let’s go out and get a drink. Probably he’ll be here by the time we get -back.” - -“I’m with you, old man.” - -Some one else arose and crossed the floor. - -Then the door was unlocked, opened, closed and locked again, and steps -could be heard passing down the hall. - -Rising quickly, Patsy went to a window overlooking the street, raised -it, and looked down. - -He was rewarded by seeing Yasmar come out, accompanied by a short, -thickset man with an iron-gray mustache. - -The second man looked like another Westerner. - -“Bully!” exclaimed Patsy, withdrawing and closing the window. “When -Gillman gets here, I must be in that other room.” - -He went back to the door communicating with the other room. - -A few moments’ work with a knife blade sufficed to pick out the paper, -and a skeleton key did the rest. - -After closing and locking the door from the other side, Patsy carefully -replaced the paper in the keyhole and turned for a look at the room he -was then in. - -It was almost as bare as the apartment he had just left. - -A huge roll-top desk was in evidence, and three common chairs--nothing -more. - -The roll-top of the desk was pushed half up. - -Patsy pushed it all the way and looked into the pigeon-holes. - -They were empty. - -He opened the drawers. - -They were empty, too. - -“It looks as though this might be moving day,” thought the detective, -thinking of the van he had seen out in front. “Gee, but that’s a regular -granddaddy desk. They never got it in through the hall door, and I’ll -bet on it.” - -While he stood there, taking in the situation, his quick ear caught the -sound of footsteps on the stairs. - -The Westerners were coming back. - -The detective looked around for a place to conceal himself. - -Opposite the door by which he had entered there was another, leading -into the room on the other side. - -But even if that door was unlocked, and he could get into that room, he -would be no better off than he was a little while before. - -He flashed another inquiring look around. - -There was absolutely no place in which he could hide himself, unless---- - -He looked at the desk, and then measured himself with his eyes. - -The steps were coming along the hall, now, and it was too late for him -to use the skeleton key and get out of the room, even if he had wanted -to. - -Without pausing another instant, he crawled into the desk and pulled at -the roll-top until he got it down. - -It was a tight squeeze, and when the roll-top descended the lock -snapped. - -But Patsy did not care for that. - -The only thing that worried him was that one of the two men might notice -that the roll-top was shut, and not half open. - -That was not a very long chance, however, and, anyway, Patsy had to take -it. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY. - - -The door was unlocked, opened, and the men came in. - -From the footfalls alone, Patsy’s keen ear could tell that there were -three men instead of two. - -“We were up here waiting for you, Gillman,” said a voice. - -“If I had come any sooner, I’d have missed that highball,” answered a -second voice. - -“When you turn the key, Ramsay,” observed a third voice, “don’t neglect -to hang that slouch of yours over the knob.” - -The wearer of the slouch hat was the man Patsy was shadowing, so he had -learned the fellow’s true name. - -The key scraped in the lock. - -“There you are, Starlick,” answered Ramsay. “The key fills up the hole -enough, I should think. Besides, we won’t keep Gillman over two -minutes.” - -“Long enough to give me a retainer,” chuckled Gillman. - -“How much of a retainer do you want?” - -“Five hundred. After that, and before these capitalists turn over their -good money, I want forty-five hundred more.” - -“That’s big pay for fifteen minutes’ work.” - -“It’s no pay at all for the risk I run.” - -“Well, well, never mind. Here’s your five hundred.” - -“Thanks. And the cigarettes?” - -“Here; two boxes of them.” - -“Heavens, man! How many do you expect me to smoke during that fifteen -minutes?” - -“As many as you can. The more the better.” - -“Where do I get the forty-five hundred?” - -“At Boucicault’s, Hamilton Street, Brooklyn.” - -“Don’t try any of your Montana tricks with me, you two. I won’t stand -for it, and I’ll queer your game if it lands me in the pen.” - -“Don’t squeal till we throw you down,” put in Starlick. - -“Bring a duplicate assay certificate, Gillman,” said Ramsay, “and you’ll -get your bonus without any question.” - -“Then I’ll pull out. You fellows may depend on me.” - -“If you queer this deal, without our throwing you down, you’ll never -live to queer another.” - -“Don’t worry about me. I’m out for the stuff, and this looks like easy -money. What time shall I be at Boucicault’s?” - -“Be there at ten.” - -“Good!” - -Gillman went away, and Ramsay and Starlick continued their conversation. - -“I’m scared all the while I’m in New York, Starlick,” said Ramsay. - -“On account of this deal?” - -“Thunder, no. On account of Nick Carter. He only saw me for about a -minute, some time ago, and a clean shave and these clothes have changed -me. Besides, I introduced myself as Yasmar, not as Ramsay. I’d be -willing to take my oath that he never recognized me when I called on him -this morning, and yet----” - -He paused. - -“Yet what?” urged Starlick. - -“I’m losing my nerve, I reckon. But you never can tell what Carter -thinks, or what he’s going to do. If I could have got him out of town -for the next forty-eight hours, I’d be feeling easier, this minute. -Hello! What’s that?” - -A hand tried the door. Failing to gain entrance, the same hand banged on -the panel. - -“It’s all right,” answered Starlick. “No need putting your hand to your -hip, old man.” - -Patsy heard the door open and a gruff voice from the hall: - -“We’ve got the riggin’ fixed and are all ready ter lower the desk.” - -“All right. There it is.” - -“Any idea how long it’ll be kept in storage?” - -“No. A year, perhaps.” - -Patsy was doing some hard thinking. - -He had no desire to spend a year in storage, and it was necessary for -him, somehow, to separate himself from the desk. - -To do it then was out of the question. - -The workmen went to the windows and took out the sash. - -Patsy could hear them, and he could also hear Ramsay and Starlick moving -about the room. - -Finally the workmen came to the desk, took hold of it, and shoved it -across the room. - -“Empty, boss?” queried one of the men. - -“Yes,” answered Starlick. - -“Mighty heavy for an empty desk.” - -“It’s an old-fashioned roll-top, and that’s the reason.” - -“I guess the riggin’ll hold it, all right, but I didn’t figger on havin’ -quite so much heft.” - -“Better be sure, my man. I wouldn’t want the desk smashed.” - -“I’ll risk it. If it’s smashed, it comes out o’ my pay.” - -There were other things that couldn’t come out of the man’s pay, if the -rigging let go, and Patsy was as near in a flutter as his nerve ever -allowed him to be. - -A hawser was put around the desk both ways. - -Then Patsy heard a hook made fast. - -A moment later one of the men went down. - -In three minutes, the big roll-top desk was out of the window, swinging -in mid air. - -The rope creaked and something gave so that the piece of furniture -dropped a foot. - -“Steady!” whooped the man whose pay was to be docked in case of -accident. - -“Yes, for Heaven’s sake,” muttered Patsy. - -Down went the desk, the man inside breathing only when necessary until -it safely rested on the walk. - -To load the desk in the wagon did not take much time, and the van hadn’t -gone a block before Patsy had exerted sufficient pressure to break the -lock. - -The rattle of the vehicle drowned the noise he had to make, and he -pushed up the top, slipped to the floor of the van, and dropped out. - -The two men on the seat of the van drove on, all unconscious of what had -happened, and Patsy, the moment he struck the sidewalk, drew a sleeve -across his dripping forehead. - -“That was a corker!” he muttered. “I wonder if I’ve lost the trail?” - -He had lost the trail, as he quickly found, for Ramsay and Starlick had -vanished from the building in which they had been but a few minutes -before. - -“I’ll slide around to the house and tell Nick about it,” said Patsy to -himself. “He may want to give me fresh instructions.” - -Nick Carter was not at the house, however, nor was Chick. - -They had gone out together, Patsy was told. - -He waited a long time for one or the other to return, but they did not -come. - -“I’ll have to go to Boucicault’s,” thought Patsy; “and I can’t wait any -longer for Nick.” - -Before he went, he left the following memorandum on Nick’s desk: - - “Yasmar’s real name is Ramsay. Latter name used by his pals. Guess - he is one of the two men you want. Ramsay and his side partner, - Starlick, are to meet a man named Gillman in Boucicault’s place, - Hamilton Street, Brooklyn, at ten to-night. Look out for a couple - of boxes of doped cigarettes. - -PATSY.” - - - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A SMOOTH GAME. - - -On Wednesday afternoon a prosperous-looking gentleman, of apparently -about fifty years of age, entered the private offices of Cruse & Cupell, -on Twenty-Third Street. - -“Mr. Cruse?” he asked, halting at a desk. - -“Mr. Cruse is out,” answered a man at the desk. “I’m Mr. Cupell.” - -“My card.” - -The caller handed over a bit of pasteboard bearing the name, “Mr. -Jefferson Jones.” - -“I’m from Albany,” went on Mr. Jones, “and I have run down to be present -at the assay of the Royal Ophir ore.” - -“Ah,” murmured Mr. Cupell. “Won’t you sit down, Mr. Jones? There’s a -paper at your elbow. I expect Mr. Bates and the other gentlemen at any -moment.” - -Jefferson Jones took the chair and the paper. - -In a few minutes the expert entered with three other gentlemen, the -expert carrying a small bag, bound with a cord and sealed in half a -dozen different places. - -Cupell welcomed the party, and then presented Jefferson Jones. - -Jones did not pay much attention to the Boston men, nor to Bates, the -expert, but he gave more than casual attention to Mr. Horace Montgomery. - -“Why do you wish to see this assay, Mr. Jones?” asked Montgomery. - -“Merely to satisfy myself as to the value of the Royal Ophir mine.” - -“With a view to investing?” - -“That remains to be seen.” - -“I don’t think there will be any chance for you. The Royal Ophir, I am -satisfied, is a good thing, and myself and these other two gentlemen -want it all to ourselves.” - -A slight smile wreathed about the lips of Jefferson Jones. - -“I suppose you won’t object to letting me see the assay made?” he asked. - -“Certainly not; only don’t deceive yourself with false hopes, that’s -all.” - -Bates, the expert, here interjected a few remarks. - -“This is the Royal Ophir ore, gentlemen,” said he. “I took a fair sample -from the main vein of the mine, sacked and sealed it on the spot, and -the sample was not out of my hands until deposited in the bank, from -which we just took it. - -“I will take an oath that it has not been tampered with in any way. On -the result of this assay I assure you that you can spend one million, or -ten millions, and be perfectly confident that you are going into the -deal with your eyes open. - -“There, Mr. Cupell.” The expert handed the sack to the assayer. “It is -understood that we are all to be present during the assaying.” - -“That is my understanding,” said Cupell. “This way, gentlemen.” - -He opened a door leading into one of the workrooms. - -A dark-faced young man of twenty or thereabouts, wearing a white apron -and smoking a cigarette, was busying himself about the room. - -On an iron slab Cupell opened the ore sack and emptied the pieces of ore -out on the slab for general inspection. - -Jefferson Jones, Montgomery and the two Boston men began to look at the -samples. - -“I don’t think you ought to touch this rock, gentlemen,” said Cupell. - -Examination of the ore was instantly stopped. - -“I don’t think any of us would put ‘salt’ into this proposition,” said -Montgomery. - -But, even as he spoke, he cast a suspicious look at Jones, of Albany. - -Jones looked innocent enough. - -Humming to himself and holding his hands behind him, he was giving his -attention to the strange instruments arranged around the room. - -Suddenly he asked if there was any drinking water about the place. - -Cupell told him he would find a water cooler in the office. - -Jones sauntered into the office, took a drink, and then passed into the -hall. - -“Here, Chick,” he said to somebody who was waiting there, “take this to -Clarkson, around the corner on Sixth Avenue, and have him rush the assay -through.” - -“Sure.” - -“Then wait for me downstairs.” - -“I’ll be there.” - -Nick--for, of course, “Jones” was none other than the detective--gave -his assistant two small pieces of Royal Ophir ore. - -Chick went away, and Nick returned to the workroom, drying his lips on a -handkerchief. - -The ore was being put through a small crusher by the young man who wore -the apron and was smoking the cigarette. - -Cupell watched every move of the young man with eagle-eyed vigilance. - -“That’s fine enough, Gillman,” said Cupell; “now use your muller.” - -The “muller” was a heavy, iron roller that worked on the slab. - -Gillman took the crushed ore, held it on the slab, and then went over it -again and again with the roller. - -This part of the operation took some time, and Gillman smoked three -cigarettes. - -Nick noticed that he never removed a cigarette from his mouth, after -once lighting it, until it was smoked almost to the gold tip. - -When the ashes accumulated, he gave his head a shake and they fell into -the ore he was crushing. - -“You’ll smoke yourself to death, Gillman,” said Cupell. - -“I expect so,” was the lugubrious answer. “I’ve formed the habit, -though, and I can’t break myself.” - -“I haven’t any patience with a cigarette smoker,” said one of the Boston -men, with a shudder. - -“Give me a cigar, every time,” said the other Boston man. - -“Oh, I don’t know,” said Nick; “I enjoy a cigarette now and then myself. -If Gillman would oblige me with one, I believe I’d keep him company.” - -“Certainly,” answered Gillman, readily enough. - -Taking the cigarette box from his pocket, he handed it to Nick. - -Nick took one of the “paper pipes,” lighted it, and returned the box. - -A moment later the detective sat down, a little way from the group -around the muller-board. - -When ready to knock the ashes from the cigarette, he brought out a -silver match case, emptied it of matches, and carefully deposited the -ashes inside. - -When he had finished the cigarette, Gillman was “quartering down” the -sample. - -The powdered ore was then mixed with fluxes, put into little, -earthenware dishes, and shoved into a furnace. - -When the dishes were drawn from the furnace, there was a drop of bullion -in each one. - -This drop was put into a glass parting flask with nitric acid, the flask -was heated, and the gold in the drop of bullion was separated from the -other metals. - -All that then remained was to weigh it. - -This was done on a pair of scales so finely adjusted that they would -weigh a pencil mark on a scrap of paper. - -In two hours’ time Cupell had signed the assay certificates, and -Montgomery and the Boston men were wildly jubilant. - -The assay ran nine hundred and sixty dollars to the ton! - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY. - - -“There’s a five-foot vein of that rock!” declared Bates, “and it’s a -true fissure--which means that it will ‘go down’ and get better with -every foot.” - -“I wonder if I could get a little of that good thing?” Nick inquired. - -“No, sir, never!” cried Montgomery. - -“We want it all for ourselves,” said one of the Boston men. - -“Sure thing,” averred the other. - -“We’ll close the deal to-morrow at ten o’clock, at my house,” said -Montgomery. “You’ll be there, gentlemen?” - -“Certainly we will,” answered the first Boston man. - -“And bring our certified checks with us,” added the other. - -The capitalists went away, Bates soon followed, and Nick sat down in -Cupell’s private office. - -“A great mine, that, Mr. Jones,” said Cupell. - -“Looks like it,” returned Nick. “Could you do a little assaying for me, -Mr. Cupell?” - -“Why, yes, certainly. I’ll have Gillman----” - -“No, not Gillman. I want you to attend to it personally and send Gillman -out somewhere while it’s being done.” - -“It isn’t possible you suspect there is anything wrong with that assay?” - -“It’s immaterial what I suspect, Mr. Cupell.” The detective walked close -to the assayer and bent over him. “My real name is not Jones but -Carter----” - -“Nick Carter?” - -“Yes.” - -“And you were here to watch and see that the assay was properly made?” - -“I was here for a purpose. How long will it take you to make the assay?” - -“Is it an assay of ore?” - -“Of cigarette ashes.” - -Cupell jumped from his chair. - -“Great heavens!” he exclaimed. “Can it be possible that---- No, no! You -are wrong, Mr. Carter. Gillman has worked for me for two years and he’s -as straight as a string.” - -“How long will it take you to make the assay?” - -“An hour.” - -“Then send Gillman out somewhere for an hour. Be sure and have him come -back here this afternoon, however, and don’t give him cause to think -that there is anything wrong. Understand?” - -“I understand.” - -“All right. I will return presently.” - -Nick put the silver match case in the assayer’s hands and left the -office. - -Downstairs, near the edge of the sidewalk, a shabbily dressed man was -selling some mechanical toys that ran by clockwork. - -Nick kicked over one of the toys as it ran in front of him. - -“Ain’t you got no eyes?” blustered the curbstone merchant. “That’ll -stand ye in fifty cents.” - -Nick picked up the broken toy and saw a folded paper inside of it. - -He deftly abstracted the paper and tossed the tin automobile at Chick’s -feet. - -“Here’s your money,” he said, tendering a bill. “There’s no sense in -running those things all over the walk.” - -Chick dived into his pocket for change. - -“There’s a man in a brown derby and gray clothes around the corner -keeping track of this doorway,” said Chick, in a low tone. - -“Tall?” - -“No, short and thickset.” - -“Keep your eye on him. Also take a good look at that young man who’s -just coming out of the doorway now.” - -Gillman came out and Chick took his measure. - -Nick walked back into the building and was soon in the assay office. - -On his way he looked at the assay certificate brought by Chick. - -“No trace of metal,” read the certificate. - -Nick gave a whistle as he dropped into a chair in Cruse & Cupell’s -office. - -“Salted for a million,” he muttered. “It’s a smooth game.” - -In a little while Cupell rushed into the office excitedly. - -“What’s the result?” asked Nick, calmly. - -“Those cigarette ashes assay close to fifty thousand to the ton!” -declared the assayer. - -“I wish I had a few tons,” remarked Nick, with a dry laugh. - -“To think that I have been bamboozled by that assistant of ours! I must -call in those assay certificates and----” - -“Do nothing of the kind, just yet,” cut in Nick. - -“But are you aware of the position it places me in? Every assay -certificate is vouched for by us the moment it is signed. And then, to -have the hocus-pocus worked right in our own office---- But, by Jove, it -was clever!” - -“Certainly it was,” said Nick, “and Gillman was only a tool and not the -leader in the swindling game. What I want to do is to get the whole -gang. If you’ll lay back on your oars a little while, I shall succeed.” - -“But to-morrow morning at ten o’clock a million dollars will be paid -over to these swindlers for the Royal Ophir mine.” - -“It won’t be paid over,” averred Nick. - -“You assure me of that?” - -“Yes. What I want you to do is to keep this to yourself. Don’t let -Gillman suspect that you know what he has done. Keep him here until five -o’clock and then let him go.” - -“But my responsibility----” - -“I’ll take your responsibility on my own shoulders.” - -“Very well, Mr. Carter, I will do as you say.” - -Nick went away. - -“The young fellow had a talk with the man in the brown derby,” Chick -said, as his chief walked slowly past. - -“Stay here and watch,” Nick returned. “I’ll be back in an hour. You’ll -recognize me. I’m going to shadow the young fellow, and if the man in -the brown derby follows me you follow him.” - -Nick went to police headquarters and made a few changes in his disguise. - -When he came out he looked at least twenty years younger. - -There was a cigar store opposite the building in which Cruse & Cupell -had their assay office, and Nick stepped in there, bought a weed, and -stood leaning on the counter, smoking and watching the doorway across -the street. - -It was five o’clock and time for Gillman to show himself. - -Nick had not long to wait. - -The clerk came briskly out and Nick went after him. - -Just beyond the corner a man in a brown derby dropped in behind Nick. - -Chick, keenly alive to the situation, picked up the single tin -automobile that he had left, pushed it into his pocket, and trailed -along in the rear of the man in the brown derby. - -From the opposite side of the street a neatly dressed man in a sack suit -and black Fedora hat took in the situation and gave vent to a muttered -oath. - -“I like the layout, Mr. Nick Carter,” he said to himself. “Keep on after -Gillman and you’ll find yourself in a hornet’s nest. You’ll never live -to put those Boston men next to my game, or to bring me to book for that -Montana job. Now for Hamilton Street.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BOUCICAULT’S. - - -At certain times Nick Carter had intuitions that amounted almost to -positive knowledge. - -It was the “detective instinct,” amplified by years of intelligent -practice. - -In the present instance he believed that he would be shadowed, and he -even figured out to himself the successive links in the chain that -brought the conclusion. - -Gillman had suspected him and had conveyed his suspicions to the man in -the brown derby at the same time that he had reported the result of the -assay. - -It was this man in the brown derby whom Nick had cast for the part of a -shadow, and hence Chick’s instructions to “shadow the shadow.” - -The one uncertain element of the situation was Ramsay, or Yasmar, but -Nick was depending on Patsy to take care of the Westerner. - -Could Nick have been made familiar with the contents of a certain note, -at that moment lying on his desk at home, there would have been a -decided change in the plan of operations. - -Gillman appeared to be very well satisfied with himself, for he carried -a cane and swung it jauntily as he walked. - -He paid no attention to the ground behind him, and that might mean one -of two things--either he did not think he was followed, or did not care. - -At Sixth Avenue he hailed a downtown car. - -It was an open car, and Nick got aboard three seats behind him. - -The man in the brown derby followed the car in a hansom, a difficult but -not impossible task considering the slow speed at which the car had to -travel in that part of the city and at that busy hour. - -The hardest part of the work fell to Chick. - -He could not very well get aboard the car with Gillman and Nick, and, as -there was no cab in sight which he could hire, he slipped a five-dollar -bill to an expressman and told him to keep the hansom in sight. - -Thus Gillman, virtually shadowed by three, made his way to his -destination, which proved to be a restaurant in the lower part of the -town--a place famous for the low price of its “table d’hote dinner with -wine.” - -There he and Nick had dinner, the man in the brown derby remaining on -the walk outside and Chick watching from across the street. - -The meal over, the tactics were continued, Gillman leading the chase to -Brooklyn, crossing by ferry and winding up at Boucicault’s on Hamilton -Street. - -It was between eight and nine in the evening, and Hamilton Street was -just “waking up.” - -A sleepy and quiet thoroughfare by day, it is anything but sleepy and -quiet under the gas and electric lights. - -“Speak-easies” and other haunts of vice abound, and not the least among -the lawless resorts was Boucicault’s. - -There were three stories to the building, and Boucicault’s occupied all -three, in addition to a good-sized basement. - -Of the basement more will be said hereafter. - -The main floor was given up to a saloon and restaurant. - -The floors above constituted the hotel part of the establishment, and -here many a drunken victim had been plucked by the human harpies who -made the place their rendezvous. - -If darker crimes than robbery were meditated, the intended victim was -conducted to the gloomy and vault-like regions under the saloon. - -A long, low bar ran along the left-hand wall; off to the right were half -a dozen tables; in the rear were four or five small rooms partitioned -off. - -When Gillman entered the dive it was half filled with a roaring -complement of sailormen, every one in the lot considerably more than -“half seas over.” - -The air was thick with tobacco smoke, heavy with the fumes of cheap -beer, and resounding with sea songs--every song pitched in a different -key and sung in a different language. - -Nick Carter had established his case and was ready to arrest his man. - -What he wanted, however, was to make a clean haul of the entire gang, -and to this end he had shadowed Gillman. - -He was now certain that Boucicault’s was the rendezvous of the -swindlers, and he followed Gillman through the fog of smoke, and saw him -vanish into one of the rear rooms. - -The time had come when the detective thought it would be as well to -bring matters to an issue with the assayer’s clerk, to find out what he -could from him, and then turn him over to the police for safe-keeping. - -Advancing to the door of the room entered by Gillman, Nick tried the -knob. - -The door was locked, and he applied his knuckles to the panel. - -“Who’s there?” called a voice. - -“Yasmar.” - -“What do you want to give that name for? Haven’t you got another?” asked -the voice, anxiously. - -Nick saw that Gillman was very suspicious. - -He felt, too, that he must act quickly. He had already guessed that -Yasmar’s true name was Ramsay, but had never verified it. Now he was -face to face with the question. - -He took a long chance, and called out: - -“Ramsay.” - -To his delight he heard the bolts being drawn back, and the door was -thrown open. - -“You know, Ram----” Gillman began, then he stopped dead, for the man who -had entered was not Ramsay, but Nick Carter. - -Without taking his eyes off Gillman, Nick closed the door and locked it. - -The room was about ten feet square, had paneled side walls and contained -a table and four chairs. - -It was lighted by an incandescent bulb, pendant from the ceiling. - -Gillman showed a good deal of surprise when he discovered that the -newcomer was not Ramsay. - -“Well, well!” he exclaimed, his right hand groping under his coat. “Who -are you and what’s your game?” - -“My game is to call yours, Gillman,” answered Nick, sternly, his right -hand in his coat pocket. “Bring that hand out in front of you! I’m -covering you with a gun.” - -Gillman brought the hand slowly to the required position. - -“You’ve been crowding me pretty close for the last hour or two,” said -he. “What do you want, anyhow?” - -“I want you.” - -With his left hand Nick brought out a pair of handcuffs. - -“What do you want me for?” queried Gillman, sweeping his eyes shiftily -around the room. - -“For smoking that brand of gold-filled cigarettes this afternoon.” - -That was the point where Gillman began to lose his nerve. - -“I--I don’t understand,” he stammered. - -“Yes, you do,” answered Nick. “Put up your wrists.” - -“Don’t you do it, Gillman!” - -This counter-command came from the side of the room. - -Out of the corners of his eyes Nick could see that a panel in the wall -had slid noiselessly back. - -A square opening was revealed, framing a man’s head and shoulders. - -The man wore a brown derby hat and held a revolver, whose point was -leveled at the detective’s breast. - -A triumphant smile began to show itself on Gillman’s face; but the smile -vanished as a second head appeared in the opening and another voice -echoed sharply through the room. - -“Put on the darbies, Nick! If this fellow tries to pull the trigger it -will be all over with him.” - -It was Chick. - -He was behind the other man, and was pressing the muzzle of a revolver -against the back of his head. - -A baffled oath broke from the man in the derby hat. - -Nick, realizing that there was no time to be lost, was about to adjust -the handcuffs. - -Before he could do it, however, a rap fell on the door. - -Silence followed. - -The rap was repeated more emphatically. - -“Ask who’s there, Gillman,” whispered Nick, bringing the weapon out of -his pocket and making a significant movement with it. - -“Who’s there?” inquired Gillman. - -“Ramsay.” - -Quick as lightning. Nick put away the handcuffs and developed a second -revolver. - -Covering Gillman with the gun in his right hand, Nick turned partly -around. - -“Tell him to come in,” he whispered again. - -As Gillman carried out the order, Nick pushed back the bolt with the -muzzle of the weapon held in his right hand. - -Then two things happened, and happened simultaneously. - -The incandescent light was turned off, leaving the room in total -darkness, and a rush of heavy feet followed the bursting in of the door. - -Nick discharged his revolvers, but the rush of his enemies was not -stayed. - -He was assailed from all sides, and when he found the quarters too close -for revolver work, he gripped the weapons by the barrel and clubbed them -to right and left. - -But the odds were overwhelming. - -In the midst of his desperate struggle, a savage blow on the head sent -him down. - -The shouts and curses of his assailants died away in his ears, he felt -them piling on top of him, and then he remembered nothing more. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE DEATH CHAMBER. - - -Nick opened his eyes in darkness. - -Not a ray of light could be seen at any point in the surrounding gloom, -and a silence as of the grave reigned all around. - -Under him was a hard stone floor, and from the dank, moldy smell of the -place he thought he must be in a cellar--presumably the basement under -Boucicault’s. - -His head was throbbing painfully, and he was lying on his bound arms and -wrists. - -His ankles were also bound. - -“Well, here’s a go!” he exclaimed, aloud. - -The words echoed hollowly through the place, and had hardly left Nick’s -lips before another voice came from a little distance. - -“Hello! Is that you, Nick?” - -“Chick! What are you doing here?” - -“Not a thing. Can’t.” - -“Trussed up?” - -“Wrist and ankle.” - -“The same gang that laid me out took care of you.” - -“We had an enemy in our rear, and he set the longshoremen onto us.” - -“The enemy in the rear was Ramsay.” - -“Sure,” said Chick. “And that’s one good thing about this little -adventure--we have learned that Yasmar is really Ramsay. He has shaved -off his beard since we knew him in the West.” - -“Where was Patsy that he couldn’t take care of Ramsay?” asked Nick. - -“Something may have happened to the boy. These Westerners weren’t born -yesterday.” - -“They’re clever in their way; but they overshot the mark when they put -you and me in the same cell.” - -“You bet! If I can’t get you loose with my teeth, I’ll write myself down -as a has-been. Roll over this way.” - -Nick rolled toward the point from which Chick’s voice came. - -As his body turned, he felt something in his pocket. - -It was his pocket lamp, undoubtedly, and its presence proved that Ramsay -and his pals hadn’t had time for a very exhaustive search through their -victims’ clothes. - -“This must be the cellar under Boucicault’s,” remarked Chick, as he -twisted his body around until it lay parallel with Nick’s, and directly -behind. - -“When Ramsay and his pals brought us down here,” returned Nick, “they -evidently planned that we weren’t to leave until we were carried feet -first.” - -“Ramsay wants you out of the way, Nick, so he can work his -million-dollar graft without being bothered.” - -Chick’s hands were bound behind him, just as Nick’s were, and he had to -locate the cords by brushing his face against his chief’s arms. - -Presently he got to work with his teeth. - -“This will be a good, long job,” he said, pausing. “Some sailor put on -this rope, and the easiest way to get it off is to chew it in two.” - -“All right,” answered Nick. - -After half an hour of hard labor, Nick pulled his hands apart and -brought them around in front of him. - -“Now for a little light,” said he. - -Sitting upon the stone floor, he brought out his little pocket -lamp--which was one of the things he always carried with him--and -pressed the spring that released the electric current. - -A shaft of bright light pierced the gloom. - -Nick flashed the gleam slowly around. - -He and his assistant saw that they were in a vaulted chamber, perhaps a -dozen feet square. - -The walls and roof were of stone. - -There were no openings anywhere--that is, none that could be seen. - -“How the dickens did they get us in here?” asked Chick. - -“Possibly they lowered us down from the top. There may be a trap in the -roof of the vault. Hello! What’s this? A knife, by George!” - -In sweeping the ray of light across the floor, it had struck upon a -gleaming object that lay less than a half-dozen feet away. - -Nick reached for it. - -It was a pearl-handled knife, such as gentlemen carry. - -On a piece of silver set into the pearl there were two initials. - -“‘W. H.,’” said Nick, reading the letters. “Thunder!” - -“What now?” inquired Chick. - -Nick turned the knife over so that the position of the two letters were -reversed. - -“Upside down,” said he, “W. H. becomes H. M.” - -“What of it?” - -“Nothing now,” Nick answered, quietly, opening the knife’s largest -blade. “One of the men who brought us here must have dropped the knife. -Turn over, Chick, and I’ll cut off your ropes.” - -Chick whirled over, and was soon freed of the bonds about his wrists and -ankles. - -Nick then cut the cords from his own feet, and the two detectives arose -and stretched their cramped limbs. - -“Wonder if I shot anybody up there during the set-to?” Nick muttered, -closing the knife blade and slipping the knife into his pocket. - -“Give it up,” answered Chick. “I was down and out about as soon as you -were. The instant the light was turned off, somebody let me have it full -from behind. Great Scott! My head’s buzzing yet.” - -“Mine, too.” - -“I wonder if I’ve been touched?” Chick began, turning his pockets inside -out. “Oh, no, I haven’t been touched,” he remarked, dryly; “I’ve been -grabbed. I haven’t got so much as a toothpick left. Those longshoremen -probably got the rake-off for their trouble.” - -“I have nothing left but the pocket lamp,” said Nick. “In some way they -overlooked that. The thing for us to do is to get out. I have a pressing -engagement at Montgomery’s house, in Forty-fourth Street, to-morrow -morning at ten. What time do you think it is now?” - -“No idea.” - -“It can’t be more than nine or ten.” - -Picking up a small piece of stone that lay on the floor, Nick started -along one of the walls, tapping on every rock. - -Chick took his cue, and began doing likewise. - -Suddenly Nick paused. - -“Smell anything, Chick?” - -“I was just going to ask you the same question.” - -“What do you think it is?” - -“Gas.” - -“That’s what I think.” - -Nick flashed the light on his assistant’s face and saw that it had -become exceedingly grave. - -Chick realized what the game was, and it was enough to make him sober. - -“They intend to kill us with that gas,” said he. - -“And they’ll do it,” answered Nick, grimly, “if we can’t find the jet -and plug it up.” - -The incandescent light in the pocket lamp, of course, would not ignite -the escaping gas, and Nick flashed the penciled beam to every point of -the side walls, the floor and the roof. - -Not a sign of a gas pipe could be seen. - -But the gas was coming from somewhere, and coming in a quantity that -would soon fill the chamber. - -Breathing was already exceedingly difficult. - -“Go on tapping the walls,” gasped Nick. “If we don’t find a way to -escape, or get next to that gas plug, we’ll be laid out cold.” - -Goaded by the foul atmosphere, which was rapidly becoming more and more -poisonous, the two detectives hastily tapped the walls to their full -extent. - -They found nothing. - -“It must come from the roof,” said Nick. - -His voice was hoarse and rasping, and his lungs felt as though -compressed under a ton’s weight. - -“How are we going to do any searching up there?” queried Chick, rising -on his tiptoes and stretching his arms. “I can’t come within three feet -of the ceiling.” - -“Take me on your shoulders,” said Nick. - -This plan was carried out without loss of time. - -Sitting astride Chick’s broad shoulders, Nick was able to reach the -roof. - -Beginning at one of the end walls, they proceeded to cover the flat -stones of the ceiling with the utmost care. - -“I can’t stand this much longer,” said Chick, staggering, and only -saving himself and Nick a fall by a quick effort. “This gas seems to sap -all my strength.” - -“Hang to it, old man,” returned Nick. “By Jupiter! I’ve struck it! Let -me down, Chick.” - -“If you’ve found the pipe, Nick, plug it up.” - -“I haven’t found the pipe, and we can’t stop the escaping gas.” - -“Can’t?” echoed Chick. - -“No.” Nick jumped from his assistant’s shoulders. “It comes between the -joints of those roof stones. If we had tow, and could calk up every -crack in the roof, we might save ourselves. But that’s out of the -question.” - -“What a devilish contrivance!” exclaimed Chick. - -“It’s devilish enough to do for us if we can’t find our way out of this -hole.” - -“You might look for a trap in the roof.” - -“As soon as you’re able to bear my weight again, I’ll try.” - -“Try now, old man. Every second is worth its weight in gold.” - -Nick tried to mount Chick’s shoulders, but Chick was too far gone and -could not hold him up. - -“You get on my back,” said Nick. - -But the deadly fumes had already weakened the detectives so that it was -impossible for them to continue their search for an exit. - -“Slip off your coat, wrap it around your head, and get down on your -knees, your face to the floor.” - -Nick made the suggestions in a quick voice, at the same time carrying -them into effect himself. - -In this manner a temporary relief was obtained. - -The foulest air lay near the roof. - -It would be only a question of time, however, until every particle of -air in the chamber would be too deadly to sustain life. - -The light was still burning, and Nick, with an awkward movement, turned -the ray upon his companion. - -Chick had straightened out along the floor, and was lying still and -motionless. - -“I guess it’s all day with us,” thought Nick. “To think that we are to -be done to death like this, and die like rats in a trap!” - -He felt his senses going and fell from his knees. - -As he did so, and just at the last moment of consciousness, he thought -he saw one of the blocks in the floor begin to rise. - -Was it an illusion of his disordered senses? - -It could not be! - -For, as the stone arose, a draught of fresh air came through the opening -it left in the floor. - -Nick inhaled a great draught of it, and started to his knees once more. - -The ray from the pocket lamp was focussed upon the stone. - -Nick turned the ray slightly, and saw the face of a man standing with -head and shoulders through the trap. - -“Patsy!” he called, in a hoarse voice. - -“Nick, by gum!” - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -BREAKING THE NEWS. - - -Patsy had arrived right in the nick of time. - -He had not tried to get to the saloon before ten o’clock, and he showed -up there in the guise of a Swede sailor, “three sheets in the wind.” - -Ramsay was not there, and neither was Gillman, nor Starlick--the man in -the brown derby hat. - -Patsy, of course, knew only Ramsay by sight, but he felt sure that he -could recognize the others by their voices. - -Failing to find all or either of the three, he caught a low-pitched -conversation coming from two longshoremen in one corner. - -One remark, which he caught in passing, electrified him. - -“It was that prize landlubber, Nick Carter, and his mate, that’s who it -was.” - -Feigning drunkenness, Patsy flopped into a chair and sprawled out on a -table, his head in his arms. - -“Was the pickin’s good?” asked one of the men. - -“Tollable.” - -“And what was done with ’em?” - -“They’re down below.” - -“Will they ever show above the hatches ag’in?” - -“Not this v’yage?” - -Marking the first speaker well, Patsy got up and staggered out. - -His manner changed when he got clear of the dive, and he rushed away in -the direction of the corner. - -He was not long in finding an officer, and, after showing his badge and -telling who he was, he informed the policeman that Nick Carter was in a -bad way at Boucicault’s. - -The officer gave a low whistle, a couple of patrolmen were picked up, -and the four of them returned to the dive. - -To arrest the man whom Patsy had heard telling about Nick to his -companion was the work of only a few moments. - -The fellow resisted and denied strenuously having raised a hand against -the detective. - -A search of his clothes, however, developed Nick’s watch and one of his -revolvers. - -Patsy recognized the articles, and the longshoreman was scared into -leading the officers to the place where the two detectives had been -confined. - -They came up under the chamber and effected an entrance by means of a -rusty old lever which worked the movable stone slab. - -Nick and Chick were dragged out into the fresher air. - -While Patsy was busying himself with them, the officers went upstairs -and began a hunt for Boucicault and for any other men connected with the -outrage. - -Boucicault had vanished--a habit he had when any particularly murderous -bit of work had been “pulled off” in his den. - -When he appeared in court he usually proved an “alibi,” and--some -said--a political pull did the rest for him. - -Boucicault could not be found, but three ruffians were discovered with -incriminating evidence concealed in their clothes. - -Two of them had a pair of nickel-plated handcuffs, one the mate to -Nick’s revolver found on the first man, and one had Chick’s revolvers -and his watch. - -The articles were all identified, the prisoners were taken to -headquarters in a patrol wagon, and Nick, Chick and Patsy started for -home. - -There was nothing more to be done that night, Nick said, and they might -as well go home and catch forty winks of sleep before morning. - -In truth, Nick and Chick were both in need of a quiet time, for they -were still weak from the rough treatment they had received, and dizzy -from the effects of the gas. - -A few hours’ rest put them in shape, and next morning at nine, Nick -started Chick and Patsy off for Forty-fourth Street, suitably disguised. - -Chick was to post himself at the front of the Montgomery House, and -Patsy at the rear. - -When they had been gone a half-hour, Nick left the house in his make-up -of “Jones of Albany.” - -He hired a cab, and was driven to the Montgomery House. - -A man in a white suit was working in the street in front of the house, -and this man was Chick. - -Nick told the cabby not to wait, paid him and ascended the steps and -pushed the electric bell. - -A housemaid came to the door. - -“I would like to see Mr. Montgomery,” said Nick. - -“He’s not at home, sir.” - -“Then I would like to speak with Miss Louise Lansing.” - -“She is not well this morning.” - -“I think she will see me. I wish to talk with her about her brother.” - -A voice from the second floor came down the stairway behind the maid. - -“Have the gentleman come in, Mary. Show him up to uncle’s study--I will -see him there.” - -Nick was admitted and ushered up the broad stairs into a large room, -lined with books and comfortably furnished. - -An open desk, strewed with papers, was at one end of the room. - -A young lady of eighteen or nineteen, very pretty but very much -depressed, as Nick could see, met him as he came in. - -Her eyes were red, and it was evident that she had been weeping. - -“Miss Lansing?” the detective asked. - -“That is my name, sir.” - -“My name is Jones; I’m from Albany, and----” - -“I heard you tell the servant that you wished to speak with me about my -brother,” broke in the girl, eagerly. “Do you know anything about him? -He has been gone since Monday night, and the suspense of not knowing -whether he is living or dead is more than I can bear. He disappeared -from Boston, as perhaps you know.” - -“I will tell you about your brother in a few moments, Miss Lansing. -First, however, I would like to ask about your uncle, Mr. Montgomery.” - -“Do you know whether John is alive? Oh, tell me that before anything -else!” - -“Is your uncle in the house?” asked Nick. - -“Did not the servant tell you he was gone?” - -“When a servant tells a caller that her master is out, it does not -always follow that he is.” - -“My uncle is not in the house, Mr. Jones.” - -Nick passed to the study door and closed it. - -Then he came back and took a chair by the desk. - -“Your brother, Miss Lansing, is alive and well.” - -Louise clasped her hands, and a sigh of intense relief escaped her lips. - -“Oh, I am so happy!” she murmured. “You cannot tell, Mr. Jones, what a -relief it is to me to know that. I will tell uncle just as soon as he -comes.” - -“You must not tell your uncle, Miss Lansing,” said Nick, firmly. - -“Not tell uncle Horace?” she cried. “Why, what can you mean?” - -“Just what I say. In a little while your uncle will know everything, but -just now he must know nothing. It is your brother’s wish as well as -mine.” - -“But I cannot see why you make such a request,” said the girl, -perplexedly. - -“Jones is not my real name, Miss Lansing,” said Nick. - -He had been studying the girl and felt he could trust her. - -“No?” she asked. - -“I am Nicholas Carter.” - -“You don’t tell me! John said he was going to secure your services to -look into this mine matter.” - -“That is what he did, and that is why I am here now. It is also the -reason why I ask you to keep from your uncle the knowledge that your -brother is alive and well.” - -“Of course, Mr. Carter, if you desire it, I will say nothing.” - -“I do desire it. Call me Jones, Miss Lansing, just as though you did not -know my real name. If you could continue to act as though depressed and -anxious about your brother, whenever you meet your uncle, it would be -well.” - -Her eyes opened very wide, but she did not ask Nick why he desired all -this. - -It was evident that she thought it was all in the line of his duty and -that questioning would be out of place. - -“I will do as you say, Mr. Car--Mr. Jones.” - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE CIGARETTE MACHINE. - - -Nick was about to speak on, but his eye caught a flash of something -among the papers on the desk. - -He picked up the object and found that it was a small, nickel-plated -instrument used in manufacturing cigarettes. - -“To whom does this belong?” he inquired. - -“To uncle Horace. Do you know what it is, Mr. Jones?” - -Nick ignored the question. - -“How long has your uncle had it?” - -“I do not know. I only remember seeing it here during the last two or -three days.” - -“You would have seen it if it had been here before?” - -“I think so.” - -“Does your uncle smoke cigarettes?” - -“What a curious question, Mr. Jones,” smiled the girl. “No, he does -not.” - -“Does your brother John?” - -“No.” - -Nick laid the nickel-plated instrument back on the desk. - -“Was your uncle home last night, Miss Lansing?” - -“Yes.” - -“All night?” - -“He was at his club until midnight.” - -“Ah! And at what time did he leave this morning?” - -“About eight o’clock.” - -Nick looked at his watch. - -It was five minutes of ten. - -“Did he say when he would return?” - -“He said he would not return until late this afternoon. Two gentlemen -were to call here this morning, he said, and I was to give them this -letter.” - -She picked up a sealed and addressed envelope that lay on a book on the -library table. - -Nick apparently gave little attention to the letter. - -“Has your uncle a profession?” he asked, casually, settling back in the -comfortable chair. - -“Not now,” she answered. - -“What did he do formerly?” - -“He speculated.” - -“On the stock market?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“How long since he quit speculating?” - -“Are you asking me all these questions because----” - -“Just because I am curious,” Nick smiled. “Detectives are always -curious, you know.” - -“But has this anything to do with the Royal Ophir mine?” - -“Indirectly.” - -“Well, it was only a month ago that uncle stopped operating on the stock -market.” - -“Was he generally successful?” - -“I do not know, Mr. Jones. I think he was.” - -“Your uncle is wealthy?” - -“I do not think he is so very wealthy.” - -“Then he could not have been a very successful operator, do you think?” - -“I never stopped to think of the matter in that way. Uncle has enough to -keep him as long as he lives, I guess.” - -The maid rapped at the door, just then, and summoned Miss Lansing away. - -“You will excuse me, Mr. Jones?” she asked, before leaving. - -“Certainly,” said Nick. “Gladly,” he added to himself. - -The instant he was left alone, Nick picked up the letter that lay on the -library table. - -“J. Edward Bingham, Esq.,” ran the address. - -Pulling out a leaf of the desk, Nick picked up a pearl paper cutter and -ran the edge around under the flap. - -Then he took out the folded sheet and read as follows: - - “DEAR BINGHAM: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten - this morning. Yasmar found it impossible to come, but will meet you - at another place to-night, and deal will then be consummated. Bring - your certified checks to my house at eight this evening, and I will - take you to the place where Yasmar is to be waiting. - -“MONTGOMERY.” - - - -Picking up a blank sheet of paper, Nick took a pen and wrote another -letter. - -It was slightly different from Montgomery’s. - -He made no attempt to imitate Montgomery’s handwriting, nor did he sign -Montgomery’s name. - -Experience assured him that receiving the communication from Miss -Lansing, and in Montgomery’s house, would make the letter plausible -enough for the purpose. - - “DEAR BINGHAM: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten - this morning. Deal is off for to-day. Return by first train to - Boston and wait there until Yasmar and I come.” - -Nick put this in the envelope, sealed it with mucilage found on the -desk, and laid the letter on the book on the library table, just as it -was before. - -In looking for the mucilage he had to disturb the papers a little, and -he found something else which he considered of the utmost importance. - -This something else was a cigarette box containing five cigarettes which -fitted the cigarette machine and also bore a perfect resemblance to the -cigarette Nick had smoked, the day before, in the assay office. - -Nick sank back in the chair, his face extremely thoughtful. - -“Well, well,” he muttered. - -Just then Miss Lansing came hurriedly in. - -“The two gentlemen whom uncle expected are downstairs at the door,” she -said, walking to the table and picking up the letter. “I will return -presently, Mr. Jones.” - -“I am in no hurry, Miss Lansing.” - -When again left alone, Nick picked a cigarette from the box and put it -in his pocket. - -He was ready to leave when Miss Lansing returned. - -“Must you go?” asked the girl. - -“Yes, but I would like to leave some one here, if you have no -objections.” - -“Who, Mr. Jones?” - -“One of my assistants. If possible, I would be glad if his presence -here could remain a secret between us--even if your uncle should come.” - -“It could be arranged, Mr. Jones.” - -“Then I will summon my assistant. Will you conduct me to a rear window -on this floor?” - -The girl was puzzled, but led Nick to a window in the rear, overlooking -the back yard between Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Streets. - -In one of the yards, in plain view of the rear of the Montgomery house, -a roughly dressed young man was working at a clothes pole. - -Nick waved his hand. - -The man nodded and started to slide down. - -“Now,” said Nick, “if I can go down and admit him----” - -“I will do that myself, Mr. Jones.” - -In a few moments Patsy was with his chief and had received his -instructions. - -Louise Lansing accompanied Nick to the door. - -“If your uncle should return, Miss Lansing,” said Nick, in a low tone, -“please tell him nothing about my having been here.” - -“Very good. When will my brother come?” - -“To-night; but that must also be kept a secret, especially from your -uncle and the servants. Your brother will explain to you.” - -When Nick departed he left behind him a very much bewildered young lady, -yet a very happy one, nevertheless. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -Montgomery at Bay. - - -“Meet me at the corner, Chick,” said Nick, as he passed the man who was -working on the street. - -Nick waited, just around the corner on Sixth Avenue, and Chick came, -stripped of his white overalls, blouse and hat and wearing his own -garments. - -He had traded with the regular street cleaner, for the time being, and -the street cleaner was five dollars better off by the deal. - -“Did you observe closely the two men who called at the house while I was -there?” Nick asked. - -“Yes. They drove up in a two-wheeler, and when they came out one of them -was reading a letter.” - -“Did the letter excite them?” - -“They seemed a trifle worked up.” - -“They’ll be worked up a good deal more before they finally quiet down,” -laughed Nick. “You have got to pass for one of those men to-night, -Chick, and Patsy for the other.” - -“If it’s pretty dark, I guess we can.” - -“Patsy will be busy all day, and you’ll have to secure the disguise for -him as well as for yourself.” - -“All right.” - -“Get both disguises and bring them to the house. First, however, you are -to take this cigarette and go to Cruse & Cupell’s. Find Mr. Cupell and -confer with him privately. Tell him who you are and that you want him to -smoke the cigarette and assay it, just as he did the other.” - -“I see.” - -“Have him make a rush job of it.” - -“Sure.” - -“Then find out if Gillman has come back to work this morning. - -“Anything else?” - -“That’s all.” - -Chick boarded a Sixth Avenue car and started for Twenty-third Street. - -Nick went to the address given him by John Lansing. - -It was an obscure boarding house over on the other side of Broadway. - -At the door Nick asked for “Herman Trevor,” which was the name Lansing -had penciled on the card. - -Mr. Trevor was sick in bed, the servant said. - -“He’ll see me,” said Nick. - -“Who shall I tell him wants to see him?” - -“Don’t tell him. Just say it’s in regard to the Royal Ophir.” - -Nick was admitted to the “sick” room and found that Lansing was feigning -illness in order to keep in his room without causing remark. - -He gave the young man a brief outline of what he had accomplished and of -what he hoped yet to accomplish. - -Lansing was astounded when he saw the drift of the detective’s logic. - -He did not agree with Nick in his deductions, but promised faithfully to -carry out his instructions. - -Nick went away and proceeded to a secondhand clothing store to buy a -suit of clothes that he desired for his own use. - -It was difficult to find what he wanted, but at last he succeeded and -made for home. - -Chick was already there. - -“Here’s the assay,” said Chick, handing over the certificate. - -“Fifty thousand to the ton,” murmured Nick, looking at the certificate. -“The cigarettes all pan out the same. You got the disguises?” - -“Yes.” - -“Put on yours and be ready to go with me at seven o’clock. We’ll carry -Patsy’s get-up with us in a satchel.” - -“I’ll be ready. Gillman hasn’t shown up at the assay office to-day, -Nick.” - -“I didn’t think he had.” - -Chick went away and Nick threw himself down to smoke. - -At seven o’clock Chick came into the study. - -He had a brown satchel in his hand and looked like a red-haired -capitalist. - -“Good!” said Nick. “You’ll do for Cooper.” - -“Providing you don’t throw a flash light on me,” laughed Chick. “You’re -good, too, but I don’t know who you stand for.” - -“Horace Montgomery.” - -Nick wore an iron-gray wig and mustache and chin whiskers, gold-bowed -spectacles rested on the bridge of his nose, and a silk hat of slightly -old-fashioned block covered his head. - -A grayish frock coat, with trousers of same material, patent leathers, -dark spats and a gold-headed cane finished the disguise. - -In each hip pocket he had one of his small but reliable revolvers, and -in the breast of his coat were two pairs of handcuffs. - -They rode in a cab to the Montgomery house, the cab was dismissed and -they walked up the steps to the door. - -As Nick was about to press the bell the door opened and Montgomery -himself stepped out. - -For an instant the two confronted each other in the semi-gloom. - -“Merciful heavens!” gasped Montgomery, gazing as one transfixed at the -living and breathing counterfeit of himself. - -He recoiled, brushing a hand across his forehead. - -His eyes wandered to Chick. - -“Cooper,” he cried, “what does this mean?” - -“I’ll tell you what it means, Montgomery,” answered Nick, sternly. “Go -up to your study. Cooper will go with you, and I will join you both in a -few moments.” - -As one in a dream Montgomery turned and entered the house. - -He walked up the stairs, Chick close behind him. - -When they had passed from sight, Nick turned to Louise Lansing, who was -standing in the parlor doorway with distended eyes. - -“Is--is it really you, Mr. Carter?” she queried. - -“Yes.” - -“I can hardly believe my eyes.” - -“Is everything all right?” - -“It is.” - -“How long has your uncle been here?” - -“Not more than an hour.” - -“Now, listen, Miss Lansing. I will give the signal by dropping a book.” - -“I understand.” - -Nick ran hurriedly upstairs, and, as he turned from the landing, Patsy -stepped out of a room and caught his sleeve. - -“Anything happened here since I left you, Patsy?” whispered Nick. - -“Not a thing of any consequence.” - -“You understand what’s to be done?” - -“Yes.” - -“Miss Lansing knows the signal.” - -Nick passed into the study, closing the door after him. - -Montgomery, a harassed and apprehensive look on his face, sat in the -chair before his desk. - -He turned his startled eyes on Nick as the latter entered. - -“What does this farce mean?” he demanded, making a great effort to -regain his composure. - -“It means that I shall pose as Horace Montgomery for a few hours.” - -“What sort of a crooked game are you attempting to play?” - -“It is not crooked.” - -“Who in the fiend’s name are you, anyway?” - -“Nicholas Carter.” - -Montgomery had started to rise, but at the sound of that name he sank -back with glassy eyes. - -“You--you----” he faltered. “What are you doing here?” - -“I came to have a little talk with you. Could you load a few cigarettes -for me, Mr. Montgomery?” - -Had a bomb exploded at Montgomery’s feet he could not have been more -startled than he was then. - -He sprang forward in his chair and stared at the great detective as one -fascinated. - -“When you speculated with the money belonging to John and Louise -Lansing, why did you not tell them?” - -Montgomery’s white lips moved but gave no sound. - -“After you lost that money, why have you tried to make your wards -believe that you were going to invest it in the Royal Ophir mine?” - -The guardian swallowed a lump in his throat, and his face was as white -as a sheet. - -“Did you want to make it appear that you had invested it in a salted -mine, after an investigation that was seemingly sincere, and had lost it -in that way?” - -No answer came from the pallid wretch in the chair. - -“What was to be your share of the money to be secured from Cooper and -Bingham?” - -Still no answer. - -“Horace Montgomery, you are a thief!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -A NECESSARY CRUELTY. - - -Nick was on his feet in front of the cowering man, pointing one finger -at him. - -Montgomery merely writhed in his seat, but did not say a word. - -“But that is not the worst,” went on the detective, mercilessly. “You -know that your nephew, John Lansing, started for Boston on Monday night, -by the Fall River boat.” - -Nick drew back to the library table and picked up a book that lay there. - -“You told Yasmar--or Ramsay, to give him his real name--that John -Lansing was going to Boston to talk with Cooper and Bingham in the -attempt to dissuade them from making that investment in the Royal Ophir -mine. - -“He took the same boat that Lansing boarded. - -“At midnight, out in the Sound, they had a talk, angry words were -passed, Ramsay struck Lansing on the head in a moment of passion and -flung him into the sea----” - -“It’s a lie!” cried Montgomery, hoarsely. - -“It’s the truth!” - -“Are you man or devil?” whispered Montgomery. He made a sudden movement -and jerked a revolver from a drawer in his desk. “But, man or devil, -stop this bullet if you can!” - -Chick made a motion as though he would grab Montgomery’s arm. - -With a look Nick warned him not to interfere and threw the book to the -floor. - -Instantly the hall door opened. - -“There,” cried Nick, whirling and pointing to the form of John Lansing -standing in the door, “there stands your dead sister’s son, the boy you -robbed, the boy you thought murdered!” - -The revolver trembled in Montgomery’s hand. - -He dropped it, sprang up and stood looking at his nephew as though -confronted by a specter. - -Suddenly he threw up his hand and fell backward into his seat. - -“John!” he groaned; “John!” - -Nick sprang to his side. - -“Where were you to meet this man Ramsay or Yasmar to-night?” cried Nick. -“I knew that you were to meet him and to take Bingham and Cooper with -you. Where was it? Tell me, quick!” - -Montgomery looked into Nick’s face with frenzied eyes. - -It seemed hard for him to comprehend anything. - -Nick repeated the question. - -“Tell me, I tell you!” he finished. “You thought your nephew was killed, -and you kept the matter a secret; and you tried to kill me and my -assistant in Boucicault’s last night----” - -“Before Heaven, Carter----” began Montgomery. - -“Where were you to meet him to-night?” demanded Nick. - -“The Obelisk, Central Park.” - -“What time?” - -“Eight-thirty.” - -“Who were to be there?” - -“Himself, Starlick, Gillman.” - -“You were to exchange money for a deed?” - -“Yes.” - -“Not at the Obelisk?” - -“No. We were to go to a room.” - -Montgomery’s desk-chair was a massive piece of furniture, with high -carved arms running from back to seat. - -With a quick movement Nick slipped the man’s wrists together, one hand -under the arm. - -The next moment he had snapped on the handcuffs, securing Montgomery to -the chair. - -Owing to the height of the chair arms the position was not -uncomfortable. - -“Oh, Mr. Carter,” cried the voice of Louise Lansing from the door, “is -it a necessary cruelty?” - -“For a little while only,” answered Nick. “I have prevented the steal -that your uncle, in connection with Ramsay--or Yasmar, as you have known -him--and his accomplices, tried so hard to accomplish. - -“Ramsay is wanted in Montana for another crime, but your uncle I shall -leave in your hands.” - -Nick turned to John Lansing. - -“Here is a key to those handcuffs,” he said. “Do not release him until -nine o’clock.” - -John Lansing was very pale and was trembling visibly. - -It was evident that his nerves were greatly shaken at the disclosure he -had heard. - -“I will do as you say, Mr. Carter,” said he. - -“Chick,” went on Nick, facing his assistant, “Patsy is in the hall. Take -him that outfit and have him make ready. There’s sharp work ahead.” - -In five minutes Patsy was ready, and the detectives departed. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -AT THE OBELISK. - - -At eight-thirty sharp a “four-wheeler” dashed up the east drive of -Central Park and came to a halt opposite the Egyptian relic known as the -Obelisk, otherwise “Cleopatra’s Needle.” - -Three men got out of the carriage. - -An electric light faintly illuminated that particular spot, and the -forms looked dark and indistinct. - -But their general outlines were plain enough. - -Three more men sat on a park bench hard by the Obelisk. - -One of them was tall and wore a slouch hat. - -“Here they come,” he said, in a low voice to those near him. - -At the same moment Nick Carter had breathed to his two aides: - -“Get the cuffs on them as soon as we get within arm’s reach. I’ll take -Ramsay. Chick, you’ll attend to the man in the brown derby. Patsy, take -the third.” - -The three men on the bench got up and spread out, separating so that -there were two or three yards between each of them. - -The detectives also separated, each making for the man that had been -picked out for him. - -A mounted policeman, further along the drive, was approaching at a trot. - -He had seen the four-wheeler driving faster than the park regulations -allowed, and had started after it at a gallop. - -Now that the carriage had stopped haste was not necessary, and he came -on at a more leisurely gait. - -Nick and Ramsay came close together at the railing about the base of the -monument, Nick with his right hand thrust into the breast of the frock -coat and holding the second pair of cuffs. - -“On time, I see,” said Ramsay. - -“Always on time,” answered Nick, edging closer. - -“Are those fellows all right?” - -“Whisper,” said Nick, bending forward. - -Ramsay brought his face close. - -Snap! - -Almost before he could realize what was up the cold steel was about his -wrists. - -“You’re my prisoner, my dear Ramsay,” said Nick, calmly. “Make a break -and you’ll stop a bullet.” - -“Nick Carter!” cried the amazed Westerner. - -“The same.” - -“Curse you!” - -He sprang at Nick furiously. - -Nick grabbed him by the collar, but he wrenched away, fighting like a -demon with his manacled hands. - -“Here, none o’ that!” - -It was the officer. - -He had dismounted to read the riot act to the driver of the carriage, -the latter having jumped from the box to fix one of the harness tugs. - -Seeing that a row, as he supposed, had started up the incline, toward -the monument, he ran in that direction. - -“Stop!” shouted Nick to Ramsay, who was a yard or more away. “Stop or -I’ll shoot you.” - -Nick had a revolver in his hand, but the officer was close enough to -grab it. - -“Don’t you know better than to----” - -“Nick Carter, officer!” exclaimed Nick. “I’m after that man--he’s a -thief.” - -“Je-ru-sa-lem!” gasped the astounded bluecoat. - -By then, Ramsay, making good use of his legs, had reached the officer’s -horse. - -Without touching his manacled hands to the saddle he sprang to the -animal’s back, gave a yell, and dug in with his heels. - -Away went the horse at a wild gallop. - -Half a dozen jumps carried Nick down the hill. - -Another jump landed him on the seat of the carriage. - -Grabbing up the lines and the whip, with one movement he plied the lash -and the startled horses leaped madly away. - -The policeman was close behind Nick, more than anxious to help undo the -evil results of his mistake. - -He was athletic enough, and he grabbed at the carriage as it started, -rested one foot on the turning hub, and gained the box. - -“We’ll get him,” he said. “Let me use the whip and you do the driving.” - -The horses tore away at a mad gallop, the officer slapping them right -and left. - -Pedestrians scampered in every direction, but, owing to Nick’s skillful -handling of the lines, no one was injured. - -Nick did not think he could overtake the fugitive, but he knew that -something would happen to the fellow, and he wanted to be near enough to -see that he did not escape, in case of accident or other misadventure. - -Suddenly a mounted officer appeared in the roadway directly ahead of -Ramsay. - -Taking in the situation, the officer turned his horse across the road -and drew a gun. - -“Halt!” he cried. - -Ramsay halted, but he did not surrender. - -Owing to the nature of the ground on each side of the driveway he could -not turn from the road, so he whirled the horse sharply and started full -tilt in the direction of the carriage. - -Nick divined his object. - -He counted on passing the carriage and making off in the other -direction--a desperate expedient at best. - -In order to keep those on the carriage seat from shooting him, Ramsay -leaned down and shielded the upper part of his body behind the horse’s -neck. - -“I’ll have him now,” muttered Nick, pulling the carriage team to a halt. -“Officer, take the lines.” - -The officer took them, and Nick made ready for a spring. - -On came the horse at a gallop, heading to pass within a few feet of the -carriage, on Nick’s side. - -The detective watched his chances, and, when the right moment had -arrived, hurled himself outward and downward, grabbing the horse’s -bits. - -The weight on its head brought the animal to an abrupt stop--so abrupt -that Ramsay was thrown from the saddle into the road. - -Before he could rise, Nick was on top of him, pinning him down. - -Ramsay, in spite of the handcuffs, had drawn a revolver from a breast -pocket, and Nick jerked it out of his hand. - -“Don’t be a fool,” said Nick. “You might have been killed!” - -An oath was Ramsay’s only response. - -Nick, groping about under the frock coat, found another revolver in his -prisoner’s hip pocket and a knife and sheath in the breast pocket. - -Both weapons he abstracted and threw to the policeman who had jumped -down, caught his horse, and was standing near, ready to lend a hand in -case help was needed. - -But Nick did not require assistance. - -“It’s up to you, Carter,” said Ramsay. “You’ve got me and I cave.” - -“Get up, then.” - -Nick got off the fellow’s prostrate form, thrusting a hand through his -arm. - -The policeman picked up Ramsay’s hat and put it on his head, and Nick -marched his man over to where Chick and Patsy were holding Gillman and -Starlick. - -The capture was safely effected, but the great detective had had an -exciting three minutes. - -Patsy had had no trouble at all in getting the darbies on Gillman, and -Chick had not had enough to speak of in making the capture of Starlick. - -Starlick showed fight and tried to run around the Obelisk, an empty -handcuff dangling from his right wrist. - -Chick caught him in two leaps, threw him down, and put on the other -bracelet. - -The manacles had a quieting effect, and Starlick undertook the rôle of -an “innocent bystander.” - -“What does this mean?” he cried, angrily. - -“If you don’t know you’ll find out quick enough,” replied Chick. - -“It’s an outrage, an infernal outrage. Officer,” he turned to the man -who accompanied Nick and Ramsay, “I demand that you have these handcuffs -taken off my wrists.” - -“Keep still!” exclaimed the officer, sharply. “Nick Carter knows well -enough what he’s about.” - -Starlick toned down, the very name of Nick Carter having a quieting -effect. - -An hour later the men were in the police station, and Nick had sent a -telegram to the chief of police, Helena, Mont., telling of the capture -of Ramsay. - -Not one of the prisoners was brought to book on account of the clever -swindle which would have been perpetrated but for the skill and -vigilance of Nick Carter and his assistants. - -Starlick was found to be an old offender and badly wanted for a -safe-cracking job in Chicago. - -He went that far West on the same train that took Ramsay back to -Montana. - -Both men were tried and sent over the road. - -Gillman had all the elements that go to the making of a daring and -successful crook. - -But there was little to be brought against him, and he was allowed to go -his way. - -As for Montgomery, he shot himself the day following and was found -leaning over his desk, dead. - -The revolver was still clutched in his hand, and a letter lay in front -of him addressed to his two wards. - -A portion of the letter ran as follows: - - “I used your money in my speculative schemes without your - knowledge. I believe I had a right to do this, for under the terms - of your mother’s will I had an absolutely free hand to make use of - the money as I saw fit. - - “For a time I made money on Wall Street. But my fate was the - common fate of all stock gamblers. My own earnings went, and then I - used your funds and they went, too. - - “I could not bear to have it known that I had lost your inheritance - on the stock market, and so connived at this other operation. I was - to help Ramsay. Ostensibly the Royal Ophir was to cost a million, - of which I was to put up five hundred thousand dollars and the two - Boston men the remaining five hundred thousand dollars. Really, - only the money of the Boston men was to go into the deal. - - “It was my business to interest them and to help on the ‘salting’ - operation to the extent of preparing the loaded cigarettes. For - this I expected to receive one hundred thousand dollars--which sum - I intended turning over to you. - - “But I have failed in that, and now the utmost I can do is to die - so that you may have the one hundred and fifty thousand dollars - insurance which I have taken out on my life. That and this home is - to be yours. It is all that is left of your inheritance.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE TENDER-HEARTED WATCHMAN. - - -Nick’s return to town had not been quite as peaceful as he had hoped. -But he was more than satisfied with the result of the work of the last -few days. - -He had captured one of the men who had escaped him in the round-up of -the big Western swindle. - -Only one other member of that gang was now at large, and the capture of -Ramsay served to make Nick all the more eager to repeat the operation -with the missing swindler. - -Ramsay was questioned as to the whereabouts of this man, but he was not -able to tell anything save that the two had come East together and that -Ramsay had parted from his pal in Boston and had heard nothing from him -since then. - -Nick sought around for clews and finally came in touch with his man -through a splendidly organized bank robbery. - -The story of the bank robbery indicated that more than ordinary -intelligence had been brought into play in consummating this piece of -villainy. - -The bank was the People’s National, of Latimer, Vt. - -The robbery occurred at one o’clock in the morning. - -The watchman was making his hourly round of the premises when a voice -outside struck on his ears. - -“Help! For Heaven’s sake, do something for me!” came the cry. “Call an -ambulance, quick!” - -The bank occupied the first floor of a corner building. - -There were two floors above, divided into rooms and used as offices by -lawyers and real estate men. - -In front of the building was a lamp-post. - -Next to the lamp-post was an upright, bearing a box-like contrivance -containing a massive gong. - -This gong was connected electrically with the bank vaults, and was -supposed to sound an alarm if the vaults were tampered with in any way. - -Halting at one of the front windows, the watchman peered through into -the ring of yellow light thrown by the street lamp. - -Clinging to the lamp-post was a man in a frock coat and silk hat--well -dressed, as the watchman could plainly see. - -Nor was he drunk, although he wavered from side to side and had all he -could do to hold himself in an upright position. - -It was evident that there was something serious the matter with him, -and the watchman pressed his face close to the window and craned his -neck to look up and down the street. - -There was absolutely no one in sight who might proceed to the -unfortunate man’s assistance. - -It was against the watchman’s orders to leave the bank for even a -minute, but he was a kind-hearted person and hated to see a fellow being -in distress and never raise a finger to help. - -While the watchman stood there, the well-dressed individual gave vent to -a hollow groan, slipped from the lamp-post and fell prone to the walk. - -That was more than the watchman could stand. - -The next instant he had unlocked and unbolted the massive bank door and -had hurried across the walk. - -“Who are you?” he demanded, kneeling beside the man. “What is the -matter?” - -The man tried to talk, but his voice was no more than a faint whisper. - -The watchman bent his ear to the man’s lips. - -Then, in a flash, the supposedly sick man’s hands shot upward and -gripped the watchman about the throat. - -Simultaneously with this movement, a figure darted out of a hallway to -the right of the bank, sandbag in hand. - -A blow on the head settled the watchman, who pitched along the walk and -lay silent and still. - -“Into the bank with him, quick!” hissed the well-dressed individual, and -the watchman was picked up, head and heels, and hustled back into the -room which he had so recently quitted. - -The door was again locked and bolted. - -“Not a second too soon,” went on the well-dressed man. “Down! Here comes -the other watchman.” - -The two villains sank out of sight beneath the window. - -A slow step was heard outside as some one rounded the corner; then a -pencil of light from a bull’s-eye lantern shot into the bank through the -window. - -The ray swept aimlessly around, vanished, and the steps were heard once -more, dying away in the distance. - -“It will be two hours before that cove comes around again,” muttered the -man who had used the sandbag. - -“In two hours, then, we have got to have this job over and be away from -here,” returned the other. “Where’s Cricket?” - -“On the watch halfway down the main street.” - -“And Five Points?” - -“He’s watching at the rear of the bank on the cross street.” - -“Good! You know about the wires of that burglar alarm, Spark?” - -“Sure.” - -“Then go below and break the connection.” - -“I’ll be back in five minutes, Clancy.” - -Spark vanished in the dusky regions at the rear of the bank, and Clancy -dropped down beside the watchman. - -From his pocket he took a gag and fixed it about the watchman’s jaws; -then, with two pieces of rope, he tied his prisoner hand and foot and -dragged him out of sight under a customers’ desk that stood near the -window. - -After that he passed through the cashier’s cage and halted in front of -the vault door. - -There was a dimly burning light in front of the vault, and above the -iron door there was a clock. - -“A time-clock,” said Spark, coming up at that moment. - -“Did you fix the alarm?” queried Clancy, in a sharp tone. - -“Broke the battery that operates it.” - -“Then out with the tools.” - -Clancy threw off his frock coat, folded it carefully and laid it on an -office stool. - -On top of his coat he placed his silk hat. - -Meanwhile, Spark had produced the “tools”--and peculiar tools they -were. - -They consisted of a rubber bag, a bar of brown soap, a coil of fuse and -some caps. - -Each man knew just what work he was to perform, and went about it -without a word. - -Breaking the bar of soap in two, Clancy handed one piece to Spark, and -they set to work plastering up the crack at the edge of the vault door. - -This was skillfully and quickly accomplished. - -From the top of another office stool, Clancy fashioned a cup of the soap -on the upper crack. - -The bag contained nitroglycerin. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE CASHIER’S ANNOUNCEMENT. - - -Spark handed the bag to Clancy, and the latter poured some of the -nitroglycerin into the cup. - -Then, crouching under one of the counters, they waited while the -explosive oozed downward about the vault door on the inside. - -“Give me the fuse,” said Clancy, emerging from under the counter when a -sufficient period had elapsed. - -Again he mounted the stool, fitted a cap to the end of the fuse, placed -the cap in the cup and applied a match. - -Both retreated for a short distance. - -Presently there came a muffled explosion, resulting in the bursting open -of the vault door. - -The alarm was silent, proving that Spark had done his work well. - -For several moments, however, neither of the robbers made a move--simply -crouched where they were and listened intently. - -There was no sound outside, so it was evident that the explosion had -aroused no one. - -“Now for the second door,” said Clancy. - -The second door was treated in exactly the same manner as the first, and -within an hour from the time the night watchman had left the bank to -succor the distressed individual on the sidewalk the funds of the -People’s National lay at the mercy of the “yeggmen.” - -From his pockets Spark brought out a number of canvas bags. - -While these bags were being filled a shout came from the rear of the -bank, followed by two revolver shots--the two reports echoing out almost -as one. - -“The devil!” exclaimed Clancy. - -“It’s Five Points,” breathed Spark, in a sharp undertone. - -Both men hurried to the front door and stood there, revolvers in hand. - -Quick steps were heard on the walk, and a face was pressed against the -glass in the upper part of one of the doors. - -“Cricket!” exclaimed Clancy, and hastily admitted the newcomer. “What is -it?” he added. - -“The outside watchman discovered Five Points, and they had a wrestle and -an exchange of shots,” said Cricket. - -“How’s the watchman?” - -“Laid out cold, I take it.” - -A muffled oath fell from Clancy’s lips. - -“And Five Points?” he went on. - -“He’s got it bad.” - -“Able to get away?” - -“Just about. He’s already started.” - -“Lay hold of the plunder, you two, and we’ll make a get-away ourselves.” - -Spark and Cricket hurried into the vault, and Clancy followed as far as -the stool in the cashier’s cage. - -There he halted and calmly got into his coat and put on his hat, all the -time watching the door and listening intently. - -The other two emerged from the vault, staggering under the weight of the -bags. - -Clancy took one of the bags, and the three walked out of the bank, -fading away into the night like ill-omened wraiths. - -It was six o’clock the following morning when a patrolman heard a groan -coming from the alleyway in the rear of the bank. - -Stepping in to investigate, he was horrified to find the outside -watchman weltering in a pool of blood. - -The wounded man was barely able to speak. He told, gaspingly, of the ill -luck that had befallen him, and added that he believed the bank had been -robbed. - -Running to the nearest patrol box, the officer summoned an ambulance, -after which he hurried to the bank. - -He found and released the inside watchman, heard his story, and -immediately got in some lively work with the telephone. - -The chief of police was notified and also the president of the bank. - -The latter, in turn, called up the cashier and as many of the directors -as he could reach by phone. - -By eight o’clock there was a gathering of police and bank officials -about the wrecked doors of the plundered vault, the cashier and an -assistant being inside checking up. - -At eight-thirty the cashier came out of the vault with a white face. - -“They got little for all their pains,” he said, loud enough for the -police officials and a couple of reporters to overhear. “Only about five -thousand dollars, all told.” - -A look of relief overspread the faces of the president and the two -directors who were present. - -The next moment the president, directors and the cashier stepped into -the president’s private office. - -There the cashier acknowledged that he had made a misstatement. - -Instead of taking five thousand dollars, the thieves had decamped with -seventy-five thousand dollars. - -“We’re a comparatively small and provincial institution,” said the -president, slowly, after a brief interval of silence, “and this loss -will spell ruin for us unless----” He hesitated. - -“Unless what?” asked one of the directors, huskily, mopping the sweat -from his forehead. - -“Unless we can recover the money before it is generally known that the -cashier made a willful misstatement.” - -“The police of this town can never do it,” asserted the other director. - -“Shall we go down in our pockets and pay out a good big fee to a man who -might be able to save us?” inquired the president. - -“It may be throwing good money after bad,” said the first director, -shaking his head. - -“Nevertheless,” said the second director, “I move that we try it, -anyhow.” - -“Shall I go ahead?” asked the president. - -“Yes,” came from both directors and the cashier. - -Ten minutes later the following telegram was speeding over the wires: - - “NICHOLAS CARTER, New York City: Bank robbery here. Will you name - your own fee and take the case? - -“JULIUS HEPNER.” - - - -“He won’t come,” said Clarkson, one of the directors. “He has all he can -attend to right in New York.” - -But Clarkson was wrong, for the following answer came from the great -detective within two hours after the president had wired: - - “JULIUS HEPNER, Latimer, Vt.: Coming on first train. Keep hands off - until I get there. - -NICHOLAS CARTER.” - - - -It was fate that influenced Nick’s reply, for he did not guess that in -responding to the summons he was going to strike the trail of the man -whom of all others he wished to capture--the missing swindler from the -West who had come East with Ramsay. Ramsay was now under lock and key, -and Nick’s journey to Vermont was to bring him in touch with Ramsay’s -pal. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -“OLD HANDS.” - - -The bank robbery took place during the night of Monday and Tuesday. - -On Wednesday morning, at seven o’clock, a neatly dressed man, wearing a -pair of very respectable “Dundrearies,” made his appearance at the -Memorial Hospital, in Latimer. - -“What can I do for you, sir?” inquired the assistant superintendent, who -was in charge at that early hour. - -“Albert Gardner, the watchman who was shot during the bank robbery, was -brought here, was he not?” - -“Yes.” - -“I would like to speak with him a moment.” - -“I am very sorry, sir, but he died an hour ago.” - -“Ah! He left an _ante-mortem_ statement?” - -“He did.” - -“And it is now in the hands of the police department?” - -“Yes.” - -“Thank you.” - -In half an hour the stranger had called at police headquarters, had -introduced himself and had been cordially welcomed. - -At his request, the statement made out by Gardner was brought out for -inspection. - -It had nothing whatever to say about the robbery, but nevertheless, it -had an indirect value. - -Some time between two and three o’clock in the morning, so ran the -statement, Gardner was rounding the block, trying doors as he went. - -When opposite the entrance to the alley in the rear of the bank he heard -a sound that aroused his attention. - -He started into the alley, flashing his bull’s-eye ahead of him as he -proceeded. - -He had not taken more than twenty or thirty steps when he was set upon, -and, for a moment, roughly handled. - -Finally he succeeded in drawing his revolver. - -Just as he was about to pull the trigger, his antagonist fired a shot. - -This deflected Gardner’s aim, for he was hit in the breast. However, he -fired and was certain he wounded his man. - -Then he lost consciousness, and had come to himself but a few moments -before being found by the patrolman. - -He could give no description of the man, for the bull’s-eye lantern was -knocked to the ground and smashed at the time the watchman was set upon, -and thereafter the struggle had been continued in the dark. - -“Not much to be learned from this, chief,” said Nick. - -“The whole affair is the blackest kind of a mystery,” declared the -chief. “The robbers left not the slightest clew behind.” - -“You’ve been going over the ground pretty thoroughly?” - -“Up to noon, yesterday. Then I got orders to wait for you.” - -“How big a town is this?” - -“About twenty thousand.” - -“Have you brought in any suspicious characters?” - -“Six or seven.” - -“I’d like to have a look at them. If New York crooks pulled off this -graft I may be able to recognize one of the suspects.” - -The prisoners were brought in. - -They were all of the “bum” variety, and their faces were unfamiliar. - -“Better let them go,” said Nick; “they’re not concerned.” - -The chief was surprised. - -“What makes you think they’re not concerned in the robbery?” he asked. - -“Not one of the seven knows enough. If hoboes did this job, they are of -a different caliber from those you have run in. And, last but not least, -they’d have different hands.” - -“Different hands?” echoed the amazed officer. - -Nick nodded. - -“A tramp who uses an ax, or a buck-saw, to earn a meal, has a palm -entirely unlike a cracksman.” - -“But you didn’t look at their hands!” - -“Yes, I did,” smiled Nick. “Now, if you please, I would like to see the -patrolman who found Gardner.” - -“You seem pretty well posted, Mr. Carter.” - -“I read the newspapers pretty carefully.” - -The patrolman was brought in, but the interview with him developed -nothing of importance. - -From police headquarters the detective went to the home of Alonzo -Burton, the bank watchman. - -Burton had his head bandaged, and was lying on a lounge in his little -front parlor. - -The air of the room was impregnated with a smell of arnica, and a buxom -young woman was moving about the place, waiting upon the sufferer. - -Burton told the ruse by which he had been lured out upon the sidewalk. - -He could give only a general and indefinite description of the man in -the frock coat and silk hat, and could give no description whatever of -the man’s companion. - -Like the other watchman, Burton had been knocked insensible very early -in the game. - -“They are old hands,” thought Nick, as he went away from the watchman’s -house. “Too bad that I am twenty-four hours late in reaching the scene. -It is a serious handicap.” - -He was bound for the bank, now, and in approaching the bank building he -came from the rear. - -Halting at the alley, he looked in. - -“Twenty or thirty paces,” he mused, recalling the statement made by -Gardner. - -He counted off twenty paces and then saw, a few feet in front of him, on -the right side of the alley, evidences of the struggle that had taken -place there. - -The feet of ruthless people had trodden ruthlessly about and over the -spot, but the evidences had not been entirely obliterated. - -The building on the right was a one-story structure, occupied by a -grocery. - -At the rear was a heap of empty boxes, and close to one of these boxes -a dark stain of blood marked the place where the watchman had lain. - -Nick searched the vicinity carefully. - -The outlook for evidence was unpromising, but he knew very well that -appearances were not always to be trusted. - -In a quarter of an hour he had gone over the ground thoroughly, and -under the edge of one of the boxes he had found a square card. - -It was made of fine, heavy bristol board, and was the general shape of a -visiting card such as a man might use. - -On the side which had undoubtedly borne the name and address were two -oblong blurs showing where a knife had scraped out the names and -numbers. - -On its reverse the card bore a stain of blood and these words, in -pencil: - -“Quarter to twelve, Mechlin, Gotham.” - -“Here’s something, at all events,” thought Nick. - -He placed the card carefully in his pocketbook; then, with a final look -at the spot where Gardner had had his life and death struggle, he -started slowly and thoughtfully out of the alley and toward the front of -the bank. - -Before he reached the bank entrance he came to a sudden halt. - -“By Jove!” he muttered. - -He did not go into the bank, at that moment, but hastened past the -entrance and turned in at a telegraph office further down the street. - -There he wrote out and sent the following “rush” message, the contents -being in cipher: - -“CHICKERING CARTER, New York: - - “Investigate No. 1145 Mechlin Street immediately. Send Patsy along - by first train. - -NICK.” - - - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -A MYSTERIOUS BULLET. - - -It was ten o’clock when Nick Carter walked into the People’s National -Bank, halted at the cashier’s window, and asked for Mr. Hepner. - -The cashier knew all the customers of the institution, and the sight of -a strange face prompted him to put a question on a matter that was -uppermost in his mind: - -“Are you Mr.----” - -“Yes,” interrupted the detective. “I am Mr. Nicholas, the man you are -looking for.” - -The cashier gave a start and looked at Nick blankly for a moment. - -Then his face cleared. - -“Ah, yes,” he smiled. “I understand. I will go in and tell Mr. Hepner -you are here, Mr. Nicholas.” - -“Just a moment. I would like a look at the vault before I talk with Mr. -Hepner.” - -“Very well, sir.” - -The cashier opened the door of the cage, and Nick stepped in, throwing a -critical glance about him as he walked to the wrecked doors of the -strong room. - -Brown soap lay thick on the edges of both doors. - -He passed inside the steel chamber, the cashier accompanying him. - -“Made a pretty clean sweep, did they?” Nick asked, looking keenly around -at the evidence of pillage. - -“They seemed to know just what they wanted, Mr. Car--er--Mr. Nicholas.” - -“That’s a way they have--sometimes. Did they make off with any specie?” - -“Both specie and bills.” - -“I see. Now I believe I will talk with Mr. Hepner.” - -The cashier took the detective to the president’s door and announced -him. - -“When did you get in, Mr. Carter?” asked the president, after greeting -his caller. - -“I would prefer to have you allude to me as Nicholas, Mr. Hepner. Cut -out the Carter, for the present.” - -“All right, Mr. Nicholas. When did you reach town?” - -“Last night.” - -“I have been looking for you to call for two hours or more.” - -“I was too busy to call before. Just how much more than five thousand -dollars did the thieves make way with, Mr. Hepner?” - -The president flashed a quick glance into the detective’s face. - -“What leads you to believe that they got any more than that amount?” he -asked. - -“Several things. You would not have wired me to take this case on my own -terms for a mere bagatelle of five thousand.” - -“Possibly not.” - -“And yeggmen with the experience of those who made this haul are not -running the risk for so small a figure. They timed their operations so -as to catch the vault with plenty of the ready inside.” - -“A simple case of deduction, by George!” exclaimed Hepner. “The reporter -for the papers here, however, believed the cashier’s statement as to the -amount of our losses.” - -“A reporter is not a detective, although occasionally a reporter will do -good work. Generally, though, they do more harm than good. How much are -you out, Mr. Hepner?” - -“About seventy-five thousand. Twenty thousand was turned in here on a -demand certificate of deposit, at almost closing time, Monday.” - -Nick brought his eyes suddenly in line with the president’s. - -“Did you see the man?” - -“Yes; I was at the cashier’s desk at the time.” - -“Please describe him.” - -“Short, thickset and prosperous looking, as a man would naturally be who -had that amount of money.” - -“What name did he give?” - -“Leonard Martin.” - -“How did he impress you, Mr. Hepner?” - -“He impressed me as being a Westerner.” - -“Good!” exclaimed Nick. “I am especially interested in Westerners, one -in particular, whom I’d give a good deal to lay my hands upon. But tell -me more about this fellow?” - -“Well, he had an easy, independent way with him, and when he talked he -used a vernacular only to be found beyond the Missouri.” - -“He was a stranger in town, you think?” - -“I don’t think anything about it--I know. He is one of a party of four -who are touring New England in an auto car.” - -“Still in town?” - -“Yes, and liable to be here for a few days, I guess.” - -“Why do you guess that?” - -“Good heavens!” exclaimed the president, suddenly. “It can’t be possible -you suspect this man of--of----” - -The president paused. - -“It is immaterial to you whom I suspect, Mr. Hepner,” said Nick, coolly, -“so long as I run down the thieves.” - -“Of course, of course! But you’re far afield, Mr. Nicholas, if that is -the point you are driving at.” - -“Which is your opinion,” commented Nick. “What makes you think that Mr. -Leonard Martin and his party are liable to be in Latimer for a few -days?” - -“Because their chauffeur is sick and the Red Spider cannot proceed -without a man to run it.” - -“The auto is named the Red Spider?” - -“Yes.” - -“Where is Mr. Martin staying?” - -“At the Central House.” - -“He feared to have so much money with him, and left it here for -safe-keeping, I suppose?” - -“That’s it. A very breezy, genial gentleman he is, too, Mr. Nicholas. I -assure you of that.” - -“Breezy enough, I dare say,” returned Nick, carelessly. - -“You gave a peculiar name to these robbers, a moment ago,” said the -president. “What was it you called them?” - -“Yeggmen.” - -“And what is a yeggman?” - -“Originally he was a hobo. Association with professional criminals, -either in prison or ‘on the road,’ has taught him a knowledge of high -explosives--how to extract nitroglycerin from dynamite, and how to use -nitro in blowing open safes, and so on. The methods of the ‘yeggs,’ as -compared with the old-time, skilled cracksman, are simple and -labor-saving.” - -“That is quite interesting. It has been a mystery to all of us how our -safe was blown open. Will you explain, Mr. Nicholas?” - -Nick complied, very briefly, and then, after a little more questioning, -arose to go. - -“If I can aid you in any way, Mr. Nicholas,” said the president, rising -to accompany the detective to the door, “do not fail to call on me. As -for your bill----” - -“You can consider the bill when I turn it in,” answered Nick. “There is -only one way in which you can help me, Mr. Hepner.” - -“How is that?” - -“I presume there are several auto cars in this town?” - -“Quite a number. I haven’t one myself, but Clarkson, one of our -directors, has a very swift machine.” - -“If I need that machine will Mr. Clarkson let me have it?” - -“Certainly. He will go with you himself and operate it for you.” - -“I will operate it, and will stand responsible for any damage I may do. -I would like to have the machine held in readiness for instant use.” - -“Where are you staying, Mr. Carter?” - -“I registered at the Holland Hotel.” - -“Then I will have Clarkson send the machine to the Holland Hotel -stables, subject to your order.” - -“I would prefer that you have the auto sent to the Central House barn, -Mr. Hepner. I think of changing my location.” - -“Very good. It will be some time, I suppose, before we can hope for any -results?” - -“Perhaps not so very long,” answered Nick, and took his leave. - -Going at once to the Holland Hotel, he paid his reckoning, took his grip -and had himself driven to the Central House. - -“James Nicholas, Montpelier, Vermont,” was the way he inscribed himself -on the register. - -Turning away, he lighted a cigar and threw himself into a chair by one -of the office windows. - -The Central House, in point of location, was anything but “central.” - -It was situated on the outskirts of the city, in a neighborhood at once -quiet and exclusive. - -For fifteen minutes or more Nick sat in the comfortable armchair, -smoking and thinking. - -He was sifting the evidence so far secured and wondering what Chick’s -investigation would lead to, if anything. - -Presently, the bell boy came up to him and touched him on the shoulder. - -“Mr. Nicholas,” said he, “you are wanted at the telephone.” - -“Where is it?” asked Nick, getting up. - -“This way, sir.” - -The detective was conducted to the rear of the office, some distance -back of the counter. - -The telephone box was under the stairway, side by side with a -ground-glass window overlooking a court. - -So close was the side of the box to the window that the glass in the box -and in the window were scarcely more than a foot apart. - -The receiver was lying on the top of the phone, and Nick took it down -and held it to his ear. - -“Is this Carter?” called a voice. - -“Who is this?” queried Nick. - -“Call me the man from Montana. I’m the pal of poor old Ramsay whom you -bagged the other day. I’m the only man left of the Western swindlers, -and you want me badly. You’re Nick Carter?” - -“My name is Nicholas.” - -“By thunder, you can’t fool me, Mr. Sleuth!” - -“What do you want?” asked the detective. - -“Simply wanted to get you into the telephone box. Right here is where -you connect with your finish, and----” - -The words were lost in a sharp report and a crashing of glass. - -Nick felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and, as he reeled backward and -dropped the receiver, he heard a mocking and triumphant laugh come over -the wire. - -“Great heavens!” he cried; “I’m shot--killed!” - -The next instant he burst out of the telephone box and fell into the -arms of the chief of police, the latter having arrived at the hotel but -a moment before. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -WARM WORK. - - -“Great guns!” exclaimed the chief. “What has happened, Mr.----” - -“Call me Nicholas,” hissed Nick, clinging to the chief and with lips -close to his ear. “I’m shot!” he cried again. “Some one fired into the -telephone box from the court. Help me to my room! Send for a -doctor--quick!” - -There was a great commotion in the hotel office. - -The clerk, the porters and the bell boys came running to the scene, -inquiring excitedly about the shooting. - -The chief turned Nick over to two of the porters, and he was carried -upstairs to his room and laid on the bed. - -At every step of the upward journey the detective let out a groan of -pain. - -One of the bell boys rushed away for the house physician. - -The porters lingered in Nick’s room, and so did the clerk, who had -accompanied them. - -“Don’t stay in the room, so many of you,” moaned Nick; “my nerves are -all on edge. Where’s the doctor? Isn’t he coming?” - -The clerk motioned to the porters, who at once withdrew. - -“The doctor will be here in a minute--ah, here he is now!” - -The doctor entered hurriedly, hatless and with his medicine case under -his arm. - -“What in Sam Hill is the matter?” he cried. “Man shot, right in the -hotel, in broad daylight? Outrageous! Unheard of!” - -“It’s a fact, nevertheless,” murmured Nick, “and I’ve got it good. Leave -me alone with the doctor, please,” he added, turning to the clerk. - -The clerk went away, closing the door softly behind him. - -Then Nick sat upon the edge of the bed, a half smile on his face. - -“Why--why, what are you doing that for?” queried the astounded doctor. - -“Sh-h-h!” whispered Nick. “The wound is nothing--it simply grazed my -shoulder. A piece of court-plaster is all it needs. If you have that -with you, doc, you can fix me all right in a jiffy.” - -“You acted as though you were half killed,” grumbled the doctor. - -“That’s all right,” Nick went on, in a low tone. “I’m a detective, and -I want it to appear as though I have received a bad wound and may be -laid up for a month. Are you willing to help out the cause of justice by -creating such an impression?” - -“I don’t understand----” - -“Of course you don’t, and it isn’t necessary that you should. I want you -to come here about every three hours and pretend to have seen a patient. -That’s easy enough, isn’t it? Here’s a twenty to pay you in advance for -your services.” - -“All right,” answered the physician, taking the money. “Now let me see -the shoulder.” - -Nick divested himself of coat and vest and opened his shirt at the neck. - -The wound was only a slight one, as the detective had said, and the -doctor quickly attended to it and prepared to leave. - -“Mind,” warned Nick, “you think I may be laid up for some time.” - -“All right,” laughed the doctor. “You detectives are queer fish.” - -“We have to be,” answered Nick, stretching himself out on the bed again. - -The chief came in just as the doctor went out. - -“How do you find him, doc?” the chief asked, anxiously. - -“Serious,” was the answer; “he may be laid up for a month.” - -The doctor went away, and the chief came up to the side of the bed. - -“This is too bad, Nicholas!” he exclaimed. - -“Lock the door,” said Nick. - -The chief was surprised at the strength of the detective’s voice. - -When he locked the door, he turned around and found the detective -sitting up. - -“Say,” muttered the officer, “what in thunder does all this mean?” - -“It means that I am faking,” replied Nick. - -“Faking?” - -“That’s it. I wasn’t badly wounded: only scratched.” - -“Who could have done it? What was the motive?” - -“The motive was to put me on the retired list. Can’t you imagine who -would want to do that?” - -“The bank robbers!” - -“Exactly. They have discovered that I am at work on the case, and they -have tried to take time by the forelock and do for me. It isn’t the -first time such a thing has happened, but it is the first time a -telephone was ever used as a trap. That was rather clever.” - -“I’m over my head, Nicholas; I can’t get next to you.” - -“It was a put-up job to get me out of the way, chief. I was called into -the telephone box by a man who told me I could call him the man from -Montana. This fellow acknowledged that he had lured me there for the -purpose of having me shot. That much he told me, and then his -confederate in the court blazed away.” - -“The audacity of it!” exclaimed the amazed officer. - -“More proof that these bank robbers are old hands. Did you look around -the court?” - -“Yes, but I couldn’t find a trace of anyone who might have committed the -outrage.” - -“I hardly expected that you would. It was well planned.” - -“But why did you act as though you were half killed?” - -“Because I want these scoundrels to think that their murderous plan -succeeded. If they believe that I am out of the way, it’s the biggest -kind of a trump in my hand.” - -“By Jupiter, that’s a fact! You’ve got a head on you, and no mistake. -Why, you weren’t more than half a second in evolving the plan, were -you?” - -“Not much longer, chief. The point that now confronts us is this: This -farce will have to be carried through to a finish. While I am working -outside, the general impression must be that I am laid up in this room.” - -“We can work that all right.” - -“I think so. The doctor already has his instructions. If you will put -one of your trusty plain-clothes men next to the scheme, and send him -here as a sort of nurse, I believe the plan can be carried through -without any trouble.” - -“I’ll arrange it.” - -“Then there’s another thing for you to do.” - -“What’s that?” - -“Send a man to the central telephone office and learn where the call for -Nicholas, Central Hotel, came from. - -“Let the man go to the place from which I was rung up, and, if possible, -get a description of the fellow who sent in the call.” - -“I’ll do it. It’s a great game you are playing, Mr. Carter.” - -“I’m playing for big stakes. But don’t call me Carter; Nicholas will do -for the present.” - -“I’ll remember. What are you going to do in the meantime?” - -“Lie here in bed until I hear what sort of a report your man makes about -the fellow who called me up.” - -“Will you stay here alone?” - -“You can send one of the bell boys to be with me until your man comes.” - -“All right.” The chief got up to go. “I’m surprised to learn that those -bank robbers are still in town.” - -“I’m not. This town is probably as safe for them as any other part of -the country. Hurry that fly cop over here, chief. I have warm work ahead -of me, and don’t want to be out of the running any longer than -necessary.” - -“Trust me to hustle things,” replied the chief, and took his departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE MEN FROM CHICAGO. - - -Presently the bell boy came up and found Nick stretched out on the bed. - -The boy was a quiet little chap, and brought Nick a pitcher of water and -a daily paper, and did a number of other things to make him comfortable. - -The detective was reading the paper when the plain-clothes man presented -himself. - -“I was sent over here to take care of you,” said he. - -He accompanied his words with a wink by way of informing the detective -that he knew what was expected of him. - -“Thank you,” said Nick. “What name?” - -“Jerome.” - -“Well, Mr. Jerome, may I trouble you to take a dollar out of my vest -pocket and give it to this boy?” - -The vest and coat were hanging over a chair, and Jerome secured the -dollar and handed it to the boy. - -As soon as the boy was gone, the detective sprang from the bed. - -“You know your duties, do you, Jerome?” - -“I’m going to pretend I’ve got you here, whether you’re here or not,” he -grinned. - -“That’s it; and you’re also to pretend that I’m a mighty sick man.” - -“I’ll play the part O. K., sir. Don’t worry about that.” - -“I don’t worry about much of anything, Jerome. It’s a waste of energy.” - -“You don’t believe in crossing bridges before you get to ’em, then?” - -“That depends on the bridge. What is the town of Latimer saying about an -attempted murder, in broad daylight, in a great hotel like this?” - -“People are talking less about that than they are about the ease with -which the man who perpetrated the outrage managed to slip away.” - -While Nick was talking with Jerome, he was changing his make-up. - -Presently he stood forth a younger man than “Nicholas” by some twenty -years. - -The spreading “Dundrearies” were gone and a black mustache ornamented -his upper lip. - -His clothes were different, and he was utterly unlike “Nicholas” in -manner as well as appearance. - -“By Jinks!” exclaimed Jerome. “You’re a great hand at that sort of -thing, Mr. Nicholas.” - -“Charlie Gordon now,” corrected Nick. - -“Mr. Gordon, then,” grinned the officer. - -A rap fell on the door. - -Nick motioned to Jerome to answer the summons. - -The caller proved to be the chief, and he was at once admitted. - -He looked at Nick in surprise, and then cast a quick look at the bed. - -“Well, you’ll pass,” he said, as the truth dawned on him. - -“What’s new?” asked the detective. - -“I called to report on that telephone matter.” - -“Good! The man you sent out must have been a live one to get back with a -report as soon as this.” - -“I attended to it myself.” - -“Much obliged, chief. Did you experience any difficulty?” - -“None at all. At central they told me that the call for Nicholas, at the -Central House, came from a pay station in a drug store. - -“I got the number of the drug store, and found that it is less than a -block from here. - -“At about the time you received your call, one of the clerks in the -store remembered seeing a short, thickset man----” - -“Short and thickset, eh?” interposed Nick. - -“Yes, and with red hair and a full red beard. This man went into the -box. When he came out he came in a hurry, and lost no time in getting -out of the store and away.” - -“That’s A-1, chief.” - -“Have you a theory?” - -“Regarding the bank robbers?” - -“Yes.” - -“I’m full of theories. I shall want your help in a few minutes. Will you -wait here until I come back? I can promise you that I won’t be gone -long.” - -“I’ll wait.” - -Thereupon Nick let himself quietly out of the room and descended the -stairs to the lower hall. - -Passing through the hall into the street, he re-entered the hotel by the -office doors. - -Going to the counter, he drew the register in front of him and began -looking it over. - -He finally found what he wanted, which was the following, written in an -easy and flowing hand: - -“Leonard Martin, Chicago.” - -This entry had been made on the preceding Saturday, and Nick saw that -Leonard Martin had been assigned to Room 13. - -Directly following this signature were three names, as follows: - -“Leslie Hibbard, Morris Markham and Emil Z. Schiffel,” all hailing from -the same place that claimed Mr. Martin. - -But there were check marks opposite the names of these three guests, -showing that they had balanced their accounts and left. - -“May I see the letters and telegrams?” Nick asked. - -The clerk handed over a bundle, and the detective proceeded to look at -them. - -There was a letter for Mr. Leonard Martin, bearing a Chicago postmark; -also a telegram for James Nicholas. - -Nick slipped the telegram into his pocket, unnoticed by the clerk, and -passed out through the doors again. - -This time he reversed his tactics, re-entered by the hall, and made his -way to his room on the second floor. - -He read his telegram. - -It was from Chick, and ran thus: - - “Look out for a man with a mole on his right cheek, short, - thickset, named Clancy. Will come with Patsy. Important that I - should see you.” - -“This short, thickset man is making himself pretty numerous,” thought -Nick, putting the telegram away in his grip. - -“What I want you to do, chief,” said Nick, approaching the officer, “is -to wire the Chicago chief of police and ask for immediate information -about a man named Leonard Martin. If the Chicago people know such a man, -I’d like to learn his present whereabouts.” - -“I’ll send the dispatch at once,” said the chief. - -“Have the answer left with Jerome, when it comes.” - -“Very well.” - -The chief left the room and passed down the stairs. - -Nick went out, a few moments afterward, but did not descend to the first -floor. - -On the contrary, he made his way along the hall to Room 13. - -There was no one else in the passage, and he paused at the door and -listened intently. - -All was quiet inside. - -Stooping, he peered through the keyhole. - -The key was not in the lock, on the inside, so it seemed fairly certain -that Mr. Martin was out. - -With a final swift glance up and down the passage, Nick drew a skeleton -key from his pocket and quickly opened the door. - -To step inside and softly reclose the door was the work of only a -moment. - -The room was exactly like the usual hotel chamber. - -There were two doors opening to right and left, so that, if desired, the -apartment could be used _en suite_ with others adjoining. - -On the bed lay an open satchel, its contents very much disarranged. - -The owner had apparently left it in a hurry. - -Nick went over to the bed and looked down at the contents of the grip. - -The first object to catch his eye was a red wig with a false beard of -the same color attached. - -This interested him mightily. - -There was a fat wallet in the satchel, and---- - -Just at that point the detective, steel-nerved though he was, -experienced something like a shock. - -A dresser stood at the end of the room, at right angles with the foot of -the bed. - -Out of the corner of his eyes Nick caught a glimpse of the glass, and in -it was reflected the figure of a man. - -The man had opened the door leading off to the left and was standing -just within it, coolly eying the detective. - -Furthermore, this man was short and thickset, and there was a black mole -on his right cheek. - -Not only that, but he had a revolver in his hand and was training it -full upon the intruder. - -In a flash Nick had made up his mind as to what he should do. - -This man, of all others, must not take him for a prying detective. - -It would be better for him to consider Nick as a common sneak thief. - -So the detective set about to foster the latter impression. - -Catching up the wallet, he slipped it into his coat pocket. - -Then he began throwing the other contents of the grip aside in a seeming -eagerness to find something else of value. - -“There, my man, that’ll do!” - -The voice came from the man in the doorway, and Nick sprang round, the -very picture of trepidation and fear. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -NICK BECOMES CHAUFFEUR. - - -“Don’t shoot!” pleaded the detective, cringing before the pointed gun; -“for Heaven’s sake, don’t shoot!” - -“What do you mean by sneaking into this room?” demanded the man, making -a threatening gesture with the revolver. - -Nick thought he recognized the voice. - -It sounded strangely like the tone assumed by the man from Montana, -through the phone. - -“My wife and family are starving,” said Nick, in a choking voice; “I can -get no work, and they must live.” - -“Bah! What do I care for your wife and family? You can’t ring in a bluff -of that kind on me, not on your life. You’re a common, ordinary, -go-as-you-please sneak thief, and right here is where you are going to -get it in the neck!” - -The man took a sidestep to the left, still holding the gun on Nick, and -reached his left hand toward the push-button above the speaking tube. - -“Oh, don’t, sir!” implored Nick, wringing his hands. “Let me go! I beg -of you to let me go!” - -“Shut up, you coward!” gritted the man. “If you had any nerve about you, -I might be tempted to cut you loose; but I haven’t any sort of use for a -sniveling, chicken-hearted coyote like you are showing yourself to be.” - -His hand rested on the round piece of wood that framed the push-button, -but he did not ring the bell. - -Nick gave vent to a hollow groan, sank to his knees, and covered his -face with his hands. - -“Look here, you!” growled the man with the gun. “You’re pretty well -dressed for a man working this sort of graft.” - -“I’ve seen better days,” sniffed Nick. - -“Bother! Better days don’t count. It’s what you are to-day, not last -week, or last year. What do you call yourself?” - -“My real name do you want, or the one I have been going by?” - -“The one you go by now.” - -“Chuffer Jones.” - -The man with the gun gave a start. - -“Chuffer!” he exclaimed. “You mean Chauffeur, don’t you?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Why were you called that?” - -“Because of my trade, sir.” - -“You know how to run these automobiles?” - -“That used to be my business. But I took to drink, sir, and lost job -after job. Then I took to this graft.” - -“What’s your record?” - -“It’s terrible, sir.” - -“How terrible?” - -“Five years in Sing Sing and ten in Stillwater.” - -A gleam had come into the murky eyes of the man with the gun. - -“I suppose you know,” said he, “that I could jab this button and have -the house policeman up here in about two minutes.” - -“Mercy!” gasped Nick, all but tying himself up in a knot. - -“Oh, brace up, brace up!” grunted the other. “Haven’t you got any sand -at all?” - -“How much sand do you expect a man to have when he’s caught red-handed -like this?” - -“You ought to back your legitimate amount of nerve, no matter what -happens. You know, I suppose, that I could send you up for quite a spell -for what you have tried to do here this afternoon?” - -“In the name of----” - -“Will you hush that yaup?” said the man with the gun, exasperated. - -“But if you knew----” - -“I know you’re a sneak thief, and that I’ve got you dead to rights. -Understand? Now, if you want to do the right thing, there’s a chance for -you to square yourself with me.” - -“What is it?” cried Nick, eagerly. - -“First, hand over that leather.” - -The detective forked it over. - -“Take anything else?” - -“Didn’t have time.” - -“Well, young man, my name is Leonard Martin. I’m from Chicago, and I’m -touring New England with three friends of mine, traveling in one of -these auto cars. The machine belongs to me, but I haven’t the first -notion how to run the thing. One of my friends knows the ropes, but he -was taken sick a day or two ago, and will be hung up here for quite a -spell. Now, if you want to run the Red Spider for me----” - -“Oh, thank you, thank you!” mumbled Nick, with another contortion. - -“You whining fool!” growled Mr. Martin, testily, “will you shut up?” - -“Yes, sir; yes, sir!” - -“Then, if you want to save your scalp, you can drive the Red Spider for -me.” - -“All right, sir.” - -“That is,” qualified Martin, “if you can. I’m going to try you right -now.” - -Once more he reached out his left hand, and this time he pressed the -bell. - -“Order the Red Spider around to the office entrance,” he called down the -tube. - -Turning away from the wall, he again addressed himself to the detective. - -“I’m taking you into my employ, Jones,” he went on, “but at the first -sign of disloyalty I shall turn you over to the police.” - -“I understand, sir.” - -“Try to run away from me, and I’ll have you hounded down if it costs me -every dollar I’ve got in the world.” - -Nick shivered. - -“And another thing,” went on Martin, “you’re to let whisky alone. -There’s a time for lushing, as for everything else, and when I’m ready -to have you booze, I’ll let you know.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Come on, then. And don’t forget that I’ve got this right here, ready -for use.” - -Martin thrust the six-shooter into his hip pocket with a flourish, and -Nick had another shiver. - -They passed out into the hall and downstairs to the office. - -At the counter Martin halted for a word with the clerk. - -“How’s that man who got shot?” - -“Poorly, sir, poorly,” replied the clerk. - -“Will he be in bed long?” - -“He may never leave his bed, Mr. Martin.” - -“Tough, mighty tough,” mused the kind-hearted Mr. Martin, and passed out -to his waiting auto. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -FOLLOWING A THEORY. - - -Nick looked the machine over with a critical eye. - -It was an ordinary, two-thousand-dollar, single-cylinder, American-made -car, and looked as though it might be able to work up considerable -speed. - -It was painted red, and had the squat, sprawled-out appearance of the -ill-omened thing after which it was named. - -Nick Carter could drive any kind of a car, and so could Chick. - -The detectives had acquired the knowledge as they acquired everything -else which even remotely promised to be of aid to them in their work. - -Martin climbed into the machine, and Nick followed. - -“Now, then,” said Martin, “let her go!” - -Nick started off in fine style, guiding the broad-tired wheels on a hair -line. - -“You’ll do,” said Martin, approvingly. “I think you can run the Spider -better than Emil ever dared to. Keep along this road, right on out into -the suburbs. I’ll tell you when I want to stop.” - -They reeled off about a mile before Nick got the order to halt. - -The stop was made in front of a two-story brick house. - -“I’ll get out here, and you can wait for me,” said Martin. “Better turn -on the electricity in the lamps, for it will be pretty dark when we -start back.” - -Martin got out and went up the steps and into the house, and Nick turned -the electricity into the side lamps and settled himself back in the seat -as comfortably as he could. - -Presently he became aware that a roughly dressed man, with his hands in -his trousers’ pockets, was sizing up the machine through the semigloom. - -“What’s one ov them there dinguses wuth?” the man inquired. - -“More than you’ll ever salt away,” answered Nick. - -“I want tew knaow! Naow, mister, ef yeou’ll jist tell me----” - -Nick started up suddenly in his seat, and swept a quick glance around. - -“You’re taking a big risk, chief!” he muttered. - -“Got an answer to that Chicago telegram, and had to see you,” the chief -replied. - -“Do you often tog up like that?” - -“Not often; that’s something I leave to my under-strappers. But in this -instance, as only Jerome and I know your make-up, and Jerome can’t be -spared, I decided to help you out.” - -“How did you know I was here?” - -“Saw you come out of the hotel, and followed along on a bike that stood -at the curb.” - -“Bully for you, chief!” exclaimed Nick. “That answer from Chicago got -around in short order.” - -“It had the right of way, and they must have known all about this -Leonard Martin at headquarters.” - -“What of him?” - -“The Chicago chief says that he’s one of the shining lights of the bar, -in that place, and that some time ago he started to tour New England in -his auto, the Red Spider, with three friends. The party, at this time, -is believed to be somewhere in Vermont.” - -“That all?” - -“Isn’t it enough?” - -“I think so,” returned Nick, musingly. - -He was “up a stump,” so to speak. - -Something was wrong, for this Chicago information did not jibe with his -own deductions--and he was ready to bank on his deductions. - -“What in Sam Hill are you running that machine for?” queried the curious -chief. - -“Following out a theory,” returned Nick. Then he suddenly aroused -himself. “We may be watched from the house,” said he, “and you hadn’t -ought to hang around long.” - -“I’m ready to go now.” - -“Wait. I’m expecting two of my assistants from New York--Chick and -Patsy. It’s ten to one that I’ll be bowling along through the country in -this machine before many hours have passed, and I want Chick and Patsy -to follow in another auto.” - -“Where’ll they get the auto?” - -“There’s one, subject to my order, in the Central House stable--a -machine belonging to Mr. Clarkson, one of the directors of the People’s -National Bank.” - -“I know the machine well. Clarkson has been hauled up half a dozen times -for exceeding the speed limit.” - -“Well, that’s the machine I want Chick and Patsy to follow with.” - -“How will your assistants keep track of you?” - -“Trust them for that.” - -“But if the Red Spider pulls out before they get here----” - -“It won’t. I’ll see that it doesn’t.” - -Nick had not got quite through with the chief, but was obliged to break -off his talk at that moment. - -There came the sound of a closing door from the brick house, and Martin -appeared and came down the steps to the sidewalk. - -The chief did not attempt to run, but stood his ground. - -“Hosses aire good enough fer me, by gosh!” he exclaimed. “I wouldn’t -give ye twenty-five cents fer a dozen o’ them there machines.” - -Martin paid no attention to the supposed “hayseed,” beyond flashing a -curious look at him as he climbed into the auto. - -“Back to the hotel, Jones,” said Martin. - -“G’lang, ye rubber-tired freak!” whooped the man on the walk, as the Red -Spider started off. - -“We’re going to pull out of here to-night,” observed Martin. - -“Which way do we travel?” - -“Never you mind which way we travel!” was the sharp response. “All you -got to do is to work the levers and steer where I tell you to.” - -“Certainly, sir.” - -“We’ll take the Red Spider to the barn,” went on Martin, “and then we’ll -go to the hotel.” - -“Where’ll I put up?” asked Nick. - -“You remember the room next to the one where you were operating this -afternoon?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Well, it’s empty, and you can occupy that. You’re not going to get out -of my sight while we’re in town.” - -Nick did not fancy this arrangement, but there was nothing else for him -to do except to proceed as Martin directed. - -As they trundled into the bar, they saw another auto standing near the -door. - -“Whose machine is that?” asked Martin. - -“It belongs to Mr. Clarkson,” replied one of the men connected with the -stable. - -It was an electric vehicle--a fact which Nick was glad to observe. - -Being electric, it was practically noiseless. - -The Red Spider, on the other hand, had a gasoline motor, and pounded -along in a way that would make it heard at some distance. - -Chick and Patsy would thus have the advantage in the chase; they could -hear the Spider fanning along, but those on the Spider would not be able -to hear them. - -On leaving the barn, Martin and Nick went upstairs to the former’s -rooms. - -Nick was shown into the room on the left. - -This room had a door opening upon the hall, and Martin locked it and put -the key in his pocket. - -Then he ordered the detective to hand over the skeleton key which had -been of such good service several hours before. - -Thinking that he now had his chauffeur just where he wanted him, Martin -went into the other chamber and threw himself down on the bed with his -clothes on. - -Martin need not have worried about Nick taking “French leave.” - -The detective was only too glad to be in the society of the supposed -Chicago men, and would not leave until he had satisfied himself on one -or two points. - -It was about five o’clock in the morning when Nick was summoned to get -up and make ready for the start. - -They did not stop for breakfast, but, as Martin said, they would get -something to eat at a town a little further on. - -As they passed through the office, Nick saw a man seated in a chair, and -apparently sound asleep. - -The man was Chick, and he was not so sound asleep as he seemed to be. - -Martin paid his bill, and he and Nick walked out to the Red Spider, -which stood at the curb in front. - -Nick cast a casual glance through the window near which Chick had been -sitting. - -His chair was empty. - -There were two men on the rear seat of the automobile; men who had faces -of the recognized criminal type. - -Martin climbed into the machine, and Nick followed, the two men on the -rear seat eying him sharply. - -“Start east and take the first turn to the left,” ordered Martin, “then -follow that road right out of town and into the country.” - -Nick put the car in motion. - -As he turned the corner he caught a glimpse of Clarkson’s machine just -rounding the hotel from the direction of the barn. - -Chick and Patsy were on the seat, and Chick was doing the driving. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -OVER THE BRIDGE. - - -Each man in the touring party carried a large satchel, and Nick noticed -that he took very good care of the grip, never letting it get out of his -hands for an instant. - -The satchels appeared to be rather heavy, and once, when one of them -dropped to the bottom of the auto, the detective heard a jingle as of -coin. - -The morning was bright, the air was fresh, and for five miles the Red -Spider cut along at a smart clip. - -“Show me how to operate the thing,” said Martin, and Nick instructed him -in the art. - -“How long have you had this machine, Mr. Martin?” Nick asked. - -A silence followed the question, during which Martin exchanged looks -with the men on the rear seat. - -“Close onto two years,” said Martin, finally. “What do you want to know -for?” - -“It seems strange that you haven’t learned something about running the -Red Spider in two years.” - -Martin leaned forward and rapped Nick on the shoulder. - -“Look here, Jones,” he growled, “don’t you get too blamed inquisitive. -It’s liable to strike in and carry you off.” - -After that Nick held his peace for a time, but there were a whole lot of -things he wanted to know, and he wasn’t long in opening up again. - -“Chicago is a great town,” he remarked. - -“Bet your life!” exclaimed Martin. - -“I used to do janitor work in the Guggenheimer Building,” confided Nick. - -“Is that so?” - -“Sure. You know anything about Chicago?” - -“Well, rather. I’ve lived there about all my life.” - -“Then you know the Guggenheimer Building, corner State and Madison -Streets?” - -“Like a book. Been in it more times than I can count.” - -The detective wanted to laugh. - -There was no such building in Chicago. - -“Do you remember the orang-outang, carved out of marble, that they’ve -got over the door of the Guggenheimer Building?” Nick went on. - -“You bet. Seen it a hundred times.” - -“Gosh!” exclaimed Nick. “It seems like meeting old friends to run across -a man who remembers that orang-outang.” - -At the end of the five miles there was a little town called Herkimer, -and here the party stopped for breakfast. - -When they got down from the machine and went into the hotel, they took -their satchels with them. - -Nick got outside of his meal and returned to the Red Spider several -minutes before the rest of the party had finished and left the table. - -The detective knew very well that Chick and Patsy wouldn’t bring their -machine up to the place while the Red Spider was in evidence, but he -wanted some assurance that his assistants were following. - -He got what he wanted, for Patsy appeared in the road, back at a point -where it made a turn in the woods, and gave his hat a wave. - -Patsy then disappeared, and Nick felt much easier in his mind. - -“It’s a cinch,” thought Nick, “that not one of this outfit of supposed -Chicago men knows anything about Chicago. - -“And another thing, Martin never had the Red Spider for two years, or -he’d know how to run it. - -“But what did the Chicago chief of police mean by that message he sent -to the police department in Latimer?” - -Nick was exceedingly thoughtful for a few moments. - -“I’d like to pinch the entire outfit, and make them prove that they’re -what they say they are,” he said to himself, finally, and gave a look -down the road, as though he would summon Chick and Patsy. - -But Chick and Patsy were not in sight. - -If Nick could have known what Martin and his two friends were talking -about in the hotel, however, it is safe to assume that he would have -made the effort of his life to arrest the three men before they had gone -another mile further. - -“I don’t like the looks of that driver of yours, Clancy,” one of -Martin’s pals was saying. - -“He’s all right, I tell you, Spark,” averred Clancy. “Didn’t I spot him -while trying to sneak a wallet in my room? I’ve got the fellow right -under my thumb, and he knows it.” - -“He looks to me as though he’s playing a part. Don’t you think so, -Cricket?” - -“He looks all right to me,” replied Cricket. - -“We ought to get rid of him,” persisted Spark. - -“What’s got you on the run, old man?” queried Clancy. - -“Give it up; but I’ve got a feeling that there’s trouble ahead. And look -here--I’ll bet I can prove to you that this Jones, as he calls himself, -is crooked.” - -“If you can do that, Spark,” said Clancy, “we’ll salt him too quick.” - -“Can you run the Spider now, Clancy?” - -“Well enough to take us where we want to go. But come on, if you’re -through. It’s time we hit the trail.” - -They got up, picked up their satchels from beside their chairs, and went -out and got into the auto. - -“Keep right on along the turnpike, Jones, just as we were going before -we stopped,” said Martin. - -Nick carried out his orders, and they were soon spinning along in a due -north direction. - -“Did you have any trouble in connecting with the twenty thousand, -Clancy?” asked Cricket. - -Clancy! - -The word was out of Cricket’s mouth before he fairly realized that he -had said it. - -Savage looks were darted at him by Clancy and Spark, and then all three -fixed their eyes upon Nick. - -Apparently he had not heard the word. - -“No trouble at all,” said Clancy. - -“It was easy money,” went on Cricket, “and earned you a hundred per -cent. overnight.” - -Nick knew that Clancy and Cricket were talking about the demand -certificate for twenty thousand dollars which the former had got from -the People’s National Bank on Monday afternoon. - -Here was proof that the money had been deposited, stolen back, and -collected again on the demand certificate. - -The detective was more than ready now to take chances in capturing the -three scoundrels. - -Some parts of the deal were still dark to him, but he was sure of his -ground so far as Clancy and his two pals were concerned. - -But how were the men to be captured? - -With two at his back and one beside him, to attempt to make an arrest -single-handed would have been the height of folly. - -A startling expedient occurred to Nick. - -Why not wreck the machine? - -That would give Chick and Patsy a chance to come up and take a hand in -the capture. - -Nick looked ahead. - -The turnpike wound around through the hills, and was bordered with large -trees. - -Some of these trees stood out close to the roadway, and it would be a -comparatively easy matter to speed up the auto and smash against a tree. - -The collision would certainly wreck the Red Spider, and it might also -cause the gasoline tank to explode. - -In the latter event it was a question whether any of the party would be -left alive to tell the tale. - -Nick had no desire to cut short his career on that lonely turnpike in -northern Vermont, but still he realized that he would have to take -chances, no matter what course he pursued. - -In the distance he could see a plank bridge crossing a stream. - -The edge of the bridge was guarded with a low wooden railing, and to run -the Red Spider into the railing and off the bridge would not be a -difficult task. - -But that would be infinitely more dangerous than running the auto into a -tree. - -Nick, therefore, decided on a collision. - -The approach to the bridge was slightly downhill, and he started the -Spider at a tremendous clip. - -“Slower, slower!” shouted Clancy. “Do you want to wreck us?” - -“It’s out of control!” cried Nick. “I can’t do anything with it!” - -The Spider was shooting toward a tree, a hundred feet ahead, and Nick -seemed to be working frantically at the levers in an attempt to stop it. - -Suddenly Spark, who sat directly behind Nick, thrust a hand in his -pocket and slipped his fingers through a set of brass knuckles. - -Bringing the hand out of his pocket, Spark half arose and dealt the -detective a smashing blow on the back of the head. - -Nick fell forward, stunned and helpless. - -“He was shamming!” cried Spark; “quick, Clancy! Turn the machine, or -we’re gone!” - -Clancy flung himself on the steering lever and swerved the auto so that -it missed the tree by a hair’s breadth. - -A moment more and he had halted the ponderous machine. - -“He was trying to do for us,” said Spark, excitedly. - -“But why in the fiend’s name should he try to wreck us?” answered -Clancy. “He would have done for himself as well.” - -“He had some game, I tell you,” persisted Spark. “He must be one of Nick -Carter’s men. He wants revenge for what you and I did to Carter, -Clancy.” - -“Bosh! Your nerves are running away with you, Spark.” - -“Look here!” - -Spark leaned over Nick and tore the false mustache from his lip. - -“Now what do you think? This sneak thief of yours, Clancy, has been in -disguise!” - -Clancy voiced a lurid oath. - -“I wish I knew Carter’s assistants,” he added, with a fierce growl; “but -I don’t even know Carter himself, except from description.” - -“Are you sure we got Carter at the hotel?” queried Cricket. - -“Nicholas is the name he uses, now and then, and we know he took that -bank robbery case. You followed him from the Holland Hotel to the -Central House, Cricket, and ought to know him, if anybody does.” - -“Nicholas was disguised,” said Cricket, “and I couldn’t tell what he -looked like with the disguise off. But he didn’t look anything like this -fellow.” - -“This chap is trying to plug our game, anyhow,” said Clancy, a savage -gleam in his eyes, “and right here is our chance to get rid of him. -Bring out a couple of ropes, Cricket.” - -Cricket fumbled around in the bottom of the auto, and finally found a -piece of rope, which he cut in two. - -Nick was still unconscious, and did not recover his wits until the tying -operation had been completed. - -When he opened his eyes, Clancy was going through his pockets. - -“Guns, and handcuffs, and a pocket bull’s-eye,” muttered Clancy, -producing the articles one by one and handing them over the back of the -front seat to Spark and Cricket. “A nice equipment for a sneak thief to -tote around with him. He’s Nick Carter’s assistant, all right.” - -“He has two men assistants,” spoke up Spark--“Chick and Patsy.” - -“I have heard of them,” said Clancy, with an oath. “Here, you!” he -added, grabbing Nick by the shoulders and giving him a rough shake; -“what sort of a deal were you trying to ring in on us?” - -“Who hit me?” demanded Nick. - -“I did,” asserted Spark. “What did you try to wreck the auto for?” - -“I couldn’t manage it.” - -“Bah!” snorted Clancy. “You’re one of Nick Carter’s men, we know that, -and right here is where our trails divide. I’m from Montana, I am, and -Ramsay, a man Nick Carter hounded into the penitentiary, was a pal of -mine. - -“I swore, when Ramsay got sent over the road, the other day, that I’d -never rest until I had played even with Carter on Ramsay’s account. - -“I have pretty near succeeded in doing that, I reckon. Cricket shadowed -Carter from the Holland Hotel to the Central House and reported to Spark -and me. Then I put up that job and called up Carter on the Central House -phone. Spark was beside the glazed window in the court, and he fired the -shot that put this crack detective of yours out of the chase after these -bank robbers. - -“I didn’t count on having such good luck as to connect with one of -Carter’s assistants; and now that we’ve got you, Jones, or whatever your -name is, we’ll see that you’re properly taken care of.” - -“You may be able to take care of me,” said the detective, “but you’ll -still have Nick Carter to settle with.” - -“Carter!” sneered Clancy. “Why, he ain’t in it with me when it comes -down to head work. I can think all around him any day in the week.” - -“You’re thinking all around him now,” answered Nick, quietly. - -“What do you mean by that?” - -“You’ll know some time.” - -“Quit this fooling!” cried Spark. “Let’s get rid of the fool and then -push on toward the Canadian line. I won’t feel easy till we cross the -border.” - -That was Nick’s first clew to the intentions of Clancy and his pals. - -They were working to get into Canada, where an American detective could -not touch them without going through a lot of red-tape proceedings. - -If these men were captured, it must be before they crossed the line. - -“How’ll we fix him?” asked Clancy. - -“A gun is good enough,” said Cricket. - -“A knife is better,” supplemented Spark. “It makes less noise.” - -“What do we care for noise?” asked Clancy, with a harsh laugh; “there is -no one within a mile of us. But I know a trick worth two of either one -of those.” - -“What is it?” inquired Spark. - -“We’ll give him a chance to swim without the use of his hands or feet.” - -“That’s the talk!” declared Cricket. - -“Make for the bridge,” added Spark, “and we’ll toss him over.” - -Clancy ran the Red Spider to the foot of the hill and onto the bridge, -halting close to the right-hand railing. - -Then he and Spark stood up, Nick was caught by the feet and shoulders -and swung back and forth. - -“One, two, three,” counted Clancy; “now, then!” - -The form of the detective was released and went whirling outward and -downward. - -“Help!” he cried, at the top of his voice; “the river!” Then he splashed -into the water and went plunging away on the breast of the swift -current. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -ONE WAY TO STOP AN AUTO. - - -Nick’s cry for help and his reference to the river were intended for the -ears of Chick and Patsy. - -If they failed him, Nick felt that his case was hopeless. - -The stream into which he was thrown was narrow and winding, and, at that -point, flowed with great force. - -The swiftness of the current bore the detective up and kept him from -sinking. - -The men in the Red Spider watched until he was carried around a bend in -the stream, and then continued on, confident that they had been -completely successful in their murderous designs. - -The torrent was full of drift, and Nick, half strangled and dizzy, felt -that his chief danger lay in being struck by some of the logs that were -spinning along with him on the surface of the water. - -But this fact, so far from being a danger, proved his salvation. - -An uprooted tree came sweeping toward him, and he was caught in the -spreading branches. - -Tangled among the limbs, as he ultimately became, it was impossible for -him to sink, and for a short distance he rode along with his head out of -the torrent. - -Presently the tree lodged in a jam of driftwood, and Nick watched the -whirling débris shoot against the jam and pass on, missing his head -sometimes by no more than an inch. - -“Help!” he called again, “This way, Chick! Patsy! Help!” - -He did not call in vain, for Chick and Patsy suddenly appeared on the -bank, the former with a coil of rope in his hands. - -“We’ll have you in a minute, old man!” cried Chick, cheerily. “I’ll -throw the rope and you can catch it.” - -“No, I can’t,” answered Nick. “My hands are tied.” - -“Here,” said Patsy, grabbing one end of the rope and tying it about his -waist. “I can go out on that tree and fish Nick out of the branches. I’m -a regular cat when it comes to walking a log.” - -“All right, Patsy,” said Chick. “Mind your eye and be careful that the -tree doesn’t turn with you.” - -Patsy started, made his way into the branches, knelt down, and cut the -rope from Nick’s hands. - -Nick was then able to help, and his rescue was not long in being -effected. - -On reaching the bank, he dropped down for a moment, completely -exhausted. - -“Wouldn’t this give you a jolt?” muttered Patsy, as he cut the rope from -Nick’s ankles. “They expected him to swim with his hands and feet tied.” - -“They expected me to go to the bottom,” returned Nick, “and I’d have -done it, too, if you and Chick hadn’t been handy by.” - -He arose to his feet. - -“We haven’t any time to waste here,” he went on, giving himself a shake -and throwing as much water as he could out of his soaked clothing. -“Where’s the auto?” - -“On the turnpike, about a hundred yards away,” replied Chick. - -“Then let’s get to it and keep on after that outfit. They’re making for -the Canadian line, and we’ve got to stop them before they get across.” - -“Then we’ll have to rush,” said Chick. “The border isn’t more than -twenty miles away.” - -They all realized the value of the minutes that were slipping past, and -ran for the turnpike, sprang into the auto, and started on at top speed. - -After they had crossed the bridge and got some distance beyond, they -began to look and listen for some sign of the Spider. - -They could hear nothing. - -“Give her every ounce of power!” cried Nick, and Chick turned on the -current full drive. - -“We’ll overhaul ’em,” averred Chick, “providing something doesn’t give -way.” - -“And providing we’re on the right track,” added Nick; “they may have -scented trouble and turned off the main road.” - -“We’ll soon find out. Who are they?” - -“They are the men who robbed the bank at Latimer, Monday night. One of -them is short, thickset and has a mole on his right check----” - -“Clancy!” cried Chick. - -“If we get near enough,” put in Patsy, lifting a repeating rifle from -the bottom of the auto, “we can stop them with this.” - -“Where did you get that?” asked Nick. - -“The proprietor of the barn, in Latimer, had it, and I borrowed it. -There’s more range to this than there is to a six-shooter.” - -Again they listened, and a worried look overspread Nick’s face when they -failed to hear the pounding of the gasoline auto. - -“There hasn’t been a road, so far, that they could turn off on,” said -Chick, “so it’s a safe-money guess that we’re behind them.” - -“At this rate we ought to come up with them before long,” returned Nick. -“What did you find at 1145 Mechlin Street, Chick?” - -“It was Mechlin Avenue.” - -“That’s immaterial. You found the place?” - -“Like a top.” - -“What sort of a place is it?” - -“A tough boarding house run by a hag who has a son called Five Points.” - -“Well?” - -“I went to the hang-out in a tough disguise, and had no difficulty in -getting lodging. I thought I might have to stay a day or two, but a -couple of hours was enough.” - -“What did you learn?” - -“Lots; and it was hot stuff, too.” - -Again they listened and looked for the Red Spider, but in vain. - -Nor had they yet passed any crossroad, so they felt sure their men must -still be ahead of them. - -“Go on, Chick,” said Nick. - -“The hag that bossed the roost was having a confab with a brother of -hers, in the sitting room of the place. - -“The brother was as clear a case of grafter as I ever saw--he had all -the marks from soles to headpiece. - -“It seems that he was out for the stuff, and wanted to join a gang where -there would be something doing. - -“The old woman was putting him next to a touch of the warm variety, and, -say! I heard enough to land them both in the Tombs. - -“The hag was telling about her son, Five Points, and how he had -connected with a Montana man who was working a graft that was as novel -as it was successful. - -“The old woman, you see, thought that her brother might be able to join -the same gang, and he was dead anxious to make the attempt. - -“From what the hag said, it appears that there were four in Clancy’s -party--Clancy himself, Five Points, a man called Spark, and another -known as Cricket. - -“They came together at some place in Vermont, and captured an auto car -belonging to some Chicago people who were doing the New England States. - -“Clancy, it seems, had had his eye on this party for some time. - -“He is a gambler and appears to have plenty of money, so that he could -have bought his own machine if he had wanted to, but that wasn’t his -object. - -“He lays for the Red Spider, makes prisoners of the Chicago men, and -tucks them away somewhere in the Vermont woods where they will be safe; -then he and his outfit gets into the Chicago men’s clothes, and go -piking around the circle as Leonard Martin, Leslie Hibbard, Morris -Markham and Emil Z. Schiffel----” - -“By Jupiter!” exclaimed Nick, as the whole graft dawned on him. “That -was a clever game, for no one could ever suspect these rich Chicago men -of looting a bank, or doing any other crooked work.” - -“Clancy has a good head for that kind of business.” - -“The old woman was well informed, it seems to me.” - -“She got her information through Five Points, I suppose, who knows -something about driving an automobile.” - -“Why did you wire me to look out for Clancy?” - -“The old woman described Clancy to her brother, so that he would know -him at sight. She also mentioned that he was a pal of Ramsay’s, and had -come East with a double purpose--to clear up as much good money as he -could and, incidentally, to settle Nick Carter.” - -“He’s tried it twice,” said Nick, “and----” - -“Listen!” broke in Patsy. “That other auto is dead ahead. Can’t you hear -it?” - -They could hear it plainly, the chough, chough, chough coming to their -ears with great distinctness. - -“Now, then,” muttered Nick, “if this machine holds together, we’ll be up -with them in a very few minutes. Let me have one of your revolvers, -Patsy.” - -“Take ’em both,” said Patsy, tendering the weapons; “I’ll use the -rifle.” - -“Better let me take the rifle,” returned Nick, a sudden idea coming to -him. - -“All right.” - -Patsy handed over the gun. - -The next instant the auto rounded a hill and the Red Spider came into -sight. - -It was some distance off and racing at a speed which caused it to lurch -dangerously from side to side. - -“A stern chase is usually a long one, but I don’t think this will be,” -muttered Nick. “We’re gaining at every jump.” - -“And they don’t know yet that we’re after them,” chuckled Patsy. - -“They know now,” said Chick. “One of them, on the rear seat, is turning -around. There! He’s trying a shot.” - -The report of a revolver echoed out, but the range was too great for -effective shooting with small arms. - -“Give ’em the Winchester, Nick!” suggested Patsy. - -“I will,” replied Nick, “and I’ll cripple the Spider so we can overhaul -it in less time than ever.” - -He threw the repeater to his shoulder and sighted it long and carefully. - -It was a pretty shot that he intended making, for not only must he take -into consideration the motion of his own auto, but of the Red Spider as -well. - -Suddenly he pulled the trigger. - -A loud report volleyed out, and instantly the Spider began to wobble. - -The speed of the gasoline machine was reduced at least one-half. - -“By thunder!” exulted Patsy; “he’s punctured one of the rear tires!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -PATSY’S CAPTURE. - - -“We’ll be on them in a minute,” said Nick. “Got an extra pair of -handcuffs, Patsy?” - -“Sure!” and Patsy dove into his pocket and brought out a pair of -bracelets. - -“I was pretty well stripped by Clancy and his gang before they threw me -in the river,” went on Nick. - -“We’ll get your property back in short order, Nick,” said Chick. - -“We’ll have a fight first. By George! they’re jumping from the -automobile and taking to the woods!” - -“They’re going to make a run of it, the cowards!” exclaimed Patsy. - -“You take the tall man, Patsy,” said Nick. “I’ll attend to the short, -thickset individual, and you, Chick, can take the other.” - -“All right,” came from Chick and Patsy. - -Presently the electric auto was alongside the Red Spider, and the -detectives leaped into the road and started for the woods. - -At the edge of the timber a volley was fired at them, the bullets -whistling through the air uncomfortably close. - -The fire of the robbers was returned, the detectives leaping forward. - -In a few moments they caught sight of Clancy and his pals. - -They were separating and making in different directions. - -“Here’s where we divide,” said Nick. “Remember, we’ve got to have those -men before they get across the line.” - -“They’re ours!” said Chick. - -“Easy!” added Patsy. - -Patsy’s man was Cricket, and the way Patsy sprinted after him was a -sight to see and remember. - -Through the woods, pell-mell, raced the grafter and the detective, -leaping over logs, plunging through bushes, and halting now and again to -try a shot at each other. - -None of the bullets took effect, and both Patsy and Cricket had soon -used up their ammunition. - -“It will be a give-and-take with our mitts now,” thought Patsy, “and -it’s a mighty good thing that I’m the best runner. Hello! There’s a -farmhouse, and Mr. Grafter is making right for it.” - -There was a clearing in the woods, and Cricket leaped a fence and made -for the farm buildings. - -At first he headed toward the house, but a sight of the farmer and his -wife, and a contingent of children, with a hired man and a bulldog in -the background, caused him to change his mind. - -Swerving to the right, he pushed for the barn. - -“Hi, there!” cried Patsy. “He’s a thief! Head him off! Stop him!” - -Instead of trying to head off the fleeing robber, however, the farmer -and his family retreated into the house at a double quick. - -“Hurry, Hiram!” cried the woman, frantically. “They’re tramps, and we’ll -all be killed, I know we will!” - -“Don’t you fret, Mirandy!” whooped the farmer. “I’ll take care of you.” - -Then the door was slammed shut, effectually debarring the entrance of -the hired man. - -“Le’me in!” bellowed the hired man, banging at the door with his -clinched fists. “Gosh all hemlocks, d’ye want me tew git killed?” - -“You don’t amount to nothin’, Willyum,” called the farmer from behind -the door; “they won’t kill you. Set Tige on ’em!” - -The hired man whirled and loped toward the barn. - -Seeing Patsy making in that direction, William sidetracked into a corn -crib. - -At any other time the ludicrous side of this situation would have -appealed to Patsy, but just now he had his hands too full to consider -it. - -Cricket had run into the barn, and the detective sprang to the door -through which he had vanished. - -Just as Patsy reached the barn the bulldog, Tige, became a factor in the -case. - -The dog was not so easily scared as the farmer and the rest of the -household, and didn’t care particularly who he tackled, just so long as -he tackled somebody. - -It happened that he came up with Patsy, as the latter was about to leap -into the barn, caught him by the tails of his coat and pulled him -backward. - -The instant Patsy recoiled, a pitchfork cleaved the air in the exact -place his head had been an instant before. - -The detective grabbed the fork, wrenched it out of Cricket’s hands, and -turned. - -“Good dog!” cried Patsy. “But that’s enough of it,” and he brought the -handle of the fork around with terrific force. - -Tige was a bulldog, but he was sensible, and realized when he had -enough. - -He was knocked end over end, and when he picked himself up he raced for -the corn crib and tried to get inside with the hired man. - -As Patsy once more leaped to get into the barn and try conclusions with -Cricket, a currycomb caught him in the shoulder. - -“Never touched me!” shouted Patsy. - -The next instant he and Cricket were having it rough and tumble on the -barn floor. - -Patsy had strength, and science as well, and was not long in placing the -robber in chancery. - -“That’ll do,” said Cricket; “you’re too many for me.” - -“Where are your guns?” demanded Patsy. - -“Dropped ’em,” panted Cricket. “They wasn’t any good, anyhow.” - -“Got a knife?” - -“No.” - -“You’re another!” - -Patsy thrust his hand into the breast of the robber’s coat and pulled -out a knife in a leather sheath. - -After transferring the blade to his own pocket, he brought out the -darbies and attached them to his prisoner’s wrists. - -“Now, get up,” he said, hanging on to the bracelets. - -Cricket arose. - -“Who are you?” he inquired. - -“One of Nick Carter’s men,” grinned Patsy. “I should think you’d know -the brand by this time.” - -“The best thing we’ve done this trip is to fix Carter,” gloated Cricket. - -“You starred yourself at that, didn’t you?” returned the detective -dryly. - -“You bet we did! Who was that duffer that ran your auto?” - -“Chickering Carter, the Little Giant’s right-hand man.” - -“And that cove in the water-soaked garments and minus the hat. You -pulled him out of the river, didn’t you?” - -“Oh, no. He swam out and walked up the bank.” - -“But his hands and feet were tied!” - -“That’s no trick at all for Nick Carter.” - -Cricket gave a jump. - -“Nick Carter!” he gasped. “Was that man Nick Carter?” - -“Sure. Who did you think he was?” - -Cricket muttered an oath. - -“There’s no use in a lot of pinheads like us going up against Nick -Carter,” he said. “When that sleuth enters a race it’s all over but -paying the bets.” - -“You’re a pretty sensible kind of a grafter, after all,” said Patsy. -“If you’re done chinning, we’ll move--out of the barn and toward the -house.” - -Cricket started, and Patsy walked at his side, still keeping a grip on -the comealongs. - -The hired man and the dog were just crawling out of the corn crib, and -the farmer had mustered up courage to open the door of the house a -couple of inches, as the detective passed by with his prisoner. - -A feeble plot darted through Cricket’s mind. - -“I say,” he shouted, “this man is a highway robber, and he chased me -here. Go for him, will you? Help me get away from him!” - -“Yeou be derned,” drawled the farmer. “A feller that ’u’d scare honest -folks like you did ought tew be robbed.” - -“Got anything else you want to tell ’em?” queried Patsy. - -Cricket gave a black scowl, and turned away. - -“Then it’s us back to the auto,” went on the detective, and marched his -prisoner back through the woods to the road. - -The two machines were standing side by side, as they had been left, and -there was no one around or in them. - -“It looks as though I’d make a record for bringing in the first man,” -remarked Patsy. “Hello! What’s that?” - -A thump of swiftly falling hoofs reached him, and a team and a lumber -wagon came slashing into view around a wooded bend. - -The horses attached to the wagon were more than laying out. - -The lines were dragging on the ground, there was no one on the bounding -seat, and the awkward vehicle leaped and buck-jumped like a thing of -life. - -In the rear of the wagon box were two men, struggling with each other -for the mastery. - -One of the men was Chick, and the other was Spark. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -HOW CHICK GOT HIS MAN. - - -Spark was not so good a runner as Cricket, and Chick would have made a -capture much quicker than Patsy had done, had his man not doubled back -to the road, and, fortunately for him, encountered a young woman in a -gingham dress and sunbonnet, driving home from town. - -“Stop!” cried Spark. “Take me in--I want to ride with you!” - -“Not much you don’t!” returned the young woman, with a toss of her head. -“I can pick my own comp’ny, thanks!” - -“Will you stop?” - -Spark displayed a revolver. - -That was too much for the girl. - -With a scream, she let go the lines and dropped over the wagon wheel to -the opposite side of the road. - -As she fell out, Spark jumped in. - -“Go it, you whelps!” roared the robber, grabbing up the whip and lashing -the horses right and left. - -The lines were on the ground, but Spark did not care for that. - -The faster the horses ran away, the better he would be suited. - -Anything to get him out of the vicinity of Chick. - -Chick, however, was not to be shaken off so easily. - -He reached the road at the precise moment Spark began lashing the team, -and, by some quick work, succeeded in grabbing the end gate of the wagon -as it flew past. - -In a twinkling Chick was jerked off his feet and flung in the air, but -he did not release his hold. - -His muscular arms alone dragged him into the wagon box. - -The team was now tearing down the turnpike at a furious run, and Spark, -balancing himself unsteadily, turned to see what had become of his -pursuer. - -Chick was in the box, and crawling toward him. - -Jumping over the wagon seat, Spark hurled himself upon the detective, -the latter rising to meet the attack. - -That is the position they were in when the wagon dashed around the bend -and past the two automobiles. - -Chick was far and away a better man than Spark, but skill and muscle -could not count in a predicament of that kind. - -Finally the two men went down on the floor of the wagon. - -The end gate had already been lost, so the combatants rolled over and -over, and finally tumbled into the road. - -This terminated the struggle. - -Spark gave vent to a groan of pain, and relaxed his hold on the -detective, and the latter got up, clasping his left wrist with his right -hand. - -Patsy, leading his prisoner by the irons, came to the scene as rapidly -as he could. - -“What’s the matter, Chick?” he asked. - -“Sprained my left wrist, that’s all,” answered Chick. “It hurts like the -deuce, but it’s nothing serious.” - -While speaking, Chick was tying a handkerchief tightly around the -injured forearm, using his right hand and his teeth. - -“Your man seems to have got touched up pretty bad,” went on Patsy. - -“He has only himself to blame, if he has. He thought he could get away -from me by using that wagon, but I guess he thinks differently now.” - -Chick stepped up to Spark, and bent over him. - -“Where are you hurt?” he asked. - -“My right leg,” groaned the robber; “it’s broken!” - -“I don’t wonder at it. That was quite a jolt we had.” - -The detective made a brief examination, and found the leg to be as the -robber had stated. - -“We can’t do anything for you for a while,” said Chick, helping himself -to Spark’s weapons. “Just as soon as Nick comes in with the leader of -your push, though, we’ll take the back track and get you under the -doctor’s care as soon as possible.” - -“Nick who?” asked Spark, faintly. - -“Nick Carter.” - -“What! That man we threw into the creek! Nick Carter?” Spark demanded, -forgetting his pain for the moment. - -“Who did you think it was?” - -Spark voiced some lurid language, then added: - -“If we had dreamed that fellow was the prize package himself, we’d have -put a bullet into him before we gave him his bath.” - -“Even then he would have beat you out,” put in Patsy. “The grafter -doesn’t live that can do up Nick Carter.” - -Between them, Chick and Patsy succeeded in getting Spark onto the rear -seat of the Red Spider. - -He was in great pain, and it was not thought necessary to put the irons -on him. - -When they had made Spark as comfortable as possible, the detectives -became aware that the young woman was standing beside them, in the -road. - -“I want my wagon an’ team,” she said, aggressively, as she caught -Chick’s eye. - -“All right,” said Chick, cheerfully. “I think you’ll find the team at -home when you get there.” - -“Maybe I’ll find the team, but I’ll bet the wagon is strung all along -the road,” the girl answered. “You’ll have to pay me damages.” - -“This is the fellow who will have to stand the damage,” said Chick, -indicating Spark. - -“What’s his name, an’ where does he put up?” - -“That’s too much for me.” - -“Well,” said the girl, with a snap of her jaws, “they’ve lynched people -in this country for doin’ less than he done.” - -With that, she marched off and never turned a backward look. - -Chick laughed a little, although he admitted to himself that it was -pretty tough luck. - -“Here, Patsy,” he said, “run after her and give her this twenty. That -will soothe her feelings, I guess.” - -Patsy chased after the girl and gave her the money. - -“She was tickled to death,” he said, when he got back; “the old -rattletrap wasn’t worth any more than the scrap iron that was in it; so -it was bargain day for her, all right. I wonder what’s keeping Nick?” - -“Clancy’ll kill him,” spoke up Cricket. - -“Don’t you believe it,” returned Patsy. - -“While we’re waiting,” said Chick, “we’ll get things in shape for the -return trip.” - -He was looking at the rear, right-hand tire, which hung to the wheel as -flabby as a rag. - -“Nick made a dead-center shot,” said Patsy. - -“It’s a bad puncture, and I doubt if we can repair it.” - -“You don’t have to repair it,” put in Spark, who was thinking of getting -to a doctor in the shortest possible time. “There’s an emergency tire -under the front seat. Use that.” - -Chick brought out the tire, and also a force pump. - -The machine was then “jacked up” with a couple of stout fence rails, the -old tire taken off and the new one put on and inflated. - -Hardly was this bit of work accomplished, when a boy came galloping up -on horseback. - -He was a red-headed boy, and was laboring under so much excitement that -it was all he could do to talk. - -“Big fight down to the blacksmith shop!” he finally managed to -articulate. - -“Who was doing the fighting?” asked Chick. - -“Couple o’ fellers. Geewhilikins, but you never seen anything like it!” - -“Was either of the men killed?” - -“Naw; but one of ’em was purty nigh. I was told tew come here an’ have -yeou come right down.” - -“We’ll come,” said Chick. Turning to Patsy, he added: “You get in the -electric machine with your man, and I’ll run this one.” - -“You bet,” returned Patsy. - -In less than a minute they were all aboard and ready for the start. - -“How far away is the blacksmith shop, my lad?” asked Chick. - -“‘Baout a mile. Say, I want to stand here an’ see yeou start them -thingumbobs.” - -“All right.” - -When the gasoline engine began to pound and the machine to move, the -horse thought it had about all it could stand. - -With a snort, and a flirt of the head, the animal took down the road for -home, the boy yelling “Whoa!” at every jump. - -It was a quick run which the two autos made to the blacksmith shop, for -both Chick and Patsy were not a little worried over the boy’s story. - -But they had their worry for nothing, for when they came in sight of the -crossroads and the dingy and solitary little shop which stood there, -they saw Nick in front, sitting on a keg, smoking and talking with a -number of bystanders. - -“Where’s Clancy, Nick?” asked Chick, bringing the Red Spider to a halt. - -“Inside, handcuffed to an anvil. It was hard to do anything with him -without killing him--and I didn’t want to do that.” - -“Did he make you much trouble?” asked Patsy. - -“Some. He’s one of that Montana clique, and they never seem to know when -they’re downed. Clancy is beginning to scent the situation, though, for -he hasn’t made much noise during the last few minutes. He was a pal of -Ramsay’s, and you know what a time we had bagging him.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE LAST OF THE SWINDLERS. - - -Clancy had fought every step of the way through the woods to the -blacksmith shop. - -Every convenient tree trunk, every rise of ground, and every rock which -he encountered in the course of his retreat was taken advantage of and -used as a temporary breastwork. - -The fact that no serious injuries resulted from the shooting proves how -wary the men were. - -Nick emptied his repeater at about the identical time Clancy emptied his -revolvers. - -Clancy saw this, and gave vent to a mocking laugh. - -“It’s anybody’s fight yet!” he yelled. - -No longer fearing to show himself, he turned and made straight through -the timber, coming out on the road in the vicinity of the blacksmith -shop. - -Coming upon this blacksmith shop was an entirely unexpected event, but -it was one of which Clancy did not fail to take instant advantage. - -There was only one man in the shop at the time Clancy made his advent -on the scene--one man and the red-headed boy before mentioned. - -The boy was having the horse shod, and just before he went to work on -the horse the smith had been heating a crowbar for the purpose of -repointing it. - -The crowbar was still in the fire, one end cool, but the other sizzling -hot. - -The blacksmith looked up as Clancy burst in. - -With a quick blow, Clancy knocked him out of the way, and looked around -for a weapon. - -The crowbar was prominently in his view, and he caught it out of the -fire. - -Nick was in the door as Clancy possessed himself of the bar. - -“I’ll have you!” roared the Montana man. “My second try at you won’t end -like the first.” - -“This is your third attempt on my life, Clancy,” returned Nick, -springing forward and watching the Westerner warily. - -“The third time?” repeated Clancy, resting the red-hot end of the bar -for an instant on the anvil. - -“My name’s Nick Carter, and----” - -A torrent of invectives burst from the robber’s lips. - -“I’ll have you now,” he yelled. “I’ll strike a blow for Ramsay as well -as for myself!” - -He jumped through the door of the shop, whirling the bar about his head -in a livid circle. - -Straight toward Nick he rushed, shouting his imprecations and vowing -that he’d have the detective’s life. - -Nick waited coolly, the rifle in his hand. - -The robber struck at him, and Nick parried the blow with the gun, -leaping in with the quickness of a cat and gripping Clancy about the -waist. - -From that moment the fight was lost to Clancy. - -The Little Giant’s phenomenal strength quickly made itself felt. - -He contracted his arms, the awful, viselike pressure slowly but surely -driving the breath from the robber’s lungs. - -Clancy began to gasp, his eyes distended, and the bar fell from his -nerveless hand. - -“Stop!” he whispered; “you’re killing me!” - -Nick bore him into the blacksmith shop and hurled him to the ground. - -Clancy struggled to avoid the handcuffs, and Nick, forcing his arms -around the anvil, made the wrists fast. - -“Now,” said the detective, “you can struggle all you please.” - -The blacksmith was bathing his eye in a tub of water. - -“Are you hurt much?” asked Nick. - -“Thought for a spell I had been kicked by a mule,” answered the smith, -wiping his eye on the dingy handkerchief that was tied around his neck. -“Sorry I didn’t come through in time tew help ye.” - -“Gee whiz!” cried the red-headed boy, “he didn’t need no help. He downed -the big feller easier’n anythin’ I ever see. Gosh, mister, but you’re -great!” - -The youngster looked at Nick with admiring eyes, and the latter brought -out a half-dollar, which he had in his pocket, and which had somehow -escaped Clancy’s search and the consequent bath in the river. - -“Do you want to earn this, my lad?” Nick asked. - -“Can a duck swim?” the boy chirped. - -“Then get on that horse and ride up the road. You won’t have to go far -before you find a couple of automobiles----” - -“What’s them?” - -“You’ll know when you see them--you won’t make any mistake. If there is -any one with the machines say that I want them brought here. -Understand?” - -“Like a house afire!” - -“Then catch!” - -Nick flipped the coin toward the boy, who grabbed it out of the air and -stowed it away in his pocket. - -A minute later he was galloping up the road. - -Several men, hearing the commotion at the blacksmith shop, had come in -from the neighboring fields, and they were standing around, looking from -Clancy to Nick, and trying to get the true inwardness of the affair from -the blacksmith. - -“Come outside,” said Nick, amiably, “and I’ll tell you all about it.” - -And that’s what he was doing when Chick and Patsy bore down on -him--smoking and enlightening the natives. - -A few hurried words of explanation were exchanged by the detectives. - -“Are all the grips belonging to the prisoners still in the Red Spider?” -asked Nick. - -“There are three here,” said Chick; “they’re big ones, and heavy as -lead.” - -“It was the heft that kept the grafters from lugging the grips along -when they made their break for the timber,” put in Patsy. - -“Open one of the satchels, Chick,” said Nick, “and see what’s inside. -I’m a little anxious to know.” - -Chick complied. - -“Whew!” he exclaimed, his amazed eyes fixed on the contents of the -satchel he had opened. - -“Gold, silver and bank notes?” queried Nick. - -“I should say so!” - -“It’s the bank money. I’ll travel in the Red Spider with you, Chick, and -Clancy and the man with the broken leg will ride with us. Patsy, you and -your man can hum along in the other machine.” - -It was necessary to rope Clancy’s legs before he could be put into the -automobile; but he was finally stowed away and all was made ready for -the return journey. - -Nick, before climbing into the Spider beside Clancy, turned to the -blacksmith, who was standing near. - -“How far is it to the Canadian line from here?” he asked. - -“See that pile o’ rocks?” the smith returned, indicating a heap of -stones about a hundred feet to the rear of the shop. - -“Yes.” - -“Well, Canady lays on t’other side o’ that monniment.” - -“Great Scott!” exclaimed Patsy; “you wasn’t very much to the good, Nick, -after all.” - -“It was close, mighty close,” added Chick. - -“A miss is as good as a mile,” said Nick, jumping into the auto. “Let -her go, Chick.” - - * * * * * - -That evening, at about nine o’clock, the two automobiles drew up in -front of police headquarters, in the city of Latimer. - -The chief was not in evidence, but he was quickly summoned from home by -telephone. - -“By Jupiter!” he cried; “you’ve done it, Carter--done it, and with -ground to spare.” - -“A hundred feet of ground,” grinned Patsy. - -“Are you sure they’re the right men?” asked the chief. - -“That’s the only kind we capture,” said Chick. - -“I believe you,” returned the chief, and shook hands heartily with the -New York men and tendered his congratulations. - -Cricket and Clancy were taken to their cells, and Spark was conveyed to -the Memorial Hospital. - -Nick went to the place to which he had taken Clancy in the automobile -the night before the start north, and found that, as he surmised, Five -Points was there. - -Spark and Cricket had also stayed at this boarding house after the -robbery, and when they left a nurse had been hired by Clancy to look -after their wounded pal. - -Five Points’ wound, which was at first not believed to be serious, took -a turn for the worse and ultimately caused his death. - -Before he died he made a statement, telling how he and Spark and Cricket -had joined Clancy, had captured the automobile and made prisoners of the -Chicago men, and had confined them in a house occupied by Cricket’s -father--a worse criminal than Cricket ever dared to be. - -Nick was on the point of proceeding to the place where the Chicago men -were imprisoned and releasing them, when they saved him the trouble by -releasing themselves and coming on to Latimer--the newspapers having -informed them that the Red Spider was at that point. - -Aside from their jarred feelings, the Chicago party was none the worse -for its little experience. - -The bank’s funds were found intact in the satchels, including the twenty -thousand dollars paid over to Clancy on his certificate of deposit. - -The ownership of that twenty thousand is still being debated in the -courts. - -Clancy, Spark and Cricket were sent to the penitentiary for life, not on -a robbery, but on a murder charge. - -By the capture of “the Montana man,” Nick Carter closed his experience -with a gang of Western crooks, all of whom had proved desperate to a -degree, and as courageous and clever as they were desperate. - - -THE END. - - * * * * * - -BOUND TO WIN LIBRARY - -This library is “bound to win” its way into the heart of every American -lad. The tales are exceptionally clean, bright and interesting. - -PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK - - -To be Published During July - -126--For Big Money By Fred Thorpe -=125--Too Fast to Last= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= - - -To be Published During June - -124--Caught in a Trap By Harrie Irving Hancock -123--The Tattooed Boy By Weldon J. Cobb -122--The Young Horseman By Herbert Bellwood -=121--Sam Sawbones= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= - - -To be Published During May - -120--On His Mettle By Fred Thorpe -119--Compound Interest By Harrie Irving Hancock -118--Runaway and Rover By Weldon J. Cobb -=117--Larry O’Keefe= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= - - -To be Published During April - -=116--The Boy Crusaders= =By John De Morgan= -115--Double Quick Dan By Fred Thorpe -114--Money to Spend By Harrie Irving Hancock -=113--Billy Barlow= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= - - -To be Published During March - -112--A Battle with Fate By Weldon J. Cobb -=111--Gypsy Joe= =By John De Morgan= -110--Barred Out By Fred Thorpe -=109--Will Wilding= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= - - * * * * * - -108--Frank Bolton’s Chase By Harrie Irving Hancock -107--Lucky-Stone Dick By Weldon J. Cobb -106--Tom Scott, the American Robinson Crusoe By Frank Sheridan -=105--Fatherless Bob at Sea= =By Bracebridge Hemyng= -104--Fatherless Bob By Bracebridge Hemyng -103--Hank the Hustler By Fred Thorpe -102--Dick Stanhope Afloat By Harrie Irving Hancock -101--The Golden Harpoon By Weldon J. Cobb -100--Mischievous Matt’s Pranks By Bracebridge Hemyng - 99--Mischievous Matt By Bracebridge Hemyng - 98--Bert Chipley By John De Morgan - 97--Down-East Dave By Fred Thorpe - 96--The Young Diplomat By Harrie Irving Hancock - 95--The Fool of the Family By Bracebridge Hemyng - 94--Slam, Bang & Co. By Weldon J. Cobb - 93--On the Road By Stanley Norris - 92--The Blood-Red Hand By John De Morgan - 91--The Diamond King By Cornelius Shea - 90--The Double-Faced Mystery By Fred Thorpe - 89--The Young Theatrical Manager By Stanley Norris - 88--The Young West-Pointer By Harrie Irving Hancock - 87--Held for Ransom By Weldon J. Cobb - 86--Boot-Black Bob By John De Morgan - 85--Engineer Tom By Cornelius Shea - 84--The Mascot of Hoodooville By Fred Thorpe - 83--Walter Blackshaw By Frank Sheridan - 82--The Young Showman’s Foes By Stanley Norris - 81--On the Wing By Weldon J. Cobb - 80--Yankee Grit By John De Morgan - 79--Bicycle and Gun By Cornelius Shea - =78--The Backwoods Boy= =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= - 77--Ahead of the Show By Fred Thorpe - 76--Merle Merton By Frank Sheridan - 75--The Three Hills of Gold By Harrie Irving Hancock - 74--A Barrel of Money By Weldon J. Cobb - 73--Lucky Thirteen By John De Morgan - 72--Two Ragged Heroes By Ernest A. Young - 71--A Slave for a Year By Fred Thorpe - 70--In the Woods By Frank Sheridan - 69--The Prince of Grit By Harrie Irving Hancock - 68--The Golden Pirate By Weldon J. Cobb - 67--Winning His Way By John De Morgan - 66--Boats, Bats and Bicycles By Ernest A. Young - 65--Bob, The Hoodoo By Fred Thorpe - 64--Railroad Ralph By Engineer James Fisk - 63--Comrades Under Castro By Victor St. Clair - 62--Life-Line Larry By Frank Sheridan - 61--Track and Trestle By Ernest A. Young - 60--The Phantom Boy By Weldon J. Cobb - 59--Simple Simon By Herbert Bellwood - 58--Cast Away in the Jungle By Victor St. Clair - 57--In Unknown Worlds By John De Morgan - 56--The Round-the-World Boys By Fred Thorpe - 55--Bert Fairfax By Frank Sheridan - 54--Pranks and Perils By Ernest A. Young - 53--Up to Date By Weldon J. Cobb - 52--Bicycle Ben By Herbert Bellwood - 51--Lost in the Ice By John De Morgan - 50--Fighting for a Name By Fred Thorpe - 49--Lionel’s Pluck By Frank Sheridan - 48--The Mud River Boys By Ernest A. Young - 47--Partners Three By Weldon J. Cobb - 46--Rivals of the Pines By Herbert Bellwood - 45--Always on Duty By John De Morgan - 44--Walt, the Wonder-Worker By Fred Thorpe - 43--Through Flame to Fame By Frank Sheridan - 42--A Toss-Up for Luck By Ernest A. Young - 41--The Jay from Maine By Herbert Bellwood - 40--For Home and Honor By Victor St. Clair - 39--A Bee Line to Fortune By John De Morgan - 37--Never Give Up By Fred Thorpe - 36--Vernon Craig By Frank Sheridan - 35--The Young Showman’s Triumph By Stanley Norris - 34--The Roustabout Boys By Herbert Bellwood - 33--The Young Showman’s Pluck By Stanley Norris - 32--Napoleon’s Double By John De Morgan - 31--The Young Showman’s Rivals By Stanley Norris - 30--Jack, the Pride of the Nine By Frank Sheridan - 29--Phil the Showman By Stanley Norris - 28--Bob Porter at Lakeview Academy By Walter Morris - 27--Zig-Zag, the Boy Conjurer By Victor St. Clair - 26--The Young Hannibal By Matt Royal - 25--Git Up and Git By Fred Thorpe - 24--School Life at Grand Court By Frank Sheridan - 23--From Port to Port By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. - 22--The Rival Nines By Walt Winton - 21--The Young Journalist By Harrie Irving Hancock - 20--John Smith of Michigan By Herbert Bellwood - 19--Little Snap the Post Boy By Victor St. Clair - 18--Cruise of the Training Ship By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U.S.N. - 17--Chris, the Comedian By Fred Thorpe - 16--Lion-Hearted Jack By Frank Sheridan - 15--The Rivals of Riverwood By Herbert Bellwood - 14--His One Ambition By Harrie Irving Hancock - 13--A Strange Cruise By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. - 12--Dick Derby’s Double By Fred Thorpe - 11--The House of Mystery By Matt Royal - 9--From Switch to Lever By Victor St. Clair - 8--Clif, the Naval Cadet By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. - 7--The Boy in Black By Fred Thorpe - 6--The Crimson “Q” By William G. Patten - 5--The Balas Ruby By Capt. Geoffrey Hale - 3--Bound for Annapolis By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. - 2--Blind Luck By Fred Thorpe - 1--The Boy Argus By William G. Patten - - * * * * * - - -CIRCUS LIFE - - -Is admirably described in Stanley Norris’ great series of books for -boys, published in the BOUND TO WIN LIBRARY. The hero has strange -adventures while fighting his way to the top of his chosen profession. -Every boy will thrill to the finger tips to read of his many narrow -escapes. - - -_PRICE, 10 CENTS PER COPY AT ALL NEWSDEALERS_ - - -STANLEY NORRIS - -29 Phil, the Showman -31 The Young Showman’s Rivals -33 The Young Showman’s Pluck -35 The Young Showman’s Triumph -82 The Young Showman’s Foes - -If ordered by mail, add four cents to cover postage. - - -STREET & SMITH, Publishers, New York - - * * * * * - - -Battles on Sea and Land - - -We heartily recommend our _Boys of Liberty Library_ to boys who have -good, red blood coursing through their veins--who like really good tales -of adventure. - -The books listed below detail the adventures of brave lads who took an -active part in the Revolutionary War, who, in many cases, saved the day -to the Patriot army when all seemed lost. Read this series boys, nothing -you can buy for the money will please you half so well. - - =1. Paul Revere and the Boys of Liberty= =By John De Morgan= - =5. The First Shot For Liberty= =By John De Morgan= - =9. The Hero of Ticonderoga= =By John De Morgan= -=13. On the Quebec= =By John De Morgan= -=17. Fooling the Enemy= =By John De Morgan= -=21. Into the Jaws of Death= =By John De Morgan= -=25. The Tory Plot= =By T. C. Harbaugh= -=27. In Buff and Blue= =By T. C. Harbaugh= - -For sale by all newsdealers at 10c. per copy. If ordered by mail, add -four cents to cover postage. - - -Street & Smith, Publishers, New York - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CIGARETTE CLEW; *** - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/66700-0.zip b/old/66700-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c8d1366..0000000 --- a/old/66700-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/66700-h.zip b/old/66700-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d336698..0000000 --- a/old/66700-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/66700-h/66700-h.htm b/old/66700-h/66700-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 4272105..0000000 --- a/old/66700-h/66700-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7473 +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" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> - <head> <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> -<title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Cigarette Clew. -</title> -<style type="text/css"> - -a:link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} - - link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} - -a:visited {background-color:#ffffff;color:purple;text-decoration:none;} - -a:hover {background-color:#ffffff;color:#FF0000;text-decoration:underline;} - -.big300 {font-size: 300%;text-align:center; -font-weight:bold;font-family:sans-serif;} - -body{margin-left:4%;margin-right:6%;background:#ffffff;color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman", serif;font-size:medium;} - -.boxx {border:double 6px black; -padding:1em;margin:2em auto;} - -.blockquot {margin-top:2%;margin-bottom:2%;} - -.c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} - -.castt {text-align:center;text-indent:0%; -letter-spacing:1em;} - -.cbig {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold; -font-size:200%;} - -.cb {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold;} - -.cbu {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold; -text-decoration:underline;} - -.cpad {text-align:center;text-indent:0%; -padding-top:1em;padding-bottom:1em;} - -.csans {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-size: 150%; -font-weight:bold;font-family:sans-serif;} - -.fint {text-align:center;text-indent:0%; -margin-top:2em;} - - h1 {margin-top:5%;text-align:center;clear:both; -font-weight:normal;} - - h2 {margin-top:4%;margin-bottom:2%;text-align:center;clear:both; - font-size:100%;font-weight:normal;} - - hr {width:90%;margin:2em auto 2em auto;clear:both;color:black;} - - hr.full {width: 60%;margin:2% auto 2% auto;border-top:1px solid black; -padding:.1em;border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left:none;border-right:none;} - - img {border:none;} - -.lftspc {margin-left:.25em;} - -.letra {font-size:250%;float:left;margin-top:-1%;} - -.nind {text-indent:0%;} - - p {margin-top:.2em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.2em;text-indent:4%;} - -.pagenum {font-style:normal;position:absolute; -left:95%;font-size:55%;text-align:right;color:gray; -background-color:#ffffff;font-variant:normal;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0em;} -.x-bookmaker .pagenum {display: none;} - -.pdd {padding-left:1em;text-indent:-1em;} - -.r {text-align:right;margin-right: 5%;} - -.rt {text-align:right;} - -small {font-size: 70%;} - -.smcap {font-variant:small-caps;font-size:100%;} - -table {margin-top:2%;margin-bottom:2%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:none;} - -</style> - </head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Cigarette Clew;, by Nicholas Carter</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: A Cigarette Clew;</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>"Salted" For a Million</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Nicholas Carter</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: November 10, 2021 [eBook #66700]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Edwards, Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CIGARETTE CLEW; ***</div> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="c"><img src="images/cover.jpg" -height="466" -alt="" -/> -</div> - -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="deprecated" -style="border:3px solid black; -padding:.5em;"> - -<tr><td class="c"><a href="#A_CIGARETTE_CLEW">A CIGARETTE CLEW.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="c"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER: I., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_II"> II., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_III"> III., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_IV"> IV., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_V"> V., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VI"> VI., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VII"> VII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"> VIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_IX"> IX., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_X"> X., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XI"> XI., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XII"> XII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"> XIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"> XIV., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XV"> XV., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"> XVI., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"> XVII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"> XVIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"> XIX., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XX"> XX., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"> XXI., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"> XXII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"> XXIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"> XXIV., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"> XXV., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"> XXVI., </a> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII"> XXVII., </a> -</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="cbu"><i>The Biggest Line of Copyright Detective Literature Published</i></p> - -<p class="big300">THE MAGNET LIBRARY</p> - -<p class="csans">OF FASCINATING DETECTIVE STORIES</p> - -<p class="csans">PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="nind"><span class="letra">T</span>HIS line has become famous for its excellent stories of the detection -of crime. Of late, it has taken truly remarkable strides in the public’s -favor. The reason for this is, that every book is a marvel of its kind. -They are high-class tales, not of the “blood and thunder” order, but -with plausable plots which hold the reader fairly captivated with -breathless expectation. Among these are the stories of the adventures of -Nick Carter and his clever assistants; of “Old Spicer,” the clever -private detective, whose exploits are among the most remarkable ever -performed by any detective. If you are in search of good, interesting -matter, a decided change from that to which you have been accustomed, -purchase a few of these titles. They will not only please and interest -you, but will give you a clear insight into the methods of the various -classes of criminals.</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During July</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">400—The Living Mark</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">399—An Oath of Vengeance</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">398—Under a Black Veil</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During June</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">397—A Crime Without a Name</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">396—A Baffled Oath</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">395—A Kentucky Moonshiner</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">394—Playing for a Fortune</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During May</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">393—The Convent Mystery</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">392—With Links of Steel</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">391—A Villain’s Work</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">390—A Royal Thief</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During April</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">389—A Deed of Darkness</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">388—The Diamond Trail</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">387—Under the Surface</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">386—Down and Out</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During March</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">385—The Search for a Motive</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">384—A Cigarette Clew</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">383—The Mafia’s Victim</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">382—A Villainous Scheme</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">381—A Millionaire’s Crime</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">380—The Price of Treachery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">379—Confederated Rogues</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">378—A Tangled Case</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">377—The Telegraph Clew</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">376—A Mysterious “Graft”</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">375—A Cruel Suspicion</td><td class="rt">By Fay P. Rathbun</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">374—Trapped In His Own Net</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">373—A Bid for a Life</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">372—A Scientific Forger</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">371—The Signs of the Dagger</td><td class="rt">By H. O. Cooke</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">370—The Ruby Pin</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">369—The Tell-tale Watch</td><td class="rt">By Meta De Vere</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">368—In the Gloom of Night</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">367—Who Was He?</td><td class="rt">By Philip Little</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">366—Ahead of the Game</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">365—A “Spurious Note” Maker</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">364—Following a Chance Clew</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">363—A Political Plotter</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">362—A Broken Trail</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">361—The Shadow of an Assassin</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">360—A Missing Man</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">359—A Daring Express Messenger</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">358—A Mysterious Foe</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">357—A Game of “Draw”</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">356—The Queen of Diamonds</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">355—An Unexpected Move</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">354—An Ingenious Stratagem</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">353—The Missing Bracelet</td><td class="rt">By Inspector Stark</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">352—The Master Villain</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">351—Smugglers at Odds</td><td class="rt">By John K. Stafford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">350—Playing a Lone Hand</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">349—The “Green Goods” Speculator</td><td class="rt">By Dick Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">348—The Mystic Diagram</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">347—A Queen of Blackmailers</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">346—The Cab Driver’s Secret</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">345—The Deed of a Night</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">344—Against Desperate Odds</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">343—The Stolen Jewels</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">342—The Secret Panel</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">341—Two Conspirators</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">340—The Criminal Link</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">339—The Confession of a Thug</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">338—The Wizard of the Cue</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">337—The Palace of Chance</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">336—Driven From Cover</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">335—The Woman in Red</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">334—Beyond Pursuit</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">333—A Question of Evidence</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">332—The Certified Check</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">331—A Secret Suspicion</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">330—The Toss of a Penny</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">329—The Price of “Protection”</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">328—A Detective’s Theory</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">327—The Tattooed Wrist</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">326—A Bundle of Clews</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">325—The Cross in the Dust</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">324—The “Hot Air” Clew</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">323—Sherlock Holmes. Vol. II</td><td class="rt">By A. Conan Doyle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">322—Sherlock Holmes. Vol. I</td><td class="rt">By A. Conan Doyle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">321—The Missing Bullet</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">320—The Cloak of Guilt</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">319—Tightening the Coils</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">318—The Cashier’s Secret</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">317—A Midnight Vigil</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">316—Circumstantial Evidence</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">315—In the Shadow</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">314—The Barrel Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">313—Cunning Against Force</td><td class="rt">By Tom Steele</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">312—Heard in the Dark</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">311—A Transatlantic Puzzle</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">310—The Crown Diamond</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">309—The Power of a Villain</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">308—The Photographer’s Evidence</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">307—A Desperate Game</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">306—A Ring of Dust</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">305—The Tell-Tale Tattoo</td><td class="rt">By Jack Sharpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">304—The Twin Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">303—The Branded Hand</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">302—Under False Colors</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">301—The Wall Street Swindlers</td><td class="rt">By Jack Sharpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">300—A Blow for Vengeance</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">299—The Sleepless Eye</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">298—A Masterpiece of Crime</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">297—The Shadow of Guilt</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">296—The Guilty Governor</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">295—Tracked by a Pin</td><td class="rt">By Richard Hackstaff</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">294—The Blood-Red Badge</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">293—On the Stroke of Midnight</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">292—A Great Conspiracy</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">291—In Terror’s Grasp</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">290—The Hole in the Vault</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">289—The Crippled Hand</td><td class="rt">By Frederick S. Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">288—The Council of Death</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">287—A Dead Witness</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">286—A Bonded Villain</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">285—A Rascal’s Nerve</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">284—A Blackmailer’s Bluff</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">283—The Crimson Glove</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">282—A Race Track Gamble</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">281—The Stroke of a Knife</td><td class="rt">By Burnham F. Mason</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">280—The Seal of Death</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">279—On the Brink of Ruin</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">278—A Sharper’s Downfall</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">277—An Eye for an Eye</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">276—A Checkmated Scoundrel</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">275—The Banker’s Millions</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">274—Paid With Death</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">273—The Rogue With a Past</td><td class="rt">By Robert Wesley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">272—The Chain of Evidence</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">271—A High-Class Swindler</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">270—The Fatal Prescription</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">269—The Man Who Knew</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Seth Hunt”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">268—Hounded to Death</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">267—An Unfortunate Rogue</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">266—A Stroke of Policy</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">265—The Three Finger Marks</td><td class="rt">By “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">264—Two Villains in One</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">263—The Loaded Orange</td><td class="rt">By Gilbert Jerome.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">262—A False Combination</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">261—A Matter of Thousands</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Old Spicer”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">260—At the Knife’s Point</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">259—The Band of Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Maro O. Rolfe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">258—Man Against Man</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">257—The Man Who Made Diamonds</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Nat Tyler”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">256—The Vial of Death</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">255—The Sport of Fate</td><td class="rt">By the author of “Old Spicer.”</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">254—Behind a Mask</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">253—The Fatal Request</td><td class="rt">By A. L. Harris.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">252—The Man and His Price</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">251—The Nine of Hearts</td><td class="rt">By B. L. Farjeon.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">250—A Double-Handed Game</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">249—Old Stonewall, Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">248—The Toss of a Coin</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">247—The Results of a Duel</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">246—Nick Carter’s Death Warrant</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">245—A Victim of Villainy</td><td class="rt">By F. L. Broughton.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">244—A Trusted Rogue</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">243—The Man and the Crime</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">242—Run to Earth</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">241—From Thief to Detective</td><td class="rt">By Fergus Hume.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">240—Weaving the Web</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">239—The Man from the South</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">238—The Claws of the Tiger</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">237—A Kidnapped Millionaire</td><td class="rt">By Richard A. Wainwright.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">236—A Move in the Dark</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">235—True Detective Tales</td><td class="rt">By Maurice Moser.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">234—The Tell-Tale Photographs</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">233—The Secret of the Missing Checks</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">232—The Red Signal</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">231—The Crime of the Golden Gully</td><td class="rt">By Gilbert Rock.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">230—A Race for Ten Thousand</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">229—The Dexter Bank Robbery</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">228—A Syndicate of Rascals</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">227—From Clew to Climax</td><td class="rt">By Will N. Harben.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">226—A Deal in Diamonds</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">225—Tracked by Fate</td><td class="rt">By Fergus Hume.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">224—Played to a Finish</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">223—Found Dead</td><td class="rt">By Hero Strong.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">222—A Prince of Rogues</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">221—Other People’s Money</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">220—The Dumb Witness, and Other Stories</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">219—A Hidden Clew</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">218—The Man from London</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">217—Baron Trigault’s Vengeance</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">216—The Count’s Millions</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">215—The Seal of Silence</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">214—The Missing Cashier</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">213—Millions at Stake, and Other Stories</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">212—A Mystery Still</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">211—In Letters of Fire</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">210—An Excellent Knave</td><td class="rt">By J. F. Molloy.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">209—A Triple Crime</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">208—The Condemned Door</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">207—The Blow of a Hammer, and Other Stories</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">206—The Portland Place Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">205—A Bogus Clew</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">204—Hunted Down</td><td class="rt">By Richard Ashton Wainwright.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">203—The Price of a Secret</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">202—The Lady of the Lilacs</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">201—The Steel Casket, and Other Stories</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">200—Detective Against Detective</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">199—The Man at the Window</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">198—Stairs of Sand</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">197—The Coleraine Tragedy</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">196—The Queen of Knaves, and Other Stories,</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">195—Sealed Lips</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">194—The Tiger’s Head Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">193—The Missing Cotton King</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">192—A Dangerous Quest</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">191—The Murray Hill Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">190—The Fate of Austin Craige</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">189—The Man of Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">188—A Strike for Millions</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">187—The Wall Street Wonder</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">186—A Desperate Chance</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">185—A Supernatural Clew</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">184—The Secret of the Diamond</td><td class="rt">By Ernest De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">183—Hands Up</td><td class="rt">By J. H. Bethune.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">182—The Bottle with the Black Label</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">181—The Man Outside</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">180—The Watertown Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">179—Caught at Last</td><td class="rt">By Dick Donovan.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">178—The Handkerchief Clue</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">177—A Scrap of Black Lace</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">176—The Tragedy of Ascott Mills</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">175—The Secret of the Marionettes</td><td class="rt">By E. De Lancey Pierson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">174—A Princess of Crime</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">173—The Honor of a Black Sheep</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">172—Linked to Crime</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North (W. C. Hudson).</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">171—The Silent Passenger</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">170—The Doctor’s Secret</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">169—The Black Carnation</td><td class="rt">By Fergus Hume.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">168—Brought to Bay</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">167—The Links in the Chain</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">166—Dr. Villagos</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">165—Held for Trial</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">164—The Reporter Detective’s Triumph</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">163—Phil Scott, the Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">162—Nick Carter’s Star Pupils</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">161—A Plot for Millions</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">160—Harry Williams, New York Detective</td><td class="rt">By F. L. Broughton.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">159—A Framework of Fate</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">158—The Lion of the Law</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">157—By a Hair’s Breadth</td><td class="rt">By Edith Sessions Tupper.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">156—A Victim of Circumstances</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">155—Mrs. Donald Dyke, Detective</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">154—Driven to the Wall</td><td class="rt">By Scott Campbell.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">153—Nick Carter’s Clever Ruse</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">152—Fifteen Detective Stories</td><td class="rt">By Police Captains of New York.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">151—The Disappearance of Mr. Derwent</td><td class="rt">By Thomas Cobb.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">150—Lady Velvet</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">149—A Mystery of the Fast Mail</td><td class="rt">By Byron D. Adsit.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">148—Gipsy Blair, the Western Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">147—Nick Carter’s Retainer</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">146—The Stevedore Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">145—The Railway Detective</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">144—The Twelve Wise Men</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">143—An Exchanged Identity</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">142—A Seven Days’ Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Frederic R. Burton.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">141—Nick Carter Down East</td><td class="rt">By the author of Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">140—Detective Reynolds’ Hardest Case</td><td class="rt">By Gabriel Macias.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">139—Fritz, the German Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">138—Crossed Wires</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">137—Donald Dyke, the Yankee Detective</td><td class="rt">By Harry Rockwood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">136—In Peril of His Life</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">135—The Crime of the French Café</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">134—By Whose Hand?</td><td class="rt">By Edith Sessions Tupper.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">133—The Piccadilly Puzzle</td><td class="rt">By Fergus Hume.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">132—Nick Carter’s Girl Detective</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">131—The Dugdale Millions</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">130—A Millionaire’s Folly</td><td class="rt">By L. E. Smyles.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">129—The Man Who Stole Millions</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">128—The Caruthers Affair</td><td class="rt">By Will N. Harben.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">127—The Severed Hand</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">126—A Game of Craft</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">125—The Pomfret Mystery</td><td class="rt">By A. D. Vinton.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">124—The Trail of the Barrow</td><td class="rt">By James Mooney.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">123—The Elevated Railroad Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">122—The Mystery of Orcival</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">121—The Man from Manchester</td><td class="rt">By Dick Donovan.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">120—The Twelve Tin Boxes</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">119—The Reporter Detective</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">118—Old Quartz</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">117—A Herald Personal</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">116—520 Per Cent.; or, The Great Franklin Syndicate,</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">115—The Detective Tales of Edgar Allan Poe.</td><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">114—The Man Who Vanished</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">113—The Man with a Thumb</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">112—The Garden Court Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Burford Delannoy.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">111—The Stolen Race-Horse</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">110—The Workingman Detective</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">109—Blackmail</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">108—Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">107—The Passenger from Scotland Yard</td><td class="rt">By H. F. Wood.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">106—Shadowed by a Detective</td><td class="rt">By Virginia Champlin.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">105—A Bite of an Apple</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">104—A Past Master of Crime</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">103—Old Mortality</td><td class="rt">By Young Baxter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">102—Bruce Angelo, the City Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">101—The Stolen Pay-Train</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">100—The Diamond Button</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">99—Gideon Drexel’s Millions</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">98—Tom and Jerry</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">97—The Puzzle of Five Pistols</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">96—No. 13 Rue Marlot</td><td class="rt">By Rene du Pont Jest.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">95—Sealed Orders; or, The Triple Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">94—Vivier, of Vivier, Longman & Co., Bankers</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">93—Adventures of Harrison Keith, Detective</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">92—Van, the Government Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">91—The Great Money-Order Swindle</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">90—On the Rack</td><td class="rt">By Barclay North.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">89—The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">88—The North Walk Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Will N. Harben.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">87—Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men.</td><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">86—Brant Adams</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">85—A Dead Man’s Grip</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">84—The Inspector’s Puzzle</td><td class="rt">By Charles Matthew.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">83—The Crescent Brotherhood</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">82—The Masked Detective</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">81—Wanted by Two Clients</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">80—The Poker King</td><td class="rt">By Marline Manley.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">79—The Sign of the Crossed Knives</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">78—The Chosen Man</td><td class="rt">By Judson R. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">77—The Van Alstine Case</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">76—Face to Face</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">75—The Clever Celestial</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">74—The Twin Detectives</td><td class="rt">By K. F. Hill.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">73—Two Plus Two</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">71—The Diamond Mine Case</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">70—Little Lightning</td><td class="rt">By Police Captain James.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">69—Detective Bob Bridger</td><td class="rt">By R. M. Taylor.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">68—The Double Shuffle Club</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">67—The Mystery of a Madstone</td><td class="rt">By K. F. Hill.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">66—The Detective’s Clew</td><td class="rt">By O. L. Adams.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">65—Found on the Beach</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">64—The Red Camellia</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">63—The Chevalier Casse-Cou</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">62—A Fair Criminal</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">61—The Maltese Cross</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">60—A Chase Around the World</td><td class="rt">By Mariposa Weir.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">59—A Millionaire Partner</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">58—Muertalma; or, The Poisoned Pin</td><td class="rt">By Marmaduke Dey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">57—The Vestibule Limited Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Marline Manley.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">56—At Thompson’s Ranch</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">55—His Great Revenge, Vol. II</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">54—His Great Revenge, Vol. I</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">53—An Accidental Password</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">52—The Post Office Detective</td><td class="rt">By George W. Goode.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">51—The Los Huecos Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Eugene T. Sawyer.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">50—The Man from India</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">49—At Odds with Scotland Yard</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">48—The Great, Travers Case</td><td class="rt">By Dr. Mark Merrick.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">47—The Mystery of a Hansom Cab</td><td class="rt">By Fergus Hume.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">46—Check No. 777</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">45—Old Specie, The Treasury Detective</td><td class="rt">By Marline Manley.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">44—The Blue Veil</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">43—Among the Nihilists</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">42—The Revenue Detective</td><td class="rt">By Police Captain James.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">41—John Needham’s Double</td><td class="rt">By Joseph Hatton.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">40—The Mountaineer Detective</td><td class="rt">By C. W. Cobb.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">39—Among the Counterfeiters</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">38—The Matapan Affair</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">37—The Prairie Detective</td><td class="rt">By Leander P. Richardson.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">36—The Crime of the Opera House, Vol. II.</td><td class="rt">By F. Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">35—The Crime of the Opera House, Vol. I.</td><td class="rt">By F. Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">34—The Society Detective</td><td class="rt">By Oscar Maitland.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">33—The Convict Colonel</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">32—A Mysterious Case</td><td class="rt">By K. F. Hill.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">31—The Red Lottery Ticket</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">30—The Bag of Diamonds</td><td class="rt">By George Manville Fenn.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">29—The Clique of Gold</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">28—Under His Thumb</td><td class="rt">By Donald J. McKenzie.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">27—The Steel Necklace</td><td class="rt">By Fortune Du Boisgobey.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">26—File No. 113</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">25—The Detective’s Triumph</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">24—The Detective’s Dilemma</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">23—Evidence by Telephone</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">22—The Champdoce Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">21—A Deposit Vault Puzzle</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">20—Caught in the Net</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">19—A Chance Discovery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">18—The Gamblers’ Syndicate</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">17—The Piano Box Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">16—A Woman’s Hand</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">15—The Widow Lerouge</td><td class="rt">By Emile Gaboriau.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">14—Caught in the Toils</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">13—The Mysterious Mail Robbery</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">12—Playing a Bold Game</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">11—Fighting Against Millions</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">10—The Old Detective’s Pupil</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 9—A Stolen Identity</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 8—An Australian Klondike</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 7—The American Marquis</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 6—A Wall Street Haul</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 5—The Crime of a Countess</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 4—Tracked Across the Atlantic</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 3—A Titled Counterfeiter</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 2—The Great Enigma</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"> 1—A Klondike Claim</td><td class="rt">By Nicholas Carter.</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p class="cbig"><i>The Radium of all Humor</i></p> - -<div class="c"> -<img src="images/comic.png" -height="550" -alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="cb"> -<i>Comical<br /> -Confessions<br /> -of Clever<br /> -Comedians</i><br /> -<br /> -<i>By</i> F.P. PITZER<br /> -- EDITED BY -<br /> -DEWOLF<br /> -HOPPER<br /> -</p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="letra">S</span>EARCH the world over and you cannot find more genuine, original humor -than that contained in “Comical Confessions of Clever Comedians.” This -little volume has been compiled after the fashion of a continuous -performance. There is an All-Star Cast, or we might say a regular -“Whoop-De-Doo,” introducing such well known comedians as DeWolf Hopper, -Francis Wilson, Lew Dockstadter, Frank Daniels, Dave Warfield, Joe -Weber, and others. Just imagine what there is in store for the reading -public when a glance at the title page reveals the fact that DeWolf -Hopper, the hero of “Wang,” is the editor or manager of this All-Star -Vaudeville Company.</p> - -<p>Issued in a very attractive cloth binding. Price, 75c. postpaid.</p> - -<p class="c">Street & Smith, Publishers, 238 William St., New York City<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_3" id="page_3">{3}</a></span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h1><a name="A_CIGARETTE_CLEW" id="A_CIGARETTE_CLEW"></a>A CIGARETTE CLEW;</h1> - -<p class="c">OR,<br /> -<br /> -“SALTED” FOR A MILLION<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -BY<br /> -NICHOLAS CARTER<br /> -AUTHOR OF<br /><small> -“In the Gloom of Night,” “The Ruby Pin,” “A Scientific Forger,”<br /> -“Trapped in His Own Net,” “A Mysterious Graft,” etc.</small><br /> -<br /> -<img src="images/colophon.png" -width="85" -alt="" /> -<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -NEW YORK<br /> -STREET & SMITH, <span class="smcap">Publishers</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">238 William Street</span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_4" id="page_4">{4}</a></span><br /> -<br /><small> -Copyright, 1905<br /> -By STREET & SMITH<br /> -<br /> -A Cigarette Clew<br /></small> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_5" id="page_5">{5}</a></span></p> - -<h1>A CIGARETTE CLEW.</h1> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /><br /> -<small>WANTED: TWO MEN.</small></h2> - -<p>“Well, Chick, it’s good to strike little old New York again.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter jumped down from the railroad car and shook himself like a -huge dog as his feet touched the stone flagging of the Grand Central -Station.</p> - -<p>“You’re not more glad to see New York than New York is to see you,” -piped a shrill voice, and Patsy, Nick’s younger assistant, darted -forward to greet his chief and Chick, who were elbowing their way -through the crowd on the arrival platform.</p> - -<p>The great detective had been out West on a puzzling case in which he had -to run to earth a combination of Montana swindlers. Nick and his chief -assistant had done splendid work, but there were still two members of -the swindling gang to be accounted for.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s first question as they jumped into a cab was:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_6" id="page_6">{6}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What’s the latest from Montana?”</p> - -<p>“We landed all of the crooks but two,” said Nick. “They took fright a -month ago when they heard we were to take the case and it has been -reported that they have come East. In that case, Patsy, you may have a -chance to bag the men who slipped through my hands.”</p> - -<p>“Nothing would please me better,” was Patsy’s retort, and Nick laughed -at the boy’s eagerness.</p> - -<p>“I bet Patsy will strike the fellows before you can say Jack Robinson,” -put in Chick, with a grin.</p> - -<p>“You win your bet,” said Patsy, coolly. “I think I can put you on the -trail of at least one of the men you want. The other fellow will have to -stand till I look around a little.”</p> - -<p>“What!”</p> - -<p>“What!”</p> - -<p>The word leaped from the lips of both Nick and Chick.</p> - -<p>It was Patsy’s turn to grin now.</p> - -<p>“When you boys stop jollying,” he said, “we will get down to business.”</p> - -<p>“See here, Patsy, you’ve got news,” cried Nick. “Out with it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, the truth is I have just come from an interview with a man who is -trying to get back his senses after a cold plunge in the Sound. The cold -plunge was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_7" id="page_7">{7}</a></span> not of his own choosing. He was thrown in at midnight, and -the man who flung him in was a Westerner. Now are you interested?”</p> - -<p>“But there are more Westerners than one in the world,” objected Nick.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but this one was called Yasmar.”</p> - -<p>“Singular name for a Westerner; but that don’t help us any. The man we -want is a fellow called Ramsay.”</p> - -<p>“And Ramsay spelled backward is Yasmar,” added Patsy.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, you’re right! I never thought of that.”</p> - -<p>“No,” retorted Patsy; “it’s a good thing you have a man of brains on -your staff.”</p> - -<p>“Let that pass,” said Nick, smiling. “Any old way, this is bully -information. The report was true, then, and Ramsay and his pal have -really come East and are at their tricks again.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t know about the pal, but I think we have come up with Ramsay all -right. The man he attacked is waiting for you at the office.”</p> - -<p>“Great Scott, Patsy; that’s the most important piece of information you -have brought us.”</p> - -<p>“And I kept it till the end for a good reason.”</p> - -<p>“The reason?” demanded Nick.</p> - -<p>“Oh, simply that the man himself is in no great hurry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_8" id="page_8">{8}</a></span> and, besides, -he’s a good deal better off in Nick Carter’s study than anywhere else I -can think of. You will say the same when you hear his story.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you need not go into the details since you have the man at home, -but what are the outstanding facts in the matter?”</p> - -<p>“They’re not hard to tell. This man, his name is John Lansing, was on -board a Fall River boat bound from New York to Boston, when he was -attacked by Ramsay—or Yasmar as he calls himself now—and was flung -over the side. He escaped with his life and came to New York to give you -the story.</p> - -<p>“I told him you were expected back in town by this train, and he said -he’d wait till I came back with you. He’s had a pretty close shave and -he was just a bit hysterical, but I quieted him down and I guess you -will find him quite rational when you reach home.”</p> - -<p class="castt">* * * * * * *</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Nick was closeted with the man who had narrowly -escaped death in the waters of the Sound.</p> - -<p>Mr. John Lansing he found to be a young man hardly more than out of his -teens.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_9" id="page_9">{9}</a></span></p> - -<p>His face was pale and on his left temple there was a large patch of -court-plaster.</p> - -<p>“My younger assistant has told me something of your startling -adventure,” said Nick, “and I am especially interested in the matter, -for I suspect that your assailant is a man who escaped me in the West.”</p> - -<p>“You mean Yasmar?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, or rather Ramsay, to give him his right name. Since coming East he -has seen fit to spell his name backward—the thinnest kind of an alias -conceivable. But please let me have your story from the beginning.”</p> - -<p>“First let me ask, Mr. Carter, have you seen a copy of the evening -paper?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I glanced hastily at one, and noticed your case.”</p> - -<p>“That is what I wanted to know. What do the papers say about me?”</p> - -<p>“Not much; they simply print a dispatch from Boston, saying that Mr. -John Lansing has disappeared.”</p> - -<p>“Any other particulars?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, the usual gush about your being such a good man and all that. -They mentioned, by the way, that you left New York on a Fall River boat -Monday night with Mr. Yasmar, and that the last Mr. Yasmar saw of you -was on Tuesday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I supposed he was spreading such a report,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_10" id="page_10">{10}</a></span>” said Lansing, “but -the truth is, Mr. Carter, the last this man Yasmar saw of me was off the -Long Island coast at midnight Monday, when he threw me overboard; and -that brings me to the matter about which I wanted your help. You are the -only man living who can help me; the question is will you do it?”</p> - -<p>“Tell me your whole story first and then I will answer you.”</p> - -<p>“I will be as brief as I can,” said Lansing.</p> - -<p>“My parents are dead, and my sister Louise and I live with our uncle, -Horace Montgomery, on West Forty-fourth Street.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Montgomery is our guardian, and is the trustee of certain funds -which were left to us.</p> - -<p>“Between us, Louise and I have some five hundred thousand dollars on -interest with a trust company.</p> - -<p>“This man Yasmar came from the West, a month or more ago, and has -interested my uncle and some Boston men in a Montana mine which he calls -the Royal Ophir.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Montgomery, in spite of my objections, is determined to invest this -five hundred thousand in Yasmar’s mine, but I am sure that the whole -thing is a swindle from start to finish.”</p> - -<p>“How long have you felt sure that Yasmar was a swindler?” interposed -Nick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_11" id="page_11">{11}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I have had a feeling that he was crooked ever since my uncle first -introduced him to me.”</p> - -<p>“Just a ‘feeling.’ No other evidence prior to what happened on the Sound -steamer Monday night?”</p> - -<p>“No. But the fact that Yasmar hit me on the head and threw me overboard -is proof that he considered me a menace to his plans and wanted me out -of the way.”</p> - -<p>“Of course. And then his spreading the report that you disappeared from -Boston is another convincing detail.”</p> - -<p>“Why did he spread that report? Why didn’t he say that I committed -suicide by jumping from the boat?”</p> - -<p>“That would have led to awkward questioning. Not only that, but if you -were dead your money would be tied up in the probate court, and your -uncle could not invest it.”</p> - -<p>“I see. That had not occurred to me before. What a consummate villain -that man Yasmar is!”</p> - -<p>“If he is the fellow I am looking for,” said Nick, bluntly, “I may tell -you there isn’t a more cunning scoundrel alive. But how did he manage to -get the better of you on the Sound steamer? Put in all the details of -the occurrence. They may help in working your case.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Carter, it happened in this way. I met<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_12" id="page_12">{12}</a></span> Yasmar on board, and -we sauntered around the deck, talking pleasantly about general affairs. -All went well till about midnight. Maybe it was ten or fifteen minutes -after. But just about that time we got down to business. Yasmar and I -were sitting on a bench in the narrow passage between the side of the -boat and the cabin, well aft where it was shady.</p> - -<p>“There was a full moon, the sky was cloudless, and the surroundings were -almost as plain as day. But nobody seemed to care anything for the -beauty of the scene except Yasmar and myself.</p> - -<p>“We were not, however, vastly interested ourselves in the moonlit coast -line or the white-topped waves that surged past.</p> - -<p>“We had other things to think of just then, and I will confess that I -was giving him a piece of my mind in reference to that mining affair.</p> - -<p>“As we talked, both of us became excited and we rose and faced one -another. In a sudden flash of anger Yasmar, who is a taller man than -myself, made a jump for my throat.</p> - -<p>“Then he bent me backward over the steamer rail.</p> - -<p>“For a moment he held me in that position, glaring at me like a tiger.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_13" id="page_13">{13}</a></span></p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Be a little more temperate in your speech,’ he hissed, ‘or something -will happen.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>You’d kill me!’ I gasped, as he withdrew his hands.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Well, something will happen,’ he repeated, threateningly.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Why don’t you kill me?’ I said, with a sneer, ‘then you could have -everything your own way.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Will you be reasonable?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I am reasonable,’ I replied. ‘You come from the West, Yasmar, and -those knockdown-and-drag-out Western methods of yours won’t go in the -East.’</p> - -<p>“He muttered something under his breath.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I am armed,’ I continued, threateningly, ‘and if you lay a hand on me -again it will be at your own peril.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Don’t give me any cause to lay a hand on you, and you’ll be safe -enough.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>When I tell you I think you are trying to swindle my guardian on this -Royal Ophir mine deal, I am stating what I believe to be a fact.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Swindle is a hard term, young man.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>It’s the only term to use—sometimes.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>This is not one of the times. Everything in this transaction is open -and above board.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>That is, it seems so.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>It is so.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_14" id="page_14">{14}</a></span>’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I have a feeling in my bones that my guardian is being tricked,’ I -said.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Poppycock!’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Sneer if you like, but it is my sister’s money and mine my guardian is -putting into the deal; not yours or his.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Your guardian is safeguarding your interest in every possible way.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I don’t care if he is. You’re shrewd enough to pull the wool over his -eyes, and I think you’re doing it.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>There’s no possible chance to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. It’s -a straight, legitimate proposition.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I tell you I have a feeling that it is not.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>You’re a man—don’t be so childish.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Childish! Is it childish to wish to keep for my sister and myself what -money was left to us?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>You’re a weak-kneed fool, Lansing!’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Now you are using strong language,’ I answered, and I shouldn’t be -surprised if my voice trembled with anger. ‘I give you fair warning of -what I am going to do.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>What are you going to do?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I’m going to hire the best detective in America to look into this -mining proposition and see whether it’s as straight as you say it is.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_15" id="page_15">{15}</a></span>’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>You’re going to put a detective on my trail, are you?’ he hissed.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>That’s my intention.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I see your game! You’re going to fake up some sort of evidence to -prove me dishonest and queer this mining deal!’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>If you are honest you have nothing to fear. If dishonest, you’ll be -unmasked and a million will be saved to these New York and Boston -investors.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Who are you going to hire?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Nicholas Carter, if I can get him.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Carter!’ When I spoke your name, Mr. Carter, it leaped fiercely from -Yasmar’s lips, and was followed by a muffled oath. ‘You’re going to get -Nick Carter to dog me about New York?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>If he’ll take the case.’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>Then you really think I’m dishonest?’</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>I think you’re a confidence man, Yasmar; a swindler, a ——’</p> - -<p>“Like lightning, his hand, which had been thrust into his pocket and -stealthily withdrawn, shot toward my temple.</p> - -<p>“The hand was armed with a set of murderous knuckles, and the blow laid -me half over the rail, silent and motionless.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_16" id="page_16">{16}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I was as nearly unconscious as I ever want to be, but I still had some -feeling left, and I, as I hung there, half over the boat, I can remember -Yasmar looking round to see if the coast was clear.</p> - -<p>“Quickly he lifted me and pushed me over the rail.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_17" id="page_17">{17}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /><br /> -<small>TO THE CREDIT OF THE CATBOAT.</small></h2> - -<p>“The moment I struck the cool water it brought all my senses back with a -rush.</p> - -<p>“I kept myself afloat, and was picked up by two young men in a catboat. -These young men were members of a fishing club that had a boathouse on -the Sound, and were out for an all-night sail.</p> - -<p>“They were close at hand when the steamer passed, and I was hurled into -the water.”</p> - -<p>“I see. You do not want your uncle to invest your money in the mine, and -he is determined to do it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it. Yasmar is a glib talker, and uncle Horace is entirely -carried away with him.”</p> - -<p>“Could you not get a restraining order from the court and thus prevent -your uncle from using the money?”</p> - -<p>“Under my mother’s will, Mr. Carter, my guardian has a free hand. I will -do Mr. Montgomery the credit of saying that he has gone into the matter -in good faith, and he is usually level-headed. In this instance, -however, he is playing directly into Yasmar’s hands.”</p> - -<p>“It was Monday night when you were picked up by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_18" id="page_18">{18}</a></span> young men in the -catboat. This is Wednesday morning. Where have you been in the -meantime?”</p> - -<p>“At the boathouse on Long Island, where I gave a fictitious name.”</p> - -<p>“You wish to make it appear to Yasmar that you are dead?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I feel that I can fight him better in that way.”</p> - -<p>“That’s rather clever in one way, Mr. Lansing. In another way, however, -it may be a very foolish move.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“If you went to your uncle and told him how the villain had attempted -your life, you would at once convince him that the Western man was a -fraud, and thus prevent the investment in the Royal Ophir.”</p> - -<p>“You do not know my uncle, Mr. Carter. He is investigating the mining -proposition, and, if he is satisfied with the result of his -investigations, the money will be invested.”</p> - -<p>“Headstrong, is he?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; very much set in his way.”</p> - -<p>“How did you happen to be on the same steamer with Yasmar?”</p> - -<p>“I was going to Boston to interview some capitalists there, who are also -intending to put money into the mine. By chance, he was on the same -boat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_19" id="page_19">{19}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“How is your uncle investigating the Royal Ophir mine?”</p> - -<p>“The Boston men sent an expert in whom they have the utmost confidence -to Montana to take a sample of ore from the Royal Ophir.</p> - -<p>“That sample was not out of the expert’s hands, day or night, from the -moment it was taken until, in a sealed bag, it was deposited in a New -York bank.</p> - -<p>“The Boston men and my uncle, accompanied by the expert, will call for -the ore this afternoon, take it to an assayer, and have it assayed.</p> - -<p>“On the result of that assay hangs the investment of a round million of -dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Who is to do the assaying?”</p> - -<p>“Cruse & Cupell, near Sixth Avenue and Twenty-third Street.”</p> - -<p>“Who is the expert?”</p> - -<p>“Orlando G. Bates.”</p> - -<p>“I know Bates, and he’s as straight as a string. The assayers are all -right, too. Will Yasmar be present during the assaying?”</p> - -<p>“No; no one but Mr. Bates, my uncle and the Boston men. Will you take -the case for me, Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“It’s hardly a ‘case,’ Mr. Lansing. You want me to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_20" id="page_20">{20}</a></span> prove to your uncle -that the Royal Ophir mine has been ‘salted,’ as the saying is.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it. I’m sure the mine has been ‘salted,’ and I’m also sure that -neither the expert nor my uncle nor the Boston men are clever enough to -discover it. You are the only one who can do that, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>The detective smiled at the young man’s confidence.</p> - -<p>Before he could answer Lansing’s question, another rap fell on the door, -and the servant handed in a card bearing the following name:</p> - -<p>“Adolphus Yasmar.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_21" id="page_21">{21}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /><br /> -<small>A FAMILIAR FACE.</small></h2> - -<p>“Bring him up,” said Nick, to the servant.</p> - -<p>When the servant had gone, the detective opened the door of an adjoining -apartment.</p> - -<p>“You will have to step in here for a few minutes, Mr. Lansing,” said he. -“Your man Yasmar has come to see me.”</p> - -<p>“Yasmar!” exclaimed Lansing.</p> - -<p>“Yes. Step in, quick. Be quiet, and do not come back until I open the -door.”</p> - -<p>“But what can he want?” murmured the astounded youth, passing into the -other room.</p> - -<p>“I shall find out very soon.”</p> - -<p>Nick closed the door, and was seated at his desk, writing, when his -second caller entered the study.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>Nick dropped his pen, whirled around in his chair, and got up.</p> - -<p>He saw before him a man of forty, or thereabouts, tall, muscular, smooth -shaven and wearing a long frock<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_22" id="page_22">{22}</a></span> coat, dark trousers, patent leather -shoes and a flowing necktie.</p> - -<p>In his left hand he held a black “slouch” hat. His right hand was -extended and an amiable smile wreathed his face.</p> - -<p>Nick took the extended hand, and was surprised to find the palm hard, as -though roughened with manual labor.</p> - -<p>For a “promoter,” dressed as this man was, the fact might have been -significant.</p> - -<p>“What can I do for you, Mr. Yasmar?” asked Nick, when they were both -seated.</p> - -<p>“I have a case, and there is no one in the city, except yourself, whom I -desire to handle it.”</p> - -<p>“Excuse me a moment while I finish this letter, and then I will give you -my attention.”</p> - -<p>Yasmar nodded, picked up the paper Nick had recently laid down, and the -detective touched a bell.</p> - -<p>“Send Patsy to me,” he said to the servant.</p> - -<p>He scribbled away for a few seconds, folded the sheet and put it in an -envelope, sealed the envelope and wrote the following:</p> - -<p>“Look at this man well. He may be Ramsay, but I’m not sure. Shadow -him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_23" id="page_23">{23}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Patsy stood beside the desk when Nick faced around, the letter in his -hand.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a letter, Patsy, which I wish you to deliver immediately. You -know the party, I think?”</p> - -<p>The assistant studied the writing on the envelope.</p> - -<p>“No, Nick,” he answered, “I don’t know him; but I know the address.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll attend to it?”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>Patsy left.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Yasmar,” said Nick, “I’m at leisure for a few minutes.”</p> - -<p>“I only read this morning that you were expected back from your trip -West, and I hate to trouble you, but the matter is very important. Have -you seen to-day’s paper?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then perhaps you recall my name in connection with the disappearance of -young John Lansing.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! Are you the Adolphus Yasmar mentioned in that account?”</p> - -<p>“I am. And it is in relation to John Lansing that I have called on you -this morning.”</p> - -<p>“You want me to find the young man?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I want you to go to Boston by first train and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_24" id="page_24">{24}</a></span> begin a search for -him. Lansing’s sister and uncle are very much worked up over the young -man’s disappearance, and I told them I would call here and put you on -the case—providing I could get you.”</p> - -<p>“I’m very sorry,” said Nick, “but I could not take the case for two or -three days. As you say, I have just returned from the West, and you can -easily understand how work has accumulated during my absence.”</p> - -<p>“You will be well paid——”</p> - -<p>“That is a minor consideration. In two or three days, if you like, I -will——”</p> - -<p>“That will be too late. In cases of this kind, as you perhaps know, -little time should be lost.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. For that reason it is strange that you allowed Tuesday to pass -without coming to me.”</p> - -<p>“I knew you had not returned home, sir; and, besides, I was in Boston -Tuesday, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“There are detectives in Boston—good ones.”</p> - -<p>“But Nick Carter doesn’t live in Boston,” said Yasmar, with a flattering -smile. “The police there are doing their best. Still, the young man’s -relatives would feel better to know that you had taken the case.”</p> - -<p>“That is out of the question, unless you wait for two or three days.”</p> - -<p>“Would not a large retainer tempt you to lay aside<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_25" id="page_25">{25}</a></span> your other work and -give your immediate attention to this matter?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>Yasmar got up.</p> - -<p>“Then I suppose there is nothing else for it but for me to wait.”</p> - -<p>“Or get some one else,” added Nick.</p> - -<p>“Who shall I go to?”</p> - -<p>“The New York chief of police.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll think about it. Good-morning, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>He left.</p> - -<p>When the front door had closed, the detective admitted John Lansing from -the other room.</p> - -<p>“The infernal scoundrel!” cried Lansing. “He dared to come here to you -to get you to look for me—a man whom he believes he murdered.”</p> - -<p>“He’s a pretty smooth rascal,” said the detective.</p> - -<p>“Will you help me out in the mine matter, Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Good! My sister’s money and mine is as good as saved. I thank you very -much, and your bill will be met as soon as presented.”</p> - -<p>“That will come later. For the present, carry out your present -policy—keep in the background, and do<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_26" id="page_26">{26}</a></span>n’t go about the city very much. -Do not even communicate with your sister. Leave that part of it to me, -and I will see that she does not worry about you. Where will I be able -to communicate with you?”</p> - -<p>Lansing wrote his address on a card.</p> - -<p>Then, after thanking Nick again, he left the house.</p> - -<p>The detective lighted a cigar and threw himself into a chair.</p> - -<p>“He certainly had his nerve with him, to call on me as he has done,” -thought Nick.</p> - -<p>“It’s plain that he wants to get me out of town, and at once.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if he knows Nick Carter never forgets a face?</p> - -<p>“I have seen his face before—but whether that is the face of the -tough-looking Westerner called Ramsay, who is ‘wanted’ in Montana, I -can’t say for certain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_27" id="page_27">{27}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE ROLL-TOP DESK.</small></h2> - -<p>On leaving Nick Carter’s house, Yasmar walked rapidly off down the -street.</p> - -<p>At the first corner he passed a typical East Side tough, leaning against -a lamp-post, rolling a huge cigar between his teeth.</p> - -<p>Stepping out into the street, Yasmar hailed an open electric car.</p> - -<p>As he got aboard, well forward, the tough jumped on the rear and took -one of the seats reserved for smokers.</p> - -<p>At Canal Street the Western man changed to a cross-town car, getting off -again at Vestry Street.</p> - -<p>He had not looked behind him, or displayed any nervousness whatever.</p> - -<p>But, nevertheless, it seemed as if he had an idea he might be followed.</p> - -<p>Vestry and Canal meet at an acute angle, forming a “V” shaped point.</p> - -<p>Yasmar walked down Vestry Street for a few doors, then hastily turned to -the right, mounted a short flight of steps and vanished through a dingy -doorway.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_28" id="page_28">{28}</a></span></p> - -<p>The tough was close after him.</p> - -<p>Passing through a long, dark hall, he made an exit through a door -opening on Canal Street.</p> - -<p>The tough, apparently, did not come out of the building.</p> - -<p>The man who did follow Yasmar out onto Canal Street looked more like a -laborer than he did like a tough.</p> - -<p>The Westerner, walking leisurely, made his way to the next block and -halted in front of a four-story building.</p> - -<p>There was a moving van backed to the curb in front, and at the very top -of the building two men were engaged in rigging a block and tackle.</p> - -<p>Yasmar came to a halt before a door leading into a hallway, and from -there, for the first time, he took a survey of the street behind him.</p> - -<p>The laborer, his hands in his pockets and a corncob pipe in his mouth, -was watching the riggers at work on the roof.</p> - -<p>There was nothing suspicious about the laborer, and Yasmar passed into -the building and started upstairs.</p> - -<p>When he reached the head of the first flight, the laborer was in the -doorway.</p> - -<p>Something had been shouted by one of the men on the roof.</p> - -<p>“All right,” the laborer called back, “I’ll bring it up to ye.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_29" id="page_29">{29}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Thereupon Patsy—for, of course, the supposed laborer was none other -than Nick Carter’s assistant—rushed upstairs with a coil of rope.</p> - -<p>He passed Yasmar on the second flight.</p> - -<p>At the top of the third flight, he waited and listened until he heard -the Westerner start up from the foot.</p> - -<p>That was Patsy’s signal to make for the narrow passage leading to the -skylight and the roof.</p> - -<p>“There ye are,” he said, as he tossed the coil of rope to the riggers.</p> - -<p>Then, without loss of a moment, he returned to the fourth floor.</p> - -<p>A door was just closing down the hall as Patsy stepped out of the -passage.</p> - -<p>The detective was too late to see the man who entered the room, but he -was fairly certain it was Yasmar.</p> - -<p>Proceeding noiselessly to the door, he halted and listened.</p> - -<p>Voices, pitched in a low key, reached him.</p> - -<p>It was impossible to distinguish the spoken words, although Patsy -strained his ears in the attempt.</p> - -<p>He was anxious to overhear something which would make it absolutely sure -that he was on the right trail.</p> - -<p>Stooping, he tried the old-fashioned trick of looking through the -keyhole, but found that a hat had been hung<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_30" id="page_30">{30}</a></span> from the knob inside, -effectually covering the small aperture.</p> - -<p>Raising himself erect, Patsy made a quick survey to left and right.</p> - -<p>Instinctively, he came to the conclusion that the door to the right of -the one before which he was standing was more promising than the one on -the left.</p> - -<p>He went to the door and tried it, but found it locked.</p> - -<p>A skeleton key admitted him with very little trouble, and he found -himself in an empty room.</p> - -<p>A door led from this room into the one which Yasmar had entered, but it -was closed and probably fastened.</p> - -<p>Again Patsy tried to look through the keyhole, but this time he found -the opening stuffed with paper.</p> - -<p>“It’s dead sure they do things in that room they don’t want people to -get onto,” thought Patsy, “and that proves, in a way, that my man is -there. Still, I’d like to get a fair and square look at him.”</p> - -<p>Sinking down on his knees, he laid his ear against the crack at the edge -of the door.</p> - -<p>The talkers were still guarded in their tones, and he could hear -nothing.</p> - -<p>He remained on his knees, however, and presently he heard a movement as -of some one rising.</p> - -<p>Steps crossed the floor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_31" id="page_31">{31}</a></span></p> - -<p>“This is getting infernally tiresome,” said a voice. “Gillman is slow in -keeping his appointment.”</p> - -<p>“Something has happened to detain him,” said another voice.</p> - -<p>“Let’s go out and get a drink. Probably he’ll be here by the time we get -back.”</p> - -<p>“I’m with you, old man.”</p> - -<p>Some one else arose and crossed the floor.</p> - -<p>Then the door was unlocked, opened, closed and locked again, and steps -could be heard passing down the hall.</p> - -<p>Rising quickly, Patsy went to a window overlooking the street, raised -it, and looked down.</p> - -<p>He was rewarded by seeing Yasmar come out, accompanied by a short, -thickset man with an iron-gray mustache.</p> - -<p>The second man looked like another Westerner.</p> - -<p>“Bully!” exclaimed Patsy, withdrawing and closing the window. “When -Gillman gets here, I must be in that other room.”</p> - -<p>He went back to the door communicating with the other room.</p> - -<p>A few moments’ work with a knife blade sufficed to pick out the paper, -and a skeleton key did the rest.</p> - -<p>After closing and locking the door from the other side,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_32" id="page_32">{32}</a></span> Patsy carefully -replaced the paper in the keyhole and turned for a look at the room he -was then in.</p> - -<p>It was almost as bare as the apartment he had just left.</p> - -<p>A huge roll-top desk was in evidence, and three common chairs—nothing -more.</p> - -<p>The roll-top of the desk was pushed half up.</p> - -<p>Patsy pushed it all the way and looked into the pigeon-holes.</p> - -<p>They were empty.</p> - -<p>He opened the drawers.</p> - -<p>They were empty, too.</p> - -<p>“It looks as though this might be moving day,” thought the detective, -thinking of the van he had seen out in front. “Gee, but that’s a regular -granddaddy desk. They never got it in through the hall door, and I’ll -bet on it.”</p> - -<p>While he stood there, taking in the situation, his quick ear caught the -sound of footsteps on the stairs.</p> - -<p>The Westerners were coming back.</p> - -<p>The detective looked around for a place to conceal himself.</p> - -<p>Opposite the door by which he had entered there was another, leading -into the room on the other side.</p> - -<p>But even if that door was unlocked, and he could get<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_33" id="page_33">{33}</a></span> into that room, he -would be no better off than he was a little while before.</p> - -<p>He flashed another inquiring look around.</p> - -<p>There was absolutely no place in which he could hide himself, unless——</p> - -<p>He looked at the desk, and then measured himself with his eyes.</p> - -<p>The steps were coming along the hall, now, and it was too late for him -to use the skeleton key and get out of the room, even if he had wanted -to.</p> - -<p>Without pausing another instant, he crawled into the desk and pulled at -the roll-top until he got it down.</p> - -<p>It was a tight squeeze, and when the roll-top descended the lock -snapped.</p> - -<p>But Patsy did not care for that.</p> - -<p>The only thing that worried him was that one of the two men might notice -that the roll-top was shut, and not half open.</p> - -<p>That was not a very long chance, however, and, anyway, Patsy had to take -it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_34" id="page_34">{34}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /><br /> -<small>BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY.</small></h2> - -<p>The door was unlocked, opened, and the men came in.</p> - -<p>From the footfalls alone, Patsy’s keen ear could tell that there were -three men instead of two.</p> - -<p>“We were up here waiting for you, Gillman,” said a voice.</p> - -<p>“If I had come any sooner, I’d have missed that highball,” answered a -second voice.</p> - -<p>“When you turn the key, Ramsay,” observed a third voice, “don’t neglect -to hang that slouch of yours over the knob.”</p> - -<p>The wearer of the slouch hat was the man Patsy was shadowing, so he had -learned the fellow’s true name.</p> - -<p>The key scraped in the lock.</p> - -<p>“There you are, Starlick,” answered Ramsay. “The key fills up the hole -enough, I should think. Besides, we won’t keep Gillman over two -minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Long enough to give me a retainer,” chuckled Gillman.</p> - -<p>“How much of a retainer do you want?”</p> - -<p>“Five hundred. After that, and before these capitalists<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_35" id="page_35">{35}</a></span> turn over their -good money, I want forty-five hundred more.”</p> - -<p>“That’s big pay for fifteen minutes’ work.”</p> - -<p>“It’s no pay at all for the risk I run.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, never mind. Here’s your five hundred.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks. And the cigarettes?”</p> - -<p>“Here; two boxes of them.”</p> - -<p>“Heavens, man! How many do you expect me to smoke during that fifteen -minutes?”</p> - -<p>“As many as you can. The more the better.”</p> - -<p>“Where do I get the forty-five hundred?”</p> - -<p>“At Boucicault’s, Hamilton Street, Brooklyn.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t try any of your Montana tricks with me, you two. I won’t stand -for it, and I’ll queer your game if it lands me in the pen.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t squeal till we throw you down,” put in Starlick.</p> - -<p>“Bring a duplicate assay certificate, Gillman,” said Ramsay, “and you’ll -get your bonus without any question.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll pull out. You fellows may depend on me.”</p> - -<p>“If you queer this deal, without our throwing you down, you’ll never -live to queer another.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about me. I’m out for the stuff, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_36" id="page_36">{36}</a></span> this looks like easy -money. What time shall I be at Boucicault’s?”</p> - -<p>“Be there at ten.”</p> - -<p>“Good!”</p> - -<p>Gillman went away, and Ramsay and Starlick continued their conversation.</p> - -<p>“I’m scared all the while I’m in New York, Starlick,” said Ramsay.</p> - -<p>“On account of this deal?”</p> - -<p>“Thunder, no. On account of Nick Carter. He only saw me for about a -minute, some time ago, and a clean shave and these clothes have changed -me. Besides, I introduced myself as Yasmar, not as Ramsay. I’d be -willing to take my oath that he never recognized me when I called on him -this morning, and yet——”</p> - -<p>He paused.</p> - -<p>“Yet what?” urged Starlick.</p> - -<p>“I’m losing my nerve, I reckon. But you never can tell what Carter -thinks, or what he’s going to do. If I could have got him out of town -for the next forty-eight hours, I’d be feeling easier, this minute. -Hello! What’s that?”</p> - -<p>A hand tried the door. Failing to gain entrance, the same hand banged on -the panel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_37" id="page_37">{37}</a></span></p> - -<p>“It’s all right,” answered Starlick. “No need putting your hand to your -hip, old man.”</p> - -<p>Patsy heard the door open and a gruff voice from the hall:</p> - -<p>“We’ve got the riggin’ fixed and are all ready ter lower the desk.”</p> - -<p>“All right. There it is.”</p> - -<p>“Any idea how long it’ll be kept in storage?”</p> - -<p>“No. A year, perhaps.”</p> - -<p>Patsy was doing some hard thinking.</p> - -<p>He had no desire to spend a year in storage, and it was necessary for -him, somehow, to separate himself from the desk.</p> - -<p>To do it then was out of the question.</p> - -<p>The workmen went to the windows and took out the sash.</p> - -<p>Patsy could hear them, and he could also hear Ramsay and Starlick moving -about the room.</p> - -<p>Finally the workmen came to the desk, took hold of it, and shoved it -across the room.</p> - -<p>“Empty, boss?” queried one of the men.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Starlick.</p> - -<p>“Mighty heavy for an empty desk.”</p> - -<p>“It’s an old-fashioned roll-top, and that’s the reason.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_38" id="page_38">{38}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I guess the riggin’ll hold it, all right, but I didn’t figger on havin’ -quite so much heft.”</p> - -<p>“Better be sure, my man. I wouldn’t want the desk smashed.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll risk it. If it’s smashed, it comes out o’ my pay.”</p> - -<p>There were other things that couldn’t come out of the man’s pay, if the -rigging let go, and Patsy was as near in a flutter as his nerve ever -allowed him to be.</p> - -<p>A hawser was put around the desk both ways.</p> - -<p>Then Patsy heard a hook made fast.</p> - -<p>A moment later one of the men went down.</p> - -<p>In three minutes, the big roll-top desk was out of the window, swinging -in mid air.</p> - -<p>The rope creaked and something gave so that the piece of furniture -dropped a foot.</p> - -<p>“Steady!” whooped the man whose pay was to be docked in case of -accident.</p> - -<p>“Yes, for Heaven’s sake,” muttered Patsy.</p> - -<p>Down went the desk, the man inside breathing only when necessary until -it safely rested on the walk.</p> - -<p>To load the desk in the wagon did not take much time, and the van hadn’t -gone a block before Patsy had exerted sufficient pressure to break the -lock.</p> - -<p>The rattle of the vehicle drowned the noise he had to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_39" id="page_39">{39}</a></span> make, and he -pushed up the top, slipped to the floor of the van, and dropped out.</p> - -<p>The two men on the seat of the van drove on, all unconscious of what had -happened, and Patsy, the moment he struck the sidewalk, drew a sleeve -across his dripping forehead.</p> - -<p>“That was a corker!” he muttered. “I wonder if I’ve lost the trail?”</p> - -<p>He had lost the trail, as he quickly found, for Ramsay and Starlick had -vanished from the building in which they had been but a few minutes -before.</p> - -<p>“I’ll slide around to the house and tell Nick about it,” said Patsy to -himself. “He may want to give me fresh instructions.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter was not at the house, however, nor was Chick.</p> - -<p>They had gone out together, Patsy was told.</p> - -<p>He waited a long time for one or the other to return, but they did not -come.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have to go to Boucicault’s,” thought Patsy; “and I can’t wait any -longer for Nick.”</p> - -<p>Before he went, he left the following memorandum on Nick’s desk:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_40" id="page_40">{40}</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>“Yasmar’s real name is Ramsay. Latter name used by his pals. Guess -he is one of the two men you want. Ramsay and his side partner, -Starlick, are to meet a man named Gillman in Boucicault’s place, -Hamilton Street, Brooklyn, at ten to-night. Look out for a couple -of boxes of doped cigarettes.</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Patsy.</span>”<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_41" id="page_41">{41}</a></span></p></div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /><br /> -<small>A SMOOTH GAME.</small></h2> - -<p>On Wednesday afternoon a prosperous-looking gentleman, of apparently -about fifty years of age, entered the private offices of Cruse & Cupell, -on Twenty-Third Street.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Cruse?” he asked, halting at a desk.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Cruse is out,” answered a man at the desk. “I’m Mr. Cupell.”</p> - -<p>“My card.”</p> - -<p>The caller handed over a bit of pasteboard bearing the name, “Mr. -Jefferson Jones.”</p> - -<p>“I’m from Albany,” went on Mr. Jones, “and I have run down to be present -at the assay of the Royal Ophir ore.”</p> - -<p>“Ah,” murmured Mr. Cupell. “Won’t you sit down, Mr. Jones? There’s a -paper at your elbow. I expect Mr. Bates and the other gentlemen at any -moment.”</p> - -<p>Jefferson Jones took the chair and the paper.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the expert entered with three other gentlemen, the -expert carrying a small bag, bound with a cord and sealed in half a -dozen different places.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_42" id="page_42">{42}</a></span></p> - -<p>Cupell welcomed the party, and then presented Jefferson Jones.</p> - -<p>Jones did not pay much attention to the Boston men, nor to Bates, the -expert, but he gave more than casual attention to Mr. Horace Montgomery.</p> - -<p>“Why do you wish to see this assay, Mr. Jones?” asked Montgomery.</p> - -<p>“Merely to satisfy myself as to the value of the Royal Ophir mine.”</p> - -<p>“With a view to investing?”</p> - -<p>“That remains to be seen.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think there will be any chance for you. The Royal Ophir, I am -satisfied, is a good thing, and myself and these other two gentlemen -want it all to ourselves.”</p> - -<p>A slight smile wreathed about the lips of Jefferson Jones.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you won’t object to letting me see the assay made?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Certainly not; only don’t deceive yourself with false hopes, that’s -all.”</p> - -<p>Bates, the expert, here interjected a few remarks.</p> - -<p>“This is the Royal Ophir ore, gentlemen,” said he. “I took a fair sample -from the main vein of the mine, sacked and sealed it on the spot, and -the sample was not out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_43" id="page_43">{43}</a></span> my hands until deposited in the bank, from -which we just took it.</p> - -<p>“I will take an oath that it has not been tampered with in any way. On -the result of this assay I assure you that you can spend one million, or -ten millions, and be perfectly confident that you are going into the -deal with your eyes open.</p> - -<p>“There, Mr. Cupell.” The expert handed the sack to the assayer. “It is -understood that we are all to be present during the assaying.”</p> - -<p>“That is my understanding,” said Cupell. “This way, gentlemen.”</p> - -<p>He opened a door leading into one of the workrooms.</p> - -<p>A dark-faced young man of twenty or thereabouts, wearing a white apron -and smoking a cigarette, was busying himself about the room.</p> - -<p>On an iron slab Cupell opened the ore sack and emptied the pieces of ore -out on the slab for general inspection.</p> - -<p>Jefferson Jones, Montgomery and the two Boston men began to look at the -samples.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think you ought to touch this rock, gentlemen,” said Cupell.</p> - -<p>Examination of the ore was instantly stopped.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_44" id="page_44">{44}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I don’t think any of us would put ‘salt’ into this proposition,” said -Montgomery.</p> - -<p>But, even as he spoke, he cast a suspicious look at Jones, of Albany.</p> - -<p>Jones looked innocent enough.</p> - -<p>Humming to himself and holding his hands behind him, he was giving his -attention to the strange instruments arranged around the room.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he asked if there was any drinking water about the place.</p> - -<p>Cupell told him he would find a water cooler in the office.</p> - -<p>Jones sauntered into the office, took a drink, and then passed into the -hall.</p> - -<p>“Here, Chick,” he said to somebody who was waiting there, “take this to -Clarkson, around the corner on Sixth Avenue, and have him rush the assay -through.”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Then wait for me downstairs.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be there.”</p> - -<p>Nick—for, of course, “Jones” was none other than the detective—gave -his assistant two small pieces of Royal Ophir ore.</p> - -<p>Chick went away, and Nick returned to the workroom, drying his lips on a -handkerchief.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_45" id="page_45">{45}</a></span></p> - -<p>The ore was being put through a small crusher by the young man who wore -the apron and was smoking the cigarette.</p> - -<p>Cupell watched every move of the young man with eagle-eyed vigilance.</p> - -<p>“That’s fine enough, Gillman,” said Cupell; “now use your muller.”</p> - -<p>The “muller” was a heavy, iron roller that worked on the slab.</p> - -<p>Gillman took the crushed ore, held it on the slab, and then went over it -again and again with the roller.</p> - -<p>This part of the operation took some time, and Gillman smoked three -cigarettes.</p> - -<p>Nick noticed that he never removed a cigarette from his mouth, after -once lighting it, until it was smoked almost to the gold tip.</p> - -<p>When the ashes accumulated, he gave his head a shake and they fell into -the ore he was crushing.</p> - -<p>“You’ll smoke yourself to death, Gillman,” said Cupell.</p> - -<p>“I expect so,” was the lugubrious answer. “I’ve formed the habit, -though, and I can’t break myself.”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t any patience with a cigarette smoker,” said one of the Boston -men, with a shudder.</p> - -<p>“Give me a cigar, every time,” said the other Boston man.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_46" id="page_46">{46}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, I don’t know,” said Nick; “I enjoy a cigarette now and then myself. -If Gillman would oblige me with one, I believe I’d keep him company.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” answered Gillman, readily enough.</p> - -<p>Taking the cigarette box from his pocket, he handed it to Nick.</p> - -<p>Nick took one of the “paper pipes,” lighted it, and returned the box.</p> - -<p>A moment later the detective sat down, a little way from the group -around the muller-board.</p> - -<p>When ready to knock the ashes from the cigarette, he brought out a -silver match case, emptied it of matches, and carefully deposited the -ashes inside.</p> - -<p>When he had finished the cigarette, Gillman was “quartering down” the -sample.</p> - -<p>The powdered ore was then mixed with fluxes, put into little, -earthenware dishes, and shoved into a furnace.</p> - -<p>When the dishes were drawn from the furnace, there was a drop of bullion -in each one.</p> - -<p>This drop was put into a glass parting flask with nitric acid, the flask -was heated, and the gold in the drop of bullion was separated from the -other metals.</p> - -<p>All that then remained was to weigh it.</p> - -<p>This was done on a pair of scales so finely adjusted that they would -weigh a pencil mark on a scrap of paper.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_47" id="page_47">{47}</a></span></p> - -<p>In two hours’ time Cupell had signed the assay certificates, and -Montgomery and the Boston men were wildly jubilant.</p> - -<p>The assay ran nine hundred and sixty dollars to the ton!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_48" id="page_48">{48}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /><br /> -<small>SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY.</small></h2> - -<p>“There’s a five-foot vein of that rock!” declared Bates, “and it’s a -true fissure—which means that it will ‘go down’ and get better with -every foot.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder if I could get a little of that good thing?” Nick inquired.</p> - -<p>“No, sir, never!” cried Montgomery.</p> - -<p>“We want it all for ourselves,” said one of the Boston men.</p> - -<p>“Sure thing,” averred the other.</p> - -<p>“We’ll close the deal to-morrow at ten o’clock, at my house,” said -Montgomery. “You’ll be there, gentlemen?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly we will,” answered the first Boston man.</p> - -<p>“And bring our certified checks with us,” added the other.</p> - -<p>The capitalists went away, Bates soon followed, and Nick sat down in -Cupell’s private office.</p> - -<p>“A great mine, that, Mr. Jones,” said Cupell.</p> - -<p>“Looks like it,” returned Nick. “Could you do a little assaying for me, -Mr. Cupell?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_49" id="page_49">{49}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes, certainly. I’ll have Gillman——”</p> - -<p>“No, not Gillman. I want you to attend to it personally and send Gillman -out somewhere while it’s being done.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t possible you suspect there is anything wrong with that assay?”</p> - -<p>“It’s immaterial what I suspect, Mr. Cupell.” The detective walked close -to the assayer and bent over him. “My real name is not Jones but -Carter——”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And you were here to watch and see that the assay was properly made?”</p> - -<p>“I was here for a purpose. How long will it take you to make the assay?”</p> - -<p>“Is it an assay of ore?”</p> - -<p>“Of cigarette ashes.”</p> - -<p>Cupell jumped from his chair.</p> - -<p>“Great heavens!” he exclaimed. “Can it be possible that—— No, no! You -are wrong, Mr. Carter. Gillman has worked for me for two years and he’s -as straight as a string.”</p> - -<p>“How long will it take you to make the assay?”</p> - -<p>“An hour.”</p> - -<p>“Then send Gillman out somewhere for an hour. Be sure and have him come -back here this afternoon, how<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_50" id="page_50">{50}</a></span>ever, and don’t give him cause to think -that there is anything wrong. Understand?”</p> - -<p>“I understand.”</p> - -<p>“All right. I will return presently.”</p> - -<p>Nick put the silver match case in the assayer’s hands and left the -office.</p> - -<p>Downstairs, near the edge of the sidewalk, a shabbily dressed man was -selling some mechanical toys that ran by clockwork.</p> - -<p>Nick kicked over one of the toys as it ran in front of him.</p> - -<p>“Ain’t you got no eyes?” blustered the curbstone merchant. “That’ll -stand ye in fifty cents.”</p> - -<p>Nick picked up the broken toy and saw a folded paper inside of it.</p> - -<p>He deftly abstracted the paper and tossed the tin automobile at Chick’s -feet.</p> - -<p>“Here’s your money,” he said, tendering a bill. “There’s no sense in -running those things all over the walk.”</p> - -<p>Chick dived into his pocket for change.</p> - -<p>“There’s a man in a brown derby and gray clothes around the corner -keeping track of this doorway,” said Chick, in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“Tall?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_51" id="page_51">{51}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“No, short and thickset.”</p> - -<p>“Keep your eye on him. Also take a good look at that young man who’s -just coming out of the doorway now.”</p> - -<p>Gillman came out and Chick took his measure.</p> - -<p>Nick walked back into the building and was soon in the assay office.</p> - -<p>On his way he looked at the assay certificate brought by Chick.</p> - -<p>“No trace of metal,” read the certificate.</p> - -<p>Nick gave a whistle as he dropped into a chair in Cruse & Cupell’s -office.</p> - -<p>“Salted for a million,” he muttered. “It’s a smooth game.”</p> - -<p>In a little while Cupell rushed into the office excitedly.</p> - -<p>“What’s the result?” asked Nick, calmly.</p> - -<p>“Those cigarette ashes assay close to fifty thousand to the ton!” -declared the assayer.</p> - -<p>“I wish I had a few tons,” remarked Nick, with a dry laugh.</p> - -<p>“To think that I have been bamboozled by that assistant of ours! I must -call in those assay certificates and——”</p> - -<p>“Do nothing of the kind, just yet,” cut in Nick.</p> - -<p>“But are you aware of the position it places me in?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_52" id="page_52">{52}</a></span> Every assay -certificate is vouched for by us the moment it is signed. And then, to -have the hocus-pocus worked right in our own office—— But, by Jove, it -was clever!”</p> - -<p>“Certainly it was,” said Nick, “and Gillman was only a tool and not the -leader in the swindling game. What I want to do is to get the whole -gang. If you’ll lay back on your oars a little while, I shall succeed.”</p> - -<p>“But to-morrow morning at ten o’clock a million dollars will be paid -over to these swindlers for the Royal Ophir mine.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t be paid over,” averred Nick.</p> - -<p>“You assure me of that?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. What I want you to do is to keep this to yourself. Don’t let -Gillman suspect that you know what he has done. Keep him here until five -o’clock and then let him go.”</p> - -<p>“But my responsibility——”</p> - -<p>“I’ll take your responsibility on my own shoulders.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Mr. Carter, I will do as you say.”</p> - -<p>Nick went away.</p> - -<p>“The young fellow had a talk with the man in the brown derby,” Chick -said, as his chief walked slowly past.</p> - -<p>“Stay here and watch,” Nick returned. “I’ll be back<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_53" id="page_53">{53}</a></span> in an hour. You’ll -recognize me. I’m going to shadow the young fellow, and if the man in -the brown derby follows me you follow him.”</p> - -<p>Nick went to police headquarters and made a few changes in his disguise.</p> - -<p>When he came out he looked at least twenty years younger.</p> - -<p>There was a cigar store opposite the building in which Cruse & Cupell -had their assay office, and Nick stepped in there, bought a weed, and -stood leaning on the counter, smoking and watching the doorway across -the street.</p> - -<p>It was five o’clock and time for Gillman to show himself.</p> - -<p>Nick had not long to wait.</p> - -<p>The clerk came briskly out and Nick went after him.</p> - -<p>Just beyond the corner a man in a brown derby dropped in behind Nick.</p> - -<p>Chick, keenly alive to the situation, picked up the single tin -automobile that he had left, pushed it into his pocket, and trailed -along in the rear of the man in the brown derby.</p> - -<p>From the opposite side of the street a neatly dressed man in a sack suit -and black Fedora hat took in the situation and gave vent to a muttered -oath.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_54" id="page_54">{54}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I like the layout, Mr. Nick Carter,” he said to himself. “Keep on after -Gillman and you’ll find yourself in a hornet’s nest. You’ll never live -to put those Boston men next to my game, or to bring me to book for that -Montana job. Now for Hamilton Street.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_55" id="page_55">{55}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /><br /> -<small>BOUCICAULT’S.</small></h2> - -<p>At certain times Nick Carter had intuitions that amounted almost to -positive knowledge.</p> - -<p>It was the “detective instinct,” amplified by years of intelligent -practice.</p> - -<p>In the present instance he believed that he would be shadowed, and he -even figured out to himself the successive links in the chain that -brought the conclusion.</p> - -<p>Gillman had suspected him and had conveyed his suspicions to the man in -the brown derby at the same time that he had reported the result of the -assay.</p> - -<p>It was this man in the brown derby whom Nick had cast for the part of a -shadow, and hence Chick’s instructions to “shadow the shadow.”</p> - -<p>The one uncertain element of the situation was Ramsay, or Yasmar, but -Nick was depending on Patsy to take care of the Westerner.</p> - -<p>Could Nick have been made familiar with the contents of a certain note, -at that moment lying on his desk at home, there would have been a -decided change in the plan of operations.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_56" id="page_56">{56}</a></span></p> - -<p>Gillman appeared to be very well satisfied with himself, for he carried -a cane and swung it jauntily as he walked.</p> - -<p>He paid no attention to the ground behind him, and that might mean one -of two things—either he did not think he was followed, or did not care.</p> - -<p>At Sixth Avenue he hailed a downtown car.</p> - -<p>It was an open car, and Nick got aboard three seats behind him.</p> - -<p>The man in the brown derby followed the car in a hansom, a difficult but -not impossible task considering the slow speed at which the car had to -travel in that part of the city and at that busy hour.</p> - -<p>The hardest part of the work fell to Chick.</p> - -<p>He could not very well get aboard the car with Gillman and Nick, and, as -there was no cab in sight which he could hire, he slipped a five-dollar -bill to an expressman and told him to keep the hansom in sight.</p> - -<p>Thus Gillman, virtually shadowed by three, made his way to his -destination, which proved to be a restaurant in the lower part of the -town—a place famous for the low price of its “table d’hote dinner with -wine.”</p> - -<p>There he and Nick had dinner, the man in the brown derby remaining on -the walk outside and Chick watching from across the street.</p> - -<p>The meal over, the tactics were continued, Gillman<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_57" id="page_57">{57}</a></span> leading the chase to -Brooklyn, crossing by ferry and winding up at Boucicault’s on Hamilton -Street.</p> - -<p>It was between eight and nine in the evening, and Hamilton Street was -just “waking up.”</p> - -<p>A sleepy and quiet thoroughfare by day, it is anything but sleepy and -quiet under the gas and electric lights.</p> - -<p>“Speak-easies” and other haunts of vice abound, and not the least among -the lawless resorts was Boucicault’s.</p> - -<p>There were three stories to the building, and Boucicault’s occupied all -three, in addition to a good-sized basement.</p> - -<p>Of the basement more will be said hereafter.</p> - -<p>The main floor was given up to a saloon and restaurant.</p> - -<p>The floors above constituted the hotel part of the establishment, and -here many a drunken victim had been plucked by the human harpies who -made the place their rendezvous.</p> - -<p>If darker crimes than robbery were meditated, the intended victim was -conducted to the gloomy and vault-like regions under the saloon.</p> - -<p>A long, low bar ran along the left-hand wall; off to the right were half -a dozen tables; in the rear were four or five small rooms partitioned -off.</p> - -<p>When Gillman entered the dive it was half filled with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_58" id="page_58">{58}</a></span> a roaring -complement of sailormen, every one in the lot considerably more than -“half seas over.”</p> - -<p>The air was thick with tobacco smoke, heavy with the fumes of cheap -beer, and resounding with sea songs—every song pitched in a different -key and sung in a different language.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter had established his case and was ready to arrest his man.</p> - -<p>What he wanted, however, was to make a clean haul of the entire gang, -and to this end he had shadowed Gillman.</p> - -<p>He was now certain that Boucicault’s was the rendezvous of the -swindlers, and he followed Gillman through the fog of smoke, and saw him -vanish into one of the rear rooms.</p> - -<p>The time had come when the detective thought it would be as well to -bring matters to an issue with the assayer’s clerk, to find out what he -could from him, and then turn him over to the police for safe-keeping.</p> - -<p>Advancing to the door of the room entered by Gillman, Nick tried the -knob.</p> - -<p>The door was locked, and he applied his knuckles to the panel.</p> - -<p>“Who’s there?” called a voice.</p> - -<p>“Yasmar.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_59" id="page_59">{59}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“What do you want to give that name for? Haven’t you got another?” asked -the voice, anxiously.</p> - -<p>Nick saw that Gillman was very suspicious.</p> - -<p>He felt, too, that he must act quickly. He had already guessed that -Yasmar’s true name was Ramsay, but had never verified it. Now he was -face to face with the question.</p> - -<p>He took a long chance, and called out:</p> - -<p>“Ramsay.”</p> - -<p>To his delight he heard the bolts being drawn back, and the door was -thrown open.</p> - -<p>“You know, Ram——” Gillman began, then he stopped dead, for the man who -had entered was not Ramsay, but Nick Carter.</p> - -<p>Without taking his eyes off Gillman, Nick closed the door and locked it.</p> - -<p>The room was about ten feet square, had paneled side walls and contained -a table and four chairs.</p> - -<p>It was lighted by an incandescent bulb, pendant from the ceiling.</p> - -<p>Gillman showed a good deal of surprise when he discovered that the -newcomer was not Ramsay.</p> - -<p>“Well, well!” he exclaimed, his right hand groping under his coat. “Who -are you and what’s your game?”</p> - -<p>“My game is to call yours, Gillman,” answered Nick,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_60" id="page_60">{60}</a></span> sternly, his right -hand in his coat pocket. “Bring that hand out in front of you! I’m -covering you with a gun.”</p> - -<p>Gillman brought the hand slowly to the required position.</p> - -<p>“You’ve been crowding me pretty close for the last hour or two,” said -he. “What do you want, anyhow?”</p> - -<p>“I want you.”</p> - -<p>With his left hand Nick brought out a pair of handcuffs.</p> - -<p>“What do you want me for?” queried Gillman, sweeping his eyes shiftily -around the room.</p> - -<p>“For smoking that brand of gold-filled cigarettes this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>That was the point where Gillman began to lose his nerve.</p> - -<p>“I—I don’t understand,” he stammered.</p> - -<p>“Yes, you do,” answered Nick. “Put up your wrists.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you do it, Gillman!”</p> - -<p>This counter-command came from the side of the room.</p> - -<p>Out of the corners of his eyes Nick could see that a panel in the wall -had slid noiselessly back.</p> - -<p>A square opening was revealed, framing a man’s head and shoulders.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_61" id="page_61">{61}</a></span></p> - -<p>The man wore a brown derby hat and held a revolver, whose point was -leveled at the detective’s breast.</p> - -<p>A triumphant smile began to show itself on Gillman’s face; but the smile -vanished as a second head appeared in the opening and another voice -echoed sharply through the room.</p> - -<p>“Put on the darbies, Nick! If this fellow tries to pull the trigger it -will be all over with him.”</p> - -<p>It was Chick.</p> - -<p>He was behind the other man, and was pressing the muzzle of a revolver -against the back of his head.</p> - -<p>A baffled oath broke from the man in the derby hat.</p> - -<p>Nick, realizing that there was no time to be lost, was about to adjust -the handcuffs.</p> - -<p>Before he could do it, however, a rap fell on the door.</p> - -<p>Silence followed.</p> - -<p>The rap was repeated more emphatically.</p> - -<p>“Ask who’s there, Gillman,” whispered Nick, bringing the weapon out of -his pocket and making a significant movement with it.</p> - -<p>“Who’s there?” inquired Gillman.</p> - -<p>“Ramsay.”</p> - -<p>Quick as lightning. Nick put away the handcuffs and developed a second -revolver.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_62" id="page_62">{62}</a></span></p> - -<p>Covering Gillman with the gun in his right hand, Nick turned partly -around.</p> - -<p>“Tell him to come in,” he whispered again.</p> - -<p>As Gillman carried out the order, Nick pushed back the bolt with the -muzzle of the weapon held in his right hand.</p> - -<p>Then two things happened, and happened simultaneously.</p> - -<p>The incandescent light was turned off, leaving the room in total -darkness, and a rush of heavy feet followed the bursting in of the door.</p> - -<p>Nick discharged his revolvers, but the rush of his enemies was not -stayed.</p> - -<p>He was assailed from all sides, and when he found the quarters too close -for revolver work, he gripped the weapons by the barrel and clubbed them -to right and left.</p> - -<p>But the odds were overwhelming.</p> - -<p>In the midst of his desperate struggle, a savage blow on the head sent -him down.</p> - -<p>The shouts and curses of his assailants died away in his ears, he felt -them piling on top of him, and then he remembered nothing more.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_63" id="page_63">{63}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /><br /> -<small>THE DEATH CHAMBER.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick opened his eyes in darkness.</p> - -<p>Not a ray of light could be seen at any point in the surrounding gloom, -and a silence as of the grave reigned all around.</p> - -<p>Under him was a hard stone floor, and from the dank, moldy smell of the -place he thought he must be in a cellar—presumably the basement under -Boucicault’s.</p> - -<p>His head was throbbing painfully, and he was lying on his bound arms and -wrists.</p> - -<p>His ankles were also bound.</p> - -<p>“Well, here’s a go!” he exclaimed, aloud.</p> - -<p>The words echoed hollowly through the place, and had hardly left Nick’s -lips before another voice came from a little distance.</p> - -<p>“Hello! Is that you, Nick?”</p> - -<p>“Chick! What are you doing here?”</p> - -<p>“Not a thing. Can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Trussed up?”</p> - -<p>“Wrist and ankle.”</p> - -<p>“The same gang that laid me out took care of you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_64" id="page_64">{64}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“We had an enemy in our rear, and he set the longshoremen onto us.”</p> - -<p>“The enemy in the rear was Ramsay.”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” said Chick. “And that’s one good thing about this little -adventure—we have learned that Yasmar is really Ramsay. He has shaved -off his beard since we knew him in the West.”</p> - -<p>“Where was Patsy that he couldn’t take care of Ramsay?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Something may have happened to the boy. These Westerners weren’t born -yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“They’re clever in their way; but they overshot the mark when they put -you and me in the same cell.”</p> - -<p>“You bet! If I can’t get you loose with my teeth, I’ll write myself down -as a has-been. Roll over this way.”</p> - -<p>Nick rolled toward the point from which Chick’s voice came.</p> - -<p>As his body turned, he felt something in his pocket.</p> - -<p>It was his pocket lamp, undoubtedly, and its presence proved that Ramsay -and his pals hadn’t had time for a very exhaustive search through their -victims’ clothes.</p> - -<p>“This must be the cellar under Boucicault’s,” remarked Chick, as he -twisted his body around until it lay parallel with Nick’s, and directly -behind.</p> - -<p>“When Ramsay and his pals brought us down here,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_65" id="page_65">{65}</a></span>” returned Nick, “they -evidently planned that we weren’t to leave until we were carried feet -first.”</p> - -<p>“Ramsay wants you out of the way, Nick, so he can work his -million-dollar graft without being bothered.”</p> - -<p>Chick’s hands were bound behind him, just as Nick’s were, and he had to -locate the cords by brushing his face against his chief’s arms.</p> - -<p>Presently he got to work with his teeth.</p> - -<p>“This will be a good, long job,” he said, pausing. “Some sailor put on -this rope, and the easiest way to get it off is to chew it in two.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” answered Nick.</p> - -<p>After half an hour of hard labor, Nick pulled his hands apart and -brought them around in front of him.</p> - -<p>“Now for a little light,” said he.</p> - -<p>Sitting upon the stone floor, he brought out his little pocket -lamp—which was one of the things he always carried with him—and -pressed the spring that released the electric current.</p> - -<p>A shaft of bright light pierced the gloom.</p> - -<p>Nick flashed the gleam slowly around.</p> - -<p>He and his assistant saw that they were in a vaulted chamber, perhaps a -dozen feet square.</p> - -<p>The walls and roof were of stone.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_66" id="page_66">{66}</a></span></p> - -<p>There were no openings anywhere—that is, none that could be seen.</p> - -<p>“How the dickens did they get us in here?” asked Chick.</p> - -<p>“Possibly they lowered us down from the top. There may be a trap in the -roof of the vault. Hello! What’s this? A knife, by George!”</p> - -<p>In sweeping the ray of light across the floor, it had struck upon a -gleaming object that lay less than a half-dozen feet away.</p> - -<p>Nick reached for it.</p> - -<p>It was a pearl-handled knife, such as gentlemen carry.</p> - -<p>On a piece of silver set into the pearl there were two initials.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>W. H., said Nick, reading the letters. “Thunder!”</p> - -<p>“What now?” inquired Chick.</p> - -<p>Nick turned the knife over so that the position of the two letters were -reversed.</p> - -<p>“Upside down,” said he, “W. H. becomes H. M.”</p> - -<p>“What of it?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing now,” Nick answered, quietly, opening the knife’s largest -blade. “One of the men who brought us here must have dropped the knife. -Turn over, Chick, and I’ll cut off your ropes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_67" id="page_67">{67}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Chick whirled over, and was soon freed of the bonds about his wrists and -ankles.</p> - -<p>Nick then cut the cords from his own feet, and the two detectives arose -and stretched their cramped limbs.</p> - -<p>“Wonder if I shot anybody up there during the set-to?” Nick muttered, -closing the knife blade and slipping the knife into his pocket.</p> - -<p>“Give it up,” answered Chick. “I was down and out about as soon as you -were. The instant the light was turned off, somebody let me have it full -from behind. Great Scott! My head’s buzzing yet.”</p> - -<p>“Mine, too.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder if I’ve been touched?” Chick began, turning his pockets inside -out. “Oh, no, I haven’t been touched,” he remarked, dryly; “I’ve been -grabbed. I haven’t got so much as a toothpick left. Those longshoremen -probably got the rake-off for their trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I have nothing left but the pocket lamp,” said Nick. “In some way they -overlooked that. The thing for us to do is to get out. I have a pressing -engagement at Montgomery’s house, in Forty-fourth Street, to-morrow -morning at ten. What time do you think it is now?”</p> - -<p>“No idea.”</p> - -<p>“It can’t be more than nine or ten.”</p> - -<p>Picking up a small piece of stone that lay on the floor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_68" id="page_68">{68}</a></span> Nick started -along one of the walls, tapping on every rock.</p> - -<p>Chick took his cue, and began doing likewise.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Nick paused.</p> - -<p>“Smell anything, Chick?”</p> - -<p>“I was just going to ask you the same question.”</p> - -<p>“What do you think it is?”</p> - -<p>“Gas.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I think.”</p> - -<p>Nick flashed the light on his assistant’s face and saw that it had -become exceedingly grave.</p> - -<p>Chick realized what the game was, and it was enough to make him sober.</p> - -<p>“They intend to kill us with that gas,” said he.</p> - -<p>“And they’ll do it,” answered Nick, grimly, “if we can’t find the jet -and plug it up.”</p> - -<p>The incandescent light in the pocket lamp, of course, would not ignite -the escaping gas, and Nick flashed the penciled beam to every point of -the side walls, the floor and the roof.</p> - -<p>Not a sign of a gas pipe could be seen.</p> - -<p>But the gas was coming from somewhere, and coming in a quantity that -would soon fill the chamber.</p> - -<p>Breathing was already exceedingly difficult.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_69" id="page_69">{69}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Go on tapping the walls,” gasped Nick. “If we don’t find a way to -escape, or get next to that gas plug, we’ll be laid out cold.”</p> - -<p>Goaded by the foul atmosphere, which was rapidly becoming more and more -poisonous, the two detectives hastily tapped the walls to their full -extent.</p> - -<p>They found nothing.</p> - -<p>“It must come from the roof,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>His voice was hoarse and rasping, and his lungs felt as though -compressed under a ton’s weight.</p> - -<p>“How are we going to do any searching up there?” queried Chick, rising -on his tiptoes and stretching his arms. “I can’t come within three feet -of the ceiling.”</p> - -<p>“Take me on your shoulders,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>This plan was carried out without loss of time.</p> - -<p>Sitting astride Chick’s broad shoulders, Nick was able to reach the -roof.</p> - -<p>Beginning at one of the end walls, they proceeded to cover the flat -stones of the ceiling with the utmost care.</p> - -<p>“I can’t stand this much longer,” said Chick, staggering, and only -saving himself and Nick a fall by a quick effort. “This gas seems to sap -all my strength.”</p> - -<p>“Hang to it, old man,” returned Nick. “By Jupiter! I’ve struck it! Let -me down, Chick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_70" id="page_70">{70}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“If you’ve found the pipe, Nick, plug it up.”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t found the pipe, and we can’t stop the escaping gas.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t?” echoed Chick.</p> - -<p>“No.” Nick jumped from his assistant’s shoulders. “It comes between the -joints of those roof stones. If we had tow, and could calk up every -crack in the roof, we might save ourselves. But that’s out of the -question.”</p> - -<p>“What a devilish contrivance!” exclaimed Chick.</p> - -<p>“It’s devilish enough to do for us if we can’t find our way out of this -hole.”</p> - -<p>“You might look for a trap in the roof.”</p> - -<p>“As soon as you’re able to bear my weight again, I’ll try.”</p> - -<p>“Try now, old man. Every second is worth its weight in gold.”</p> - -<p>Nick tried to mount Chick’s shoulders, but Chick was too far gone and -could not hold him up.</p> - -<p>“You get on my back,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>But the deadly fumes had already weakened the detectives so that it was -impossible for them to continue their search for an exit.</p> - -<p>“Slip off your coat, wrap it around your head, and get down on your -knees, your face to the floor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_71" id="page_71">{71}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick made the suggestions in a quick voice, at the same time carrying -them into effect himself.</p> - -<p>In this manner a temporary relief was obtained.</p> - -<p>The foulest air lay near the roof.</p> - -<p>It would be only a question of time, however, until every particle of -air in the chamber would be too deadly to sustain life.</p> - -<p>The light was still burning, and Nick, with an awkward movement, turned -the ray upon his companion.</p> - -<p>Chick had straightened out along the floor, and was lying still and -motionless.</p> - -<p>“I guess it’s all day with us,” thought Nick. “To think that we are to -be done to death like this, and die like rats in a trap!”</p> - -<p>He felt his senses going and fell from his knees.</p> - -<p>As he did so, and just at the last moment of consciousness, he thought -he saw one of the blocks in the floor begin to rise.</p> - -<p>Was it an illusion of his disordered senses?</p> - -<p>It could not be!</p> - -<p>For, as the stone arose, a draught of fresh air came through the opening -it left in the floor.</p> - -<p>Nick inhaled a great draught of it, and started to his knees once more.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_72" id="page_72">{72}</a></span></p> - -<p>The ray from the pocket lamp was focussed upon the stone.</p> - -<p>Nick turned the ray slightly, and saw the face of a man standing with -head and shoulders through the trap.</p> - -<p>“Patsy!” he called, in a hoarse voice.</p> - -<p>“Nick, by gum!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_73" id="page_73">{73}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /><br /> -<small>BREAKING THE NEWS.</small></h2> - -<p>Patsy had arrived right in the nick of time.</p> - -<p>He had not tried to get to the saloon before ten o’clock, and he showed -up there in the guise of a Swede sailor, “three sheets in the wind.”</p> - -<p>Ramsay was not there, and neither was Gillman, nor Starlick—the man in -the brown derby hat.</p> - -<p>Patsy, of course, knew only Ramsay by sight, but he felt sure that he -could recognize the others by their voices.</p> - -<p>Failing to find all or either of the three, he caught a low-pitched -conversation coming from two longshoremen in one corner.</p> - -<p>One remark, which he caught in passing, electrified him.</p> - -<p>“It was that prize landlubber, Nick Carter, and his mate, that’s who it -was.”</p> - -<p>Feigning drunkenness, Patsy flopped into a chair and sprawled out on a -table, his head in his arms.</p> - -<p>“Was the pickin’s good?” asked one of the men.</p> - -<p>“Tollable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_74" id="page_74">{74}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“And what was done with ’em?”</p> - -<p>“They’re down below.”</p> - -<p>“Will they ever show above the hatches ag’in?”</p> - -<p>“Not this v’yage?”</p> - -<p>Marking the first speaker well, Patsy got up and staggered out.</p> - -<p>His manner changed when he got clear of the dive, and he rushed away in -the direction of the corner.</p> - -<p>He was not long in finding an officer, and, after showing his badge and -telling who he was, he informed the policeman that Nick Carter was in a -bad way at Boucicault’s.</p> - -<p>The officer gave a low whistle, a couple of patrolmen were picked up, -and the four of them returned to the dive.</p> - -<p>To arrest the man whom Patsy had heard telling about Nick to his -companion was the work of only a few moments.</p> - -<p>The fellow resisted and denied strenuously having raised a hand against -the detective.</p> - -<p>A search of his clothes, however, developed Nick’s watch and one of his -revolvers.</p> - -<p>Patsy recognized the articles, and the longshoreman was scared into -leading the officers to the place where the two detectives had been -confined.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_75" id="page_75">{75}</a></span></p> - -<p>They came up under the chamber and effected an entrance by means of a -rusty old lever which worked the movable stone slab.</p> - -<p>Nick and Chick were dragged out into the fresher air.</p> - -<p>While Patsy was busying himself with them, the officers went upstairs -and began a hunt for Boucicault and for any other men connected with the -outrage.</p> - -<p>Boucicault had vanished—a habit he had when any particularly murderous -bit of work had been “pulled off” in his den.</p> - -<p>When he appeared in court he usually proved an “alibi,” and—some -said—a political pull did the rest for him.</p> - -<p>Boucicault could not be found, but three ruffians were discovered with -incriminating evidence concealed in their clothes.</p> - -<p>Two of them had a pair of nickel-plated handcuffs, one the mate to -Nick’s revolver found on the first man, and one had Chick’s revolvers -and his watch.</p> - -<p>The articles were all identified, the prisoners were taken to -headquarters in a patrol wagon, and Nick, Chick and Patsy started for -home.</p> - -<p>There was nothing more to be done that night, Nick<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_76" id="page_76">{76}</a></span> said, and they might -as well go home and catch forty winks of sleep before morning.</p> - -<p>In truth, Nick and Chick were both in need of a quiet time, for they -were still weak from the rough treatment they had received, and dizzy -from the effects of the gas.</p> - -<p>A few hours’ rest put them in shape, and next morning at nine, Nick -started Chick and Patsy off for Forty-fourth Street, suitably disguised.</p> - -<p>Chick was to post himself at the front of the Montgomery House, and -Patsy at the rear.</p> - -<p>When they had been gone a half-hour, Nick left the house in his make-up -of “Jones of Albany.”</p> - -<p>He hired a cab, and was driven to the Montgomery House.</p> - -<p>A man in a white suit was working in the street in front of the house, -and this man was Chick.</p> - -<p>Nick told the cabby not to wait, paid him and ascended the steps and -pushed the electric bell.</p> - -<p>A housemaid came to the door.</p> - -<p>“I would like to see Mr. Montgomery,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“He’s not at home, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then I would like to speak with Miss Louise Lansing.”</p> - -<p>“She is not well this morning.”</p> - -<p>“I think she will see me. I wish to talk with her about her brother.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_77" id="page_77">{77}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>A voice from the second floor came down the stairway behind the maid.</p> - -<p>“Have the gentleman come in, Mary. Show him up to uncle’s study—I will -see him there.”</p> - -<p>Nick was admitted and ushered up the broad stairs into a large room, -lined with books and comfortably furnished.</p> - -<p>An open desk, strewed with papers, was at one end of the room.</p> - -<p>A young lady of eighteen or nineteen, very pretty but very much -depressed, as Nick could see, met him as he came in.</p> - -<p>Her eyes were red, and it was evident that she had been weeping.</p> - -<p>“Miss Lansing?” the detective asked.</p> - -<p>“That is my name, sir.”</p> - -<p>“My name is Jones; I’m from Albany, and——”</p> - -<p>“I heard you tell the servant that you wished to speak with me about my -brother,” broke in the girl, eagerly. “Do you know anything about him? -He has been gone since Monday night, and the suspense of not knowing -whether he is living or dead is more than I can bear. He disappeared -from Boston, as perhaps you know.”</p> - -<p>“I will tell you about your brother in a few moments, Miss Lansing. -First, however, I would like to ask about your uncle, Mr. Montgomery.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_78" id="page_78">{78}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Do you know whether John is alive? Oh, tell me that before anything -else!”</p> - -<p>“Is your uncle in the house?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Did not the servant tell you he was gone?”</p> - -<p>“When a servant tells a caller that her master is out, it does not -always follow that he is.”</p> - -<p>“My uncle is not in the house, Mr. Jones.”</p> - -<p>Nick passed to the study door and closed it.</p> - -<p>Then he came back and took a chair by the desk.</p> - -<p>“Your brother, Miss Lansing, is alive and well.”</p> - -<p>Louise clasped her hands, and a sigh of intense relief escaped her lips.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I am so happy!” she murmured. “You cannot tell, Mr. Jones, what a -relief it is to me to know that. I will tell uncle just as soon as he -comes.”</p> - -<p>“You must not tell your uncle, Miss Lansing,” said Nick, firmly.</p> - -<p>“Not tell uncle Horace?” she cried. “Why, what can you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Just what I say. In a little while your uncle will know everything, but -just now he must know nothing. It is your brother’s wish as well as -mine.”</p> - -<p>“But I cannot see why you make such a request,” said the girl, -perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“Jones is not my real name, Miss Lansing,” said Nick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_79" id="page_79">{79}</a></span></p> - -<p>He had been studying the girl and felt he could trust her.</p> - -<p>“No?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“I am Nicholas Carter.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t tell me! John said he was going to secure your services to -look into this mine matter.”</p> - -<p>“That is what he did, and that is why I am here now. It is also the -reason why I ask you to keep from your uncle the knowledge that your -brother is alive and well.”</p> - -<p>“Of course, Mr. Carter, if you desire it, I will say nothing.”</p> - -<p>“I do desire it. Call me Jones, Miss Lansing, just as though you did not -know my real name. If you could continue to act as though depressed and -anxious about your brother, whenever you meet your uncle, it would be -well.”</p> - -<p>Her eyes opened very wide, but she did not ask Nick why he desired all -this.</p> - -<p>It was evident that she thought it was all in the line of his duty and -that questioning would be out of place.</p> - -<p>“I will do as you say, Mr. Car—Mr. Jones.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_80" id="page_80">{80}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /><br /> -<small>THE CIGARETTE MACHINE.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick was about to speak on, but his eye caught a flash of something -among the papers on the desk.</p> - -<p>He picked up the object and found that it was a small, nickel-plated -instrument used in manufacturing cigarettes.</p> - -<p>“To whom does this belong?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“To uncle Horace. Do you know what it is, Mr. Jones?”</p> - -<p>Nick ignored the question.</p> - -<p>“How long has your uncle had it?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know. I only remember seeing it here during the last two or -three days.”</p> - -<p>“You would have seen it if it had been here before?”</p> - -<p>“I think so.”</p> - -<p>“Does your uncle smoke cigarettes?”</p> - -<p>“What a curious question, Mr. Jones,” smiled the girl. “No, he does -not.”</p> - -<p>“Does your brother John?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>Nick laid the nickel-plated instrument back on the desk.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_81" id="page_81">{81}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Was your uncle home last night, Miss Lansing?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“All night?”</p> - -<p>“He was at his club until midnight.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! And at what time did he leave this morning?”</p> - -<p>“About eight o’clock.”</p> - -<p>Nick looked at his watch.</p> - -<p>It was five minutes of ten.</p> - -<p>“Did he say when he would return?”</p> - -<p>“He said he would not return until late this afternoon. Two gentlemen -were to call here this morning, he said, and I was to give them this -letter.”</p> - -<p>She picked up a sealed and addressed envelope that lay on a book on the -library table.</p> - -<p>Nick apparently gave little attention to the letter.</p> - -<p>“Has your uncle a profession?” he asked, casually, settling back in the -comfortable chair.</p> - -<p>“Not now,” she answered.</p> - -<p>“What did he do formerly?”</p> - -<p>“He speculated.”</p> - -<p>“On the stock market?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How long since he quit speculating?”</p> - -<p>“Are you asking me all these questions because<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_82" id="page_82">{82}</a></span>——”</p> - -<p>“Just because I am curious,” Nick smiled. “Detectives are always -curious, you know.”</p> - -<p>“But has this anything to do with the Royal Ophir mine?”</p> - -<p>“Indirectly.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it was only a month ago that uncle stopped operating on the stock -market.”</p> - -<p>“Was he generally successful?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know, Mr. Jones. I think he was.”</p> - -<p>“Your uncle is wealthy?”</p> - -<p>“I do not think he is so very wealthy.”</p> - -<p>“Then he could not have been a very successful operator, do you think?”</p> - -<p>“I never stopped to think of the matter in that way. Uncle has enough to -keep him as long as he lives, I guess.”</p> - -<p>The maid rapped at the door, just then, and summoned Miss Lansing away.</p> - -<p>“You will excuse me, Mr. Jones?” she asked, before leaving.</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” said Nick. “Gladly,” he added to himself.</p> - -<p>The instant he was left alone, Nick picked up the letter that lay on the -library table.</p> - -<p>“J. Edward Bingham, Esq.,” ran the address.</p> - -<p>Pulling out a leaf of the desk, Nick picked up a pearl paper cutter and -ran the edge around under the flap.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_83" id="page_83">{83}</a></span></p> - -<p>Then he took out the folded sheet and read as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Bingham</span>: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten -this morning. Yasmar found it impossible to come, but will meet you -at another place to-night, and deal will then be consummated. Bring -your certified checks to my house at eight this evening, and I will -take you to the place where Yasmar is to be waiting.</p> - -<p class="r"> -“<span class="smcap">Montgomery</span>.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>Picking up a blank sheet of paper, Nick took a pen and wrote another -letter.</p> - -<p>It was slightly different from Montgomery’s.</p> - -<p>He made no attempt to imitate Montgomery’s handwriting, nor did he sign -Montgomery’s name.</p> - -<p>Experience assured him that receiving the communication from Miss -Lansing, and in Montgomery’s house, would make the letter plausible -enough for the purpose.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Bingham</span>: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten -this morning. Deal is off for to-day. Return by first train to -Boston and wait there until Yasmar and I come.”</p></div> - -<p>Nick put this in the envelope, sealed it with mucilage found on the -desk, and laid the letter on the book on the library table, just as it -was before.</p> - -<p>In looking for the mucilage he had to disturb the pa<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_84" id="page_84">{84}</a></span>pers a little, and -he found something else which he considered of the utmost importance.</p> - -<p>This something else was a cigarette box containing five cigarettes which -fitted the cigarette machine and also bore a perfect resemblance to the -cigarette Nick had smoked, the day before, in the assay office.</p> - -<p>Nick sank back in the chair, his face extremely thoughtful.</p> - -<p>“Well, well,” he muttered.</p> - -<p>Just then Miss Lansing came hurriedly in.</p> - -<p>“The two gentlemen whom uncle expected are downstairs at the door,” she -said, walking to the table and picking up the letter. “I will return -presently, Mr. Jones.”</p> - -<p>“I am in no hurry, Miss Lansing.”</p> - -<p>When again left alone, Nick picked a cigarette from the box and put it -in his pocket.</p> - -<p>He was ready to leave when Miss Lansing returned.</p> - -<p>“Must you go?” asked the girl.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I would like to leave some one here, if you have no -objections.”</p> - -<p>“Who, Mr. Jones?”</p> - -<p>“One of my assistants. If possible, I would be glad<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_85" id="page_85">{85}</a></span> if his presence -here could remain a secret between us—even if your uncle should come.”</p> - -<p>“It could be arranged, Mr. Jones.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will summon my assistant. Will you conduct me to a rear window -on this floor?”</p> - -<p>The girl was puzzled, but led Nick to a window in the rear, overlooking -the back yard between Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Streets.</p> - -<p>In one of the yards, in plain view of the rear of the Montgomery house, -a roughly dressed young man was working at a clothes pole.</p> - -<p>Nick waved his hand.</p> - -<p>The man nodded and started to slide down.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Nick, “if I can go down and admit him——”</p> - -<p>“I will do that myself, Mr. Jones.”</p> - -<p>In a few moments Patsy was with his chief and had received his -instructions.</p> - -<p>Louise Lansing accompanied Nick to the door.</p> - -<p>“If your uncle should return, Miss Lansing,” said Nick, in a low tone, -“please tell him nothing about my having been here.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. When will my brother come?”</p> - -<p>“To-night; but that must also be kept a secret, espe<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_86" id="page_86">{86}</a></span>cially from your -uncle and the servants. Your brother will explain to you.”</p> - -<p>When Nick departed he left behind him a very much bewildered young lady, -yet a very happy one, nevertheless.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_87" id="page_87">{87}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /><br /> -<small>Montgomery at Bay.</small></h2> - -<p>“Meet me at the corner, Chick,” said Nick, as he passed the man who was -working on the street.</p> - -<p>Nick waited, just around the corner on Sixth Avenue, and Chick came, -stripped of his white overalls, blouse and hat and wearing his own -garments.</p> - -<p>He had traded with the regular street cleaner, for the time being, and -the street cleaner was five dollars better off by the deal.</p> - -<p>“Did you observe closely the two men who called at the house while I was -there?” Nick asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes. They drove up in a two-wheeler, and when they came out one of them -was reading a letter.”</p> - -<p>“Did the letter excite them?”</p> - -<p>“They seemed a trifle worked up.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll be worked up a good deal more before they finally quiet down,” -laughed Nick. “You have got to pass for one of those men to-night, -Chick, and Patsy for the other.”</p> - -<p>“If it’s pretty dark, I guess we can.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_88" id="page_88">{88}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Patsy will be busy all day, and you’ll have to secure the disguise for -him as well as for yourself.”</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>“Get both disguises and bring them to the house. First, however, you are -to take this cigarette and go to Cruse & Cupell’s. Find Mr. Cupell and -confer with him privately. Tell him who you are and that you want him to -smoke the cigarette and assay it, just as he did the other.”</p> - -<p>“I see.”</p> - -<p>“Have him make a rush job of it.”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Then find out if Gillman has come back to work this morning.</p> - -<p>“Anything else?”</p> - -<p>“That’s all.”</p> - -<p>Chick boarded a Sixth Avenue car and started for Twenty-third Street.</p> - -<p>Nick went to the address given him by John Lansing.</p> - -<p>It was an obscure boarding house over on the other side of Broadway.</p> - -<p>At the door Nick asked for “Herman Trevor,” which was the name Lansing -had penciled on the card.</p> - -<p>Mr. Trevor was sick in bed, the servant said.</p> - -<p>“He’ll see me,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Who shall I tell him wants to see him?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_89" id="page_89">{89}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Don’t tell him. Just say it’s in regard to the Royal Ophir.”</p> - -<p>Nick was admitted to the “sick” room and found that Lansing was feigning -illness in order to keep in his room without causing remark.</p> - -<p>He gave the young man a brief outline of what he had accomplished and of -what he hoped yet to accomplish.</p> - -<p>Lansing was astounded when he saw the drift of the detective’s logic.</p> - -<p>He did not agree with Nick in his deductions, but promised faithfully to -carry out his instructions.</p> - -<p>Nick went away and proceeded to a secondhand clothing store to buy a -suit of clothes that he desired for his own use.</p> - -<p>It was difficult to find what he wanted, but at last he succeeded and -made for home.</p> - -<p>Chick was already there.</p> - -<p>“Here’s the assay,” said Chick, handing over the certificate.</p> - -<p>“Fifty thousand to the ton,” murmured Nick, looking at the certificate. -“The cigarettes all pan out the same. You got the disguises?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Put on yours and be ready to go with me at seven o’clock. We’ll carry -Patsy’s get-up with us in a satchel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_90" id="page_90">{90}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be ready. Gillman hasn’t shown up at the assay office to-day, -Nick.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t think he had.”</p> - -<p>Chick went away and Nick threw himself down to smoke.</p> - -<p>At seven o’clock Chick came into the study.</p> - -<p>He had a brown satchel in his hand and looked like a red-haired -capitalist.</p> - -<p>“Good!” said Nick. “You’ll do for Cooper.”</p> - -<p>“Providing you don’t throw a flash light on me,” laughed Chick. “You’re -good, too, but I don’t know who you stand for.”</p> - -<p>“Horace Montgomery.”</p> - -<p>Nick wore an iron-gray wig and mustache and chin whiskers, gold-bowed -spectacles rested on the bridge of his nose, and a silk hat of slightly -old-fashioned block covered his head.</p> - -<p>A grayish frock coat, with trousers of same material, patent leathers, -dark spats and a gold-headed cane finished the disguise.</p> - -<p>In each hip pocket he had one of his small but reliable revolvers, and -in the breast of his coat were two pairs of handcuffs.</p> - -<p>They rode in a cab to the Montgomery house, the cab was dismissed and -they walked up the steps to the door.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_91" id="page_91">{91}</a></span></p> - -<p>As Nick was about to press the bell the door opened and Montgomery -himself stepped out.</p> - -<p>For an instant the two confronted each other in the semi-gloom.</p> - -<p>“Merciful heavens!” gasped Montgomery, gazing as one transfixed at the -living and breathing counterfeit of himself.</p> - -<p>He recoiled, brushing a hand across his forehead.</p> - -<p>His eyes wandered to Chick.</p> - -<p>“Cooper,” he cried, “what does this mean?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what it means, Montgomery,” answered Nick, sternly. “Go -up to your study. Cooper will go with you, and I will join you both in a -few moments.”</p> - -<p>As one in a dream Montgomery turned and entered the house.</p> - -<p>He walked up the stairs, Chick close behind him.</p> - -<p>When they had passed from sight, Nick turned to Louise Lansing, who was -standing in the parlor doorway with distended eyes.</p> - -<p>“Is—is it really you, Mr. Carter?” she queried.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I can hardly believe my eyes.”</p> - -<p>“Is everything all right?”</p> - -<p>“It is.”</p> - -<p>“How long has your uncle been here?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_92" id="page_92">{92}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Not more than an hour.”</p> - -<p>“Now, listen, Miss Lansing. I will give the signal by dropping a book.”</p> - -<p>“I understand.”</p> - -<p>Nick ran hurriedly upstairs, and, as he turned from the landing, Patsy -stepped out of a room and caught his sleeve.</p> - -<p>“Anything happened here since I left you, Patsy?” whispered Nick.</p> - -<p>“Not a thing of any consequence.”</p> - -<p>“You understand what’s to be done?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Lansing knows the signal.”</p> - -<p>Nick passed into the study, closing the door after him.</p> - -<p>Montgomery, a harassed and apprehensive look on his face, sat in the -chair before his desk.</p> - -<p>He turned his startled eyes on Nick as the latter entered.</p> - -<p>“What does this farce mean?” he demanded, making a great effort to -regain his composure.</p> - -<p>“It means that I shall pose as Horace Montgomery for a few hours.”</p> - -<p>“What sort of a crooked game are you attempting to play?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_93" id="page_93">{93}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“It is not crooked.”</p> - -<p>“Who in the fiend’s name are you, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“Nicholas Carter.”</p> - -<p>Montgomery had started to rise, but at the sound of that name he sank -back with glassy eyes.</p> - -<p>“You—you——” he faltered. “What are you doing here?”</p> - -<p>“I came to have a little talk with you. Could you load a few cigarettes -for me, Mr. Montgomery?”</p> - -<p>Had a bomb exploded at Montgomery’s feet he could not have been more -startled than he was then.</p> - -<p>He sprang forward in his chair and stared at the great detective as one -fascinated.</p> - -<p>“When you speculated with the money belonging to John and Louise -Lansing, why did you not tell them?”</p> - -<p>Montgomery’s white lips moved but gave no sound.</p> - -<p>“After you lost that money, why have you tried to make your wards -believe that you were going to invest it in the Royal Ophir mine?”</p> - -<p>The guardian swallowed a lump in his throat, and his face was as white -as a sheet.</p> - -<p>“Did you want to make it appear that you had invested it in a salted -mine, after an investigation that was seemingly sincere, and had lost it -in that way?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_94" id="page_94">{94}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>No answer came from the pallid wretch in the chair.</p> - -<p>“What was to be your share of the money to be secured from Cooper and -Bingham?”</p> - -<p>Still no answer.</p> - -<p>“Horace Montgomery, you are a thief!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_95" id="page_95">{95}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /><br /> -<small>A NECESSARY CRUELTY.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick was on his feet in front of the cowering man, pointing one finger -at him.</p> - -<p>Montgomery merely writhed in his seat, but did not say a word.</p> - -<p>“But that is not the worst,” went on the detective, mercilessly. “You -know that your nephew, John Lansing, started for Boston on Monday night, -by the Fall River boat.”</p> - -<p>Nick drew back to the library table and picked up a book that lay there.</p> - -<p>“You told Yasmar—or Ramsay, to give him his real name—that John -Lansing was going to Boston to talk with Cooper and Bingham in the -attempt to dissuade them from making that investment in the Royal Ophir -mine.</p> - -<p>“He took the same boat that Lansing boarded.</p> - -<p>“At midnight, out in the Sound, they had a talk, angry words were -passed, Ramsay struck Lansing on the head in a moment of passion and -flung him into the sea——”</p> - -<p>“It’s a lie!” cried Montgomery, hoarsely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_96" id="page_96">{96}</a></span></p> - -<p>“It’s the truth!”</p> - -<p>“Are you man or devil?” whispered Montgomery. He made a sudden movement -and jerked a revolver from a drawer in his desk. “But, man or devil, -stop this bullet if you can!”</p> - -<p>Chick made a motion as though he would grab Montgomery’s arm.</p> - -<p>With a look Nick warned him not to interfere and threw the book to the -floor.</p> - -<p>Instantly the hall door opened.</p> - -<p>“There,” cried Nick, whirling and pointing to the form of John Lansing -standing in the door, “there stands your dead sister’s son, the boy you -robbed, the boy you thought murdered!”</p> - -<p>The revolver trembled in Montgomery’s hand.</p> - -<p>He dropped it, sprang up and stood looking at his nephew as though -confronted by a specter.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he threw up his hand and fell backward into his seat.</p> - -<p>“John!” he groaned; “John!”</p> - -<p>Nick sprang to his side.</p> - -<p>“Where were you to meet this man Ramsay or Yasmar to-night?” cried Nick. -“I knew that you were to meet him and to take Bingham and Cooper with -you. Where was it? Tell me, quick!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_97" id="page_97">{97}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Montgomery looked into Nick’s face with frenzied eyes.</p> - -<p>It seemed hard for him to comprehend anything.</p> - -<p>Nick repeated the question.</p> - -<p>“Tell me, I tell you!” he finished. “You thought your nephew was killed, -and you kept the matter a secret; and you tried to kill me and my -assistant in Boucicault’s last night——”</p> - -<p>“Before Heaven, Carter——” began Montgomery.</p> - -<p>“Where were you to meet him to-night?” demanded Nick.</p> - -<p>“The Obelisk, Central Park.”</p> - -<p>“What time?”</p> - -<p>“Eight-thirty.”</p> - -<p>“Who were to be there?”</p> - -<p>“Himself, Starlick, Gillman.”</p> - -<p>“You were to exchange money for a deed?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Not at the Obelisk?”</p> - -<p>“No. We were to go to a room.”</p> - -<p>Montgomery’s desk-chair was a massive piece of furniture, with high -carved arms running from back to seat.</p> - -<p>With a quick movement Nick slipped the man’s wrists together, one hand -under the arm.</p> - -<p>The next moment he had snapped on the handcuffs, securing Montgomery to -the chair.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_98" id="page_98">{98}</a></span></p> - -<p>Owing to the height of the chair arms the position was not -uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Mr. Carter,” cried the voice of Louise Lansing from the door, “is -it a necessary cruelty?”</p> - -<p>“For a little while only,” answered Nick. “I have prevented the steal -that your uncle, in connection with Ramsay—or Yasmar, as you have known -him—and his accomplices, tried so hard to accomplish.</p> - -<p>“Ramsay is wanted in Montana for another crime, but your uncle I shall -leave in your hands.”</p> - -<p>Nick turned to John Lansing.</p> - -<p>“Here is a key to those handcuffs,” he said. “Do not release him until -nine o’clock.”</p> - -<p>John Lansing was very pale and was trembling visibly.</p> - -<p>It was evident that his nerves were greatly shaken at the disclosure he -had heard.</p> - -<p>“I will do as you say, Mr. Carter,” said he.</p> - -<p>“Chick,” went on Nick, facing his assistant, “Patsy is in the hall. Take -him that outfit and have him make ready. There’s sharp work ahead.”</p> - -<p>In five minutes Patsy was ready, and the detectives departed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_99" id="page_99">{99}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /><br /> -<small>AT THE OBELISK.</small></h2> - -<p>At eight-thirty sharp a “four-wheeler” dashed up the east drive of -Central Park and came to a halt opposite the Egyptian relic known as the -Obelisk, otherwise “Cleopatra’s Needle.”</p> - -<p>Three men got out of the carriage.</p> - -<p>An electric light faintly illuminated that particular spot, and the -forms looked dark and indistinct.</p> - -<p>But their general outlines were plain enough.</p> - -<p>Three more men sat on a park bench hard by the Obelisk.</p> - -<p>One of them was tall and wore a slouch hat.</p> - -<p>“Here they come,” he said, in a low voice to those near him.</p> - -<p>At the same moment Nick Carter had breathed to his two aides:</p> - -<p>“Get the cuffs on them as soon as we get within arm’s reach. I’ll take -Ramsay. Chick, you’ll attend to the man in the brown derby. Patsy, take -the third.”</p> - -<p>The three men on the bench got up and spread out,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100">{100}</a></span> separating so that -there were two or three yards between each of them.</p> - -<p>The detectives also separated, each making for the man that had been -picked out for him.</p> - -<p>A mounted policeman, further along the drive, was approaching at a trot.</p> - -<p>He had seen the four-wheeler driving faster than the park regulations -allowed, and had started after it at a gallop.</p> - -<p>Now that the carriage had stopped haste was not necessary, and he came -on at a more leisurely gait.</p> - -<p>Nick and Ramsay came close together at the railing about the base of the -monument, Nick with his right hand thrust into the breast of the frock -coat and holding the second pair of cuffs.</p> - -<p>“On time, I see,” said Ramsay.</p> - -<p>“Always on time,” answered Nick, edging closer.</p> - -<p>“Are those fellows all right?”</p> - -<p>“Whisper,” said Nick, bending forward.</p> - -<p>Ramsay brought his face close.</p> - -<p>Snap!</p> - -<p>Almost before he could realize what was up the cold steel was about his -wrists.</p> - -<p>“You’re my prisoner, my dear Ramsay,” said Nick, calmly. “Make a break -and you’ll stop a bullet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101">{101}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter!” cried the amazed Westerner.</p> - -<p>“The same.”</p> - -<p>“Curse you!”</p> - -<p>He sprang at Nick furiously.</p> - -<p>Nick grabbed him by the collar, but he wrenched away, fighting like a -demon with his manacled hands.</p> - -<p>“Here, none o’ that!”</p> - -<p>It was the officer.</p> - -<p>He had dismounted to read the riot act to the driver of the carriage, -the latter having jumped from the box to fix one of the harness tugs.</p> - -<p>Seeing that a row, as he supposed, had started up the incline, toward -the monument, he ran in that direction.</p> - -<p>“Stop!” shouted Nick to Ramsay, who was a yard or more away. “Stop or -I’ll shoot you.”</p> - -<p>Nick had a revolver in his hand, but the officer was close enough to -grab it.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you know better than to——”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter, officer!” exclaimed Nick. “I’m after that man—he’s a -thief.”</p> - -<p>“Je-ru-sa-lem!” gasped the astounded bluecoat.</p> - -<p>By then, Ramsay, making good use of his legs, had reached the officer’s -horse.</p> - -<p>Without touching his manacled hands to the saddle he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102">{102}</a></span> sprang to the -animal’s back, gave a yell, and dug in with his heels.</p> - -<p>Away went the horse at a wild gallop.</p> - -<p>Half a dozen jumps carried Nick down the hill.</p> - -<p>Another jump landed him on the seat of the carriage.</p> - -<p>Grabbing up the lines and the whip, with one movement he plied the lash -and the startled horses leaped madly away.</p> - -<p>The policeman was close behind Nick, more than anxious to help undo the -evil results of his mistake.</p> - -<p>He was athletic enough, and he grabbed at the carriage as it started, -rested one foot on the turning hub, and gained the box.</p> - -<p>“We’ll get him,” he said. “Let me use the whip and you do the driving.”</p> - -<p>The horses tore away at a mad gallop, the officer slapping them right -and left.</p> - -<p>Pedestrians scampered in every direction, but, owing to Nick’s skillful -handling of the lines, no one was injured.</p> - -<p>Nick did not think he could overtake the fugitive, but he knew that -something would happen to the fellow, and he wanted to be near enough to -see that he did not escape, in case of accident or other misadventure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103">{103}</a></span></p> - -<p>Suddenly a mounted officer appeared in the roadway directly ahead of -Ramsay.</p> - -<p>Taking in the situation, the officer turned his horse across the road -and drew a gun.</p> - -<p>“Halt!” he cried.</p> - -<p>Ramsay halted, but he did not surrender.</p> - -<p>Owing to the nature of the ground on each side of the driveway he could -not turn from the road, so he whirled the horse sharply and started full -tilt in the direction of the carriage.</p> - -<p>Nick divined his object.</p> - -<p>He counted on passing the carriage and making off in the other -direction—a desperate expedient at best.</p> - -<p>In order to keep those on the carriage seat from shooting him, Ramsay -leaned down and shielded the upper part of his body behind the horse’s -neck.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have him now,” muttered Nick, pulling the carriage team to a halt. -“Officer, take the lines.”</p> - -<p>The officer took them, and Nick made ready for a spring.</p> - -<p>On came the horse at a gallop, heading to pass within a few feet of the -carriage, on Nick’s side.</p> - -<p>The detective watched his chances, and, when the right moment had -arrived, hurled himself outward and downward, grabbing the horse’s -bits.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104">{104}</a></span></p> - -<p>The weight on its head brought the animal to an abrupt stop—so abrupt -that Ramsay was thrown from the saddle into the road.</p> - -<p>Before he could rise, Nick was on top of him, pinning him down.</p> - -<p>Ramsay, in spite of the handcuffs, had drawn a revolver from a breast -pocket, and Nick jerked it out of his hand.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be a fool,” said Nick. “You might have been killed!”</p> - -<p>An oath was Ramsay’s only response.</p> - -<p>Nick, groping about under the frock coat, found another revolver in his -prisoner’s hip pocket and a knife and sheath in the breast pocket.</p> - -<p>Both weapons he abstracted and threw to the policeman who had jumped -down, caught his horse, and was standing near, ready to lend a hand in -case help was needed.</p> - -<p>But Nick did not require assistance.</p> - -<p>“It’s up to you, Carter,” said Ramsay. “You’ve got me and I cave.”</p> - -<p>“Get up, then.”</p> - -<p>Nick got off the fellow’s prostrate form, thrusting a hand through his -arm.</p> - -<p>The policeman picked up Ramsay’s hat and put it on his head, and Nick -marched his man over to where Chick and Patsy were holding Gillman and -Starlick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105">{105}</a></span></p> - -<p>The capture was safely effected, but the great detective had had an -exciting three minutes.</p> - -<p>Patsy had had no trouble at all in getting the darbies on Gillman, and -Chick had not had enough to speak of in making the capture of Starlick.</p> - -<p>Starlick showed fight and tried to run around the Obelisk, an empty -handcuff dangling from his right wrist.</p> - -<p>Chick caught him in two leaps, threw him down, and put on the other -bracelet.</p> - -<p>The manacles had a quieting effect, and Starlick undertook the rôle of -an “innocent bystander.”</p> - -<p>“What does this mean?” he cried, angrily.</p> - -<p>“If you don’t know you’ll find out quick enough,” replied Chick.</p> - -<p>“It’s an outrage, an infernal outrage. Officer,” he turned to the man -who accompanied Nick and Ramsay, “I demand that you have these handcuffs -taken off my wrists.”</p> - -<p>“Keep still!” exclaimed the officer, sharply. “Nick Carter knows well -enough what he’s about.”</p> - -<p>Starlick toned down, the very name of Nick Carter having a quieting -effect.</p> - -<p>An hour later the men were in the police station, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106">{106}</a></span> Nick had sent a -telegram to the chief of police, Helena, Mont., telling of the capture -of Ramsay.</p> - -<p>Not one of the prisoners was brought to book on account of the clever -swindle which would have been perpetrated but for the skill and -vigilance of Nick Carter and his assistants.</p> - -<p>Starlick was found to be an old offender and badly wanted for a -safe-cracking job in Chicago.</p> - -<p>He went that far West on the same train that took Ramsay back to -Montana.</p> - -<p>Both men were tried and sent over the road.</p> - -<p>Gillman had all the elements that go to the making of a daring and -successful crook.</p> - -<p>But there was little to be brought against him, and he was allowed to go -his way.</p> - -<p>As for Montgomery, he shot himself the day following and was found -leaning over his desk, dead.</p> - -<p>The revolver was still clutched in his hand, and a letter lay in front -of him addressed to his two wards.</p> - -<p>A portion of the letter ran as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“I used your money in my speculative schemes without your -knowledge. I believe I had a right to do this, for under the terms -of your mother’s will I had an absolutely free hand to make use of -the money as I saw fit.</p> - -<p>“For a time I made money on Wall Street. But my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107">{107}</a></span> fate was the -common fate of all stock gamblers. My own earnings went, and then I -used your funds and they went, too.</p> - -<p>“I could not bear to have it known that I had lost your inheritance -on the stock market, and so connived at this other operation. I was -to help Ramsay. Ostensibly the Royal Ophir was to cost a million, -of which I was to put up five hundred thousand dollars and the two -Boston men the remaining five hundred thousand dollars. Really, -only the money of the Boston men was to go into the deal.</p> - -<p>“It was my business to interest them and to help on the ‘salting’ -operation to the extent of preparing the loaded cigarettes. For -this I expected to receive one hundred thousand dollars—which sum -I intended turning over to you.</p> - -<p>“But I have failed in that, and now the utmost I can do is to die -so that you may have the one hundred and fifty thousand dollars -insurance which I have taken out on my life. That and this home is -to be yours. It is all that is left of your inheritance.”</p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108">{108}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE TENDER-HEARTED WATCHMAN.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick’s return to town had not been quite as peaceful as he had hoped. -But he was more than satisfied with the result of the work of the last -few days.</p> - -<p>He had captured one of the men who had escaped him in the round-up of -the big Western swindle.</p> - -<p>Only one other member of that gang was now at large, and the capture of -Ramsay served to make Nick all the more eager to repeat the operation -with the missing swindler.</p> - -<p>Ramsay was questioned as to the whereabouts of this man, but he was not -able to tell anything save that the two had come East together and that -Ramsay had parted from his pal in Boston and had heard nothing from him -since then.</p> - -<p>Nick sought around for clews and finally came in touch with his man -through a splendidly organized bank robbery.</p> - -<p>The story of the bank robbery indicated that more than ordinary -intelligence had been brought into play in consummating this piece of -villainy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109">{109}</a></span></p> - -<p>The bank was the People’s National, of Latimer, Vt.</p> - -<p>The robbery occurred at one o’clock in the morning.</p> - -<p>The watchman was making his hourly round of the premises when a voice -outside struck on his ears.</p> - -<p>“Help! For Heaven’s sake, do something for me!” came the cry. “Call an -ambulance, quick!”</p> - -<p>The bank occupied the first floor of a corner building.</p> - -<p>There were two floors above, divided into rooms and used as offices by -lawyers and real estate men.</p> - -<p>In front of the building was a lamp-post.</p> - -<p>Next to the lamp-post was an upright, bearing a box-like contrivance -containing a massive gong.</p> - -<p>This gong was connected electrically with the bank vaults, and was -supposed to sound an alarm if the vaults were tampered with in any way.</p> - -<p>Halting at one of the front windows, the watchman peered through into -the ring of yellow light thrown by the street lamp.</p> - -<p>Clinging to the lamp-post was a man in a frock coat and silk hat—well -dressed, as the watchman could plainly see.</p> - -<p>Nor was he drunk, although he wavered from side to side and had all he -could do to hold himself in an upright position.</p> - -<p>It was evident that there was something serious the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110">{110}</a></span> matter with him, -and the watchman pressed his face close to the window and craned his -neck to look up and down the street.</p> - -<p>There was absolutely no one in sight who might proceed to the -unfortunate man’s assistance.</p> - -<p>It was against the watchman’s orders to leave the bank for even a -minute, but he was a kind-hearted person and hated to see a fellow being -in distress and never raise a finger to help.</p> - -<p>While the watchman stood there, the well-dressed individual gave vent to -a hollow groan, slipped from the lamp-post and fell prone to the walk.</p> - -<p>That was more than the watchman could stand.</p> - -<p>The next instant he had unlocked and unbolted the massive bank door and -had hurried across the walk.</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” he demanded, kneeling beside the man. “What is the -matter?”</p> - -<p>The man tried to talk, but his voice was no more than a faint whisper.</p> - -<p>The watchman bent his ear to the man’s lips.</p> - -<p>Then, in a flash, the supposedly sick man’s hands shot upward and -gripped the watchman about the throat.</p> - -<p>Simultaneously with this movement, a figure darted out of a hallway to -the right of the bank, sandbag in hand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111">{111}</a></span></p> - -<p>A blow on the head settled the watchman, who pitched along the walk and -lay silent and still.</p> - -<p>“Into the bank with him, quick!” hissed the well-dressed individual, and -the watchman was picked up, head and heels, and hustled back into the -room which he had so recently quitted.</p> - -<p>The door was again locked and bolted.</p> - -<p>“Not a second too soon,” went on the well-dressed man. “Down! Here comes -the other watchman.”</p> - -<p>The two villains sank out of sight beneath the window.</p> - -<p>A slow step was heard outside as some one rounded the corner; then a -pencil of light from a bull’s-eye lantern shot into the bank through the -window.</p> - -<p>The ray swept aimlessly around, vanished, and the steps were heard once -more, dying away in the distance.</p> - -<p>“It will be two hours before that cove comes around again,” muttered the -man who had used the sandbag.</p> - -<p>“In two hours, then, we have got to have this job over and be away from -here,” returned the other. “Where’s Cricket?”</p> - -<p>“On the watch halfway down the main street.”</p> - -<p>“And Five Points?”</p> - -<p>“He’s watching at the rear of the bank on the cross street.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112">{112}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Good! You know about the wires of that burglar alarm, Spark?”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Then go below and break the connection.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be back in five minutes, Clancy.”</p> - -<p>Spark vanished in the dusky regions at the rear of the bank, and Clancy -dropped down beside the watchman.</p> - -<p>From his pocket he took a gag and fixed it about the watchman’s jaws; -then, with two pieces of rope, he tied his prisoner hand and foot and -dragged him out of sight under a customers’ desk that stood near the -window.</p> - -<p>After that he passed through the cashier’s cage and halted in front of -the vault door.</p> - -<p>There was a dimly burning light in front of the vault, and above the -iron door there was a clock.</p> - -<p>“A time-clock,” said Spark, coming up at that moment.</p> - -<p>“Did you fix the alarm?” queried Clancy, in a sharp tone.</p> - -<p>“Broke the battery that operates it.”</p> - -<p>“Then out with the tools.”</p> - -<p>Clancy threw off his frock coat, folded it carefully and laid it on an -office stool.</p> - -<p>On top of his coat he placed his silk hat.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Spark had produced the “tools”—and peculiar tools they -were.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113">{113}</a></span></p> - -<p>They consisted of a rubber bag, a bar of brown soap, a coil of fuse and -some caps.</p> - -<p>Each man knew just what work he was to perform, and went about it -without a word.</p> - -<p>Breaking the bar of soap in two, Clancy handed one piece to Spark, and -they set to work plastering up the crack at the edge of the vault door.</p> - -<p>This was skillfully and quickly accomplished.</p> - -<p>From the top of another office stool, Clancy fashioned a cup of the soap -on the upper crack.</p> - -<p>The bag contained nitroglycerin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114">{114}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br /><br /> -<small>THE CASHIER’S ANNOUNCEMENT.</small></h2> - -<p>Spark handed the bag to Clancy, and the latter poured some of the -nitroglycerin into the cup.</p> - -<p>Then, crouching under one of the counters, they waited while the -explosive oozed downward about the vault door on the inside.</p> - -<p>“Give me the fuse,” said Clancy, emerging from under the counter when a -sufficient period had elapsed.</p> - -<p>Again he mounted the stool, fitted a cap to the end of the fuse, placed -the cap in the cup and applied a match.</p> - -<p>Both retreated for a short distance.</p> - -<p>Presently there came a muffled explosion, resulting in the bursting open -of the vault door.</p> - -<p>The alarm was silent, proving that Spark had done his work well.</p> - -<p>For several moments, however, neither of the robbers made a move—simply -crouched where they were and listened intently.</p> - -<p>There was no sound outside, so it was evident that the explosion had -aroused no one.</p> - -<p>“Now for the second door,” said Clancy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115">{115}</a></span></p> - -<p>The second door was treated in exactly the same manner as the first, and -within an hour from the time the night watchman had left the bank to -succor the distressed individual on the sidewalk the funds of the -People’s National lay at the mercy of the “yeggmen.”</p> - -<p>From his pockets Spark brought out a number of canvas bags.</p> - -<p>While these bags were being filled a shout came from the rear of the -bank, followed by two revolver shots—the two reports echoing out almost -as one.</p> - -<p>“The devil!” exclaimed Clancy.</p> - -<p>“It’s Five Points,” breathed Spark, in a sharp undertone.</p> - -<p>Both men hurried to the front door and stood there, revolvers in hand.</p> - -<p>Quick steps were heard on the walk, and a face was pressed against the -glass in the upper part of one of the doors.</p> - -<p>“Cricket!” exclaimed Clancy, and hastily admitted the newcomer. “What is -it?” he added.</p> - -<p>“The outside watchman discovered Five Points, and they had a wrestle and -an exchange of shots,” said Cricket.</p> - -<p>“How’s the watchman?”</p> - -<p>“Laid out cold, I take it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116">{116}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>A muffled oath fell from Clancy’s lips.</p> - -<p>“And Five Points?” he went on.</p> - -<p>“He’s got it bad.”</p> - -<p>“Able to get away?”</p> - -<p>“Just about. He’s already started.”</p> - -<p>“Lay hold of the plunder, you two, and we’ll make a get-away ourselves.”</p> - -<p>Spark and Cricket hurried into the vault, and Clancy followed as far as -the stool in the cashier’s cage.</p> - -<p>There he halted and calmly got into his coat and put on his hat, all the -time watching the door and listening intently.</p> - -<p>The other two emerged from the vault, staggering under the weight of the -bags.</p> - -<p>Clancy took one of the bags, and the three walked out of the bank, -fading away into the night like ill-omened wraiths.</p> - -<p>It was six o’clock the following morning when a patrolman heard a groan -coming from the alleyway in the rear of the bank.</p> - -<p>Stepping in to investigate, he was horrified to find the outside -watchman weltering in a pool of blood.</p> - -<p>The wounded man was barely able to speak. He told, gaspingly, of the ill -luck that had befallen him, and added that he believed the bank had been -robbed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117">{117}</a></span></p> - -<p>Running to the nearest patrol box, the officer summoned an ambulance, -after which he hurried to the bank.</p> - -<p>He found and released the inside watchman, heard his story, and -immediately got in some lively work with the telephone.</p> - -<p>The chief of police was notified and also the president of the bank.</p> - -<p>The latter, in turn, called up the cashier and as many of the directors -as he could reach by phone.</p> - -<p>By eight o’clock there was a gathering of police and bank officials -about the wrecked doors of the plundered vault, the cashier and an -assistant being inside checking up.</p> - -<p>At eight-thirty the cashier came out of the vault with a white face.</p> - -<p>“They got little for all their pains,” he said, loud enough for the -police officials and a couple of reporters to overhear. “Only about five -thousand dollars, all told.”</p> - -<p>A look of relief overspread the faces of the president and the two -directors who were present.</p> - -<p>The next moment the president, directors and the cashier stepped into -the president’s private office.</p> - -<p>There the cashier acknowledged that he had made a misstatement.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118">{118}</a></span></p> - -<p>Instead of taking five thousand dollars, the thieves had decamped with -seventy-five thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>“We’re a comparatively small and provincial institution,” said the -president, slowly, after a brief interval of silence, “and this loss -will spell ruin for us unless——” He hesitated.</p> - -<p>“Unless what?” asked one of the directors, huskily, mopping the sweat -from his forehead.</p> - -<p>“Unless we can recover the money before it is generally known that the -cashier made a willful misstatement.”</p> - -<p>“The police of this town can never do it,” asserted the other director.</p> - -<p>“Shall we go down in our pockets and pay out a good big fee to a man who -might be able to save us?” inquired the president.</p> - -<p>“It may be throwing good money after bad,” said the first director, -shaking his head.</p> - -<p>“Nevertheless,” said the second director, “I move that we try it, -anyhow.”</p> - -<p>“Shall I go ahead?” asked the president.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” came from both directors and the cashier.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the following telegram was speeding over the wires:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119">{119}</a></span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“<span class="smcap">Nicholas Carter</span>, New York City: Bank robbery here. Will you name -your own fee and take the case?</p> - -<p class="r"> -“<span class="smcap">Julius Hepner.</span>”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>“He won’t come,” said Clarkson, one of the directors. “He has all he can -attend to right in New York.”</p> - -<p>But Clarkson was wrong, for the following answer came from the great -detective within two hours after the president had wired:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“<span class="smcap">Julius Hepner</span>, Latimer, Vt.: Coming on first train. Keep hands off -until I get there.</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Nicholas Carter.</span>”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>It was fate that influenced Nick’s reply, for he did not guess that in -responding to the summons he was going to strike the trail of the man -whom of all others he wished to capture—the missing swindler from the -West who had come East with Ramsay. Ramsay was now under lock and key, -and Nick’s journey to Vermont was to bring him in touch with Ramsay’s -pal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120">{120}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br /><br /> -<small>“OLD HANDS.”</small></h2> - -<p>The bank robbery took place during the night of Monday and Tuesday.</p> - -<p>On Wednesday morning, at seven o’clock, a neatly dressed man, wearing a -pair of very respectable “Dundrearies,” made his appearance at the -Memorial Hospital, in Latimer.</p> - -<p>“What can I do for you, sir?” inquired the assistant superintendent, who -was in charge at that early hour.</p> - -<p>“Albert Gardner, the watchman who was shot during the bank robbery, was -brought here, was he not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I would like to speak with him a moment.”</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry, sir, but he died an hour ago.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! He left an <i>ante-mortem</i> statement?”</p> - -<p>“He did.”</p> - -<p>“And it is now in the hands of the police department?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>In half an hour the stranger had called at police head<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121" id="page_121">{121}</a></span>quarters, had -introduced himself and had been cordially welcomed.</p> - -<p>At his request, the statement made out by Gardner was brought out for -inspection.</p> - -<p>It had nothing whatever to say about the robbery, but nevertheless, it -had an indirect value.</p> - -<p>Some time between two and three o’clock in the morning, so ran the -statement, Gardner was rounding the block, trying doors as he went.</p> - -<p>When opposite the entrance to the alley in the rear of the bank he heard -a sound that aroused his attention.</p> - -<p>He started into the alley, flashing his bull’s-eye ahead of him as he -proceeded.</p> - -<p>He had not taken more than twenty or thirty steps when he was set upon, -and, for a moment, roughly handled.</p> - -<p>Finally he succeeded in drawing his revolver.</p> - -<p>Just as he was about to pull the trigger, his antagonist fired a shot.</p> - -<p>This deflected Gardner’s aim, for he was hit in the breast. However, he -fired and was certain he wounded his man.</p> - -<p>Then he lost consciousness, and had come to himself but a few moments -before being found by the patrolman.</p> - -<p>He could give no description of the man, for the bul<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122" id="page_122">{122}</a></span>l’s-eye lantern was -knocked to the ground and smashed at the time the watchman was set upon, -and thereafter the struggle had been continued in the dark.</p> - -<p>“Not much to be learned from this, chief,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“The whole affair is the blackest kind of a mystery,” declared the -chief. “The robbers left not the slightest clew behind.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve been going over the ground pretty thoroughly?”</p> - -<p>“Up to noon, yesterday. Then I got orders to wait for you.”</p> - -<p>“How big a town is this?”</p> - -<p>“About twenty thousand.”</p> - -<p>“Have you brought in any suspicious characters?”</p> - -<p>“Six or seven.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to have a look at them. If New York crooks pulled off this -graft I may be able to recognize one of the suspects.”</p> - -<p>The prisoners were brought in.</p> - -<p>They were all of the “bum” variety, and their faces were unfamiliar.</p> - -<p>“Better let them go,” said Nick; “they’re not concerned.”</p> - -<p>The chief was surprised.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_123" id="page_123">{123}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What makes you think they’re not concerned in the robbery?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Not one of the seven knows enough. If hoboes did this job, they are of -a different caliber from those you have run in. And, last but not least, -they’d have different hands.”</p> - -<p>“Different hands?” echoed the amazed officer.</p> - -<p>Nick nodded.</p> - -<p>“A tramp who uses an ax, or a buck-saw, to earn a meal, has a palm -entirely unlike a cracksman.”</p> - -<p>“But you didn’t look at their hands!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I did,” smiled Nick. “Now, if you please, I would like to see the -patrolman who found Gardner.”</p> - -<p>“You seem pretty well posted, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“I read the newspapers pretty carefully.”</p> - -<p>The patrolman was brought in, but the interview with him developed -nothing of importance.</p> - -<p>From police headquarters the detective went to the home of Alonzo -Burton, the bank watchman.</p> - -<p>Burton had his head bandaged, and was lying on a lounge in his little -front parlor.</p> - -<p>The air of the room was impregnated with a smell of arnica, and a buxom -young woman was moving about the place, waiting upon the sufferer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124">{124}</a></span></p> - -<p>Burton told the ruse by which he had been lured out upon the sidewalk.</p> - -<p>He could give only a general and indefinite description of the man in -the frock coat and silk hat, and could give no description whatever of -the man’s companion.</p> - -<p>Like the other watchman, Burton had been knocked insensible very early -in the game.</p> - -<p>“They are old hands,” thought Nick, as he went away from the watchman’s -house. “Too bad that I am twenty-four hours late in reaching the scene. -It is a serious handicap.”</p> - -<p>He was bound for the bank, now, and in approaching the bank building he -came from the rear.</p> - -<p>Halting at the alley, he looked in.</p> - -<p>“Twenty or thirty paces,” he mused, recalling the statement made by -Gardner.</p> - -<p>He counted off twenty paces and then saw, a few feet in front of him, on -the right side of the alley, evidences of the struggle that had taken -place there.</p> - -<p>The feet of ruthless people had trodden ruthlessly about and over the -spot, but the evidences had not been entirely obliterated.</p> - -<p>The building on the right was a one-story structure, occupied by a -grocery.</p> - -<p>At the rear was a heap of empty boxes, and close to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125" id="page_125">{125}</a></span> one of these boxes -a dark stain of blood marked the place where the watchman had lain.</p> - -<p>Nick searched the vicinity carefully.</p> - -<p>The outlook for evidence was unpromising, but he knew very well that -appearances were not always to be trusted.</p> - -<p>In a quarter of an hour he had gone over the ground thoroughly, and -under the edge of one of the boxes he had found a square card.</p> - -<p>It was made of fine, heavy bristol board, and was the general shape of a -visiting card such as a man might use.</p> - -<p>On the side which had undoubtedly borne the name and address were two -oblong blurs showing where a knife had scraped out the names and -numbers.</p> - -<p>On its reverse the card bore a stain of blood and these words, in -pencil:</p> - -<p>“Quarter to twelve, Mechlin, Gotham.”</p> - -<p>“Here’s something, at all events,” thought Nick.</p> - -<p>He placed the card carefully in his pocketbook; then, with a final look -at the spot where Gardner had had his life and death struggle, he -started slowly and thoughtfully out of the alley and toward the front of -the bank.</p> - -<p>Before he reached the bank entrance he came to a sudden halt.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126">{126}</a></span></p> - -<p>“By Jove!” he muttered.</p> - -<p>He did not go into the bank, at that moment, but hastened past the -entrance and turned in at a telegraph office further down the street.</p> - -<p>There he wrote out and sent the following “rush” message, the contents -being in cipher:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="nind"> -“<span class="smcap">Chickering Carter</span>, New York:<br /> -</p> - -<p>“Investigate No. 1145 Mechlin Street immediately. Send Patsy along -by first train.</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Nick.</span>”<br /> -</p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127" id="page_127">{127}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /><br /> -<small>A MYSTERIOUS BULLET.</small></h2> - -<p>It was ten o’clock when Nick Carter walked into the People’s National -Bank, halted at the cashier’s window, and asked for Mr. Hepner.</p> - -<p>The cashier knew all the customers of the institution, and the sight of -a strange face prompted him to put a question on a matter that was -uppermost in his mind:</p> - -<p>“Are you Mr.——”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” interrupted the detective. “I am Mr. Nicholas, the man you are -looking for.”</p> - -<p>The cashier gave a start and looked at Nick blankly for a moment.</p> - -<p>Then his face cleared.</p> - -<p>“Ah, yes,” he smiled. “I understand. I will go in and tell Mr. Hepner -you are here, Mr. Nicholas.”</p> - -<p>“Just a moment. I would like a look at the vault before I talk with Mr. -Hepner.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir.”</p> - -<p>The cashier opened the door of the cage, and Nick stepped in, throwing a -critical glance about him as he walked to the wrecked doors of the -strong room.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128">{128}</a></span></p> - -<p>Brown soap lay thick on the edges of both doors.</p> - -<p>He passed inside the steel chamber, the cashier accompanying him.</p> - -<p>“Made a pretty clean sweep, did they?” Nick asked, looking keenly around -at the evidence of pillage.</p> - -<p>“They seemed to know just what they wanted, Mr. Car—er—Mr. Nicholas.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a way they have—sometimes. Did they make off with any specie?”</p> - -<p>“Both specie and bills.”</p> - -<p>“I see. Now I believe I will talk with Mr. Hepner.”</p> - -<p>The cashier took the detective to the president’s door and announced -him.</p> - -<p>“When did you get in, Mr. Carter?” asked the president, after greeting -his caller.</p> - -<p>“I would prefer to have you allude to me as Nicholas, Mr. Hepner. Cut -out the Carter, for the present.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mr. Nicholas. When did you reach town?”</p> - -<p>“Last night.”</p> - -<p>“I have been looking for you to call for two hours or more.”</p> - -<p>“I was too busy to call before. Just how much more than five thousand -dollars did the thieves make way with, Mr. Hepner?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129" id="page_129">{129}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The president flashed a quick glance into the detective’s face.</p> - -<p>“What leads you to believe that they got any more than that amount?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“Several things. You would not have wired me to take this case on my own -terms for a mere bagatelle of five thousand.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly not.”</p> - -<p>“And yeggmen with the experience of those who made this haul are not -running the risk for so small a figure. They timed their operations so -as to catch the vault with plenty of the ready inside.”</p> - -<p>“A simple case of deduction, by George!” exclaimed Hepner. “The reporter -for the papers here, however, believed the cashier’s statement as to the -amount of our losses.”</p> - -<p>“A reporter is not a detective, although occasionally a reporter will do -good work. Generally, though, they do more harm than good. How much are -you out, Mr. Hepner?”</p> - -<p>“About seventy-five thousand. Twenty thousand was turned in here on a -demand certificate of deposit, at almost closing time, Monday.”</p> - -<p>Nick brought his eyes suddenly in line with the president’s.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130" id="page_130">{130}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did you see the man?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I was at the cashier’s desk at the time.”</p> - -<p>“Please describe him.”</p> - -<p>“Short, thickset and prosperous looking, as a man would naturally be who -had that amount of money.”</p> - -<p>“What name did he give?”</p> - -<p>“Leonard Martin.”</p> - -<p>“How did he impress you, Mr. Hepner?”</p> - -<p>“He impressed me as being a Westerner.”</p> - -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Nick. “I am especially interested in Westerners, one -in particular, whom I’d give a good deal to lay my hands upon. But tell -me more about this fellow?”</p> - -<p>“Well, he had an easy, independent way with him, and when he talked he -used a vernacular only to be found beyond the Missouri.”</p> - -<p>“He was a stranger in town, you think?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think anything about it—I know. He is one of a party of four -who are touring New England in an auto car.”</p> - -<p>“Still in town?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and liable to be here for a few days, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“Why do you guess that?”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens!” exclaimed the president, suddenly. “It can’t be possible -you suspect this man of—of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131">{131}</a></span>——”</p> - -<p>The president paused.</p> - -<p>“It is immaterial to you whom I suspect, Mr. Hepner,” said Nick, coolly, -“so long as I run down the thieves.”</p> - -<p>“Of course, of course! But you’re far afield, Mr. Nicholas, if that is -the point you are driving at.”</p> - -<p>“Which is your opinion,” commented Nick. “What makes you think that Mr. -Leonard Martin and his party are liable to be in Latimer for a few -days?”</p> - -<p>“Because their chauffeur is sick and the Red Spider cannot proceed -without a man to run it.”</p> - -<p>“The auto is named the Red Spider?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Mr. Martin staying?”</p> - -<p>“At the Central House.”</p> - -<p>“He feared to have so much money with him, and left it here for -safe-keeping, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“That’s it. A very breezy, genial gentleman he is, too, Mr. Nicholas. I -assure you of that.”</p> - -<p>“Breezy enough, I dare say,” returned Nick, carelessly.</p> - -<p>“You gave a peculiar name to these robbers, a moment ago,” said the -president. “What was it you called them?”</p> - -<p>“Yeggmen.”</p> - -<p>“And what is a yeggman?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132">{132}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Originally he was a hobo. Association with professional criminals, -either in prison or ‘on the road,’ has taught him a knowledge of high -explosives—how to extract nitroglycerin from dynamite, and how to use -nitro in blowing open safes, and so on. The methods of the ‘yeggs,’ as -compared with the old-time, skilled cracksman, are simple and -labor-saving.”</p> - -<p>“That is quite interesting. It has been a mystery to all of us how our -safe was blown open. Will you explain, Mr. Nicholas?”</p> - -<p>Nick complied, very briefly, and then, after a little more questioning, -arose to go.</p> - -<p>“If I can aid you in any way, Mr. Nicholas,” said the president, rising -to accompany the detective to the door, “do not fail to call on me. As -for your bill——”</p> - -<p>“You can consider the bill when I turn it in,” answered Nick. “There is -only one way in which you can help me, Mr. Hepner.”</p> - -<p>“How is that?”</p> - -<p>“I presume there are several auto cars in this town?”</p> - -<p>“Quite a number. I haven’t one myself, but Clarkson, one of our -directors, has a very swift machine.”</p> - -<p>“If I need that machine will Mr. Clarkson let me have it?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133">{133}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Certainly. He will go with you himself and operate it for you.”</p> - -<p>“I will operate it, and will stand responsible for any damage I may do. -I would like to have the machine held in readiness for instant use.”</p> - -<p>“Where are you staying, Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“I registered at the Holland Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will have Clarkson send the machine to the Holland Hotel -stables, subject to your order.”</p> - -<p>“I would prefer that you have the auto sent to the Central House barn, -Mr. Hepner. I think of changing my location.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. It will be some time, I suppose, before we can hope for any -results?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps not so very long,” answered Nick, and took his leave.</p> - -<p>Going at once to the Holland Hotel, he paid his reckoning, took his grip -and had himself driven to the Central House.</p> - -<p>“James Nicholas, Montpelier, Vermont,” was the way he inscribed himself -on the register.</p> - -<p>Turning away, he lighted a cigar and threw himself into a chair by one -of the office windows.</p> - -<p>The Central House, in point of location, was anything but “central.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134">{134}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>It was situated on the outskirts of the city, in a neighborhood at once -quiet and exclusive.</p> - -<p>For fifteen minutes or more Nick sat in the comfortable armchair, -smoking and thinking.</p> - -<p>He was sifting the evidence so far secured and wondering what Chick’s -investigation would lead to, if anything.</p> - -<p>Presently, the bell boy came up to him and touched him on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Nicholas,” said he, “you are wanted at the telephone.”</p> - -<p>“Where is it?” asked Nick, getting up.</p> - -<p>“This way, sir.”</p> - -<p>The detective was conducted to the rear of the office, some distance -back of the counter.</p> - -<p>The telephone box was under the stairway, side by side with a -ground-glass window overlooking a court.</p> - -<p>So close was the side of the box to the window that the glass in the box -and in the window were scarcely more than a foot apart.</p> - -<p>The receiver was lying on the top of the phone, and Nick took it down -and held it to his ear.</p> - -<p>“Is this Carter?” called a voice.</p> - -<p>“Who is this?” queried Nick.</p> - -<p>“Call me the man from Montana. I’m the pal of poor<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135">{135}</a></span> old Ramsay whom you -bagged the other day. I’m the only man left of the Western swindlers, -and you want me badly. You’re Nick Carter?”</p> - -<p>“My name is Nicholas.”</p> - -<p>“By thunder, you can’t fool me, Mr. Sleuth!”</p> - -<p>“What do you want?” asked the detective.</p> - -<p>“Simply wanted to get you into the telephone box. Right here is where -you connect with your finish, and——”</p> - -<p>The words were lost in a sharp report and a crashing of glass.</p> - -<p>Nick felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and, as he reeled backward and -dropped the receiver, he heard a mocking and triumphant laugh come over -the wire.</p> - -<p>“Great heavens!” he cried; “I’m shot—killed!”</p> - -<p>The next instant he burst out of the telephone box and fell into the -arms of the chief of police, the latter having arrived at the hotel but -a moment before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136">{136}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br /><br /> -<small>WARM WORK.</small></h2> - -<p>“Great guns!” exclaimed the chief. “What has happened, Mr.——”</p> - -<p>“Call me Nicholas,” hissed Nick, clinging to the chief and with lips -close to his ear. “I’m shot!” he cried again. “Some one fired into the -telephone box from the court. Help me to my room! Send for a -doctor—quick!”</p> - -<p>There was a great commotion in the hotel office.</p> - -<p>The clerk, the porters and the bell boys came running to the scene, -inquiring excitedly about the shooting.</p> - -<p>The chief turned Nick over to two of the porters, and he was carried -upstairs to his room and laid on the bed.</p> - -<p>At every step of the upward journey the detective let out a groan of -pain.</p> - -<p>One of the bell boys rushed away for the house physician.</p> - -<p>The porters lingered in Nick’s room, and so did the clerk, who had -accompanied them.</p> - -<p>“Don’t stay in the room, so many of you,” moaned Nick; “my nerves are -all on edge. Where’s the doctor? Isn’t he coming?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137" id="page_137">{137}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The clerk motioned to the porters, who at once withdrew.</p> - -<p>“The doctor will be here in a minute—ah, here he is now!”</p> - -<p>The doctor entered hurriedly, hatless and with his medicine case under -his arm.</p> - -<p>“What in Sam Hill is the matter?” he cried. “Man shot, right in the -hotel, in broad daylight? Outrageous! Unheard of!”</p> - -<p>“It’s a fact, nevertheless,” murmured Nick, “and I’ve got it good. Leave -me alone with the doctor, please,” he added, turning to the clerk.</p> - -<p>The clerk went away, closing the door softly behind him.</p> - -<p>Then Nick sat upon the edge of the bed, a half smile on his face.</p> - -<p>“Why—why, what are you doing that for?” queried the astounded doctor.</p> - -<p>“Sh-h-h!” whispered Nick. “The wound is nothing—it simply grazed my -shoulder. A piece of court-plaster is all it needs. If you have that -with you, doc, you can fix me all right in a jiffy.”</p> - -<p>“You acted as though you were half killed,” grumbled the doctor.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” Nick went on, in a low tone.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138" id="page_138">{138}</a></span> “I’m a detective, and -I want it to appear as though I have received a bad wound and may be -laid up for a month. Are you willing to help out the cause of justice by -creating such an impression?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t understand——”</p> - -<p>“Of course you don’t, and it isn’t necessary that you should. I want you -to come here about every three hours and pretend to have seen a patient. -That’s easy enough, isn’t it? Here’s a twenty to pay you in advance for -your services.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” answered the physician, taking the money. “Now let me see -the shoulder.”</p> - -<p>Nick divested himself of coat and vest and opened his shirt at the neck.</p> - -<p>The wound was only a slight one, as the detective had said, and the -doctor quickly attended to it and prepared to leave.</p> - -<p>“Mind,” warned Nick, “you think I may be laid up for some time.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” laughed the doctor. “You detectives are queer fish.”</p> - -<p>“We have to be,” answered Nick, stretching himself out on the bed again.</p> - -<p>The chief came in just as the doctor went out.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139" id="page_139">{139}</a></span></p> - -<p>“How do you find him, doc?” the chief asked, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Serious,” was the answer; “he may be laid up for a month.”</p> - -<p>The doctor went away, and the chief came up to the side of the bed.</p> - -<p>“This is too bad, Nicholas!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Lock the door,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>The chief was surprised at the strength of the detective’s voice.</p> - -<p>When he locked the door, he turned around and found the detective -sitting up.</p> - -<p>“Say,” muttered the officer, “what in thunder does all this mean?”</p> - -<p>“It means that I am faking,” replied Nick.</p> - -<p>“Faking?”</p> - -<p>“That’s it. I wasn’t badly wounded: only scratched.”</p> - -<p>“Who could have done it? What was the motive?”</p> - -<p>“The motive was to put me on the retired list. Can’t you imagine who -would want to do that?”</p> - -<p>“The bank robbers!”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. They have discovered that I am at work on the case, and they -have tried to take time by the forelock and do for me. It isn’t the -first time such a thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_140" id="page_140">{140}</a></span> has happened, but it is the first time a -telephone was ever used as a trap. That was rather clever.”</p> - -<p>“I’m over my head, Nicholas; I can’t get next to you.”</p> - -<p>“It was a put-up job to get me out of the way, chief. I was called into -the telephone box by a man who told me I could call him the man from -Montana. This fellow acknowledged that he had lured me there for the -purpose of having me shot. That much he told me, and then his -confederate in the court blazed away.”</p> - -<p>“The audacity of it!” exclaimed the amazed officer.</p> - -<p>“More proof that these bank robbers are old hands. Did you look around -the court?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I couldn’t find a trace of anyone who might have committed the -outrage.”</p> - -<p>“I hardly expected that you would. It was well planned.”</p> - -<p>“But why did you act as though you were half killed?”</p> - -<p>“Because I want these scoundrels to think that their murderous plan -succeeded. If they believe that I am out of the way, it’s the biggest -kind of a trump in my hand.”</p> - -<p>“By Jupiter, that’s a fact! You’ve got a head on you, and no mistake. -Why, you weren’t more than half a second in evolving the plan, were -you?”</p> - -<p>“Not much longer, chief. The point that now con<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_141" id="page_141">{141}</a></span>fronts us is this: This -farce will have to be carried through to a finish. While I am working -outside, the general impression must be that I am laid up in this room.”</p> - -<p>“We can work that all right.”</p> - -<p>“I think so. The doctor already has his instructions. If you will put -one of your trusty plain-clothes men next to the scheme, and send him -here as a sort of nurse, I believe the plan can be carried through -without any trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll arrange it.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s another thing for you to do.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“Send a man to the central telephone office and learn where the call for -Nicholas, Central Hotel, came from.</p> - -<p>“Let the man go to the place from which I was rung up, and, if possible, -get a description of the fellow who sent in the call.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it. It’s a great game you are playing, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“I’m playing for big stakes. But don’t call me Carter; Nicholas will do -for the present.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll remember. What are you going to do in the meantime?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142">{142}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Lie here in bed until I hear what sort of a report your man makes about -the fellow who called me up.”</p> - -<p>“Will you stay here alone?”</p> - -<p>“You can send one of the bell boys to be with me until your man comes.”</p> - -<p>“All right.” The chief got up to go. “I’m surprised to learn that those -bank robbers are still in town.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not. This town is probably as safe for them as any other part of -the country. Hurry that fly cop over here, chief. I have warm work ahead -of me, and don’t want to be out of the running any longer than -necessary.”</p> - -<p>“Trust me to hustle things,” replied the chief, and took his departure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143">{143}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br /><br /> -<small>THE MEN FROM CHICAGO.</small></h2> - -<p>Presently the bell boy came up and found Nick stretched out on the bed.</p> - -<p>The boy was a quiet little chap, and brought Nick a pitcher of water and -a daily paper, and did a number of other things to make him comfortable.</p> - -<p>The detective was reading the paper when the plain-clothes man presented -himself.</p> - -<p>“I was sent over here to take care of you,” said he.</p> - -<p>He accompanied his words with a wink by way of informing the detective -that he knew what was expected of him.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Nick. “What name?”</p> - -<p>“Jerome.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Jerome, may I trouble you to take a dollar out of my vest -pocket and give it to this boy?”</p> - -<p>The vest and coat were hanging over a chair, and Jerome secured the -dollar and handed it to the boy.</p> - -<p>As soon as the boy was gone, the detective sprang from the bed.</p> - -<p>“You know your duties, do you, Jerome?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_144" id="page_144">{144}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I’m going to pretend I’ve got you here, whether you’re here or not,” he -grinned.</p> - -<p>“That’s it; and you’re also to pretend that I’m a mighty sick man.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll play the part O. K., sir. Don’t worry about that.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t worry about much of anything, Jerome. It’s a waste of energy.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t believe in crossing bridges before you get to ’em, then?”</p> - -<p>“That depends on the bridge. What is the town of Latimer saying about an -attempted murder, in broad daylight, in a great hotel like this?”</p> - -<p>“People are talking less about that than they are about the ease with -which the man who perpetrated the outrage managed to slip away.”</p> - -<p>While Nick was talking with Jerome, he was changing his make-up.</p> - -<p>Presently he stood forth a younger man than “Nicholas” by some twenty -years.</p> - -<p>The spreading “Dundrearies” were gone and a black mustache ornamented -his upper lip.</p> - -<p>His clothes were different, and he was utterly unlike “Nicholas” in -manner as well as appearance.</p> - -<p>“By Jinks!” exclaimed Jerome. “You’re a great hand at that sort of -thing, Mr. Nicholas.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145" id="page_145">{145}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Charlie Gordon now,” corrected Nick.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Gordon, then,” grinned the officer.</p> - -<p>A rap fell on the door.</p> - -<p>Nick motioned to Jerome to answer the summons.</p> - -<p>The caller proved to be the chief, and he was at once admitted.</p> - -<p>He looked at Nick in surprise, and then cast a quick look at the bed.</p> - -<p>“Well, you’ll pass,” he said, as the truth dawned on him.</p> - -<p>“What’s new?” asked the detective.</p> - -<p>“I called to report on that telephone matter.”</p> - -<p>“Good! The man you sent out must have been a live one to get back with a -report as soon as this.”</p> - -<p>“I attended to it myself.”</p> - -<p>“Much obliged, chief. Did you experience any difficulty?”</p> - -<p>“None at all. At central they told me that the call for Nicholas, at the -Central House, came from a pay station in a drug store.</p> - -<p>“I got the number of the drug store, and found that it is less than a -block from here.</p> - -<p>“At about the time you received your call, one of the clerks in the -store remembered seeing a short, thickset man<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146" id="page_146">{146}</a></span>——”</p> - -<p>“Short and thickset, eh?” interposed Nick.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and with red hair and a full red beard. This man went into the -box. When he came out he came in a hurry, and lost no time in getting -out of the store and away.”</p> - -<p>“That’s A-1, chief.”</p> - -<p>“Have you a theory?”</p> - -<p>“Regarding the bank robbers?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I’m full of theories. I shall want your help in a few minutes. Will you -wait here until I come back? I can promise you that I won’t be gone -long.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll wait.”</p> - -<p>Thereupon Nick let himself quietly out of the room and descended the -stairs to the lower hall.</p> - -<p>Passing through the hall into the street, he re-entered the hotel by the -office doors.</p> - -<p>Going to the counter, he drew the register in front of him and began -looking it over.</p> - -<p>He finally found what he wanted, which was the following, written in an -easy and flowing hand:</p> - -<p>“Leonard Martin, Chicago.”</p> - -<p>This entry had been made on the preceding Saturday, and Nick saw that -Leonard Martin had been assigned to Room 13.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_147" id="page_147">{147}</a></span></p> - -<p>Directly following this signature were three names, as follows:</p> - -<p>“Leslie Hibbard, Morris Markham and Emil Z. Schiffel,” all hailing from -the same place that claimed Mr. Martin.</p> - -<p>But there were check marks opposite the names of these three guests, -showing that they had balanced their accounts and left.</p> - -<p>“May I see the letters and telegrams?” Nick asked.</p> - -<p>The clerk handed over a bundle, and the detective proceeded to look at -them.</p> - -<p>There was a letter for Mr. Leonard Martin, bearing a Chicago postmark; -also a telegram for James Nicholas.</p> - -<p>Nick slipped the telegram into his pocket, unnoticed by the clerk, and -passed out through the doors again.</p> - -<p>This time he reversed his tactics, re-entered by the hall, and made his -way to his room on the second floor.</p> - -<p>He read his telegram.</p> - -<p>It was from Chick, and ran thus:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Look out for a man with a mole on his right cheek, short, -thickset, named Clancy. Will come with Patsy. Important that I -should see you.”</p></div> - -<p>“This short, thickset man is making himself pretty numerous,” thought -Nick, putting the telegram away in his grip.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_148" id="page_148">{148}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What I want you to do, chief,” said Nick, approaching the officer, “is -to wire the Chicago chief of police and ask for immediate information -about a man named Leonard Martin. If the Chicago people know such a man, -I’d like to learn his present whereabouts.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll send the dispatch at once,” said the chief.</p> - -<p>“Have the answer left with Jerome, when it comes.”</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>The chief left the room and passed down the stairs.</p> - -<p>Nick went out, a few moments afterward, but did not descend to the first -floor.</p> - -<p>On the contrary, he made his way along the hall to Room 13.</p> - -<p>There was no one else in the passage, and he paused at the door and -listened intently.</p> - -<p>All was quiet inside.</p> - -<p>Stooping, he peered through the keyhole.</p> - -<p>The key was not in the lock, on the inside, so it seemed fairly certain -that Mr. Martin was out.</p> - -<p>With a final swift glance up and down the passage, Nick drew a skeleton -key from his pocket and quickly opened the door.</p> - -<p>To step inside and softly reclose the door was the work of only a -moment.</p> - -<p>The room was exactly like the usual hotel chamber.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149">{149}</a></span></p> - -<p>There were two doors opening to right and left, so that, if desired, the -apartment could be used <i>en suite</i> with others adjoining.</p> - -<p>On the bed lay an open satchel, its contents very much disarranged.</p> - -<p>The owner had apparently left it in a hurry.</p> - -<p>Nick went over to the bed and looked down at the contents of the grip.</p> - -<p>The first object to catch his eye was a red wig with a false beard of -the same color attached.</p> - -<p>This interested him mightily.</p> - -<p>There was a fat wallet in the satchel, and——</p> - -<p>Just at that point the detective, steel-nerved though he was, -experienced something like a shock.</p> - -<p>A dresser stood at the end of the room, at right angles with the foot of -the bed.</p> - -<p>Out of the corner of his eyes Nick caught a glimpse of the glass, and in -it was reflected the figure of a man.</p> - -<p>The man had opened the door leading off to the left and was standing -just within it, coolly eying the detective.</p> - -<p>Furthermore, this man was short and thickset, and there was a black mole -on his right cheek.</p> - -<p>Not only that, but he had a revolver in his hand and was training it -full upon the intruder.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150">{150}</a></span></p> - -<p>In a flash Nick had made up his mind as to what he should do.</p> - -<p>This man, of all others, must not take him for a prying detective.</p> - -<p>It would be better for him to consider Nick as a common sneak thief.</p> - -<p>So the detective set about to foster the latter impression.</p> - -<p>Catching up the wallet, he slipped it into his coat pocket.</p> - -<p>Then he began throwing the other contents of the grip aside in a seeming -eagerness to find something else of value.</p> - -<p>“There, my man, that’ll do!”</p> - -<p>The voice came from the man in the doorway, and Nick sprang round, the -very picture of trepidation and fear.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151">{151}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br /><br /> -<small>NICK BECOMES CHAUFFEUR.</small></h2> - -<p>“Don’t shoot!” pleaded the detective, cringing before the pointed gun; -“for Heaven’s sake, don’t shoot!”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by sneaking into this room?” demanded the man, making -a threatening gesture with the revolver.</p> - -<p>Nick thought he recognized the voice.</p> - -<p>It sounded strangely like the tone assumed by the man from Montana, -through the phone.</p> - -<p>“My wife and family are starving,” said Nick, in a choking voice; “I can -get no work, and they must live.”</p> - -<p>“Bah! What do I care for your wife and family? You can’t ring in a bluff -of that kind on me, not on your life. You’re a common, ordinary, -go-as-you-please sneak thief, and right here is where you are going to -get it in the neck!”</p> - -<p>The man took a sidestep to the left, still holding the gun on Nick, and -reached his left hand toward the push-button above the speaking tube.</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t, sir!” implored Nick, wringing his hands. “Let me go! I beg -of you to let me go!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152">{152}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Shut up, you coward!” gritted the man. “If you had any nerve about you, -I might be tempted to cut you loose; but I haven’t any sort of use for a -sniveling, chicken-hearted coyote like you are showing yourself to be.”</p> - -<p>His hand rested on the round piece of wood that framed the push-button, -but he did not ring the bell.</p> - -<p>Nick gave vent to a hollow groan, sank to his knees, and covered his -face with his hands.</p> - -<p>“Look here, you!” growled the man with the gun. “You’re pretty well -dressed for a man working this sort of graft.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve seen better days,” sniffed Nick.</p> - -<p>“Bother! Better days don’t count. It’s what you are to-day, not last -week, or last year. What do you call yourself?”</p> - -<p>“My real name do you want, or the one I have been going by?”</p> - -<p>“The one you go by now.”</p> - -<p>“Chuffer Jones.”</p> - -<p>The man with the gun gave a start.</p> - -<p>“Chuffer!” he exclaimed. “You mean Chauffeur, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Why were you called that?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153">{153}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Because of my trade, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You know how to run these automobiles?”</p> - -<p>“That used to be my business. But I took to drink, sir, and lost job -after job. Then I took to this graft.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your record?”</p> - -<p>“It’s terrible, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How terrible?”</p> - -<p>“Five years in Sing Sing and ten in Stillwater.”</p> - -<p>A gleam had come into the murky eyes of the man with the gun.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you know,” said he, “that I could jab this button and have -the house policeman up here in about two minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Mercy!” gasped Nick, all but tying himself up in a knot.</p> - -<p>“Oh, brace up, brace up!” grunted the other. “Haven’t you got any sand -at all?”</p> - -<p>“How much sand do you expect a man to have when he’s caught red-handed -like this?”</p> - -<p>“You ought to back your legitimate amount of nerve, no matter what -happens. You know, I suppose, that I could send you up for quite a spell -for what you have tried to do here this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“In the name of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154" id="page_154">{154}</a></span>——”</p> - -<p>“Will you hush that yaup?” said the man with the gun, exasperated.</p> - -<p>“But if you knew——”</p> - -<p>“I know you’re a sneak thief, and that I’ve got you dead to rights. -Understand? Now, if you want to do the right thing, there’s a chance for -you to square yourself with me.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” cried Nick, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“First, hand over that leather.”</p> - -<p>The detective forked it over.</p> - -<p>“Take anything else?”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t have time.”</p> - -<p>“Well, young man, my name is Leonard Martin. I’m from Chicago, and I’m -touring New England with three friends of mine, traveling in one of -these auto cars. The machine belongs to me, but I haven’t the first -notion how to run the thing. One of my friends knows the ropes, but he -was taken sick a day or two ago, and will be hung up here for quite a -spell. Now, if you want to run the Red Spider for me——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, thank you, thank you!” mumbled Nick, with another contortion.</p> - -<p>“You whining fool!” growled Mr. Martin, testily, “will you shut up?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; yes, sir!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155">{155}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Then, if you want to save your scalp, you can drive the Red Spider for -me.”</p> - -<p>“All right, sir.”</p> - -<p>“That is,” qualified Martin, “if you can. I’m going to try you right -now.”</p> - -<p>Once more he reached out his left hand, and this time he pressed the -bell.</p> - -<p>“Order the Red Spider around to the office entrance,” he called down the -tube.</p> - -<p>Turning away from the wall, he again addressed himself to the detective.</p> - -<p>“I’m taking you into my employ, Jones,” he went on, “but at the first -sign of disloyalty I shall turn you over to the police.”</p> - -<p>“I understand, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Try to run away from me, and I’ll have you hounded down if it costs me -every dollar I’ve got in the world.”</p> - -<p>Nick shivered.</p> - -<p>“And another thing,” went on Martin, “you’re to let whisky alone. -There’s a time for lushing, as for everything else, and when I’m ready -to have you booze, I’ll let you know.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, then. And don’t forget that I’ve got this right here, ready -for use.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_156" id="page_156">{156}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Martin thrust the six-shooter into his hip pocket with a flourish, and -Nick had another shiver.</p> - -<p>They passed out into the hall and downstairs to the office.</p> - -<p>At the counter Martin halted for a word with the clerk.</p> - -<p>“How’s that man who got shot?”</p> - -<p>“Poorly, sir, poorly,” replied the clerk.</p> - -<p>“Will he be in bed long?”</p> - -<p>“He may never leave his bed, Mr. Martin.”</p> - -<p>“Tough, mighty tough,” mused the kind-hearted Mr. Martin, and passed out -to his waiting auto.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157">{157}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br /><br /> -<small>FOLLOWING A THEORY.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick looked the machine over with a critical eye.</p> - -<p>It was an ordinary, two-thousand-dollar, single-cylinder, American-made -car, and looked as though it might be able to work up considerable -speed.</p> - -<p>It was painted red, and had the squat, sprawled-out appearance of the -ill-omened thing after which it was named.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter could drive any kind of a car, and so could Chick.</p> - -<p>The detectives had acquired the knowledge as they acquired everything -else which even remotely promised to be of aid to them in their work.</p> - -<p>Martin climbed into the machine, and Nick followed.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said Martin, “let her go!”</p> - -<p>Nick started off in fine style, guiding the broad-tired wheels on a hair -line.</p> - -<p>“You’ll do,” said Martin, approvingly. “I think you can run the Spider -better than Emil ever dared to. Keep along this road, right on out into -the suburbs. I’ll tell you when I want to stop.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158">{158}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>They reeled off about a mile before Nick got the order to halt.</p> - -<p>The stop was made in front of a two-story brick house.</p> - -<p>“I’ll get out here, and you can wait for me,” said Martin. “Better turn -on the electricity in the lamps, for it will be pretty dark when we -start back.”</p> - -<p>Martin got out and went up the steps and into the house, and Nick turned -the electricity into the side lamps and settled himself back in the seat -as comfortably as he could.</p> - -<p>Presently he became aware that a roughly dressed man, with his hands in -his trousers’ pockets, was sizing up the machine through the semigloom.</p> - -<p>“What’s one ov them there dinguses wuth?” the man inquired.</p> - -<p>“More than you’ll ever salt away,” answered Nick.</p> - -<p>“I want tew knaow! Naow, mister, ef yeou’ll jist tell me——”</p> - -<p>Nick started up suddenly in his seat, and swept a quick glance around.</p> - -<p>“You’re taking a big risk, chief!” he muttered.</p> - -<p>“Got an answer to that Chicago telegram, and had to see you,” the chief -replied.</p> - -<p>“Do you often tog up like that?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159">{159}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Not often; that’s something I leave to my under-strappers. But in this -instance, as only Jerome and I know your make-up, and Jerome can’t be -spared, I decided to help you out.”</p> - -<p>“How did you know I was here?”</p> - -<p>“Saw you come out of the hotel, and followed along on a bike that stood -at the curb.”</p> - -<p>“Bully for you, chief!” exclaimed Nick. “That answer from Chicago got -around in short order.”</p> - -<p>“It had the right of way, and they must have known all about this -Leonard Martin at headquarters.”</p> - -<p>“What of him?”</p> - -<p>“The Chicago chief says that he’s one of the shining lights of the bar, -in that place, and that some time ago he started to tour New England in -his auto, the Red Spider, with three friends. The party, at this time, -is believed to be somewhere in Vermont.”</p> - -<p>“That all?”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it enough?”</p> - -<p>“I think so,” returned Nick, musingly.</p> - -<p>He was “up a stump,” so to speak.</p> - -<p>Something was wrong, for this Chicago information did not jibe with his -own deductions—and he was ready to bank on his deductions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_160" id="page_160">{160}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What in Sam Hill are you running that machine for?” queried the curious -chief.</p> - -<p>“Following out a theory,” returned Nick. Then he suddenly aroused -himself. “We may be watched from the house,” said he, “and you hadn’t -ought to hang around long.”</p> - -<p>“I’m ready to go now.”</p> - -<p>“Wait. I’m expecting two of my assistants from New York—Chick and -Patsy. It’s ten to one that I’ll be bowling along through the country in -this machine before many hours have passed, and I want Chick and Patsy -to follow in another auto.”</p> - -<p>“Where’ll they get the auto?”</p> - -<p>“There’s one, subject to my order, in the Central House stable—a -machine belonging to Mr. Clarkson, one of the directors of the People’s -National Bank.”</p> - -<p>“I know the machine well. Clarkson has been hauled up half a dozen times -for exceeding the speed limit.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s the machine I want Chick and Patsy to follow with.”</p> - -<p>“How will your assistants keep track of you?”</p> - -<p>“Trust them for that.”</p> - -<p>“But if the Red Spider pulls out before they get here——”</p> - -<p>“It won’t. I’ll see that it doesn’t.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_161" id="page_161">{161}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick had not got quite through with the chief, but was obliged to break -off his talk at that moment.</p> - -<p>There came the sound of a closing door from the brick house, and Martin -appeared and came down the steps to the sidewalk.</p> - -<p>The chief did not attempt to run, but stood his ground.</p> - -<p>“Hosses aire good enough fer me, by gosh!” he exclaimed. “I wouldn’t -give ye twenty-five cents fer a dozen o’ them there machines.”</p> - -<p>Martin paid no attention to the supposed “hayseed,” beyond flashing a -curious look at him as he climbed into the auto.</p> - -<p>“Back to the hotel, Jones,” said Martin.</p> - -<p>“G’lang, ye rubber-tired freak!” whooped the man on the walk, as the Red -Spider started off.</p> - -<p>“We’re going to pull out of here to-night,” observed Martin.</p> - -<p>“Which way do we travel?”</p> - -<p>“Never you mind which way we travel!” was the sharp response. “All you -got to do is to work the levers and steer where I tell you to.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, sir.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll take the Red Spider to the barn,” went on Martin, “and then we’ll -go to the hotel.”</p> - -<p>“Where’ll I put up?” asked Nick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162">{162}</a></span></p> - -<p>“You remember the room next to the one where you were operating this -afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s empty, and you can occupy that. You’re not going to get out -of my sight while we’re in town.”</p> - -<p>Nick did not fancy this arrangement, but there was nothing else for him -to do except to proceed as Martin directed.</p> - -<p>As they trundled into the bar, they saw another auto standing near the -door.</p> - -<p>“Whose machine is that?” asked Martin.</p> - -<p>“It belongs to Mr. Clarkson,” replied one of the men connected with the -stable.</p> - -<p>It was an electric vehicle—a fact which Nick was glad to observe.</p> - -<p>Being electric, it was practically noiseless.</p> - -<p>The Red Spider, on the other hand, had a gasoline motor, and pounded -along in a way that would make it heard at some distance.</p> - -<p>Chick and Patsy would thus have the advantage in the chase; they could -hear the Spider fanning along, but those on the Spider would not be able -to hear them.</p> - -<p>On leaving the barn, Martin and Nick went upstairs to the former’s -rooms.</p> - -<p>Nick was shown into the room on the left.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163" id="page_163">{163}</a></span></p> - -<p>This room had a door opening upon the hall, and Martin locked it and put -the key in his pocket.</p> - -<p>Then he ordered the detective to hand over the skeleton key which had -been of such good service several hours before.</p> - -<p>Thinking that he now had his chauffeur just where he wanted him, Martin -went into the other chamber and threw himself down on the bed with his -clothes on.</p> - -<p>Martin need not have worried about Nick taking “French leave.”</p> - -<p>The detective was only too glad to be in the society of the supposed -Chicago men, and would not leave until he had satisfied himself on one -or two points.</p> - -<p>It was about five o’clock in the morning when Nick was summoned to get -up and make ready for the start.</p> - -<p>They did not stop for breakfast, but, as Martin said, they would get -something to eat at a town a little further on.</p> - -<p>As they passed through the office, Nick saw a man seated in a chair, and -apparently sound asleep.</p> - -<p>The man was Chick, and he was not so sound asleep as he seemed to be.</p> - -<p>Martin paid his bill, and he and Nick walked out to the Red Spider, -which stood at the curb in front.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164">{164}</a></span></p> - -<p>Nick cast a casual glance through the window near which Chick had been -sitting.</p> - -<p>His chair was empty.</p> - -<p>There were two men on the rear seat of the automobile; men who had faces -of the recognized criminal type.</p> - -<p>Martin climbed into the machine, and Nick followed, the two men on the -rear seat eying him sharply.</p> - -<p>“Start east and take the first turn to the left,” ordered Martin, “then -follow that road right out of town and into the country.”</p> - -<p>Nick put the car in motion.</p> - -<p>As he turned the corner he caught a glimpse of Clarkson’s machine just -rounding the hotel from the direction of the barn.</p> - -<p>Chick and Patsy were on the seat, and Chick was doing the driving.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_165" id="page_165">{165}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /><br /> -<small>OVER THE BRIDGE.</small></h2> - -<p>Each man in the touring party carried a large satchel, and Nick noticed -that he took very good care of the grip, never letting it get out of his -hands for an instant.</p> - -<p>The satchels appeared to be rather heavy, and once, when one of them -dropped to the bottom of the auto, the detective heard a jingle as of -coin.</p> - -<p>The morning was bright, the air was fresh, and for five miles the Red -Spider cut along at a smart clip.</p> - -<p>“Show me how to operate the thing,” said Martin, and Nick instructed him -in the art.</p> - -<p>“How long have you had this machine, Mr. Martin?” Nick asked.</p> - -<p>A silence followed the question, during which Martin exchanged looks -with the men on the rear seat.</p> - -<p>“Close onto two years,” said Martin, finally. “What do you want to know -for?”</p> - -<p>“It seems strange that you haven’t learned something about running the -Red Spider in two years.”</p> - -<p>Martin leaned forward and rapped Nick on the shoulder.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166">{166}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Look here, Jones,” he growled, “don’t you get too blamed inquisitive. -It’s liable to strike in and carry you off.”</p> - -<p>After that Nick held his peace for a time, but there were a whole lot of -things he wanted to know, and he wasn’t long in opening up again.</p> - -<p>“Chicago is a great town,” he remarked.</p> - -<p>“Bet your life!” exclaimed Martin.</p> - -<p>“I used to do janitor work in the Guggenheimer Building,” confided Nick.</p> - -<p>“Is that so?”</p> - -<p>“Sure. You know anything about Chicago?”</p> - -<p>“Well, rather. I’ve lived there about all my life.”</p> - -<p>“Then you know the Guggenheimer Building, corner State and Madison -Streets?”</p> - -<p>“Like a book. Been in it more times than I can count.”</p> - -<p>The detective wanted to laugh.</p> - -<p>There was no such building in Chicago.</p> - -<p>“Do you remember the orang-outang, carved out of marble, that they’ve -got over the door of the Guggenheimer Building?” Nick went on.</p> - -<p>“You bet. Seen it a hundred times.”</p> - -<p>“Gosh!” exclaimed Nick. “It seems like meeting old friends to run across -a man who remembers that orang-outang.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167" id="page_167">{167}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>At the end of the five miles there was a little town called Herkimer, -and here the party stopped for breakfast.</p> - -<p>When they got down from the machine and went into the hotel, they took -their satchels with them.</p> - -<p>Nick got outside of his meal and returned to the Red Spider several -minutes before the rest of the party had finished and left the table.</p> - -<p>The detective knew very well that Chick and Patsy wouldn’t bring their -machine up to the place while the Red Spider was in evidence, but he -wanted some assurance that his assistants were following.</p> - -<p>He got what he wanted, for Patsy appeared in the road, back at a point -where it made a turn in the woods, and gave his hat a wave.</p> - -<p>Patsy then disappeared, and Nick felt much easier in his mind.</p> - -<p>“It’s a cinch,” thought Nick, “that not one of this outfit of supposed -Chicago men knows anything about Chicago.</p> - -<p>“And another thing, Martin never had the Red Spider for two years, or -he’d know how to run it.</p> - -<p>“But what did the Chicago chief of police mean by that message he sent -to the police department in Latimer?”</p> - -<p>Nick was exceedingly thoughtful for a few moments.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168">{168}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I’d like to pinch the entire outfit, and make them prove that they’re -what they say they are,” he said to himself, finally, and gave a look -down the road, as though he would summon Chick and Patsy.</p> - -<p>But Chick and Patsy were not in sight.</p> - -<p>If Nick could have known what Martin and his two friends were talking -about in the hotel, however, it is safe to assume that he would have -made the effort of his life to arrest the three men before they had gone -another mile further.</p> - -<p>“I don’t like the looks of that driver of yours, Clancy,” one of -Martin’s pals was saying.</p> - -<p>“He’s all right, I tell you, Spark,” averred Clancy. “Didn’t I spot him -while trying to sneak a wallet in my room? I’ve got the fellow right -under my thumb, and he knows it.”</p> - -<p>“He looks to me as though he’s playing a part. Don’t you think so, -Cricket?”</p> - -<p>“He looks all right to me,” replied Cricket.</p> - -<p>“We ought to get rid of him,” persisted Spark.</p> - -<p>“What’s got you on the run, old man?” queried Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Give it up; but I’ve got a feeling that there’s trouble ahead. And look -here—I’ll bet I can prove to you that this Jones, as he calls himself, -is crooked.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169" id="page_169">{169}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“If you can do that, Spark,” said Clancy, “we’ll salt him too quick.”</p> - -<p>“Can you run the Spider now, Clancy?”</p> - -<p>“Well enough to take us where we want to go. But come on, if you’re -through. It’s time we hit the trail.”</p> - -<p>They got up, picked up their satchels from beside their chairs, and went -out and got into the auto.</p> - -<p>“Keep right on along the turnpike, Jones, just as we were going before -we stopped,” said Martin.</p> - -<p>Nick carried out his orders, and they were soon spinning along in a due -north direction.</p> - -<p>“Did you have any trouble in connecting with the twenty thousand, -Clancy?” asked Cricket.</p> - -<p>Clancy!</p> - -<p>The word was out of Cricket’s mouth before he fairly realized that he -had said it.</p> - -<p>Savage looks were darted at him by Clancy and Spark, and then all three -fixed their eyes upon Nick.</p> - -<p>Apparently he had not heard the word.</p> - -<p>“No trouble at all,” said Clancy.</p> - -<p>“It was easy money,” went on Cricket, “and earned you a hundred per -cent. overnight.”</p> - -<p>Nick knew that Clancy and Cricket were talking about the demand -certificate for twenty thousand dollars which<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170">{170}</a></span> the former had got from -the People’s National Bank on Monday afternoon.</p> - -<p>Here was proof that the money had been deposited, stolen back, and -collected again on the demand certificate.</p> - -<p>The detective was more than ready now to take chances in capturing the -three scoundrels.</p> - -<p>Some parts of the deal were still dark to him, but he was sure of his -ground so far as Clancy and his two pals were concerned.</p> - -<p>But how were the men to be captured?</p> - -<p>With two at his back and one beside him, to attempt to make an arrest -single-handed would have been the height of folly.</p> - -<p>A startling expedient occurred to Nick.</p> - -<p>Why not wreck the machine?</p> - -<p>That would give Chick and Patsy a chance to come up and take a hand in -the capture.</p> - -<p>Nick looked ahead.</p> - -<p>The turnpike wound around through the hills, and was bordered with large -trees.</p> - -<p>Some of these trees stood out close to the roadway, and it would be a -comparatively easy matter to speed up the auto and smash against a tree.</p> - -<p>The collision would certainly wreck the Red Spider, and it might also -cause the gasoline tank to explode.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171">{171}</a></span></p> - -<p>In the latter event it was a question whether any of the party would be -left alive to tell the tale.</p> - -<p>Nick had no desire to cut short his career on that lonely turnpike in -northern Vermont, but still he realized that he would have to take -chances, no matter what course he pursued.</p> - -<p>In the distance he could see a plank bridge crossing a stream.</p> - -<p>The edge of the bridge was guarded with a low wooden railing, and to run -the Red Spider into the railing and off the bridge would not be a -difficult task.</p> - -<p>But that would be infinitely more dangerous than running the auto into a -tree.</p> - -<p>Nick, therefore, decided on a collision.</p> - -<p>The approach to the bridge was slightly downhill, and he started the -Spider at a tremendous clip.</p> - -<p>“Slower, slower!” shouted Clancy. “Do you want to wreck us?”</p> - -<p>“It’s out of control!” cried Nick. “I can’t do anything with it!”</p> - -<p>The Spider was shooting toward a tree, a hundred feet ahead, and Nick -seemed to be working frantically at the levers in an attempt to stop it.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Spark, who sat directly behind Nick, thrust<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172" id="page_172">{172}</a></span> a hand in his -pocket and slipped his fingers through a set of brass knuckles.</p> - -<p>Bringing the hand out of his pocket, Spark half arose and dealt the -detective a smashing blow on the back of the head.</p> - -<p>Nick fell forward, stunned and helpless.</p> - -<p>“He was shamming!” cried Spark; “quick, Clancy! Turn the machine, or -we’re gone!”</p> - -<p>Clancy flung himself on the steering lever and swerved the auto so that -it missed the tree by a hair’s breadth.</p> - -<p>A moment more and he had halted the ponderous machine.</p> - -<p>“He was trying to do for us,” said Spark, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“But why in the fiend’s name should he try to wreck us?” answered -Clancy. “He would have done for himself as well.”</p> - -<p>“He had some game, I tell you,” persisted Spark. “He must be one of Nick -Carter’s men. He wants revenge for what you and I did to Carter, -Clancy.”</p> - -<p>“Bosh! Your nerves are running away with you, Spark.”</p> - -<p>“Look here!”</p> - -<p>Spark leaned over Nick and tore the false mustache from his lip.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173" id="page_173">{173}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Now what do you think? This sneak thief of yours, Clancy, has been in -disguise!”</p> - -<p>Clancy voiced a lurid oath.</p> - -<p>“I wish I knew Carter’s assistants,” he added, with a fierce growl; “but -I don’t even know Carter himself, except from description.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure we got Carter at the hotel?” queried Cricket.</p> - -<p>“Nicholas is the name he uses, now and then, and we know he took that -bank robbery case. You followed him from the Holland Hotel to the -Central House, Cricket, and ought to know him, if anybody does.”</p> - -<p>“Nicholas was disguised,” said Cricket, “and I couldn’t tell what he -looked like with the disguise off. But he didn’t look anything like this -fellow.”</p> - -<p>“This chap is trying to plug our game, anyhow,” said Clancy, a savage -gleam in his eyes, “and right here is our chance to get rid of him. -Bring out a couple of ropes, Cricket.”</p> - -<p>Cricket fumbled around in the bottom of the auto, and finally found a -piece of rope, which he cut in two.</p> - -<p>Nick was still unconscious, and did not recover his wits until the tying -operation had been completed.</p> - -<p>When he opened his eyes, Clancy was going through his pockets.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_174" id="page_174">{174}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Guns, and handcuffs, and a pocket bull’s-eye,” muttered Clancy, -producing the articles one by one and handing them over the back of the -front seat to Spark and Cricket. “A nice equipment for a sneak thief to -tote around with him. He’s Nick Carter’s assistant, all right.”</p> - -<p>“He has two men assistants,” spoke up Spark—“Chick and Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“I have heard of them,” said Clancy, with an oath. “Here, you!” he -added, grabbing Nick by the shoulders and giving him a rough shake; -“what sort of a deal were you trying to ring in on us?”</p> - -<p>“Who hit me?” demanded Nick.</p> - -<p>“I did,” asserted Spark. “What did you try to wreck the auto for?”</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t manage it.”</p> - -<p>“Bah!” snorted Clancy. “You’re one of Nick Carter’s men, we know that, -and right here is where our trails divide. I’m from Montana, I am, and -Ramsay, a man Nick Carter hounded into the penitentiary, was a pal of -mine.</p> - -<p>“I swore, when Ramsay got sent over the road, the other day, that I’d -never rest until I had played even with Carter on Ramsay’s account.</p> - -<p>“I have pretty near succeeded in doing that, I reckon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175">{175}</a></span> Cricket shadowed -Carter from the Holland Hotel to the Central House and reported to Spark -and me. Then I put up that job and called up Carter on the Central House -phone. Spark was beside the glazed window in the court, and he fired the -shot that put this crack detective of yours out of the chase after these -bank robbers.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t count on having such good luck as to connect with one of -Carter’s assistants; and now that we’ve got you, Jones, or whatever your -name is, we’ll see that you’re properly taken care of.”</p> - -<p>“You may be able to take care of me,” said the detective, “but you’ll -still have Nick Carter to settle with.”</p> - -<p>“Carter!” sneered Clancy. “Why, he ain’t in it with me when it comes -down to head work. I can think all around him any day in the week.”</p> - -<p>“You’re thinking all around him now,” answered Nick, quietly.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by that?”</p> - -<p>“You’ll know some time.”</p> - -<p>“Quit this fooling!” cried Spark. “Let’s get rid of the fool and then -push on toward the Canadian line. I won’t feel easy till we cross the -border.”</p> - -<p>That was Nick’s first clew to the intentions of Clancy and his pals.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_176" id="page_176">{176}</a></span></p> - -<p>They were working to get into Canada, where an American detective could -not touch them without going through a lot of red-tape proceedings.</p> - -<p>If these men were captured, it must be before they crossed the line.</p> - -<p>“How’ll we fix him?” asked Clancy.</p> - -<p>“A gun is good enough,” said Cricket.</p> - -<p>“A knife is better,” supplemented Spark. “It makes less noise.”</p> - -<p>“What do we care for noise?” asked Clancy, with a harsh laugh; “there is -no one within a mile of us. But I know a trick worth two of either one -of those.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired Spark.</p> - -<p>“We’ll give him a chance to swim without the use of his hands or feet.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the talk!” declared Cricket.</p> - -<p>“Make for the bridge,” added Spark, “and we’ll toss him over.”</p> - -<p>Clancy ran the Red Spider to the foot of the hill and onto the bridge, -halting close to the right-hand railing.</p> - -<p>Then he and Spark stood up, Nick was caught by the feet and shoulders -and swung back and forth.</p> - -<p>“One, two, three,” counted Clancy; “now, then!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177">{177}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The form of the detective was released and went whirling outward and -downward.</p> - -<p>“Help!” he cried, at the top of his voice; “the river!” Then he splashed -into the water and went plunging away on the breast of the swift -current.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178">{178}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /><br /> -<small>ONE WAY TO STOP AN AUTO.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick’s cry for help and his reference to the river were intended for the -ears of Chick and Patsy.</p> - -<p>If they failed him, Nick felt that his case was hopeless.</p> - -<p>The stream into which he was thrown was narrow and winding, and, at that -point, flowed with great force.</p> - -<p>The swiftness of the current bore the detective up and kept him from -sinking.</p> - -<p>The men in the Red Spider watched until he was carried around a bend in -the stream, and then continued on, confident that they had been -completely successful in their murderous designs.</p> - -<p>The torrent was full of drift, and Nick, half strangled and dizzy, felt -that his chief danger lay in being struck by some of the logs that were -spinning along with him on the surface of the water.</p> - -<p>But this fact, so far from being a danger, proved his salvation.</p> - -<p>An uprooted tree came sweeping toward him, and he was caught in the -spreading branches.</p> - -<p>Tangled among the limbs, as he ultimately became, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179">{179}</a></span> was impossible for -him to sink, and for a short distance he rode along with his head out of -the torrent.</p> - -<p>Presently the tree lodged in a jam of driftwood, and Nick watched the -whirling débris shoot against the jam and pass on, missing his head -sometimes by no more than an inch.</p> - -<p>“Help!” he called again, “This way, Chick! Patsy! Help!”</p> - -<p>He did not call in vain, for Chick and Patsy suddenly appeared on the -bank, the former with a coil of rope in his hands.</p> - -<p>“We’ll have you in a minute, old man!” cried Chick, cheerily. “I’ll -throw the rope and you can catch it.”</p> - -<p>“No, I can’t,” answered Nick. “My hands are tied.”</p> - -<p>“Here,” said Patsy, grabbing one end of the rope and tying it about his -waist. “I can go out on that tree and fish Nick out of the branches. I’m -a regular cat when it comes to walking a log.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Patsy,” said Chick. “Mind your eye and be careful that the -tree doesn’t turn with you.”</p> - -<p>Patsy started, made his way into the branches, knelt down, and cut the -rope from Nick’s hands.</p> - -<p>Nick was then able to help, and his rescue was not long in being -effected.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180">{180}</a></span></p> - -<p>On reaching the bank, he dropped down for a moment, completely -exhausted.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t this give you a jolt?” muttered Patsy, as he cut the rope from -Nick’s ankles. “They expected him to swim with his hands and feet tied.”</p> - -<p>“They expected me to go to the bottom,” returned Nick, “and I’d have -done it, too, if you and Chick hadn’t been handy by.”</p> - -<p>He arose to his feet.</p> - -<p>“We haven’t any time to waste here,” he went on, giving himself a shake -and throwing as much water as he could out of his soaked clothing. -“Where’s the auto?”</p> - -<p>“On the turnpike, about a hundred yards away,” replied Chick.</p> - -<p>“Then let’s get to it and keep on after that outfit. They’re making for -the Canadian line, and we’ve got to stop them before they get across.”</p> - -<p>“Then we’ll have to rush,” said Chick. “The border isn’t more than -twenty miles away.”</p> - -<p>They all realized the value of the minutes that were slipping past, and -ran for the turnpike, sprang into the auto, and started on at top speed.</p> - -<p>After they had crossed the bridge and got some distance beyond, they -began to look and listen for some sign of the Spider.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181">{181}</a></span></p> - -<p>They could hear nothing.</p> - -<p>“Give her every ounce of power!” cried Nick, and Chick turned on the -current full drive.</p> - -<p>“We’ll overhaul ’em,” averred Chick, “providing something doesn’t give -way.”</p> - -<p>“And providing we’re on the right track,” added Nick; “they may have -scented trouble and turned off the main road.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll soon find out. Who are they?”</p> - -<p>“They are the men who robbed the bank at Latimer, Monday night. One of -them is short, thickset and has a mole on his right check——”</p> - -<p>“Clancy!” cried Chick.</p> - -<p>“If we get near enough,” put in Patsy, lifting a repeating rifle from -the bottom of the auto, “we can stop them with this.”</p> - -<p>“Where did you get that?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“The proprietor of the barn, in Latimer, had it, and I borrowed it. -There’s more range to this than there is to a six-shooter.”</p> - -<p>Again they listened, and a worried look overspread Nick’s face when they -failed to hear the pounding of the gasoline auto.</p> - -<p>“There hasn’t been a road, so far, that they could turn<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182">{182}</a></span> off on,” said -Chick, “so it’s a safe-money guess that we’re behind them.”</p> - -<p>“At this rate we ought to come up with them before long,” returned Nick. -“What did you find at 1145 Mechlin Street, Chick?”</p> - -<p>“It was Mechlin Avenue.”</p> - -<p>“That’s immaterial. You found the place?”</p> - -<p>“Like a top.”</p> - -<p>“What sort of a place is it?”</p> - -<p>“A tough boarding house run by a hag who has a son called Five Points.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“I went to the hang-out in a tough disguise, and had no difficulty in -getting lodging. I thought I might have to stay a day or two, but a -couple of hours was enough.”</p> - -<p>“What did you learn?”</p> - -<p>“Lots; and it was hot stuff, too.”</p> - -<p>Again they listened and looked for the Red Spider, but in vain.</p> - -<p>Nor had they yet passed any crossroad, so they felt sure their men must -still be ahead of them.</p> - -<p>“Go on, Chick,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“The hag that bossed the roost was having a confab with a brother of -hers, in the sitting room of the place.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_183" id="page_183">{183}</a></span></p> - -<p>“The brother was as clear a case of grafter as I ever saw—he had all -the marks from soles to headpiece.</p> - -<p>“It seems that he was out for the stuff, and wanted to join a gang where -there would be something doing.</p> - -<p>“The old woman was putting him next to a touch of the warm variety, and, -say! I heard enough to land them both in the Tombs.</p> - -<p>“The hag was telling about her son, Five Points, and how he had -connected with a Montana man who was working a graft that was as novel -as it was successful.</p> - -<p>“The old woman, you see, thought that her brother might be able to join -the same gang, and he was dead anxious to make the attempt.</p> - -<p>“From what the hag said, it appears that there were four in Clancy’s -party—Clancy himself, Five Points, a man called Spark, and another -known as Cricket.</p> - -<p>“They came together at some place in Vermont, and captured an auto car -belonging to some Chicago people who were doing the New England States.</p> - -<p>“Clancy, it seems, had had his eye on this party for some time.</p> - -<p>“He is a gambler and appears to have plenty of money, so that he could -have bought his own machine if he had wanted to, but that wasn’t his -object.</p> - -<p>“He lays for the Red Spider, makes prisoners of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_184" id="page_184">{184}</a></span> Chicago men, and -tucks them away somewhere in the Vermont woods where they will be safe; -then he and his outfit gets into the Chicago men’s clothes, and go -piking around the circle as Leonard Martin, Leslie Hibbard, Morris -Markham and Emil Z. Schiffel——”</p> - -<p>“By Jupiter!” exclaimed Nick, as the whole graft dawned on him. “That -was a clever game, for no one could ever suspect these rich Chicago men -of looting a bank, or doing any other crooked work.”</p> - -<p>“Clancy has a good head for that kind of business.”</p> - -<p>“The old woman was well informed, it seems to me.”</p> - -<p>“She got her information through Five Points, I suppose, who knows -something about driving an automobile.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you wire me to look out for Clancy?”</p> - -<p>“The old woman described Clancy to her brother, so that he would know -him at sight. She also mentioned that he was a pal of Ramsay’s, and had -come East with a double purpose—to clear up as much good money as he -could and, incidentally, to settle Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“He’s tried it twice,” said Nick, “and——”</p> - -<p>“Listen!” broke in Patsy. “That other auto is dead ahead. Can’t you hear -it?”</p> - -<p>They could hear it plainly, the chough, chough, chough coming to their -ears with great distinctness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185">{185}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Now, then,” muttered Nick, “if this machine holds together, we’ll be up -with them in a very few minutes. Let me have one of your revolvers, -Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Take ’em both,” said Patsy, tendering the weapons; “I’ll use the -rifle.”</p> - -<p>“Better let me take the rifle,” returned Nick, a sudden idea coming to -him.</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>Patsy handed over the gun.</p> - -<p>The next instant the auto rounded a hill and the Red Spider came into -sight.</p> - -<p>It was some distance off and racing at a speed which caused it to lurch -dangerously from side to side.</p> - -<p>“A stern chase is usually a long one, but I don’t think this will be,” -muttered Nick. “We’re gaining at every jump.”</p> - -<p>“And they don’t know yet that we’re after them,” chuckled Patsy.</p> - -<p>“They know now,” said Chick. “One of them, on the rear seat, is turning -around. There! He’s trying a shot.”</p> - -<p>The report of a revolver echoed out, but the range was too great for -effective shooting with small arms.</p> - -<p>“Give ’em the Winchester, Nick!” suggested Patsy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186">{186}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I will,” replied Nick, “and I’ll cripple the Spider so we can overhaul -it in less time than ever.”</p> - -<p>He threw the repeater to his shoulder and sighted it long and carefully.</p> - -<p>It was a pretty shot that he intended making, for not only must he take -into consideration the motion of his own auto, but of the Red Spider as -well.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>A loud report volleyed out, and instantly the Spider began to wobble.</p> - -<p>The speed of the gasoline machine was reduced at least one-half.</p> - -<p>“By thunder!” exulted Patsy; “he’s punctured one of the rear tires!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187" id="page_187">{187}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br /><br /> -<small>PATSY’S CAPTURE.</small></h2> - -<p>“We’ll be on them in a minute,” said Nick. “Got an extra pair of -handcuffs, Patsy?”</p> - -<p>“Sure!” and Patsy dove into his pocket and brought out a pair of -bracelets.</p> - -<p>“I was pretty well stripped by Clancy and his gang before they threw me -in the river,” went on Nick.</p> - -<p>“We’ll get your property back in short order, Nick,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“We’ll have a fight first. By George! they’re jumping from the -automobile and taking to the woods!”</p> - -<p>“They’re going to make a run of it, the cowards!” exclaimed Patsy.</p> - -<p>“You take the tall man, Patsy,” said Nick. “I’ll attend to the short, -thickset individual, and you, Chick, can take the other.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” came from Chick and Patsy.</p> - -<p>Presently the electric auto was alongside the Red Spider, and the -detectives leaped into the road and started for the woods.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188">{188}</a></span></p> - -<p>At the edge of the timber a volley was fired at them, the bullets -whistling through the air uncomfortably close.</p> - -<p>The fire of the robbers was returned, the detectives leaping forward.</p> - -<p>In a few moments they caught sight of Clancy and his pals.</p> - -<p>They were separating and making in different directions.</p> - -<p>“Here’s where we divide,” said Nick. “Remember, we’ve got to have those -men before they get across the line.”</p> - -<p>“They’re ours!” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“Easy!” added Patsy.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s man was Cricket, and the way Patsy sprinted after him was a -sight to see and remember.</p> - -<p>Through the woods, pell-mell, raced the grafter and the detective, -leaping over logs, plunging through bushes, and halting now and again to -try a shot at each other.</p> - -<p>None of the bullets took effect, and both Patsy and Cricket had soon -used up their ammunition.</p> - -<p>“It will be a give-and-take with our mitts now,” thought Patsy, “and -it’s a mighty good thing that I’m the best runner. Hello! There’s a -farmhouse, and Mr. Grafter is making right for it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_189" id="page_189">{189}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>There was a clearing in the woods, and Cricket leaped a fence and made -for the farm buildings.</p> - -<p>At first he headed toward the house, but a sight of the farmer and his -wife, and a contingent of children, with a hired man and a bulldog in -the background, caused him to change his mind.</p> - -<p>Swerving to the right, he pushed for the barn.</p> - -<p>“Hi, there!” cried Patsy. “He’s a thief! Head him off! Stop him!”</p> - -<p>Instead of trying to head off the fleeing robber, however, the farmer -and his family retreated into the house at a double quick.</p> - -<p>“Hurry, Hiram!” cried the woman, frantically. “They’re tramps, and we’ll -all be killed, I know we will!”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you fret, Mirandy!” whooped the farmer. “I’ll take care of you.”</p> - -<p>Then the door was slammed shut, effectually debarring the entrance of -the hired man.</p> - -<p>“Le’me in!” bellowed the hired man, banging at the door with his -clinched fists. “Gosh all hemlocks, d’ye want me tew git killed?”</p> - -<p>“You don’t amount to nothin’, Willyum,” called the farmer from behind -the door; “they won’t kill you. Set Tige on ’em!”</p> - -<p>The hired man whirled and loped toward the barn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190">{190}</a></span></p> - -<p>Seeing Patsy making in that direction, William sidetracked into a corn -crib.</p> - -<p>At any other time the ludicrous side of this situation would have -appealed to Patsy, but just now he had his hands too full to consider -it.</p> - -<p>Cricket had run into the barn, and the detective sprang to the door -through which he had vanished.</p> - -<p>Just as Patsy reached the barn the bulldog, Tige, became a factor in the -case.</p> - -<p>The dog was not so easily scared as the farmer and the rest of the -household, and didn’t care particularly who he tackled, just so long as -he tackled somebody.</p> - -<p>It happened that he came up with Patsy, as the latter was about to leap -into the barn, caught him by the tails of his coat and pulled him -backward.</p> - -<p>The instant Patsy recoiled, a pitchfork cleaved the air in the exact -place his head had been an instant before.</p> - -<p>The detective grabbed the fork, wrenched it out of Cricket’s hands, and -turned.</p> - -<p>“Good dog!” cried Patsy. “But that’s enough of it,” and he brought the -handle of the fork around with terrific force.</p> - -<p>Tige was a bulldog, but he was sensible, and realized when he had -enough.</p> - -<p>He was knocked end over end, and when he picked<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191">{191}</a></span> himself up he raced for -the corn crib and tried to get inside with the hired man.</p> - -<p>As Patsy once more leaped to get into the barn and try conclusions with -Cricket, a currycomb caught him in the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Never touched me!” shouted Patsy.</p> - -<p>The next instant he and Cricket were having it rough and tumble on the -barn floor.</p> - -<p>Patsy had strength, and science as well, and was not long in placing the -robber in chancery.</p> - -<p>“That’ll do,” said Cricket; “you’re too many for me.”</p> - -<p>“Where are your guns?” demanded Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Dropped ’em,” panted Cricket. “They wasn’t any good, anyhow.”</p> - -<p>“Got a knife?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“You’re another!”</p> - -<p>Patsy thrust his hand into the breast of the robber’s coat and pulled -out a knife in a leather sheath.</p> - -<p>After transferring the blade to his own pocket, he brought out the -darbies and attached them to his prisoner’s wrists.</p> - -<p>“Now, get up,” he said, hanging on to the bracelets.</p> - -<p>Cricket arose.</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” he inquired.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_192" id="page_192">{192}</a></span></p> - -<p>“One of Nick Carter’s men,” grinned Patsy. “I should think you’d know -the brand by this time.”</p> - -<p>“The best thing we’ve done this trip is to fix Carter,” gloated Cricket.</p> - -<p>“You starred yourself at that, didn’t you?” returned the detective -dryly.</p> - -<p>“You bet we did! Who was that duffer that ran your auto?”</p> - -<p>“Chickering Carter, the Little Giant’s right-hand man.”</p> - -<p>“And that cove in the water-soaked garments and minus the hat. You -pulled him out of the river, didn’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no. He swam out and walked up the bank.”</p> - -<p>“But his hands and feet were tied!”</p> - -<p>“That’s no trick at all for Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>Cricket gave a jump.</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter!” he gasped. “Was that man Nick Carter?”</p> - -<p>“Sure. Who did you think he was?”</p> - -<p>Cricket muttered an oath.</p> - -<p>“There’s no use in a lot of pinheads like us going up against Nick -Carter,” he said. “When that sleuth enters a race it’s all over but -paying the bets.”</p> - -<p>“You’re a pretty sensible kind of a grafter, after all,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193" id="page_193">{193}</a></span>” said Patsy. -“If you’re done chinning, we’ll move—out of the barn and toward the -house.”</p> - -<p>Cricket started, and Patsy walked at his side, still keeping a grip on -the comealongs.</p> - -<p>The hired man and the dog were just crawling out of the corn crib, and -the farmer had mustered up courage to open the door of the house a -couple of inches, as the detective passed by with his prisoner.</p> - -<p>A feeble plot darted through Cricket’s mind.</p> - -<p>“I say,” he shouted, “this man is a highway robber, and he chased me -here. Go for him, will you? Help me get away from him!”</p> - -<p>“Yeou be derned,” drawled the farmer. “A feller that ’u’d scare honest -folks like you did ought tew be robbed.”</p> - -<p>“Got anything else you want to tell ’em?” queried Patsy.</p> - -<p>Cricket gave a black scowl, and turned away.</p> - -<p>“Then it’s us back to the auto,” went on the detective, and marched his -prisoner back through the woods to the road.</p> - -<p>The two machines were standing side by side, as they had been left, and -there was no one around or in them.</p> - -<p>“It looks as though I’d make a record for bringing in the first man,” -remarked Patsy. “Hello! What’s that?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194">{194}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>A thump of swiftly falling hoofs reached him, and a team and a lumber -wagon came slashing into view around a wooded bend.</p> - -<p>The horses attached to the wagon were more than laying out.</p> - -<p>The lines were dragging on the ground, there was no one on the bounding -seat, and the awkward vehicle leaped and buck-jumped like a thing of -life.</p> - -<p>In the rear of the wagon box were two men, struggling with each other -for the mastery.</p> - -<p>One of the men was Chick, and the other was Spark.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195">{195}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /><br /> -<small>HOW CHICK GOT HIS MAN.</small></h2> - -<p>Spark was not so good a runner as Cricket, and Chick would have made a -capture much quicker than Patsy had done, had his man not doubled back -to the road, and, fortunately for him, encountered a young woman in a -gingham dress and sunbonnet, driving home from town.</p> - -<p>“Stop!” cried Spark. “Take me in—I want to ride with you!”</p> - -<p>“Not much you don’t!” returned the young woman, with a toss of her head. -“I can pick my own comp’ny, thanks!”</p> - -<p>“Will you stop?”</p> - -<p>Spark displayed a revolver.</p> - -<p>That was too much for the girl.</p> - -<p>With a scream, she let go the lines and dropped over the wagon wheel to -the opposite side of the road.</p> - -<p>As she fell out, Spark jumped in.</p> - -<p>“Go it, you whelps!” roared the robber, grabbing up the whip and lashing -the horses right and left.</p> - -<p>The lines were on the ground, but Spark did not care for that.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196">{196}</a></span></p> - -<p>The faster the horses ran away, the better he would be suited.</p> - -<p>Anything to get him out of the vicinity of Chick.</p> - -<p>Chick, however, was not to be shaken off so easily.</p> - -<p>He reached the road at the precise moment Spark began lashing the team, -and, by some quick work, succeeded in grabbing the end gate of the wagon -as it flew past.</p> - -<p>In a twinkling Chick was jerked off his feet and flung in the air, but -he did not release his hold.</p> - -<p>His muscular arms alone dragged him into the wagon box.</p> - -<p>The team was now tearing down the turnpike at a furious run, and Spark, -balancing himself unsteadily, turned to see what had become of his -pursuer.</p> - -<p>Chick was in the box, and crawling toward him.</p> - -<p>Jumping over the wagon seat, Spark hurled himself upon the detective, -the latter rising to meet the attack.</p> - -<p>That is the position they were in when the wagon dashed around the bend -and past the two automobiles.</p> - -<p>Chick was far and away a better man than Spark, but skill and muscle -could not count in a predicament of that kind.</p> - -<p>Finally the two men went down on the floor of the wagon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197">{197}</a></span></p> - -<p>The end gate had already been lost, so the combatants rolled over and -over, and finally tumbled into the road.</p> - -<p>This terminated the struggle.</p> - -<p>Spark gave vent to a groan of pain, and relaxed his hold on the -detective, and the latter got up, clasping his left wrist with his right -hand.</p> - -<p>Patsy, leading his prisoner by the irons, came to the scene as rapidly -as he could.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, Chick?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Sprained my left wrist, that’s all,” answered Chick. “It hurts like the -deuce, but it’s nothing serious.”</p> - -<p>While speaking, Chick was tying a handkerchief tightly around the -injured forearm, using his right hand and his teeth.</p> - -<p>“Your man seems to have got touched up pretty bad,” went on Patsy.</p> - -<p>“He has only himself to blame, if he has. He thought he could get away -from me by using that wagon, but I guess he thinks differently now.”</p> - -<p>Chick stepped up to Spark, and bent over him.</p> - -<p>“Where are you hurt?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“My right leg,” groaned the robber; “it’s broken!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t wonder at it. That was quite a jolt we had.”</p> - -<p>The detective made a brief examination, and found the leg to be as the -robber had stated.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198">{198}</a></span></p> - -<p>“We can’t do anything for you for a while,” said Chick, helping himself -to Spark’s weapons. “Just as soon as Nick comes in with the leader of -your push, though, we’ll take the back track and get you under the -doctor’s care as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>“Nick who?” asked Spark, faintly.</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“What! That man we threw into the creek! Nick Carter?” Spark demanded, -forgetting his pain for the moment.</p> - -<p>“Who did you think it was?”</p> - -<p>Spark voiced some lurid language, then added:</p> - -<p>“If we had dreamed that fellow was the prize package himself, we’d have -put a bullet into him before we gave him his bath.”</p> - -<p>“Even then he would have beat you out,” put in Patsy. “The grafter -doesn’t live that can do up Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>Between them, Chick and Patsy succeeded in getting Spark onto the rear -seat of the Red Spider.</p> - -<p>He was in great pain, and it was not thought necessary to put the irons -on him.</p> - -<p>When they had made Spark as comfortable as possible, the detectives -became aware that the young woman was standing beside them, in the -road.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199">{199}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I want my wagon an’ team,” she said, aggressively, as she caught -Chick’s eye.</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Chick, cheerfully. “I think you’ll find the team at -home when you get there.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I’ll find the team, but I’ll bet the wagon is strung all along -the road,” the girl answered. “You’ll have to pay me damages.”</p> - -<p>“This is the fellow who will have to stand the damage,” said Chick, -indicating Spark.</p> - -<p>“What’s his name, an’ where does he put up?”</p> - -<p>“That’s too much for me.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the girl, with a snap of her jaws, “they’ve lynched people -in this country for doin’ less than he done.”</p> - -<p>With that, she marched off and never turned a backward look.</p> - -<p>Chick laughed a little, although he admitted to himself that it was -pretty tough luck.</p> - -<p>“Here, Patsy,” he said, “run after her and give her this twenty. That -will soothe her feelings, I guess.”</p> - -<p>Patsy chased after the girl and gave her the money.</p> - -<p>“She was tickled to death,” he said, when he got back; “the old -rattletrap wasn’t worth any more than the scrap iron that was in it; so -it was bargain day for her, all right. I wonder what’s keeping Nick?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200">{200}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Clancy’ll kill him,” spoke up Cricket.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you believe it,” returned Patsy.</p> - -<p>“While we’re waiting,” said Chick, “we’ll get things in shape for the -return trip.”</p> - -<p>He was looking at the rear, right-hand tire, which hung to the wheel as -flabby as a rag.</p> - -<p>“Nick made a dead-center shot,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“It’s a bad puncture, and I doubt if we can repair it.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t have to repair it,” put in Spark, who was thinking of getting -to a doctor in the shortest possible time. “There’s an emergency tire -under the front seat. Use that.”</p> - -<p>Chick brought out the tire, and also a force pump.</p> - -<p>The machine was then “jacked up” with a couple of stout fence rails, the -old tire taken off and the new one put on and inflated.</p> - -<p>Hardly was this bit of work accomplished, when a boy came galloping up -on horseback.</p> - -<p>He was a red-headed boy, and was laboring under so much excitement that -it was all he could do to talk.</p> - -<p>“Big fight down to the blacksmith shop!” he finally managed to -articulate.</p> - -<p>“Who was doing the fighting?” asked Chick.</p> - -<p>“Couple o’ fellers. Geewhilikins, but you never seen anything like it!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201">{201}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Was either of the men killed?”</p> - -<p>“Naw; but one of ’em was purty nigh. I was told tew come here an’ have -yeou come right down.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll come,” said Chick. Turning to Patsy, he added: “You get in the -electric machine with your man, and I’ll run this one.”</p> - -<p>“You bet,” returned Patsy.</p> - -<p>In less than a minute they were all aboard and ready for the start.</p> - -<p>“How far away is the blacksmith shop, my lad?” asked Chick.</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">’</span>Baout a mile. Say, I want to stand here an’ see yeou start them -thingumbobs.”</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>When the gasoline engine began to pound and the machine to move, the -horse thought it had about all it could stand.</p> - -<p>With a snort, and a flirt of the head, the animal took down the road for -home, the boy yelling “Whoa!” at every jump.</p> - -<p>It was a quick run which the two autos made to the blacksmith shop, for -both Chick and Patsy were not a little worried over the boy’s story.</p> - -<p>But they had their worry for nothing, for when they came in sight of the -crossroads and the dingy and soli<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_202" id="page_202">{202}</a></span>tary little shop which stood there, -they saw Nick in front, sitting on a keg, smoking and talking with a -number of bystanders.</p> - -<p>“Where’s Clancy, Nick?” asked Chick, bringing the Red Spider to a halt.</p> - -<p>“Inside, handcuffed to an anvil. It was hard to do anything with him -without killing him—and I didn’t want to do that.”</p> - -<p>“Did he make you much trouble?” asked Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Some. He’s one of that Montana clique, and they never seem to know when -they’re downed. Clancy is beginning to scent the situation, though, for -he hasn’t made much noise during the last few minutes. He was a pal of -Ramsay’s, and you know what a time we had bagging him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_203" id="page_203">{203}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br /><br /> -<small>THE LAST OF THE SWINDLERS.</small></h2> - -<p>Clancy had fought every step of the way through the woods to the -blacksmith shop.</p> - -<p>Every convenient tree trunk, every rise of ground, and every rock which -he encountered in the course of his retreat was taken advantage of and -used as a temporary breastwork.</p> - -<p>The fact that no serious injuries resulted from the shooting proves how -wary the men were.</p> - -<p>Nick emptied his repeater at about the identical time Clancy emptied his -revolvers.</p> - -<p>Clancy saw this, and gave vent to a mocking laugh.</p> - -<p>“It’s anybody’s fight yet!” he yelled.</p> - -<p>No longer fearing to show himself, he turned and made straight through -the timber, coming out on the road in the vicinity of the blacksmith -shop.</p> - -<p>Coming upon this blacksmith shop was an entirely unexpected event, but -it was one of which Clancy did not fail to take instant advantage.</p> - -<p>There was only one man in the shop at the time Clancy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204">{204}</a></span> made his advent -on the scene—one man and the red-headed boy before mentioned.</p> - -<p>The boy was having the horse shod, and just before he went to work on -the horse the smith had been heating a crowbar for the purpose of -repointing it.</p> - -<p>The crowbar was still in the fire, one end cool, but the other sizzling -hot.</p> - -<p>The blacksmith looked up as Clancy burst in.</p> - -<p>With a quick blow, Clancy knocked him out of the way, and looked around -for a weapon.</p> - -<p>The crowbar was prominently in his view, and he caught it out of the -fire.</p> - -<p>Nick was in the door as Clancy possessed himself of the bar.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have you!” roared the Montana man. “My second try at you won’t end -like the first.”</p> - -<p>“This is your third attempt on my life, Clancy,” returned Nick, -springing forward and watching the Westerner warily.</p> - -<p>“The third time?” repeated Clancy, resting the red-hot end of the bar -for an instant on the anvil.</p> - -<p>“My name’s Nick Carter, and——”</p> - -<p>A torrent of invectives burst from the robber’s lips.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have you now,” he yelled. “I’ll strike a blow for Ramsay as well -as for myself!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_205" id="page_205">{205}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>He jumped through the door of the shop, whirling the bar about his head -in a livid circle.</p> - -<p>Straight toward Nick he rushed, shouting his imprecations and vowing -that he’d have the detective’s life.</p> - -<p>Nick waited coolly, the rifle in his hand.</p> - -<p>The robber struck at him, and Nick parried the blow with the gun, -leaping in with the quickness of a cat and gripping Clancy about the -waist.</p> - -<p>From that moment the fight was lost to Clancy.</p> - -<p>The Little Giant’s phenomenal strength quickly made itself felt.</p> - -<p>He contracted his arms, the awful, viselike pressure slowly but surely -driving the breath from the robber’s lungs.</p> - -<p>Clancy began to gasp, his eyes distended, and the bar fell from his -nerveless hand.</p> - -<p>“Stop!” he whispered; “you’re killing me!”</p> - -<p>Nick bore him into the blacksmith shop and hurled him to the ground.</p> - -<p>Clancy struggled to avoid the handcuffs, and Nick, forcing his arms -around the anvil, made the wrists fast.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said the detective, “you can struggle all you please.”</p> - -<p>The blacksmith was bathing his eye in a tub of water.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206">{206}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Are you hurt much?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Thought for a spell I had been kicked by a mule,” answered the smith, -wiping his eye on the dingy handkerchief that was tied around his neck. -“Sorry I didn’t come through in time tew help ye.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” cried the red-headed boy, “he didn’t need no help. He downed -the big feller easier’n anythin’ I ever see. Gosh, mister, but you’re -great!”</p> - -<p>The youngster looked at Nick with admiring eyes, and the latter brought -out a half-dollar, which he had in his pocket, and which had somehow -escaped Clancy’s search and the consequent bath in the river.</p> - -<p>“Do you want to earn this, my lad?” Nick asked.</p> - -<p>“Can a duck swim?” the boy chirped.</p> - -<p>“Then get on that horse and ride up the road. You won’t have to go far -before you find a couple of automobiles——”</p> - -<p>“What’s them?”</p> - -<p>“You’ll know when you see them—you won’t make any mistake. If there is -any one with the machines say that I want them brought here. -Understand?”</p> - -<p>“Like a house afire!”</p> - -<p>“Then catch!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207" id="page_207">{207}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick flipped the coin toward the boy, who grabbed it out of the air and -stowed it away in his pocket.</p> - -<p>A minute later he was galloping up the road.</p> - -<p>Several men, hearing the commotion at the blacksmith shop, had come in -from the neighboring fields, and they were standing around, looking from -Clancy to Nick, and trying to get the true inwardness of the affair from -the blacksmith.</p> - -<p>“Come outside,” said Nick, amiably, “and I’ll tell you all about it.”</p> - -<p>And that’s what he was doing when Chick and Patsy bore down on -him—smoking and enlightening the natives.</p> - -<p>A few hurried words of explanation were exchanged by the detectives.</p> - -<p>“Are all the grips belonging to the prisoners still in the Red Spider?” -asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“There are three here,” said Chick; “they’re big ones, and heavy as -lead.”</p> - -<p>“It was the heft that kept the grafters from lugging the grips along -when they made their break for the timber,” put in Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Open one of the satchels, Chick,” said Nick, “and see what’s inside. -I’m a little anxious to know.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_208" id="page_208">{208}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Chick complied.</p> - -<p>“Whew!” he exclaimed, his amazed eyes fixed on the contents of the -satchel he had opened.</p> - -<p>“Gold, silver and bank notes?” queried Nick.</p> - -<p>“I should say so!”</p> - -<p>“It’s the bank money. I’ll travel in the Red Spider with you, Chick, and -Clancy and the man with the broken leg will ride with us. Patsy, you and -your man can hum along in the other machine.”</p> - -<p>It was necessary to rope Clancy’s legs before he could be put into the -automobile; but he was finally stowed away and all was made ready for -the return journey.</p> - -<p>Nick, before climbing into the Spider beside Clancy, turned to the -blacksmith, who was standing near.</p> - -<p>“How far is it to the Canadian line from here?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“See that pile o’ rocks?” the smith returned, indicating a heap of -stones about a hundred feet to the rear of the shop.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Canady lays on t’other side o’ that monniment.”</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Patsy; “you wasn’t very much to the good, Nick, -after all.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209" id="page_209">{209}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“It was close, mighty close,” added Chick.</p> - -<p>“A miss is as good as a mile,” said Nick, jumping into the auto. “Let -her go, Chick.”</p> - -<p class="castt">* * * * * * *</p> - -<p>That evening, at about nine o’clock, the two automobiles drew up in -front of police headquarters, in the city of Latimer.</p> - -<p>The chief was not in evidence, but he was quickly summoned from home by -telephone.</p> - -<p>“By Jupiter!” he cried; “you’ve done it, Carter—done it, and with -ground to spare.”</p> - -<p>“A hundred feet of ground,” grinned Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Are you sure they’re the right men?” asked the chief.</p> - -<p>“That’s the only kind we capture,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“I believe you,” returned the chief, and shook hands heartily with the -New York men and tendered his congratulations.</p> - -<p>Cricket and Clancy were taken to their cells, and Spark was conveyed to -the Memorial Hospital.</p> - -<p>Nick went to the place to which he had taken Clancy in the automobile -the night before the start north, and found that, as he surmised, Five -Points was there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210">{210}</a></span></p> - -<p>Spark and Cricket had also stayed at this boarding house after the -robbery, and when they left a nurse had been hired by Clancy to look -after their wounded pal.</p> - -<p>Five Points’ wound, which was at first not believed to be serious, took -a turn for the worse and ultimately caused his death.</p> - -<p>Before he died he made a statement, telling how he and Spark and Cricket -had joined Clancy, had captured the automobile and made prisoners of the -Chicago men, and had confined them in a house occupied by Cricket’s -father—a worse criminal than Cricket ever dared to be.</p> - -<p>Nick was on the point of proceeding to the place where the Chicago men -were imprisoned and releasing them, when they saved him the trouble by -releasing themselves and coming on to Latimer—the newspapers having -informed them that the Red Spider was at that point.</p> - -<p>Aside from their jarred feelings, the Chicago party was none the worse -for its little experience.</p> - -<p>The bank’s funds were found intact in the satchels, including the twenty -thousand dollars paid over to Clancy on his certificate of deposit.</p> - -<p>The ownership of that twenty thousand is still being debated in the -courts.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211" id="page_211">{211}</a></span></p> - -<p>Clancy, Spark and Cricket were sent to the penitentiary for life, not on -a robbery, but on a murder charge.</p> - -<p>By the capture of “the Montana man,” Nick Carter closed his experience -with a gang of Western crooks, all of whom had proved desperate to a -degree, and as courageous and clever as they were desperate.</p> - -<p class="fint">THE END.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="big300">BOUND TO WIN LIBRARY</p> - -<p>This library is “bound to win” its way into the heart of every American -lad. The tales are exceptionally clean, bright and interesting.</p> - -<p class="cb">PUBLISHED EVERY WEEK</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During July</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">126—For Big Money</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>125—Too Fast to Last</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During June</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">124—Caught in a Trap</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">123—The Tattooed Boy</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">122—The Young Horseman</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>121—Sam Sawbones</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During May</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">120—On His Mettle</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">119—Compound Interest</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">118—Runaway and Rover</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>117—Larry O’Keefe</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During April</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>116—The Boy Crusaders</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">115—Double Quick Dan</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">114—Money to Spend</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>113—Billy Barlow</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be Published During March</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">112—A Battle with Fate</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>111—Gypsy Joe</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">110—Barred Out</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>109—Will Wilding</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">108—Frank Bolton’s Chase</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">107—Lucky-Stone Dick</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">106—Tom Scott, the American Robinson Crusoe</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>105—Fatherless Bob at Sea</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Bracebridge Hemyng</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">104—Fatherless Bob</td><td class="rt">By Bracebridge Hemyng</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">103—Hank the Hustler</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">102—Dick Stanhope Afloat</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">101—The Golden Harpoon</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">100—Mischievous Matt’s Pranks</td><td class="rt">By Bracebridge Hemyng</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">99—Mischievous Matt</td><td class="rt">By Bracebridge Hemyng</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">98—Bert Chipley</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">97—Down-East Dave</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">96—The Young Diplomat</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">95—The Fool of the Family</td><td class="rt">By Bracebridge Hemyng</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">94—Slam, Bang & Co.</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">93—On the Road</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">92—The Blood-Red Hand</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">91—The Diamond King</td><td class="rt">By Cornelius Shea</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">90—The Double-Faced Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">89—The Young Theatrical Manager</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">88—The Young West-Pointer</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">87—Held for Ransom</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">86—Boot-Black Bob</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">85—Engineer Tom</td><td class="rt">By Cornelius Shea</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">84—The Mascot of Hoodooville</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">83—Walter Blackshaw</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">82—The Young Showman’s Foes</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">81—On the Wing</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">80—Yankee Grit</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">79—Bicycle and Gun</td><td class="rt">By Cornelius Shea</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd"><b>78—The Backwoods Boy</b></td><td class="rt"><b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b></td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">77—Ahead of the Show</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">76—Merle Merton</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">75—The Three Hills of Gold</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">74—A Barrel of Money</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">73—Lucky Thirteen</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">72—Two Ragged Heroes</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">71—A Slave for a Year</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">70—In the Woods</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">69—The Prince of Grit</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">68—The Golden Pirate</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">67—Winning His Way</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">66—Boats, Bats and Bicycles</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">65—Bob, The Hoodoo</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">64—Railroad Ralph</td><td class="rt">By Engineer James Fisk</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">63—Comrades Under Castro</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">62—Life-Line Larry</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">61—Track and Trestle</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">60—The Phantom Boy</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">59—Simple Simon</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">58—Cast Away in the Jungle</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">57—In Unknown Worlds</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">56—The Round-the-World Boys</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">55—Bert Fairfax</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">54—Pranks and Perils</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">53—Up to Date</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">52—Bicycle Ben</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">51—Lost in the Ice</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">50—Fighting for a Name</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">49—Lionel’s Pluck</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">48—The Mud River Boys</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">47—Partners Three</td><td class="rt">By Weldon J. Cobb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">46—Rivals of the Pines</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">45—Always on Duty</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">44—Walt, the Wonder-Worker</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">43—Through Flame to Fame</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">42—A Toss-Up for Luck</td><td class="rt">By Ernest A. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">41—The Jay from Maine</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">40—For Home and Honor</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">39—A Bee Line to Fortune</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">37—Never Give Up</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">36—Vernon Craig</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">35—The Young Showman’s Triumph</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">34—The Roustabout Boys</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">33—The Young Showman’s Pluck</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">32—Napoleon’s Double</td><td class="rt">By John De Morgan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">31—The Young Showman’s Rivals</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">30—Jack, the Pride of the Nine</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">29—Phil the Showman</td><td class="rt">By Stanley Norris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">28—Bob Porter at Lakeview Academy</td><td class="rt">By Walter Morris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">27—Zig-Zag, the Boy Conjurer</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">26—The Young Hannibal</td><td class="rt">By Matt Royal</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">25—Git Up and Git</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">24—School Life at Grand Court</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">23—From Port to Port</td><td class="rt">By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">22—The Rival Nines</td><td class="rt">By Walt Winton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">21—The Young Journalist</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">20—John Smith of Michigan</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">19—Little Snap the Post Boy</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">18—Cruise of the Training Ship</td><td class="rt">By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U.S.N.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">17—Chris, the Comedian</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">16—Lion-Hearted Jack</td><td class="rt">By Frank Sheridan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">15—The Rivals of Riverwood</td><td class="rt">By Herbert Bellwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">14—His One Ambition</td><td class="rt">By Harrie Irving Hancock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">13—A Strange Cruise</td><td class="rt">By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">12—Dick Derby’s Double</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">11—The House of Mystery</td><td class="rt">By Matt Royal</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">9—From Switch to Lever</td><td class="rt">By Victor St. Clair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">8—Clif, the Naval Cadet</td><td class="rt">By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">7—The Boy in Black</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">6—The Crimson “Q”</td><td class="rt">By William G. Patten</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">5—The Balas Ruby</td><td class="rt">By Capt. Geoffrey Hale</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">3—Bound for Annapolis</td><td class="rt">By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">2—Blind Luck</td><td class="rt">By Fred Thorpe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="pdd">1—The Boy Argus</td><td class="rt">By William G. Patten</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<div class="boxx"> -<p class="c"><span class="big300">CIRCUS LIFE</span></p> - -<p>Is admirably described in Stanley Norris’ great series of books for -boys, published in the BOUND TO WIN LIBRARY. The hero has strange -adventures while fighting his way to the top of his chosen profession. -Every boy will thrill to the finger tips to read of his many narrow -escapes.</p> - -<p class="c"><i>PRICE, 10 CENTS PER COPY AT ALL NEWSDEALERS</i></p> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated" -style="border:3px solid black;padding:1em;"> -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">STANLEY NORRIS</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td align="left">Phil, the Showman</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td align="left">The Young Showman’s Rivals</td></tr> -<tr><td>33</td><td align="left">The Young Showman’s Pluck</td></tr> -<tr><td>35</td><td align="left">The Young Showman’s Triumph</td></tr> -<tr><td>82</td><td align="left">The Young Showman’s Foes</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="c">If ordered by mail, add four cents to cover postage.</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="cb">STREET & SMITH, Publishers, New York</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxx"> - -<p class="cb">Battles on Sea and Land</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="nind">We heartily recommend our <i>Boys of Liberty Library</i> to boys who have -good, red blood coursing through their veins—who like really good tales -of adventure.</p> - -<p class="nind">The books listed below detail the adventures of brave lads who took an -active part in the Revolutionary War, who, in many cases, saved the day -to the Patriot army when all seemed lost. Read this series boys, nothing -you can buy for the money will please you half so well.</p> - -<table cellpadding="3" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><td align="left"><b>1. Paul Revere and the Boys of Liberty</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>5. The First Shot For Liberty</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>9. The Hero of Ticonderoga</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>13. On the Quebec</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>17. Fooling the Enemy</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>21. Into the Jaws of Death</b></td><td align="left"><b>By John De Morgan</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>25. The Tory Plot</b></td><td align="left"><b>By T. C. Harbaugh</b></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><b>27. In Buff and Blue</b></td><td align="left"><b>By T. C. Harbaugh</b></td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="nind">For sale by all newsdealers at 10c. per copy. If ordered by mail, add -four cents to cover postage.</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="cb">Street & Smith, Publishers, New York</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CIGARETTE CLEW; ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> diff --git a/old/66700-h/images/colophon.png b/old/66700-h/images/colophon.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7dacb17..0000000 --- a/old/66700-h/images/colophon.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/66700-h/images/comic.png b/old/66700-h/images/comic.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cc41c4f..0000000 --- a/old/66700-h/images/comic.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/66700-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/66700-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7603dbc..0000000 --- a/old/66700-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null |
