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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..08e6d03 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66708 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66708) diff --git a/old/66708-0.txt b/old/66708-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index accd9de..0000000 --- a/old/66708-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9618 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Following a Chance 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: Following a Chance Clew - Nick Carter's Lucky Find - -Author: Nicholas Carter - -Release Date: November 11, 2021 [eBook #66708] - -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 FOLLOWING A CHANCE CLEW *** - - - - - NICK CARTER STORIES - - New Magnet Library - - _Not a Dull Book in This List_ - - ALL BY NICHOLAS CARTER - -Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact that the -books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to the work of -a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced no other type of -fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation of new plots and -situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly from all sorts of -troubles and landed the criminal just where he should be--behind the -bars. - -The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person. - -Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of them -as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price. - -If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New Magnet -Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight you. - - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - -850--Wanted: A Clew -851--A Tangled Skein -852--The Bullion Mystery -853--The Man of Riddles -854--A Miscarriage of Justice -855--The Gloved Hand -856--Spoilers and the Spoils -857--The Deeper Game -858--Bolts from Blue Skies -859--Unseen Foes -860--Knaves in High Places -861--The Microbe of Crime -862--In the Toils of Fear -863--A Heritage of Trouble -864--Called to Account -865--The Just and the Unjust -866--Instinct at Fault -867--A Rogue Worth Trapping -868--A Rope of Slender Threads -869--The Last Call -870--The Spoils of Chance -871--A Struggle with Destiny -872--The Slave of Crime -873--The Crook’s Blind -874--A Rascal of Quality -875--With Shackles of Fire -876--The Man Who Changed Faces -877--The Fixed Alibi -878--Out with the Tide -879--The Soul Destroyers -880--The Wages of Rascality -881--Birds of Prey -882--When Destruction Threatens -883--The Keeper of Black Hounds -884--The Door of Doubt -885--The Wolf Within -886--A Perilous Parole -887--The Trail of the Finger Prints -888--Dodging the Law -889--A Crime in Paradise -890--On the Ragged Edge -891--The Red God of Tragedy -892--The Man Who Paid -893--The Blind Man’s Daughter -894--One Object in Life -895--As a Crook Sows -896--In Record Time -897--Held in Suspense -898--The $100,000 Kiss -899--Just One Slip -900--On a Million-dollar Trail -901--A Weird Treasure -902--The Middle Link -903--To the Ends of the Earth -904--When Honors Pall -905--The Yellow Brand -906--A New Serpent in Eden -907--When Brave Men Tremble -908--A Test of Courage -909--Where Peril Beckons -910--The Gargoni Girdle -911--Rascals & Co. -912--Too Late to Talk -913--Satan’s Apt Pupil -914--The Girl Prisoner -915--The Danger of Folly -916--One Shipwreck Too Many -917--Scourged by Fear -918--The Red Plague -919--Scoundrels Rampant -920--From Clew to Clew -921--When Rogues Conspire -922--Twelve in a Grave -923--The Great Opium Case -924--A Conspiracy of Rumors -925--A Klondike Claim -926--The Evil Formula -927--The Man of Many Faces -928--The Great Enigma -929--The Burden of Proof -930--The Stolen Brain -931--A Titled Counterfeiter -932--The Magic Necklace -933--Round the World for a Quarter -934--Over the Edge of the World -935--In the Grip of Fate -936--The Case of Many Clews -937--The Sealed Door -938--Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men -939--The Man Without a Will -940--Tracked Across the Atlantic -941--A Clew from the Unknown -942--The Crime of a Countess -943--A Mixed-up Mess -944--The Great Money-order Swindle -945--The Adder’s Brood -946--A Wall Street Haul -947--For a Pawned Crown -948--Sealed Orders -949--The Hate that Kills -950--The American Marquis -951--The Needy Nine -952--Fighting Against Millions -953--Outlaws of the Blue -954--The Old Detective’s Pupil -955--Found in the Jungle -956--The Mysterious Mall Robbery -957--Broken Bars -958--A Fair Criminal -959--Won by Magic -960--The Piano Box Mystery -961--The Man They Held Back -962--A Millionaire Partner -963--A Pressing Peril -964--An Australian Klondike -965--The Sultan’s Pearls -966--The Double Shuffle Club -967--Paying the Price -968--A Woman’s Hand -969--A Network of Crime -970--At Thompson’s Ranch -971--The Crossed Needles -972--The Diamond Mine Case -973--Blood Will Tell -974--An Accidental Password -975--The Crook’s Double -976--Two Plus Two -977--The Yellow Label -978--The Clever Celestial -979--The Amphitheater Plot -980--Gideon Drexel’s Millions -981--Death In Life -982--A Stolen Identity -983--Evidence by Telephone -984--The Twelve Tin Boxes -985--Clew Against Clew -986--Lady Velvet -987--Playing a Bold Game -988--A Dead Man’s Grip -989--Snarled Identities -990--A Deposit Vault Puzzle -991--The Crescent Brotherhood -992--The Stolen Pay Train -993--The Sea Fox -994--Wanted by Two Clients -995--The Van Alstine Case -996--Check No. 777 -997--Partners in Peril -998--Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé -999--The Sign of the Crossed Knives -1000--The Man Who Vanished -1001--A Battle for the Right -1002--A Game of Craft -1003--Nick Carter’s Retainer -1004--Caught in the Tolls -1005--A Broken Bond -1006--The Crime of the French Café -1007--The Man Who Stole Millions -1008--The Twelve Wise Men -1009--Hidden Foes -1010--A Gamblers’ Syndicate -1011--A Chance Discovery -1012--Among the Counterfeiters -1013--A Threefold Disappearance -1014--At Odds with Scotland Yard -1015--A Princess of Crime -1016--Found on the Beach -1017--A Spinner of Death -1018--The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor -1019--A Bogus Clew -1020--The Puzzle of Five Pistols -1021--The Secret of the Marble Mantel -1022--A Bite of an Apple -1023--A Triple Crime -1024--The Stolen Race Horse -1025--Wildfire -1026--A _Herald_ Personal -1027--The Finger of Suspicion -1028--The Crimson Clew -1029--Nick Carter Down East -1030--The Chain of Clews -1031--A Victim of Circumstances -1032--Brought to Bay -1033--The Dynamite Trap -1034--A Scrap of Black Lace -1035--The Woman of Evil -1036--A Legacy of Hate -1037--A Trusted Rogue -1038--Man Against Man -1039--The Demons of the Night -1040--The Brotherhood of Death -1041--At the Knife’s Point -1042--A Cry for Help -1043--A Stroke of Policy -1044--Hounded to Death -1045--A Bargain in Crime -1046--The Fatal Prescription -1047--The Man of Iron -1048--An Amazing Scoundrel -1049--The Chain of Evidence -1050--Paid with Death -1051--A Fight for a Throne -1052--The Woman of Steel -1053--The Seal of Death -1054--The Human Fiend -1055--A Desperate Chance -1056--A Chase in the Dark -1057--The Snare and the Game -1058--The Murray Hill Mystery -1059--Nick Carter’s Close Call -1060--The Missing Cotton King -1061--A Game of Plots -1062--The Prince of Liars -1063--The Man at the Window -1064--The Red League -1065--The Price of a Secret -1066--The Worst Case on Record -1067--From Peril to Peril -1068--The Seal of Silence -1069--Nick Carter’s Chinese Puzzle -1070--A Blackmailer’s Bluff -1071--Heard in the Dark -1072--A Checkmated Scoundrel -1073--The Cashier’s Secret -1074--Behind a Mask -1075--The Cloak of Guilt -1076--Two Villains in One -1077--The Hot Air Clew -1078--Run to Earth -1070--The Certified Check -1080--Weaving the Web -1081--Beyond Pursuit -1082--The Claws of the Tiger -1083--Driven from Cover -1084--A Deal in Diamonds -1085--The Wizard of the Cue -1086--A Race for Ten Thousand -1087--The Criminal Link -1088--The Red Signal -1089--The Secret Panel -1090--A Bonded Villain -1091--A Move in the Dark -1092--Against Desperate Odds -1093--The Telltale Photographs -1094--The Ruby Pin -1095--The Queen of Diamonds -1096--A Broken Trail -1097--An Ingenious Stratagem -1098--A Sharper’s Downfall -1099--A Race Track Gamble -1100--Without a Clew -1101--The Council of Death -1102--The Hole in the Vault -1103--In Death’s Grip -1104--A Great Conspiracy -1105--The Guilty Governor -1106--A Ring of Rascals -1107--A Masterpiece of Crime -1108--A Blow for Vengeance -1109--Tangled Threads -1110--The Crime of the Camera -1111--The Sign of the Dagger -1112--Nick Carter’s Promise -1113--Marked for Death -1114--The Limited Holdup -1115--When the Trap Was Sprung -1116--Through the Cellar Wall -1117--Under the Tiger’s Claws -1118--The Girl in the Case -1119--Behind a Throne -1120--The Lure of Gold -1121--Hand to Hand -1122--From a Prison Cell -1123--Dr. Quartz, Magician -1124--Into Nick Carter’s Web -1125--The Mystic Diagram -1126--The Hand that Won -1127--Playing a Lone Hand -1128--The Master Villain -1129--The False Claimant -1130--The Living Mask -1131--The Crime and the Motive -1132--A Mysterious Foe -1133--A Missing Man -1134--A Game Well Played -1135--A Cigarette Clew -1136--The Diamond Trail -1137--The Silent Guardian -1138--The Dead Stranger -1140--The Doctor’s Stratagem -1141--Following a Chance Clew -1142--The Bank Draft Puzzle -1143--The Price of Treachery -1144--The Silent Partner -1145--Ahead of the Game -1146--A Trap of Tangled Wire -1147--In the Gloom of Night -1148--The Unaccountable Crook -1149--A Bundle of Clews -1150--The Great Diamond Syndicate -1151--The Death Circle -1152--The Toss of a Penny -1153--One Step Too Far -1154--The Terrible Thirteen -1155--A Detective’s Theory -1156--Nick Carter’s Auto Trail -1157--A Triple Identity -1158--A Mysterious Graft -1159--A Carnival of Crime -1160--The Bloodstone Terror -1161--Trapped in His Own Net -1162--The Last Move in the Game -1163--A Victim of Deceit -1164--With Links of Steel -1165--A Plaything of Fate -1166--The Key King Clew -1167--Playing for a Fortune -1168--At Mystery’s Threshold -1169--Trapped by a Woman -1170--The Four Fingered Glove -1171--Nabob and Knave -1172--The Broadway Cross -1173--The Man Without a Conscience -1174--A Master of Deviltry -1175--Nick Carter’s Double Catch -1176--Doctor Quartz’s Quick Move -1177--The Vial of Death -1178--Nick Carter’s Star Pupils -1179--Nick Carter’s Girl Detective -1180--A Baffled Oath -1181--A Royal Thief -1182--Down and Out -1183--A Syndicate of Rascals -1184--Played to a Finish -1185--A Tangled Case -1186--In Letters of Fire - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books -listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York -City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation. - -To be published in July, 1926. - -1187--Crossed Wires -1188--A Plot Uncovered - -To be published In August, 1926. - -1189--The Cab Driver’s Secret -1190--Nick Carter’s Death Warrant - -To be published In September, 1926. - -1191--The Plot that Failed -1192--Nick Carter’s Masterpiece -1193--A Prince of Rogues - -To be published in October, 1926. - -1194--In the Lap of Danger -1195--The Man from London - -To be published in November, 1926. - -1196--Circumstantial Evidence -1197--The Pretty Stenographer Mystery - -To be published in December, 1926. - -1198--A Villainous Scheme -1199--A Plot Within a Plot - - - - - Following a Chance Clew - - OR, - - NICK CARTER’S LUCKY FIND - - BY - - NICHOLAS CARTER - - Author of the celebrated stories of Nick Carter’s adventures, - which are published exclusively in the NEW MAGNET LIBRARY, - conceded to be among the best detective tales ever written. - - [Illustration] - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - PUBLISHERS - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - Copyright, 1899, 1900 and 1904 - By STREET & SMITH - - Following a Chance Clew - - - (Printed in the United States of America) - - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign - languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - - FOLLOWING A CHANCE CLEW. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -ON A SEPTEMBER NIGHT. - - -“Nathan Lusker.” - -Nick Carter read the sign over the jeweler’s store on Eighth Avenue and -stopped to glance critically at the place. - -He noticed that the “regulator” indicated midnight. - -His thoughts flew back to another midnight earlier in the week, when -Lusker’s store had been cleaned out by burglars. - -The robbery had been charged to a mysterious crook known as Doc -Helstone, who was supposed to be the leader of a clever gang of -lawbreakers. - -Nick had been asked to break up this gang, which had baffled some of the -best men of Inspector McLaughlin’s staff. A proposition had been made to -him that day, and he had promised an answer on the morrow. - -Probably he would have decided to refuse the job, for he had a lot of -work on hand; but, as he strolled up the avenue on that September night, -an adventure was waiting for him which was to alter his purpose, and set -him upon the track of a remarkable scoundrel. - -Lusker’s place was nearly in the middle of a block. As Nick turned his -eyes away from the window, he noticed, on the street corner beyond, a -group of about a dozen men and women. - -There was nothing unusual about them except that they were all looking -one way. Their attention had evidently been strongly attracted by -something which was taking place on the side street, to the westward. - -Suddenly they all hurried in that direction. Other persons, attracted by -this movement, joined in it. - -All whom Nick could see were hastening toward this center of -interest--all, except one man, who was walking the other way. - -This man came out of the street wherein the crowd was gathering, and -turned up the avenue. Nick saw him for only a moment, and at a -considerable distance, but he remembered him. - -When Nick came to the street corner, he saw, about forty yards from the -avenue, a considerable crowd, upon the downtown side. He quickly made -his way to the midst of it. - -There he saw a young man kneeling on the sidewalk, and supporting upon -his arm the head of a woman. - -The man seemed considerably agitated. The woman’s face, indistinct in -the dim light, was white and rigid. - -“Do you know this woman?” asked Nick, quickly, of the young man, after -he had cast a single glance upon the unconscious figure. - -“No; I never saw her before.” - -“Do you know a tall man with a light brown beard parted in the middle, a -dark suit of----” - -“Why, that’s the man who has gone to ring for an ambulance,” was the -reply. “This lady was with him when she was taken sick.” - -Nick did not wait to hear any more. He slipped through the crowd like an -eel, and darted away. - -He was on the track of the man whom he had seen walking away from the -spot to which everybody else was hurrying. - -The avenue was brightly lighted, but the man was not in sight. By rapid, -clever work, Nick traced him to Forty-first Street, where he had entered -a carriage. - -A hackman, who had seen this, did not remember ever to have seen the -carriage or the driver or the passenger before. - -“Was the man looking about for a carriage when you first saw him?” asked -Nick. - -“No; he knew where to find one,” was the reply. - -“Did he give any directions to the driver?” - -“He held up his hand in a queer sort of way, and the driver nodded. -Nothing was said.” - -Evidently the carriage had been waiting, and the coachman and the -passenger knew each other well. They would be harder to trace on that -account. - -For the moment Nick gave up the chase. He returned to the crowd around -the unconscious woman. - -She still lay where Nick had last seen her. A policeman had come, and -had rung for an ambulance. - -The young man who had been supporting the woman’s head had relinquished -his burden, and just as Nick came up he was edging away through the -crowd. He seemed to desire to escape further observation. - -Nick touched him on the arm, and the young man faced about. - -“Don’t try to get away,” said the detective. “You won’t help matters by -that.” - -“Why shouldn’t I go away?” - -“Because,” said Nick, calmly, “you will direct suspicion toward -yourself.” - -“Suspicion! Suspicion of what?” - -“Murder!” replied the detective, in a low, steady voice. - -This sinister word produced a tremendous effect upon the young man. But -he came out of it in a way which showed he had plenty of nerve. - -Nick had drawn him into a doorway, and the two were almost unobserved. - -“Look here,” said the young man, “I’m no fool, and I begin to see that -something is wrong here. But when it comes to murder, I don’t believe -you’re right. That lady isn’t very sick.” - -“She isn’t sick at all,” said Nick; “she’s wounded.” - -“Wounded!” - -“Yes. I saw at a glance that she was suffering from a blow with a -sharp-pointed instrument. She has been stabbed, probably, with a -stiletto.” - -“Then it was that man----” - -“Either that man or yourself,” said Nick, interrupting. - -“But I swear by all that I hold sacred that I never set eyes on the -woman before this evening. I was passing along the street when I saw her -ahead of me. - -“The man whom I described to you had just overtaken her, and they were -talking. At that moment a drunken man pushed violently against me. I -looked around. He lurched away. - -“Then I turned toward Eighth Avenue again, and at that moment I saw the -woman fall into the man’s arms, with a low cry. I didn’t see him stab -her, and I didn’t see any weapon. I ran up to offer assistance, and he -said: ‘This lady is ill. Take her for a moment while I summon -assistance. I will ring for an ambulance. It will be the quickest way to -get a doctor.’ - -“I took the woman out of his arms because I couldn’t let her fall on the -sidewalk. He hurried away. You know the rest. - -“Now, then, I maintain that you have no right to detain me. I’m going -home.” - -“Do you suppose that you could do so, even if I consented? I tell you -that a detective has his eye on you at this moment, though you do not -see him. Do you think that policeman would have been stupid enough to -let you get away if he hadn’t known that somebody was on hand to look -out for you?” - -“And who are you?” - -“I’m a man who may believe in your innocence and help you to prove it, -if your conduct justifies it.” - -The young man looked at Nick as if he meditated making a break for -liberty, but something in the detective’s glance restrained him. The -stronger mind prevailed. - -“What would you advise me to do?” he asked. - -“Go back and stand near the policeman,” said Nick. “Be on hand when the -ambulance surgeon makes his examination. - -“You will be taken to the police station. When you get there tell your -story as you’ve told it to me. If there’s anything else, save it till -you see me again. What is your name?” - -“Austin L. Reeves. I live at ninety-two West Thirty-ninth Street.” - -“Very well. Here comes the ambulance.” - -Though fully twenty minutes had elapsed since the woman had received the -injury, her condition had not changed in the least. Nick had felt -certain that the night was so warm that no harm would result from her -remaining outdoors. Otherwise he would have taken her to a drug store or -into one of the houses. - -The others, expecting the ambulance every minute, and failing to -perceive the real nature of the woman’s trouble, had not thought of -doing anything. - -When the ambulance surgeon bent over her, he saw at once that she was -suffering from a serious stab wound. - -Not a drop of blood was visible, which showed that the weapon used must -have been as fine as a needle. - -The surgeon whispered a word in the ear of the policeman, who instantly -whistled for assistance. Then, by Nick’s order, he placed young Reeves -under arrest, and took him to the station house. - -The other officer who had responded to the whistle, tried to secure -witnesses. He could find nobody. - -Nick, a thousand times more skillful, had been engaged in that search -for some minutes, but when the ambulance rolled away with the wounded -woman in it, he had not succeeded in finding a single person who could -throw any light upon the matter. - -Apparently nobody but Reeves had seen the woman pass along the street, -or had noticed the man who overtook her. - -To be sure, there was the drunken man, of whom Reeves had spoken, but, -accepting Reeves’ story as true, the supposed drunkard was doubtless a -pal of the murderer, and was there to distract the attention of any -person who might be likely to interfere. - -The blinder the case the more anxious Nick was to follow it up. He saw -in it one of the most fascinating murder mysteries which he had ever -encountered. - -It was probable that at the hospital something would be learned which -would be of value, but Nick could not wait for it. There is nothing like -following a trail when it is warm, and so Nick stuck to the ground. - -After about an hour’s hard work, his efforts were rewarded. By this time -the rumor that the case was a murder had begun to spread in the -precinct. - -The local detectives were out on it, and they dropped a word here and -there which was taken up and borne along. - -In the course of Nick’s search he worked along the cross-town street -toward Ninth Avenue, finding out what every person knew. - -At last, just in the doorway of one of the large apartment houses he -found a man and woman talking about the case. Both of them were known to -the police. - -The man was a hardened young rascal, not long out of the penitentiary. -The woman was known as “Crazy Mag,” though she was not really insane. - -She was somewhat intoxicated, and was talking loudly. Nick entered the -hall and pretended to be looking for a name on the bell rack. - -“Shut up, Mag,” he heard the young tough whisper. “You’ll get yourself -into trouble.” - -“What’s the matter with you?” she exclaimed, roughly. “I saw the woman -come out of No. 349. Why shouldn’t I say so?” - -“I’ll tell you why,” said her companion. “Because that woman was put out -of the way by Doc Helstone’s gang, and if you talk too much you’ll -follow her.” - -“I shouldn’t be surprised if you were right,” said Nick to himself. “At -any rate, this clew settles one thing--I take the contract to trap Doc -Helstone’s gang.” - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A NOVEL TIMEKEEPER. - - -It was about four o’clock in the morning when Nick and the New York -chief of police sat down together in the latter’s house to discuss the -events of the night. What had happened in the meantime the reader will -hear in Nick’s own words. - -He had rapidly described the events with which the reader is familiar -and had come to the scene in the hall. - -“I went directly to No. 349,” Nick proceeded, “and there I found -evidence which convinced me that Helstone’s gang had made the house its -headquarters. - -“I got no information from the people in the house. They only knew that -a ‘club’ of some kind had hired one of the upper apartments. - -“Of course it was empty. The gang had taken the alarm. But I saw the -work of Helstone’s carpenter. - -“You remember that when the central office men arrived just too late at -Helstone’s place on East Tenth Street, they found the rooms full of -concealed panels and secret cupboards--the cleverest things of the kind -that had ever been seen in New York. - -“Well, there was the same work over here, but the rooms were entirely -deserted. The gang had got away. The last man hadn’t been gone an hour.” - -“Can that be proved?” - -“I could swear to it,” said Nick, smiling. “There is running water in -one of the rooms. Under the faucet was a pewter drinking cup. - -“The faucet leaked. The cup was very nearly full. - -“The dropping water filled this little bottle in one minute and ten -seconds. The bottle holds the hundredth part of a pint. The cup holds -half a pint. Therefore, the leaking water would fill it in fifty-eight -seconds. So somebody set that cup under the faucet less than an hour -before I arrived.” - -“Upon my word, Nick,” said the chief, “you can make a clock out of -anything.” - -“Dropping water is a first-rate timepiece,” Nick replied. “That’s why I -had this bottle made.” - -“Except the joiner work, was there anything in the rooms to show that -Helstone had occupied them?” - -“No, but it’s pretty well known in the district now. That’s the peculiar -thing about Helstone. He always knows just when to flit. - -“Before he goes, nobody knows anything about him. Ten minutes later, -everybody knows.” - -“But nobody has ever seen Helstone himself.” - -“No; the inspector has got descriptions of some of his men, but there is -no description of Helstone. He’s really only a rumor, a mysterious -influence guiding the movements of those ruffians.” - -“Well,” said the chief, after a pause, “what did you do next?” - -“I went to the hospital.” - -“Is the woman dead?” - -“She lies unconscious, but will probably recover. Her clothing bears no -marks by which she can be identified. She may prove to be a mystery.” - -“How was she dressed?” - -“A rather ordinary gray dress, with a simple hat to match. Her -underclothing was unusually fine.” - -“In the nature of a disguise,” said the superintendent. “A rich woman -who wished to seem poor.” - -“Perhaps; but here’s the great point which makes the case extraordinary -and seems to connect the woman with Helstone. - -“In a pocket of her dress were five loose diamonds. Four of them were -ordinary stones worth about four hundred dollars apiece. - -“The fifth was a splendid gem of the first water. It is worth over five -thousand dollars.” - -“Looks as if she was a member of the gang, and was trying to get away -with some of the plunder.” - -“It certainly has that appearance.” - -“What did you do with the jewels?” asked the chief, after a pause. - -“I sent them to headquarters, and furnished a description of them to the -papers. Probably the last editions of some of them will have the -description.” - -The chief nodded. - -“Yes,” he said, “we want the stones identified as soon as possible.” - -“And also the woman,” Nick added. - -“What is her description?” - -“Age thirty, medium height, weighs about one hundred and thirty pounds, -hazel eyes, very abundant hair, of a peculiar bronze hue; regular -features, and, in general, unusual personal beauty. There are no -distinguishing marks.” - -“Looks like a refined woman?” - -“Decidedly.” - -“Where is the wound?” - -“In the back. The dagger did not touch the heart, but it grazed the -spine, and there are signs that paralysis will follow, ending, of -course, in death.” - -“You’ve decided to take charge of the case, Nick?” - -“I have.” - -“Good. You have informed Inspector McLaughlin?” - -“Certainly.” - -“There’s nothing that I can do.” - -“I think not, thank you.” - -“Then I’ll get back to bed. Good luck to you, Nick. Helstone is game -worthy of your skill, but you’ll bag him.” - -At nine o’clock on that morning Nick was in Inspector McLaughlin’s -office. - -He held in his hand the five diamonds which had been taken from the -wounded woman’s pocket. - -“These four stones,” said the inspector, “will be hard to identify. The -big one should find its rightful owner easily.” - -He had no sooner spoken the words than Nathan Lusker was announced. He -came to see whether the diamonds were a part of his stolen stock. - -Lusker failed to identify them. His description did not fit the large -jewel at all. This stone was cut in a peculiar manner, so that its owner -should be able to describe it in a way to settle all doubt. - -When Lusker had departed, an East Side jeweler called. He had no better -fortune. The stones were evidently not his. - -Then a card was brought in by an officer. - -“Morton H. Parks,” the inspector read. “He’s not a jeweler. Bring him -in.” - -Mr. Parks entered immediately. He was a fine-looking man of middle age, -with the face of a scholar. - -He wore neither beard nor mustache. - -“I called to examine some jewels,” he said. “They were, I understand, -found last night in the possession of an unfortunate woman--a thief--who -was stabbed by some of her accomplices.” - -“Well, as to that I wouldn’t speak positively,” said the inspector, “but -we have five diamonds here, and I don’t doubt that they were stolen.” - -“I have reason to think,” replied Mr. Parks, “that the larger of them -was stolen from my residence.” - -He proceeded at once to describe the stone, and he had not spoken a -dozen words before the inspector was convinced that the owner of the -diamonds had appeared. - -One of the smaller stones he also described very closely, and he -expressed the opinion that all of them were his. - -“They were stolen on the night of August 3d,” said he. “A burglar took -the entire contents of my wife’s jewel casket.” - -“What else did he take?” asked Nick. - -Mr. Parks seemed to be much embarrassed. - -“Nothing else,” he replied, at last, “except some money which was in my -pocketbook.” - -“What was your total loss?” - -“In excess of thirty thousand dollars.” - -“Why did you not report your loss to the police?” - -The visitor tried to speak, but his voice stuck in his throat. He seemed -to be suffering great mental distress. - -“Was it because you suspected some member of your family?” - -Mr. Parks bowed his head in assent. Then, with an effort, he recovered -his self-command. - -“I am ashamed to confess,” he said, “that I did at first suspect my -nephew, who lived with us. It is dreadful to think of it, but -circumstances pointed to him. I am rejoiced to find that I was wholly -wrong, and that the robbery was done by an organized gang of burglars.” - -“Your identification of the large diamond,” said the inspector, -“satisfies me that you are the owner. Yet, on account of its value in -money, and its value to us as a clew, I wish to be doubly certain. Is -there any way you can strengthen the identification?” - -“Yes, indeed,” replied Parks, “my wife knows the stones as well as I. -You see, the large diamond was the pendant of a necklace. The smaller -ones, I believe, were in rings belonging to her, though, of course, I -cannot be sure now that the settings have been removed.” - -“Is Mrs. Parks at home?” - -“No; she is in Stamford, Connecticut. She went there yesterday morning -upon a visit. I have telegraphed her to return.” - -“Have you received any answer?” asked Nick. - -“I did not expect any. She would certainly come.” - -At this moment there was a knock at the door. - -A telegram was brought in. It was addressed to Mr. Parks, and had -reached his house after he left. - -The butler, knowing where he had gone, had sent it after him. - -He tore it open. - -“From Stamford,” he said, and then his face grew white. - -“Merciful Heaven!” he cried. “Gentlemen, my wife has not been to -Stamford.” - -“Have you her picture?” asked Nick. - -For answer Parks drew out his watch and opened the back of the case with -a trembling hand. He then held the picture it contained before Nick’s -eyes. - -“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, “tell me the truth. Was it your nephew whom you -suspected of that robbery or----” - -“My wife? Yes; may Heaven pity and forgive her! It was my wife.” - -“Will you go to her?” - -“Can it be true?” - -“She lies in Bellevue Hospital, at the point of death.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE ONLY WITNESS. - - -Mr. Parks seemed to be greatly agitated by this intelligence, and it was -some time before he regained his self-command. Then Nick asked him how -it happened he had had no suspicions on reading the description of the -wounded woman in the morning papers. - -“Read that,” he said, thrusting a paper into Nick’s hands. “Does that -describe her?” - -“It is all wrong,” said Nick. - -“And that picture?” - -“It is a pure fake. There has been no opportunity of getting a picture -of her.” - -“The description and the picture caught my eye before I read about the -diamonds. Therefore I never thought of my previous suspicions of my -wife, except to be thankful that they had been proved groundless.” - -“Why did you suspect her at first?” - -“In one word, because it seemed utterly impossible that anybody else -should have done it. The theory of burglars would not hold water. One of -my servants had been ill, and had been about the house with a light -almost all night, and had seen nothing of robbers.” - -“Did you tell the servants of your loss?” - -“No; I questioned them without letting them know anything unusual had -happened.” - -“They have been the guilty ones.” - -Parks shook his head. - -“I watched them all. They were honest. Then I learned that my wife -speculated in stocks. There are more women stock gamblers in New York -than most people could be made to believe. - -“She had wasted her private fortune, and had got all the money she could -from me. Heaven knows that I did not begrudge it. I only asked for her -confidence, but she would not give it to me.” - -“How about the nephew?” - -“Out of the question entirely. He was not in the house. He was in a -sleeping car bound for Boston. I only mentioned him to you because I -could think of no other way to avoid mentioning my wife. - -“And now, gentlemen, do not detain me longer. I have recovered from the -first shock of this dreadful news. I must go to her. Guilty or innocent, -she is my wife, and I will protect and help her so long as she has need -of me.” - -All three went at once to Bellevue Hospital. - -When they stood beside the motionless and deathlike figure, the grief of -the husband was pitiful to see. - -He knelt by the bed, and taking his wife’s hand gently in his, he kissed -it. - -The patient occupied a cot in the accident ward. Several other injured -persons were there. - -Parks turned to ask Nick whether his wife could be removed from the -hospital, but Nick had vanished. - -Inspector McLaughlin could not tell where he had gone. - -“He seems to be directing everything,” said Parks, “and I wished to ask -whether I might take my wife to my house.” - -“The surgeon can answer you,” said the inspector, pointing to a -white-bearded and venerable man, who at that moment approached the cot. - -“Then the police will offer no objection?” said Parks. - -“Certainly not.” - -Parks at once turned to the surgeon and besought permission to take his -wife home at once. - -“It is impossible,” said the surgeon. - -“Why?” - -“Because the patient could not endure the removal.” - -“Is there any hope?” - -“There is a faint hope.” - -“Thank God for that.” - -“In a few moments we shall make another examination of the wound. An -operation may be necessary to remove a splinter of bone. After that she -must be kept perfectly quiet.” - -“Will you not allow me to see her?” - -“We cannot prevent you, but it would endanger her life.” - -Parks bowed his head. - -“At least I can secure her a separate room,” he said. - -“Yes.” - -“And I can send a nurse to assist the regular hospital attendants.” - -“You may.” - -“You will send for me if she becomes conscious?” - -“Yes; and now I must ask you to withdraw. I think it much better that -you should do so.” - -Without making any protest against this decree, Parks again knelt beside -his wife and kissed her. Then he slowly walked out of the ward. - -The surgeon beckoned to a nurse. Then he and Inspector McLaughlin went -into a small adjoining room. - -“Why did you do that, Nick?” asked the inspector, when they were alone. - -Nick was removing the disguise in which he had appeared as the surgeon. - -“For two reasons,” he replied. “The first is that Mrs. Parks really -ought not to be removed. But if Parks had been told so less firmly he -might have insisted. - -“My second reason for keeping her here is that while she will almost -certainly die, she will, perhaps, have a few minutes of consciousness. -We must know what she says.” - -“That is true.” - -“And Parks would naturally conceal it.” - -“He would, since it would be a confession tending to degrade her.” - -Nick said nothing. - -“You can’t blame him for wanting to keep this affair quiet,” continued -the inspector. - -“It is only natural; but we must hear what she has to say if ever able -to speak rationally. We must do it in common justice.” - -“Justice to her?” - -“No; to the young man whom we hold under arrest.” - -“Reeves?” - -“The same.” - -“He ought easily to be able to clear himself, if he is innocent.” - -“On the contrary, he will find it very hard.” - -“Well, you know best, Nick. Of course I have not had a chance to study -the case you have. What will be the difficulty?” - -“Lack of witnesses.” - -“That seems incredible.” - -“It is true. By chance that scene upon the street seems to have been -wholly unobserved. - -“Reeves is found with this wounded woman in his arms. We have only his -word to explain how he came by her. A coroner’s jury would certainly -hold him.” - -“What do you think?” - -“It is possible that he is in the plot. He may have expected to escape. -In fact, he came near succeeding.” - -“You saw the other man--the fellow with the brown beard.” - -“I had a glimpse of him, but I know nothing that connects him with the -crime.” - -“You’re right, Nick. Reeves is in a tighter place than I had supposed.” - -“But one word from this woman can certainly save him. I propose that we -shall hear that word.” - -“Well, Nick, take your own course. What I want is to see this crime -fastened upon Helstone, and then to see you run that villain to earth.” - -“As to the connection of this crime with that gang---- Ah, here is -Chick.” - -The door opened at that moment and Nick’s famous assistant entered. Even -the inspector, who had seen him in many disguises, would not have known -him but for Nick’s words. - -“Well, Chick,” said his chief. - -“Crazy Mag is our only direct witness, so far,” said Chick. “She is the -only person who can testify that the woman came out of that house.” - -“Did anybody see her go in?” - -“No; that was where I had trouble. It seemed impossible that she should -have got in without being seen. - -“I found a lot of people who ought to have seen her, but not one of them -remembered her. At last, however, I struck the clew. - -“Helstone’s gang had a secret entrance. They had rooms also in a rear -building. To get into that house they passed through an alley from the -street above. - -“No. 349 and this rear building are connected by an iron bridge intended -as a fire escape for the latter. - -“Their use of this bridge had begun to be noticed, and this was probably -one of the reasons why they had to skip. - -“At any rate, I’m convinced that the woman entered that way. She could -have done it all right, whereas the other entrance was under somebody’s -observation almost all the evening.” - -“Do you feel sure that she went to the rooms of the Helstone gang?” - -“Yes. The house is tenanted by respectable people. They all say that -they did not see her, and I believe them.” - -“Is there any trace of the man with the brown beard?” - -“He has been seen in the neighborhood, but nobody remembers anything -about him. It is going to be nearly impossible to trace him.” - -“I don’t mean to trace him,” said Nick. - -“What!” exclaimed the inspector. - -“That’s the state of the case,” Nick rejoined. “You won’t find me -camping on the trail of that fellow any more.” - -“What will you do?” - -“Look here, inspector, your men have been after Helstone for some time, -haven’t they?” - -“Certainly.” - -“And they haven’t caught him?” - -“Equally true, I’m sorry to say.” - -“Well, then, I think it is time to quit going after him.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“I’m going ahead of him.” - -“You are.” - -“Yes; no detective can go to him, it’s time to make him come to the -detective.” - -“How’ll you do that?” - -“I’ll set a trap.” - -“A trap?” - -“Yes, a mouse trap.” - -“For Doc Helstone?” - -“For his whole gang.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE DISPLACED BANDAGE. - - -Nick and Chick left the hospital together, but they soon separated. -Chick resumed his search for clews in the neighborhood of the Helstone -gang’s last haunt, and Nick, presumably, went to prepare his mouse -trap. - -Not long after they left the hospital Dr. Reginald Morris, the -well-known expert in the surgery of wounds, called to offer his services -in the Parks case. He had been engaged by Mr. Parks. - -About three o’clock in the afternoon a pale, dark-haired woman of middle -age arrived and announced herself as the trained nurse engaged by Mr. -Parks. - -She presented his card, on which was written the request that she be -allowed to attend the wounded woman. - -She was permitted to do so, and showed at once to the surgeon’s -experienced eye that she understood most thoroughly the care of the -sick. - -An operation, to clear the wound, had just been performed, and the -bandages had just been replaced. Surgery could do no more. The work of -the trained nurse began. - -For about an hour she remained almost motionless by the bedside of the -patient. During this interval one of the hospital nurses entered the -room several times. - -There was no change in the condition of the patient. But a change was to -come. - -The regular attendant had gone out after her fourth visit. The nurse -suddenly rose and listened at the door. All was quiet. - -She approached the patient stealthily, then paused and listened again. -Not a sound broke the solemn quiet of this abode of the suffering. - -The nurse drew back the bedclothing and looked intently at the bandage. -Then she stretched out her hand, made a rapid motion and replaced the -clothing. - -Seating herself again beside the bed, the nurse waited quietly. -Presently there was a change in the appearance of the white face on the -pillow. - -A flush tinged the cheeks and crept up toward the brow. - -The patient, who had hitherto lain quiet as a statue, began to move -restlessly and murmured in her swoon. - -“Fever,” muttered the nurse. “Will she speak?” - -Rising gently, the nurse laid her ear closely to the lips of the moaning -woman. She could hear no articulate words. - -The delirium increased. Now the words began to come, but they were wild -and wandering. - -“Will she answer me?” whispered the nurse. “Not yet.” - -She waited some minutes longer. Then again she bent over the sufferer. - -“Who did this? who did this?” the nurse repeated over and over. - -“Helstone, Helstone,” murmured the patient. - -“Tell me, quick. What is his real name, his real name?” - -There was no answer. With a gesture of impatience, the nurse turned away -for an instant from the patient whom she was so barbarously torturing. - -Then she screamed. It was not a loud cry, but a scream stifled by -suddenly closed lips. - -She had turned to meet the gaze of sharp eyes which, for some minutes, -had rested upon her, though she was far from suspecting that she was -observed. - -Nick Carter had crept quietly into the room. - -As the faithless nurse fell back before him, he quickly lifted the -patient and gently replaced the bandages. Then, by the touch of a bell, -he summoned a surgeon. - -“The patient seems worse,” said Nick. “I discovered that her bandage had -become displaced.” - -“Didn’t you notice it?” asked the surgeon, sharply, of the nurse. - -“No, I didn’t,” replied the woman. - -She had recovered a part of her self-command upon finding that Nick did -not intend to expose her immediately. - -“I can’t trust her with you again,” said the surgeon. - -He summoned a nurse from the adjacent ward. - -As he passed Nick he whispered: - -“Is there anything wrong here?” - -“I’m afraid that there is,” Nick replied. - -The detective turned to the unfaithful nurse. - -“Come with me,” he said. - -She obeyed him without a word. - -He led her to the private room of one of the surgeons which had been -placed at his disposal. - -“Now, murderess,” said he, sternly, “tell me who sent you to do this -work?” - -“What work?” - -“Don’t trifle with me. There is a noose around your neck.” - -“No, there isn’t,” said the woman, coolly. “I was employed to come here -and attend that patient. I did it as well as I knew how.” - -Nick could not deny to himself the force of her words. He had not seen -her remove the bandage. He could not swear that she had done so. It -might have been done by the sick woman herself. - -A nurse cannot be prosecuted for an error of judgment unless it amounts -to criminal carelessness. - -It might be doubtful whether in this case Nick could prove to the -satisfaction of a jury that this woman intended to kill the patient left -in her charge. - -He was far too skillful, however, to show the weakness of his position. - -“Somebody stabbed that woman. That same person hired you to come here. - -“When I lay my hand upon the man who struck the blow, I will prove you -to be his accomplice, for I will show that he hired you to come here.” - -The woman grew a shade paler, but she answered firmly: - -“I was engaged by Mr. Parks himself. He came to my apartment about two -o’clock this afternoon. I brought his card with a note written upon it -to the hospital.” - -“Did you have any acquaintance with him?” - -“No.” - -“Why did he come to you?” - -“He was advised to come.” - -“By whom?” - -“Several physicians, he said.” - -“Their names?” - -“I have forgotten.” - -“Did he not say that he knew you for a woman who would do what was -required of you, and make no fuss about it?” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Were you not recommended to him by crooks, as a murderess?” - -“You insult me.” - -The woman said this in a firm voice, but not with the air of innocence. - -Nick, of course, had no doubt of her guilt. In these questions he was -simply trying to test the strength of her position. - -“What did he agree to pay you?” - -“The usual fee.” - -“How much money have you at the present moment in your possession?” - -This question staggered her. Nick saw at once by her manner that the -enormous fee she had exacted for this murderous work was then in her -pocket or concealed somewhere about her clothing. - -She hesitated to reply. - -“Don’t go to the trouble of lying,” said Nick. “I shall have you -searched anyway. - -“Now, madam, let me lay the case before you. You believe that that woman -was stabbed by the notorious criminal, Doc Helstone, or by his order. - -“You think that she possesses the secrets of Helstone’s real identity. -You tried to extort his real name from her, in her delirium and agony, -fiend that you are! - -“You believe that the person who hired you was Doc Helstone himself, and -you wish to get a new hold upon him, or rather to be able to find him -when you wish to. That’s your case in a nutshell.” - -Hardened as this creature was, she shook with fear while the secrets of -her heart were being read by Nick’s unerring eye. - -What reply she would have made cannot be told, but her demeanor was -enough for Nick. He saw that he had penetrated the secret. - -But what was the effect of it upon the case? - -As he revolved this question in his mind, and the wretched woman strove -to frame some suitable reply to his accusation, there was a knock at the -door. - -Morton Parks entered, and with him was a woman who seemed to be a nurse. - -When the eyes of the murderous creature, with whom Nick had been -talking, fell upon Parks, they were barren of recognition. - -Nick saw at once that she did not know him. - -“What do I hear?” cried Parks. “An impostor has appeared claiming to be -the nurse sent by me to my wife!” - -“It is true,” said Nick. - -The murderess scowled at these words. She pointed to Parks. - -“Who is he?” she asked. “Is he the real Parks?” - -“He is,” said Nick. - -“Then I have been imposed upon,” said the woman, sullenly. - -It required some minutes for Nick to explain the case fully to Parks. -Then he asked to see the card bearing his name and the note. - -Nick showed it. - -“This is really one of my cards,” said Parks, “but the writing bears no -resemblance to mine.” - -He sat down by the table and rapidly wrote the words of the message upon -a card which he took from his pocket. - -There was no similarity between the two hands. - -“Here is the nurse whom I really engaged,” said Parks, indicating the -woman who had accompanied him. “She is well known in the hospital. As -for you, murderess----” - -His emotion, which he had hitherto repressed, broke out in violent -reproaches as he turned upon the creature who had so nearly crushed out -his wife’s last chance of life. - -She bore the storm firmly and repeated her story that she had come in -good faith, and had done the best she could. - -Nick, however, put her under arrest, and took her to police -headquarters. - -There, under his rigid cross-examination, her pretenses melted away. She -practically admitted what was charged against her. - -Most important of all was the description which she gave of the man who -had hired her. - -It tallied exactly with the appearance of the man whom Nick had seen -walking away from the spot where the crime had been committed. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -BENTON, THE ENGLISHMAN. - - -After Nick’s cross-examination of the nurse he had an interview with -Inspector McLaughlin. - -He was still conversing with the inspector when Chick appeared. - -“Benton is your man,” said Chick. - -“Not Ellis Benton?” asked the inspector, quickly. - -“That’s he.” - -“Has that crook set up in business again?” - -“No doubt of it. I have been in his place this afternoon,” said Chick. - -Perhaps the reader does not know Ellis Benton so well as the three -persons who were present on the occasion described. - -Therefore, it may be necessary to explain that Benton is an Englishman, -about fifty years old, who has been notorious at various times, as a -receiver of stolen goods. - -He is undoubtedly one of the sharpest rascals in his line of business, -and has made a great deal of money dishonestly. It does not do him much -good, however, for he plays faro and never wins. - -His enormous losses at the game make him all the more daring and -grasping. His success in disposing of stolen jewels is especially -remarkable. - -“I’ve been in his place,” said Chick, “and I’ve learned that he has -important business for to-night.” - -“How did you find that out?” - -“I offered to bring him a lot of stuff at midnight. He wouldn’t hear of -it. His answers to my questions made me sure that he has something big -on hand. - -“What do you suspect?” asked the inspector. - -“I’ll tell you my opinion and my plan,” said Nick. “You know that -Helstone’s gang holds its plunder till it shifts its quarters. Then it -turns loose upon some ‘fence.’ - -“When the gang was driven out of East Tenth Street, you remember, its -plunder was turned over to old man Abrahams.” - -“Yes,” said the inspector, “my men got a tremendous lot of it.” - -“The stuff, you will remember,” said Nick, “was all turned in the night -before Abrahams’ place was raided.” - -“True.” - -“And Abrahams maintained that at least a dozen persons had brought it.” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, I conclude from that that Helstone’s gang does not intrust its -plunder to any one person. When it is to be disposed of the whole gang -is present. - -“There’s no other way of understanding Abrahams’ story which was as near -the truth as anything he ever said. It was all right except his -descriptions of the men. They were drawn from his imagination.” - -“Yes,” assented the inspector, “he was too shrewd to put his customers -in quod. He may need them when he gets out himself.” - -“Just so,” said Nick, “and now for my plan. I believe that Helstone’s -gang is just on the point of disposing of its plunder. - -“None of Lusker’s stuff has shown up anywhere yet, nor Alterberg’s -either. The gang still holds it. - -“But now that attention is directed to them they’ll want to turn their -swag into cash. Greenbacks are the things to have if sudden flight is -necessary. Yes; some ‘fence’ is going to get Helstone’s stuff very soon. - -“Now, in my opinion, Benton is the man they’ll go to. He is just the man -for them. I’ve had Chick look over the field, and he agrees with me that -there are ten chances to one that Benton will get their plunder. - -“What I propose to do, therefore, is to capture Benton’s place on the -quiet. Not a whisper must be heard on the outside. - -“When that is done I’ll wait in the old thief’s place. I’ll disguise -myself as Benton, and receive his customers.” - -“Very pretty,” said the inspector. “You’ll bag a lot of game.” - -“We ought to get a good part of the gang.” - -“I think so, but you won’t get Helstone himself.” - -“Why not?” - -“He’s too shrewd to put his head into the trap.” - -“I don’t agree with you.” - -“Well, Nick, I have perfect confidence in your skill. Go ahead. I hope -Helstone will be among our mice, but I can’t think so.” - -“Inspector,” said Nick, quietly, “when my trap is sprung, Doc Helstone’s -neck will be pinched harder than that of any other mouse in it.” - -“Good. Do you want any men?” - -“No; Chick and I will do the job.” - -“Where is Benton located?” - -“At No.--Sixth Avenue.” - -“In the rear?” - -“Yes.” - -“I know the building. It runs back so far that it cuts into the -cross-town lots.” - -“That’s it. There’s a little square yard just back of it. An alley runs -from the yard to the street below, and there are other near entrances.” - -“With a sentry guarding each.” - -“No doubt of it.” - -“And you’ve got to get in without alarming any one of them.” - -Nick nodded. - -“Well, if it was anybody but you, Nick, I’d say it couldn’t be done. Of -course we have sprung traps of that kind, but not when men like Benton -were inside. Take care of yourselves, and if there’s any cutting or -shooting, let the other fellows get it. The community can spare Benton -or any of his crew better than it can spare you two.” - -With this piece of good advice, the inspector wished Nick and Chick -success, and they left the office. - -They walked along in the direction of the Bowery. Suddenly Chick said: - -“We are followed.” - -He spoke without moving his lips and his voice was like a -ventriloquist’s. The whisper seemed to be at Nick’s ear, perfectly -distinct. And yet a person on the other side of Chick could not have -heard it. - -“So I perceive,” responded Nick, in the same tone. - -Neither gave the faintest sign of having discovered the pursuer. - -He was an ordinary-looking young man whom neither of the detectives -remembered. - -“He does it pretty well,” said Chick, after an instant’s pause. - -“Which of us is he after?” said Nick. - -“We must find out.” - -They paused on the corner of Houston Street and the Bowery and exchanged -a few words. - -Then Chick went up the stairs to the elevated station, and Nick walked -along the Bowery, northward. - -The shadow followed Nick. - -The detective was dressed on this occasion in a dark blue sack suit. He -wore a soft hat, and carried over his arm a light-brown fall overcoat. - -Keeping fifty feet or more behind Nick, the shadow walked up the Bowery. -Suddenly Nick turned sharply to the left and entered the swinging door -of a saloon. - -As it closed behind him, and before he passed the main door, he passed -his hand over his soft hat, and it took a wholly different shape. - -Then he turned the overcoat wrong side out, and slipped it on. Instead -of a handsome brown overcoat on his arm he now had a shabby black one on -his back. - -This was done in less time than it takes to read about it, and without -attracting the notice of the bartender or the two or three people in the -saloon. - -At the same time Nick’s shoulders seemed to grow narrower by about six -inches. His figure changed utterly, lost its erectness, and its athletic -appearance. - -And his face---- Well, Nick Carter can do anything with his face. - -When the shadow entered the saloon Nick was partaking of the free lunch. -He seemed to stand in great need of it. - -The shadow looked at each of the people in the saloon, and then hurried -out by a side door. - -The positions were now reversed. Nick followed the shadow. - -On the street, the trailer tried desperately hard to get upon the scent -again. Nick lounged on a corner and watched him. - -The detective knew that for a little time the shadow would stick to the -place where he had lost the trail. - -When at last the hopelessness of it dawned upon the young man, he struck -off at a rapid pace up the Bowery. - -Nick kept him in sight. Thus the chase continued up to Eighth Street. - -Here the shadow--now shadowed in his turn--walked up to a carriage that -was standing beside the curb, and spoke a few words to somebody within. - -Then the shadow passed along, and Nick followed for a little distance. -As soon, however, as he could shield himself from the observation of the -driver on that carriage, he dodged into a dark corner and came out -transformed. - -Nick wore now the semblance of the young man who had attempted to follow -him. The likeness might not have deceived the young man’s mother, but in -the evening and upon the street it seemed good enough to answer Nick’s -purpose. - -Thus disguised, Nick returned hurriedly to the carriage. He was -determined to get a sight of the person within. - -The coachman made no sign of suspecting anything was wrong. He sat like -a statue on the box. - -There was a deep shadow on the side of the carriage which Nick -approached, for an electric lamp was on the opposite side of the street -near the corner. - -Nick went straight to the door and looked into the carriage. It was -empty. - -He put his head in to make sure. - -As he withdrew it again, the driver, with a sudden movement, leaned over -from the box and struck Nick a tremendous blow on top of the head with a -blackjack. - -The detective fell like a log, and the coachman, whipping up his horses, -drove away rapidly. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A POINT GAINED. - - -The man who first came to Nick’s assistance was Chick. - -It may as well be said at once that Nick was not badly hurt. His hat was -not exactly what it seemed to be. - -One would have taken it to be soft felt. In reality, it was a better -helmet than those which the knights of the Middle Ages wore. - -He had fallen under the blow because he believed that course to be the -best policy. - -Somebody had planned to kill or at least disable him, and he thought it -wise to let that person suppose that he had succeeded. - -Chick carried him to a drug store with the aid of a policeman. - -An ambulance was summoned; Nick was put into it. - -But when the ambulance reached the hospital there was nobody inside it -except the surgeon, who winked to the driver and went to his room. - -Nick and Chick presently met again. - -“Did you see the person who got out of that carriage?” asked Nick. - -“I caught a glimpse of him,” Chick replied. “He was a tall man with a -light-brown beard. I have no doubt he is the same man whom you saw last -night.” - -“Then we’ve gained a point. We have worked down to the man who is -directing all these operations. Three times he has appeared. This -settles it.” - -“In other words,” said Chick, “we have seen Doc Helstone.” - -“Exactly.” - -“He is a slippery rascal.” - -“What became of him?” - -“He executed one of the finest disappearances that I ever saw. It was -just at the moment when the coachman’s club was over your head. I had to -keep the coachman covered, and when I took my eyes off him, the other -man had vanished.” - -“It’s of no consequence,” said Nick. “At present we want him to be at -large. We want to take his gang with him in order to secure the evidence -we need.” - -They walked a short distance in silence. Then Nick said: - -“I must go home to receive Ida’s report. At eleven o’clock I will meet -you at Twenty-eighth Street and Sixth Avenue. Then we will descend upon -the ‘fence.’” - -Nick heard the report of his clever young assistant, Ida Jones, and then -proceeded at once to his rendezvous with Chick. - -It was eleven o’clock exactly when they met. They had assumed the -characters of well-known thieves. - -Chick was the exact image of “Kid” Leary. Nick was Al Hardy, the -notorious second-story thief. - -“Pat Powers wanted to take me in,” said Chick, indicating a policeman -who stood on the opposite corner. “He says that if I tell any of the -boys at the station about it he’ll commit suicide.” - -“He doesn’t need to be ashamed of it,” said Nick, surveying the perfect -make-up of his friend. - -They walked over Twenty-eighth Street to Seventh Avenue, and then -downtown until they were nearly opposite the “fence” on Sixth Avenue. - -Then Nick took one of the cross streets and Chick the other. Nick was to -enter by the alley, and Chick from the front. - -At the mouth of the alley Nick encountered a negro whose face was as -black as the darkness behind him. - -“Heah, you! Whar you goin’?” cried the negro, as Nick tried to pass him. - -“Shut up, Pete,” said Nick, in a voice exactly like Hardy’s. “Don’t you -know me?” - -“That you, Al Hardy? When did you get out?” - -“I haven’t been in, you black rascal.” - -“Yer oughter be.” - -“Look here, Pete, I can’t stand here chinning with you all night. I want -to see old man Benton.” - -“Yer can’t see him.” - -“Why not?” - -“He’s got pertic’lar business to transact.” - -“Come off, you coon.” - -“Well, to tell ye the troof, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Benton ain’t in this -evenin’.” - -“You can’t give me any such steer as that. I know that he’s in.” - -“Go ahead then, if ye know so much,” said the negro. “Ye’ll find I’ve -been givin’ it to yer straight. Everything is locked up.” - -Nick had known that he could get by the sentinel. Benton could not keep -people away by force. - -That would make too much noise and attract too much attention. - -But Nick knew equally well that it would do him no good to get by unless -he was welcome. The negro unquestionably had some means of signaling to -Benton. - -He was, of course, instructed to pass only those who had the countersign -or whose names had been given in advance. - -For these Pete was to make a favorable signal, and they would get in all -right. - -In the case of others he would signal unfavorably and they would find -“everything locked up.” - -Understanding this perfectly well, Nick kept a watchful eye on the negro -while passing him. He saw Pete back against the wall of the alley. - -Certainly there was some signaling apparatus there--probably an electric -bell. - -In an instant Nick had the burly negro by the throat. - -“Signal right,” he said, in a voice which showed that he meant it. -“Signal right or this goes through your heart.” - -Pete could feel a sharp point pressed against his breast. It pricked -him, and a few drops of blood began to flow. - -He dared not struggle. He was in mortal terror. The grip on his throat -was choking him, and the knife was at his heart. - -“Fo’ de lub er Heaven, Mr. Hardy,” he gasped, as the pressure on his -windpipe relaxed, “don’t cut me an’ I’ll do what you say.” - -“Wait a minute, Pete. Hear what I’ve got to say, before you do -anything.” - -Nick’s hand left Pete’s throat; the dagger point was withdrawn, but -before the trembling negro could take advantage of his improved -condition, he found himself worse off than before. - -He was handcuffed, and a pistol was thrust into his face. - -“Now, Pete, look here. There’s a bell behind you. - -“Yes; I thought so. Here it is in the space where this brick has been -removed. - -“If you ring that bell the right way I shall be admitted when I knock at -Benton’s door. If you don’t I shall have to break it down. - -“I prefer to get in quietly. I’m going to gag you and take you up to the -head of the alley. If the door is open, I shall go in. If it isn’t I’ll -come back and blow your head off.” - -“Who are you?” gasped Pete, for Nick at the last had spoken in his usual -voice. - -“Don’t bother about that. Ring the bell.” - -Nick brought Pete’s fingers in contact with the button, and the signal -was made. - -“Four times is all right. Very well. Now come with me.” - -Seizing the negro by the shoulder, he ran him out into the deserted -street, and about a third of the way to Seventh Avenue. - -Then he whistled in a peculiar manner. A form appeared out of the -darkness. - -“Patsy,” said Nick, “bring up the carriage.” - -It was brought. Peter, gagged as well as bound, was bundled into it. - -“Take him home,” said Nick to the driver. “Now, Patsy, follow me.” - -He darted off in the direction of the alley. - -“Stand here, as if on guard,” he whispered to Patsy. “When anybody who -may by any possibility be one of Helstone’s gang comes along, press this -bell four times. Don’t shut anybody out unless you’re perfectly sure we -don’t want him.” - -Having spoken these words, Nick ran up the alley. He feared that Benton, -having heard the favorable signal, would be impatient for his customer. - -In the little yard behind the house in which was the “fence,” there was -no light whatever. - -Nick found two or three steps leading up to a door which, by daylight, -seemed to be frail, but was in reality strengthened by iron bands. - -On this door he knocked cautiously four times. It was opened, disclosing -a perfectly dark hall. - -Nick entered. He could not see the person who admitted him, but he -supposed that it must be Benton. - -When the door had been closed a light was suddenly flashed in his face. - -Then a voice said: - -“Al Hardy! When did they let you in?” - -“Never mind, old man Benton, I’m in the ranks now,” said Nick. - -“Well, it’s none of my business. Come this way.” - -Nick might have seized the rascal there, and he meditated doing it. But -he desired to see all the formalities of the place. - -He wished to know how the thieves were received, because it would soon -be his turn to receive them. - -Moreover, the hall was so dark that he might easily make a mistake in -his calculations. If he fell upon Benton and failed to shut off his wind -instantly, the outcry would ruin his plans. - -Then, too, for all he knew there might be somebody else in the hall. He -could see nothing. Half a dozen men might have been standing there -without his knowing it. - -The flash of light had come so suddenly and been so speedily withdrawn -that it had dazzled him without disclosing anything. - -Nick decided to bide his time. - -“Come this way,” said Benton, and he took Nick by the arm. - -A door opened. Nick knew this by the current of air, though he could not -see the door, nor did he hear it move upon its hinges. - -The hand upon his arm guided him into a perfectly dark room, where he -was presently told to sit down. He found a bench behind him, and he sat -upon it because there did not seem to be anything else to do. - -Ten minutes passed and absolutely nothing happened. - -Nick heard nothing of Benton. He could not be sure that the old man was -still in the room. - -By close listening, however, Nick satisfied himself that he was not -alone. - -There was a sound of suppressed breathing, the faint noise made by -persons who are trying to keep still. - -Whether there were two or a dozen men in the room, Nick could not say. - -Presently there was a ring at the bell. The faint sound made itself -audible, but it was impossible to say from what direction it came. - -Nick would have guessed that the bell was under the floor. - -It rang four times. - -Then came a faint sound which Nick took to be the departure of Benton to -let in his visitor. - -Presently there was another faint sound. The visitor had been admitted. - -How long was this thing going to last? - -Was Chick the last arrival? - - * * * * * - -How could Benton be captured secretly in this dense darkness? - -Would it be possible to make a light without stirring up such a tumult -as would alarm the whole city? - -These were the questions which ran through Nick’s mind. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -IN THE GLOOM. - - -All this darkness and mystery did not surprise Nick. He knew that Benton -was a great man for hocus-pocus. - -He had signs and passwords, and surrounded himself with precautions -which looked childish. - -There was a purpose in all this, however. By keeping a good many silly -mysteries in motion he managed very often to cover up the real mystery -and direct attention elsewhere. - -Nick knew Benton for a desperate man at heart. Was he playing a deep -game here? - -It was just like him to collect the whole Helstone gang in the dark for -no other purpose than to show them what a mysterious character he was. -By and by he might bring a lamp, and then the business would proceed in -the most ordinary way in the world. - -But, on the other hand, he might have a deadly trap concealed in this -gloom. - -Nick wondered whether it was possible that he had been recognized. If -so, he knew that Benton would never let him get out of the place alive, -unless he couldn’t help it. - -Presently the bell rang again. This time, by listening with the deepest -attention, Nick made sure that Benton went to the rear door--the one by -which Nick himself had been admitted. - -Then Nick was sure that something out of the common course had -happened. It would be hard to say just how he knew it. Only his great -experience enabled him to interpret the faint sounds which he heard. - -The caller, whoever he was, was not ushered into the room in which Nick -sat. Of that Nick felt certain. - -Benton, however, returned. By straining every nerve in the most rigid -attention, Nick ascertained that. - -Afterward it seemed to him that Benton had touched some other person in -the room and was leading him out. - -A second time this occurred, and then a third. - -Nick began to be anxious. He made a sign which should have elicited a -response from Chick if he had been present, but only silence ensued. - -For the fourth time Benton entered the room. - -Nick could not see him, of course. The darkness was as profound as ever. -But by this time he had learned to recognize the old man’s stealthy -tread. - -Then dead silence ensued. - -Nick listened intently. He seemed to know by instinct that Benton was -listening also. - -“Something has gone wrong, sure,” said Nick to himself. “I must act -quickly or all is lost.” - -He stirred his foot upon the floor so as to make a faint noise. - -Then, for a second, he listened. - -Surely Benton was creeping up toward him. - -And another sound now began to be audible. It was the faint noise of -impeded breathing. - -Nick knew that sound. In the midst of that perfect darkness he -recognized the person who was breathing as plainly as if he had seen the -man by the light of day. - -It was Pete, the negro. - -Nick had known Pete for some years. The negro had a slight asthmatic -affection, which made his breathing just the least bit more difficult -than a healthy man’s. - -He also had a peculiar habit of drawing in his breath with a faint -rattling sound once in about two minutes. - -These noises Nick recognized, and he grasped the whole situation -instantly. - -Pete had escaped. He had returned and had probably disabled Patsy. - -Then he had informed Benton that Nick Carter had got inside the house -disguised as Al Hardy. - -The wily old man, on receiving this information, had quietly removed the -other persons from the room in which Nick was, and had then come in with -the negro to take vengeance upon the detective. - -There was no time for delay. The two murderers were creeping down upon -him. - -Again Nick made a slight movement to attract their attention. - -He set down his pocket lamp on the bench beside him. - -This lamp was arranged to be used as a bull’s-eye or by removing the -coverings from the sides it could be made to throw its light about as an -ordinary lamp does. - -Nick removed the side coverings. At that moment he could hear the two -assassins very close to him. - -Suddenly he pressed the spring of the lamp, and leaped to one side as -agile as a cat. - -The flame flashed up in the faces of his assailants. - -It revealed the evil countenance of Benton, with his thin, cruel lips, -and habitual sneer. It shone upon the brutal face of the negro. - -Each of them held a knife in his hand. They were bending forward, and -were just ready to strike. - -The bright flame dazzled and confused them for an instant. - -Then they turned toward the spot to which Nick had sprung. - -The sight which met their gaze was not reassuring. - -In each hand Nick held a revolver. There was death in the glance of his -eye. - -Neither Benton nor the negro could summon up the courage to stir. - -Every crook in New York--not to go further--knows Nick Carter’s -reputation as a pistol shot. - -Probably there is not a criminal in the whole city who would dream of -making any resistance if he found himself covered by a revolver in -Nick’s hands. - -It would be suicide and nothing else. - -Ellis Benton ground his teeth, but he dared not move. - -“Lay those knives down on the floor carefully,” said Nick. “Don’t make -any noise or I’ll make a louder one.” - -The two villains obeyed, Benton with hatred and chagrin visible in every -movement, the negro with the alacrity of perfect submission. - -Of Pete, at least, Nick felt sure. The man was an arrant coward, and -Nick’s only wonder was that he had been induced to assist in murder. - -Doubtless he had intended to leave the real work to Benton. - -“Now hold up your hands,” said Nick. - -These directions he gave in a low voice, which could not be heard beyond -the limits of the apartment. - -“Pete,” he continued, “face round.” - -The negro obeyed, turning his back to Nick. - -“Now walk straight to the wall and put your face against it. If you look -round, you’re a dead man.” - -“I’ll do it,” whined the negro, whose terror was doubled when his back -was turned to the object of his alarm; “don’t you go for to shoot, an’ I -won’t make no trouble.” - -“Benton, come here,” said Nick. - -The old man advanced, grinding his teeth. - -Meanwhile Nick put one of the revolvers into his pocket, and drew out a -pair of handcuffs. - -As Benton held out his hands, Nick, for an instant, removed the pistol’s -muzzle from a direct line with the other’s head. - -Benton’s eye was quick to see this. Instantly he leaped forward to seize -Nick’s hand, at the same time calling upon Pete to help him. - -But the first word barely escaped his lips. - -The hand in which Nick held the fetters leaped out and struck Benton on -the point of his jaw, and he fell like a rag baby. - -Pete turned at the sound of his name, but his head spun round again -without any delay. - -He saw Nick holding Benton’s unconscious form across his arm, as one -might hold an old coat. - -And Nick’s free hand leveled the revolver straight at Pete’s head. - -“I ain’t doin’ nothin’,” protested the negro. “Don’t trouble ’bout -pointin’ that gun at me.” - -“You behave yourself and you’ll be all right,” said Nick. “Keep those -hands up.” - -Assuring himself that Pete was thoroughly intimidated, Nick bent over -the form of the “receiver” and fettered him securely. He added a gag, -which would keep him quiet in case he should regain consciousness before -he could be put in a safe place. - -It was Pete’s turn next, and he was bound in a way which made a second -escape impossible. He, too, was gagged. - -“I believe, Mr. Benton,” said Nick, addressing the “fence,” who, -however, had not sufficiently recovered to hear him, “that there is a -cellar under this apartment.” - -With little trouble Nick found a trapdoor which could be raised. He -lifted it and discovered a ladder leading down into the darkness. - -He lowered Benton down into this place with a piece of rope, and then -steadied Pete so that the negro made the descent, although his hands -were tied behind him. - -Nick followed with the light. - -The cellar was a damp and unwholesome dungeon, but it extended a long -way in the direction of Sixth Avenue. - -This was what Nick had hoped, for it gave him an opportunity to dispose -of his two captives at such distance from the rooms which Benton -occupied that their cries, muffled by the gags, could not be heard. - -A partition divided the cellar, and there was a door in it. Nick made -his prisoners secure on the other side of this door, and then he -returned to the room in which he had captured them. - -Here he speedily, but very carefully, disguised himself as Ellis Benton. - -Then, extinguishing his light, he put it into his pocket, and made his -way along the hall toward the rear door. - -He passed out into the little yard, and thence to the alley where he had -left Patsy. - -The fate of his young assistant was a black problem in Nick’s mind. He -greatly feared that Patsy had been murdered. - -Therefore his satisfaction was great when, in the mouth of the alley, he -found Patsy leaning against the wall. - -Nick disclosed himself. - -“They pretty nearly did me up, Nick,” said Patsy. “I guess they left me -for dead. But I’m worth half a dozen dead men.” - -“How did it happen, my boy?” - -“I don’t exactly know. The negro must have crept up along the wall. The -first thing I knew he was on top of me, and he got in a chance blow with -a sandbag. - -“Why it didn’t kill me I can’t understand. It lit fair enough. Is the -game up, Nick?” - -“I don’t think so. How do you feel?” - -“Dizzy; but it will pass away.” - -Nick examined Patsy carefully. - -“You’ve had a narrow escape, my boy,” he said, “but you don’t seem to -be much hurt. Do you feel well enough to go on guard again?” - -“Sure.” - -“Well, I’ll let you do it, since the case is so desperate, but if your -head troubles you too much, just push the bell six times as a signal to -me and then drop into a carriage on the avenue and go to see Dr. Allen.” - -“Don’t you worry about me, Nick,” replied the boy. “I’m only ashamed to -have him get the best of me.” - -“That’s all right. I’ve got him safe.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A SEMICIRCLE OF CRIME. - - -Nick returned to the house. In the dark hall he paused. - -Voices could be heard. Men were talking in subdued tones in a room on -his left. - -The room where he had met with the adventures already narrated was on -his right. - -A moment’s thought convinced Nick that the voices were those of the men -who had been in the room with him, and had been led out by Benton. - -He resolved to join them. Therefore he threw open the door on his left -and entered a room. - -It was not perfectly dark, as the other had been. A small bead of gas -flame struggled with the shadows. - -In its light Nick saw three men, whom he instantly knew to be crooks. -One of them, Reddy Miller, had been suspected of belonging to Helstone’s -gang. - -Nick, it will be remembered, was disguised as Ellis Benton. - -“Come, Ellis,” said Miller, the instant Nick appeared, “we’ve had enough -fiddling round. Tell us what’s the object of all this mystery.” - -These words delighted Nick’s heart. He saw the lay of the land at once. - -Benton had evidently given no alarm to these fellows when Pete had -brought the news of Nick’s presence. - -He had been confident that he could put the detective out of the way, -and he had reasoned that if he did it without letting the thieves know, -they would stay, and he could do a good stroke of business with them. On -the other hand, if he let them know that a detective had got in, they -would clear out at once. - -If Benton had seen any signs of a police trap, he would not have tried -this game, but he was shrewd enough to infer from the circumstances that -Nick was not the forerunner of a squad of police. - -All these thoughts passed through Nick’s brain in a flash as Reddy -Miller spoke. - -Counterfeiting Benton’s voice and manner exactly, Nick replied: - -“Mystery? Well, why not? This isn’t the sort of business to be -proclaimed from the housetops.” - -“Rats!” replied Miller, in a tone of disgust; “you go through all these -monkey tricks because you’re a cussed old crank. Now come down to -business.” - -“But we can’t come down to business yet,” said Nick. “Our friends are -not all here.” - -“What I want to know,” said Miller, “is whether you’re ready to make the -big deal. Can you take all of the stuff off our hands?” - -“Don’t be so fast, Reddy,” said one of the other crooks. “Wait till the -others get here. The Doc himself is coming.” - -“Don’t you believe it,” said Miller. “The Doc is going to lay mighty low -for a while. Things are pretty warm for him.” - -“Shut up, Reddy,” said the third crook, and they all relapsed into -silence. - -The bell rang again. Nick had learned to distinguish the alley bell from -the other. This time he was summoned to the front of the house. - -The person whom he ushered in was Chick. - -“I’ve had a fearful time getting in,” said Chick. “Sixth Avenue seems to -be plastered with Benton’s lookouts. - -“I tried to get by the sentry, but he wanted a password. I said -‘Helstone,’ at a venture, and it didn’t go. - -“My game was to pretend that I was too drunk to remember the password. -Finally I went around to the alley where I met Patsy, who had learned -the password from a crook whom he had let in. - -“Of course I might have gone in that way, but I thought it best to pass -the other sentry, convince him that I was all right, and thus quiet any -suspicion which I might have aroused.” - -In reply Nick rapidly sketched his own adventures. - -“I’ve got three of them in the room at the rear. I think we’d better -secure them now, and then take the others singly, as they drop in.” - -Chick signified his readiness. - -The two detectives went at once to the rear room, and before the three -crooks had time to suspect any danger, they found themselves covered by -revolvers in the hands of Nick and Chick. - -They were secured without trouble. - -It was now a little after midnight. For half an hour the members of Doc -Helstone’s gang arrived rapidly. - -Each man was secured as he came in. - -While Nick answered the bell, Chick stood guard over the captives, -revolver in hand. - -A strange spectacle was presented in that room. - -Eleven criminals, every one a specialist in some line of theft, sat in a -semicircle, facing a sort of desk which Benton ordinarily used when he -had business on hand. - -Nick had found a lot of heavy wooden chairs in one of the rooms, and in -these the crooks sat, every one handcuffed and fastened to his chair. - -The infernal regions could hardly furnish such a row of scowling faces. -The crooks saw themselves trapped, and their rage was boundless. - -On the desk and around it was spread out the plunder which they had -brought. Its value went up well into the tens of thousands. - -A richer haul had not been made in New York in many a day. - -It had been arranged that Inspector McLaughlin should come at three -o’clock. He wished to see the mice in the trap. - -Exactly at that hour he arrived. Chick met him on the outside. - -The crooks had stopped coming by that time, and so Benton’s sentries -were gathered in and sent to the station. - -Inspector McLaughlin smiled when he viewed the semicircle of fettered -crooks. - -Several of them were men whom he had long desired to have in exactly -this position. - -“Your mouse trap was a great success, Nick,” said he. - -“It has caught a fair lot of vermin.” - -“Shall we take them to headquarters?” - -“Not yet, inspector. I wish them to remain here.” - -The inspector drew Nick into a corner. - -“Is Doc Helstone among them?” he asked. “There are two or three of these -fellows whom I don’t know. Is he one of them?” - -“No; Helstone is not here, but he is coming.” - -“Coming?” - -“Yes; but before that I have something to do.” - -“What?” - -“I am going to call on Morton Parks.” - -“Right; he should be here to look over this plunder. And more than that, -he has a right to see the capture of his wife’s murderer.” - -“I am going to him,” said Nick. - -A light was burning in the library of the residence on Madison Avenue -when Nick rang the door bell. - -Parks himself came to the door. He had sent his servants to bed. - -“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, “I have something of great importance to say to -you--so great that I would have roused you at this hour, but I see that -you have not retired.” - -“No; I am in no mood to sleep.” - -These words were spoken while Parks led the way to the library. - -“In the first place,” Nick said, when they were seated in that -apartment, “let me ask what you have heard regarding your wife’s -condition?” - -“I have secured hourly reports,” Parks replied. “There has been no -change.” - -“You can hardly wish, believing what you do of her, that she should -recover. Her fate might be worse than death.” - -Parks pressed his hands to his forehead. - -“Nevertheless,” Nick continued, “you cannot be indifferent to the arrest -of the assassin.” - -Parks sprang to his feet. - -“Has he been taken?” he cried. - -“Not yet; but he will be in custody to-night.” - -“Who is he?” - -The question was asked in a voice that was like a groan. The man’s eyes -blazed. - -“I will not answer that question now,” said Nick, “but come with me and -in an hour at the furthest I will set you face to face with the cowardly -villain who struck that blow.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -PARKS IN DISGUISE. - - -The two men left the house immediately. - -A carriage was in waiting, and it conveyed them rapidly to the “fence” -on Sixth Avenue. - -Nick guided Parks through the dark halls, but he did not take him to the -room where the crooks sat chafing in their fetters. - -Instead, the two went into the room on the other side of the hall. Nick -struck a light, and they took chairs. - -“I am simply following you,” said Parks. “I do not understand what we -have come here for.” - -“To meet the assassin,” said Nick; “but before we do that I wish to -impose one condition on you.” - -“Name it.” - -“I wish you to be disguised.” - -“For what reason?” - -“I do not wish you to appear as Morton Parks.” - -“That is only saying the same thing in other words.” - -“True; I had not finished. It is important that when you face the -assassin you should not do it in your own character.” - -“That is hardly more definite. But why should I argue the point? It is -immaterial. I am willing to assume a disguise.” - -“I will disguise you now. You have heard, perhaps, that I have skill in -such matters.” - -“Do as you wish.” - -It was wonderful to see the change which Nick produced in Parks’ -appearance. It was not done so quickly as would have been the case with -the detective’s own face, but it was done with amazing skill and care. - -At last Nick held up a looking-glass before the other’s gaze. - -Looking into it Parks beheld a dark, bearded countenance. Paints, -cleverly applied, threw such shadows upon the eyes that though they were -really gray they looked black. - -The hair was black; the beard was black; it was indeed a swarthy face. - -“Do you think that anybody would recognize you?” asked Nick. - -“Never,” said Parks, and there was something of relief in his tone. - -Nick replaced the mirror and resumed his seat. - -“We were speaking, some minutes ago,” he said, “of the character of your -wife, as these tragic events have disclosed it.” - -“Is it necessary to speak further on that subject?” - -“It is, as I believe.” - -“You must be aware that it is very painful to me.” - -“It should not be.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Mr. Parks, your wife is a pure and innocent woman, the victim of brutal -wretches.” - -Parks sprang to his feet. - -“Mr. Carter,” he cried, “in Heaven’s name, present the proof quickly, if -you have any.” - -“You believe that your wife stole her own jewels in order to pawn or -sell them.” - -Parks bowed in assent. - -“She must have had a motive,” said Nick. - -“I have already told you that she gambled in stocks.” - -“With what brokers did she deal?” - -“I cannot tell.” - -“How do you know that she gambled in stocks?” - -“She confessed to me when she had wasted her own fortune. She promised -to reform.” - -“How long ago was this?” - -“Over a year.” - -“And she did not reform?” - -“No; she continued to speculate.” - -“How do you know?” - -“The theft of the jewels proves it.” - -“That was on August 3d?” - -“Yes.” - -“She obtained money as well as jewels?” - -“Yes.” - -“A considerable sum?” - -“Twenty-four hundred dollars. I happened to have an unusual amount of -money in the house that night.” - -“If she stole that money for speculation, it is reasonable to suppose -that she used it immediately for that purpose, is it not?” - -“I suppose so.” - -“Well, Mr. Parks, I have traced your wife’s movements for almost every -day of last August.” - -“You have?” - -“Yes; by means of one of my assistants, a very clever and well-taught -young lady.” - -“What have you learned?” - -“That she did not speculate.” - -“How can you be sure of that? A person does not have to go to Wall -Street in order to dabble in stocks.” - -“I know it; but a person whose fate is on the turn of that dreadful game -does not spend her time as your wife did.” - -“How?” - -“In the noblest works of charity; in the homes of the poor on the East -Side. It was there that she spent her days, not hanging over a stock -ticker in some resort of fashionable women gamblers.” - -“This seems incredible.” - -“It is true. I know of one family which she visited every week day -between August 3d and August 21st. I know several others where she was a -regular visitor.” - -“You amaze me.” - -“She spent a great deal of money in these charities, too. That does not -look like the work of a ruined gambler.” - -“But how do you account for her association with thieves?” - -“I will tell you. Let us suppose a case. You mentioned your nephew. - -“Let us suppose that your wife was deeply attached to him. Let us say -that after long watching, and years, perhaps, of dark suspicion, she -discovered that he was a thief. - -“Unwilling to believe any other evidence than that of her own eyes, she -follows him. She sees him enter a den of thieves. She learns that he is -their leader.” - -“Is my nephew, then, the thief?” cried Parks. - -“Wait. This is all supposition. - -“Let us say that she enters this den of thieves. She has found their -private way. - -“They are thunderstruck when she appears, though only the leader knows -her. She walks up to a table on which lies the plunder which they are -dividing. - -“She seizes some of it in her hands. She is mad with the horror of the -scene, perceiving one she loves in such a place. - -“They do not dare to kill her, for they have no means of disposing of -the body. She does not see that she is in great danger. - -“She threatens them. She urges upon this man--your nephew, let us -say--to make restitution and reform. - -“It is what a woman might do though a man would smile at it. He curses -her. She seizes some of the jewels and rushes out saying that she will -expose everything. - -“The rank and file of the thieves’ gang would murder her rather than -permit her to leave the room. - -“But the leader is more wily. He knows that she must die, but not there. - -“He follows her; stabs her in the street, and escapes.” - -“In the name of God, did my nephew do this?” - -“The villain who did this is called Helstone. He is the leader of a gang -of thieves. His real name has been unknown to the police.” - -“And my nephew----” - -“Wait. That was only a supposition. Let us see if there is not somebody -who was bound to her by a closer tie.” - -“What!” - -“Had she no near relatives?” - -“None.” - -“She had a husband.” - -“Liar! Do you dare to say----” - -“That you, Morton Parks, are Helstone. It was not your nephew, it was -you she followed. Yes; I say it, and I shall ask you to test the truth -of it.” - -“How? I am ready, and I think I know the test.” - -“In this house, at this moment, I hold the most of Helstone’s gang of -thieves. Dare you face them?” - -“Certainly.” - -“You are disguised, it is true. I have purposely changed your appearance -as much as possible. But it will not serve.” - -“I will face them instantly.” - -“Then come.” - -Nick walked to the door, and Parks was at his side. - -They passed into a room which opened into that in which sat the fettered -thieves. - -There they found Chick. - -“Keep your eye on this man,” said Nick, but in a tone so low that it -could not be heard in the other room. - -“You need not be afraid that I shall run away,” muttered Parks in reply. - -Nick entered the large room where Inspector McLaughlin sat with a -revolver in each hand, facing the semicircle of crooks. - -“Now, gentlemen,” said Nick, briskly, “you probably give me a great deal -of credit for having trapped you so neatly.” - -A volley of oaths was the reply. - -“I am too modest, however,” he continued, “to take glory which is not my -due.” - -Again he paused, and this time the crooks appeared to take more serious -interest in what he was saying. - -“Another man has really done the work,” Nick went on. “Without him you -would never be in the predicament in which you now find yourselves, with -Sing Sing prison open before you.” - -“We’ve been sold out,” growled Miller. “Did Benton do it?” - -“I am happy to clear Mr. Benton of that imputation,” said Nick. “He did -not do it.” - -“Somebody did,” yelled Miller, and again the oaths broke forth. - -Evidently the gang had no very cordial feeling toward its betrayer. - -“Bring in Mr. Jones,” called Nick to Chick. - -Parks and Chick entered on the instant. Nick could not help admiring the -man’s nerve. - -His one chance in the world was that the gang would not recognize him. - -And he had seen his disguise--the most utterly impenetrable which ever -shrouded the face of any human being. - -He remembered the swarthy skin, the flashing black eyes, the beard of -the color of a raven’s wing. - -Yet when he appeared a cry broke from every crook’s throat in that -criminal assembly. - -“Helstone! Helstone!” they shouted. - -Miller and one other actually burst their bonds in the frenzy of their -wrath against the man whom they believed had betrayed them. - -And Morton Parks stood there utterly at a loss for a defense. The -recognition was too sudden and unanimous. - -How had it happened? How could they have seen through that wonderful -mask? - -“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, stepping forward, “I promised that within the -hour I would bring you face to face with the coward and villain who -stabbed your wife. - -“I will keep my word. Behold Doc Helstone!” - -With a sudden movement Nick raised a mirror which he had held concealed -behind him and thrust it before Parks’ face. - -Parks leaped back as if a thunderbolt had struck him. - -In that mirror he saw his face wearing the exact disguise which he had -led his gang of thieves to believe was the real countenance of Doc -Helstone. - -There was the light-brown beard parted in the middle, there were the -gray eyes and light eyebrows, and rather pale skin. - -“Surprised, are you?” said Nick. “Why, it was the simplest thing in the -world. - -“When I made your face up half an hour ago I used a false beard colored -with a substance which is black when it is moist, but light-brown when -it is dry. - -“Your eyebrows were colored with the same substance. It dries very -quickly. Five minutes after I showed you the dark face in the glass you -had begun to look like Doc Helstone. Every black line was fading into -brown. - -“The tint which I used on your skin acts the same way. It turns from a -tan color to a pale flesh tint by simply being exposed to the air. - -“It was very interesting to watch your face change into the character -you so much wished to avoid. Of course you couldn’t see it yourself. It -was changing almost all the time that we were talking. - -“When you entered this room you fancied that you were disguised. In -reality, your face was exactly as you now see it--the face of the man -whom I saw walking away from the woman who had been stabbed.” - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -“SPEAKING OF SELLS.” - - -“You have taken him on all sides at once,” exclaimed the inspector. - -“The trap has been sprung and Helstone is in it. Come, my man, what have -you to say?” - -These last words were addressed to Parks. - -“I have this to say,” said he, boldly, “that this identification is -meaningless. The detective has painted my face to represent a -well-known criminal, and I am mistaken for him, that’s all.” - -“Don’t be foolish, Doc,” said Miller. “We all know you. Now tell us why -you sold us.” - -“He didn’t sell you,” said the inspector. “This gentleman sold -you”--pointing to Nick--“but it was a different kind of sell. - -“And, speaking of sells. I have cells for every one of you. Shall we -march them away, Nick?” - -“As you please. Ah! Chick, what is that? - -“A message from the hospital.” - -“Let me see it.” - -Nick tore the envelope, glanced at the contents, and then said: - -“She is fully conscious. She knows everything.” - -Morton Parks’ face became ashen. Then for an instant it cleared. If his -wife was conscious he was not yet a murderer, at least he could save his -life out of the ruin of his fortunes. - -“Do you still deny your guilt?” Nick said, addressing Parks. - -“It is fate,” the man muttered. “I have never for an instant expected to -escape it.” - -Doc Helstone and his friends were taken to police headquarters. - -Reeves, the witness, was released. - -“How did you get your clew to this riddle?” asked the inspector of Nick. - -“I found it in the character of Mrs. Parks,” said Nick. “She could not -be a thief or willingly the associate of thieves. She was not the sort -of woman who leads a double life. - -“Yet she was proved to have been in a resort of thieves. What motive -could have carried her there? - -“I answer, only love, or what was left of it after respect had been -destroyed--the love of some man. - -“What man? To know her character was to answer that question. It must be -her husband.” - -“But, how did you learn her character so quickly?” - -“For that I must thank my assistant, Ida Jones. I sent her on that part -of the case as soon as the identity of the woman was known. She reported -to me from time to time. It was easy enough to trace her, she had so -many friends among the poor. Ida had only to get a tip from Park’s -coachman and the thing was done.” - -“How did you persuade him to walk into your trap?” - -“I told him I would show him the murderer of his wife. He could not -refuse to come. - -“Once here, I asked him if he dared to meet the Helstone gang. Could he -say that he did not dare? That would have been confession. - -“The disguise was merely a trick to make the recognition more sure.” - -“But how about the diamonds, Nick?” - -“Why, I take it that when Mrs. Parks tracked her husband to the resort -of his gang and entered it after him there was wild confusion. - -“Very little was said that anybody understood or remembered. There was a -heap of plunder on the table for the gang was ready to move. - -“Mrs. Parks snatched these diamonds as a corroboration of the story she -intended to tell to the police. So tremendous was the excitement that -nobody noticed her action. - -“When Parks followed her out and murdered her, he dared not remove the -diamonds for fear somebody would see him. The horror that comes on all -murderers came on him.” - -“But why did Parks tell that false story about a robbery at his house?” - -“In order to get hold of the gems before the rightful owner could -identify them and in order to make the police believe that Mrs. Parks -was a thief and a companion of thieves. It gave him a chance to tell -this lie about stock gambling.” - -Mrs. Parks recovered, but she declined to appear against her husband. - -“I never wish to look on his face again,” she said. “He is a bad man and -deserves punishment, but you must deal with him on a charge of robbery, -not on a charge of assault.” - -And from this position she refused to be moved. - -But Nick did not press the matter. - -As the leader of a gang of burglars, Parks was put on trial and -sentenced to ten years. - -Nick thought he had seen the last of him when he saw him go on board the -train in charge of Special Detective Jones, who was to convey the -criminal to Sing Sing. - -But Parks was not a man to take his punishment without an effort to -escape it. - -He had prepared for this trip to Sing Sing. - -Docilely he took his seat alongside the plain-clothes man in the smoking -car, which was then empty. - -Jones took out a paper and settled himself back for the long ride; -glancing once or twice at the placid face of the man beside him. - -Truth to tell, he had an immense respect for this criminal leader, and -he appreciated the responsibility of the task that had devolved upon him -in lieu of the deputy sheriff who usually escorted prisoners to Sing -Sing. - -The car began to fill, but no one glanced at the detective and his -prisoner, for Jones was in plain clothes, and his newspaper covered the -handcuffs that linked Parks’ right hand with the left hand of the -detective. - -Parks ventured a word or two and presently led Detective Jones into a -conversation. He was a highly educated man, and he had the gift of -telling a story in an interesting fashion. - -“By the way,” he said; “have you any objection to my smoking?” - -“No; go ahead,” said Jones, pleasantly. - -With his unfettered left hand Parks drew from his pocket a cigar case, -fumbled with it a minute or two, and soon had a long, black weed between -his teeth. - -“Can I offer you a smoke?” he asked, hesitatingly. - -The cigar case stopped on its way to his pocket, while he waited for the -detective’s answer. - -“Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.” - -“Help yourself.” - -There was a peculiar gleam in his eyes as the detective struck a match -and lit up. - -Parks talked on pleasantly for a little while, but soon relapsed into -silence as the train rushed on, carrying him nearer and nearer to Sing -Sing. - -The car was uncomfortably warm. There was a drowsiness about the air -that made it difficult to keep the eyes open. - -At any rate, that was how Detective Jones felt. - -He tried to fasten his attention on a particularly thrilling newspaper -story, but the letters danced before his eyes; his eyes closed; he was -asleep. - -Parks emitted a grunt that might mean anything, then stretching out his -legs and resting his head on the back of the seat, he followed his -escort’s example and closed his eyes. - -The train sped on. Passengers came and went, but Detective Jones still -slept. - -Mr. Parks seemed to be asleep, too, but there was no one more awake than -he at that moment. - -“The drugged cigar has done its work.” - -This was the thought that surged in his brain. He mentally repeated the -phrase over and over again, then cautiously he opened his eyes. - -Just across the aisle were two Italian workmen, too much engrossed in -reciting their individual woes to notice anything else. - -Over his shoulder he got a glimpse of a commercial man, studying his -notebook. There was no danger to be apprehended from this quarter. - -Under cover of the newspaper he slid his left hand over to the -detective’s waistcoat. - -It was a moment of horrible anxiety as his fingers touched a key. - -But Detective Jones was still dead to the world. - -Next moment the key snapped in the lock and Parks was free. - -A swift glance around assured him that his actions had not been -observed. - -Emboldened by his success, he rifled the pockets of the sleeping -detective. - -“I’ll need a few extra dollars,” he told himself, though he despised -this petty theft. - -At the next stop he left his seat, and, mingling with the other -travelers, passed out. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE FUGITIVE. - - -“Now where am I to go?” - -Morton Parks asked himself this question as he sat down on a fallen tree -to rest. - -He had rubbed the dust of the road on his face and had considerably -altered his whole appearance by tearing rents in his clothing and -pulling the crown out of his hat. - -He looked like a tramp, and it was in this character he hoped to escape -the vigilance of the police who were now scouring the country for him. - -“I would like to get back to New York,” he mused, “and yet I daren’t -show up as Doc Helstone, and nobody knows Morton Parks. - -“Stop! I had forgotten Gilmore and Geary, the high-power burglars. They -know me in both characters. But they have left New York by this time. -When I saw them last they were making arrangements for a big bank -robbery in Chicago, and I remember they said they were going to bore -into the vault with an electric drill. - -“I laughed at the scheme, but I hadn’t any intention of joining them -then. Why shouldn’t I get to Chicago and give Gilmore and Geary a hand? -Yes, by jingo, that’s my plan. - -“I’ll have to beg or steal my way there, but I ought to know how to do -that.” - - * * * * * - -“Talk about nerve!” - -“What is it now, Mr. Smith?” - -“Burglars!” - -“What, again?” - -“Yes, last night, at my residence.” - -Mr. Chester Smith, the wealthy Chicago banker, threw himself into an -easy-chair in the office of the chief of police, and looked decidedly -ugly. - -“What did they get?” asked the chief. - -“I’d like to know what they didn’t get,” was the excited reply, “and I -was at home every minute of the time, too.” - -“Well?” - -There was a quiet smile on the chief’s face as he sat looking at his -excited friend. - -“They entered my house while I was at home,” continued the banker, -“ransacked every room in it, took my watch and pocketbook from under my -pillow, and my revolver from a table drawer near the bed.” - -“You were right in calling them nervy,” said the chief. - -“But that isn’t half of it. They went from my room to the kitchen, and -what do you think they did there?” - -“Surely they didn’t find much there.” - -“Well, they lit a fire and cooked breakfast. Then they went to the -cellar and tapped my wine.” - -“And no one heard them?” - -“Not a soul.” - -“Go on.” - -“Then they rigged themselves out in my clothes and put their own old -duds in the clothes press. But the worst is yet to come, and for -iridescent audacity, it breaks the record.” - -“Proceed.” - -“Last week I bought a bulldog, whose sole duty it is to watch the -premises. This morning I found him shut up in the coalhouse, with a -heavy rubber band around his jaws, and a tag tied to his tail. The tag -reads as follows: - -“‘We didn’t take yer purp, ’cos we thought mebbe as how he wos raised a -pet, an’ you might be fond of him.’” - -The chief laughed heartily for a moment, and then his face grew grave. - -“We are having a great deal of trouble with burglars lately,” he said, -“and I am often at a loss what to do.” - -“And nearly all recent burglaries are unusually daring and successful, -are they not?” - -“They are all daring, and I am sorry to say that nearly all are -successful.” - -“You’ll have to send to New York for Nick Carter.” - -“I can’t always get Nick Carter.” - -“Well, we ought to have a few men like Nick on the Chicago detective -force.” - -The chief smiled. - -“There is only one Nick Carter,” he said. - -The banker gave a few additional details regarding the burglary at his -residence, and went away. - - * * * * * - -John Mitchell, returning to his residence on Boston Avenue one evening, -saw that he was being followed by several men, and started off on a run. - -It was quite dark, but Mitchell could see the men plainly every time -they came to a street lamp. - -He started to run. - -They did the same. - -At last he came to the steps of his own residence. - -Then the toughs seemed to understand that they were likely to lose their -prey, and one of them darted forward and dealt him a stunning blow on -the side of the head. - -When Mitchell fell, he went through the door of his home, and landed in -the hallway. - -He was partially stunned, but grappled with his assailant. - -The struggle which followed attracted the attention of two men who -resided in the family. - -But the highwayman was a desperate fellow, and seemed to be fighting for -his life. - -With the full weight of the three men upon him, he still struggled to -his feet, shaking the men from his back as a huge dog throws off water. - -Then he made for the door. His companions had disappeared, and the -patrolman on the beat had been attracted to the spot by the noise of the -combat. - -The robber sprang past the officer and went, panting, up a dark alley. - -Pursuit soon died out, and the fellow stopped to rest in the shelter of -a cluster of stables. - -His clothes, though of good material, were of the cheapest, and in -shocking condition. - -His broken shoes were soaked with mud and water, and his crownless hat -afforded little protection from the weather. - -When, occasionally, the light of a street lamp shone upon him, it -revealed a countenance haggard and worn, yet it was the face of Morton -Parks. - -In all the city of Chicago that night there was probably no more piteous -object than the escaped criminal. For lack of money this leader of -criminals had become a common highwayman. - -Dodging here and there through the semi-deserted streets in the banking -and real-estate district--for it was now after ten o’clock--the -fugitive at length entered a prosperous-looking oyster and chophouse and -asked for the proprietor. - -The waiter looked at the disreputable figure in amazement for a moment -and then pointed toward the door. - -Then a handsomely dressed fellow with a long, drooping mustache and -flowing side whiskers of the Dundreary type, stepped into the room. - -A signal passed between the robber and the keeper of the restaurant, and -the two men were soon closeted in a private room. - -“Now, Parks, explain.” - -“It’s easy, Gilmore. I was on the road to Sing Sing. I escaped. I only -had a dollar or two, that I stole from the detective.” - -“Go on; don’t worry about the details. We can fill them in afterward. -How do you come to be here in this plight?” - -“My New York gang had been run in. I knew you had come to Chicago. I -became a tramp, got in with a lot of thugs and finally landed here -because it’s the only place where I expect to meet a friend.” - -“Don’t be too sure,” said Gilmore, brutally. “Nobody likes to have an -escaped criminal on his hands.” - -“How about your own record?” asked Parks. - -“That’s nothing to do with the case. Who sent you to Sing Sing?” he -asked, suddenly. - -“Nick Carter.” - -“The keenest sleuth alive!” - -The restaurant man walked up and down the floor for a moment with a -heavy frown on his face. - -“How do you know Nick Carter did not follow you here?” he finally asked. - -“I saw him last at Detroit,” was the calm reply. - -“Then you think he is after you?” - -“I am certain of it.” - -“And yet, you come here?” - -“I told you before I had no other place to go.” - -“I’ll murder you if he follows you to my place.” - -“You seem to be doing pretty well here,” said Parks. - -“No man with my police record--as you hinted--can do well anywhere,” was -the angry answer. - -“I noticed a bank next door,” said Parks. “I presume this place is a -starter for the electric-drill scheme you once spoke of.” - -“It is nothing of the sort,” said Gilmore. “I have decided to have -nothing to do with that scheme.” - -“It is strange that you should locate a place like this--next door to a -bank, then. There can’t be much money in the trade you get here.” - -“There is money enough here if the sneaks of the profession would only -let me alone.” - -Parks sprang to his feet. - -“Another word like that,” he shouted, “and I’ll give you dead away to -the police. You can’t talk to a man of my stamp in that fashion.” - -“But suppose Nick Carter follows you here, and recognizes me? I’ll be -pulled in, too.” - -“Have you any idea that Nick Carter knows where you are?” asked Parks. - -“I don’t think he does.” - -“Drop Nick Carter. Lend me some money. I need a complete outfit, and -something to buy food and drink with.” - -“I won’t give you a cent.” - -Parks started for the door. - -“Where are you going?” demanded Gilmore. - -“To the police.” - -Gilmore opened the door. - -“I don’t care how quick you go,” he said. - -As Parks stepped out, a waiter walked up to the door of the room. - -“Did you ring?” he asked. - -Gilmore turned him away with an oath, and pulled Parks back into the -room. - -“You see how it is,” he said. - -“See how what is?” - -“That is a detective.” - -“Who hired him?” - -“I did.” - -“Knowing him to be a detective?” - -“Of course not. I found that out just now.” - -“How?” - -“By his coming here and asking that question.” - -“I don’t understand.” - -“There is no bell to this room. He came here for the purpose of spotting -you.” - -Parks threw himself back into his chair with an oath. - -“We can’t afford to quarrel,” he said, “if that is Nick Carter, or one -of his assistants.” - -Parks pondered for some moments. - -“Help me out,” he said, “and I’ll get rid of the fellow. Then we can put -up the electric-drill burglary, and make enough money to get out of the -country.” - -“Have you tried to turn any tricks since you came here?” Gilmore asked. - -Parks hesitated. - -He had once been a leader of crooks, and disliked to mention the -incident on Boston Avenue. - -At last, however, he explained just what had taken place, and was -roundly cursed by Gilmore for coming to his place after having attempted -so daring a crime. - -“You will be sure to be tracked,” Gilmore said, “if you remain in your -present condition, and that will endanger my place. How much cash do you -want to fix yourself up with?” - -“Fifty dollars will do for the present. It’s a change for Morton Parks -to be begging a paltry fifty-dollar bill, but my luck has turned--that’s -all.” - -“And you will help me to get rid of these people, and also assist in the -electric-drill scheme?” - -“So you are into that, after all,” said Parks. “I thought so all the -time. Yes, I will help you all I can in both directions if you stake me -now.” - -Gilmore counted out the sum named, and handed it to his companion. - -“Now,” said Parks, “tell me about this electric-drill scheme.” - -Gilmore took a folded paper from his pocketbook and spread it out on the -table. It was nothing more nor less than a carefully drawn plan of the -buildings surrounding the bank which adjoined the restaurant. - -“Here is the bank vault,” explained Gilmore, “and here is my place. The -plan is to break through the cellar wall under this floor, and cut -through the granite and steel walls of the bank with an electric drill. -It can be done in two hours.” - -“But won’t you strike too low in the vault?” - -“No. The vault is two feet lower than the floor of the bank above, and -we shall strike it just about right.” - -“Where does your power come from?” - -“Oh! I put in a patent electric motor for a dishwasher, and contracted -for electric fly fans for next summer. So that is all right.” - -Parks laughed heartily, and declared that it was a great scheme. - -While the men were figuring over the plan, the sound of breaking -crockery came from the front end of the place. - -They both dashed out, for it was quite evident that there was serious -trouble in the main dining room. - -“One of the waiters threw a server of dishes at a customer,” explained -an employee. - -“Where is that waiter?” thundered Gilmore. “I’ll take care of him.” - -“I don’t know, sir,” was the reply. “He was here a moment ago.” - -“Where is the customer?” - -“There on the floor, sir. He was knocked down.” - -The proprietor stepped forward and lifted the fallen man’s head. - -It was Geary, his rascally partner in the electric-drill scheme. - -“They had some words, sir,” continued the waiter, “and the customer -tried to grab the waiter.” - -Geary was revived, and the three men went back to the private room -together. There a new surprise awaited them. - -The plan they had been examining was not there, although Gilmore and -Parks had left it on the table when they rushed out. - -There was a movement by the door, and Geary turned, to see the man who -had struck him stealing out of the room. - -“There’s that detective again,” he yelled. “Grab him.” - -“Don’t allow him to escape,” roared Gilmore. “He has the missing paper. -Shoot him down.” - -The proprietor drew a revolver as he spoke, but Geary caught his hand in -time to prevent the shot. - -“Do you want the police down here?” he said, with an oath. - -“I don’t want him to escape,” said Gilmore, making a dive for the young -man, who was just passing out of the doorway. - -The burglar was a powerful man, but he was little more than a baby in -the hands of the man he sought to detain. - -He was whirled from his feet in an instant, and thrown against his two -companions, who were now advancing to assist him. - -Before the three men could do anything more to keep the young man from -leaving the room, he had closed the door with a bang and darted through -the restaurant to the street. - -When Gilmore opened the door the fugitive was out of sight. - -“Why didn’t you catch him?” demanded the proprietor. “The man is a -thief, and the racket out here was nothing but a scheme to steal some -private papers from my room.” - -“He went through like a flash,” explained the cashier. - -“Nixon followed him,” replied a waiter. - -“I am glad that one employee has some sense,” growled Gilmore. “When -Nixon comes back, send him to my room.” - -Nixon was an old crook, who had been brought on from New York to keep -track of things in the restaurant. - -“I told you he was a detective, didn’t I?” demanded Gilmore of Parks, as -soon as the door of the private room was closed. - -“How did you know that?” asked Geary. - -“Because he stood in front of the door when I opened it a few minutes -ago. Then, to account for his presence there, he asked if I had rung for -him.” - -“Well?” - -“Well, there is no bell in the room. He was there listening.” - -“I spotted him when I came in to-night,” said Geary, “and accused him of -trying to pick my pocket. He threw the dishes at me, and I made a grab -for him. That’s all I know about it. He strikes a hard blow, whoever he -is.” - -“How long has he been here?” asked Parks. - -“Only two days,” was the reply. - -“Then he followed me here, and spotted this place the first thing, -knowing that I would be likely to come here,” said Parks. - -“But what did he dodge into the room for as soon as we left it?” - -“To find out what we were up to; and he found out, too.” - -“I don’t know about that,” said Gilmore, lifting a piece of paper from -the floor as he spoke. - -The paper was the missing plan, which the intruder had undoubtedly -dropped in the scuffle. - -“So the electric-drill scheme is safe for the present, at least,” said -Parks, “but there is no knowing how long it will remain so, for the man -just in here was Chick, Nick Carter’s assistant.” - -“Then you make a skip,” said Geary, “and don’t come here again. We can -communicate by letter.” - -Parks did not move, but stood pointing toward the now open door. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -“ONE OF THE BOYS.” - - -“Hello! What’s up, now?” - -Nick Carter, sitting in his room, at the Windsor Hotel, on Dearborn -Street, looked up with a smile, as Chick rushed into the room and -hastened to the window. - -“Nothing special.” - -Chick peered carefully through the blinds as he spoke. - -“I’m glad you came in early to-night,” said Nick, “for I am feeling a -trifle annoyed.” - -“About what?” - -“It’s taking altogether too much time to get this man Parks back to Sing -Sing.” - -Chick turned out the gas, threw the window blinds wide open, and sat -down in front of the window. - -“I have a little surprise for you. Parks is at present trying to renew -acquaintance with two famous high-power burglars, Gilmore and Geary.” - -“What! Have you see him--Parks, I mean?” - -“He is there at the Gilmore chop house.” - -Chick then explained all that had taken place in the restaurant that -evening. - -“And what was the paper you got hold of in the room?” asked Nick. - -“That’s just what I’d like to know. You see, I dropped it in the scuffle -before I had a chance to look at it.” - -“What did it look like?” - -“It was a drawing of some kind.” - -Nick pondered a moment. - -“I’m sorry,” he said, “that there are no charges against Gilmore and -Geary. I’d run them in to-night.” - -“Were they acquitted when last arrested?” - -“Yes; by perjury.” - -“Well, there will soon be a charge against them,” said Chick. - -“What do you mean?” - -“The paper I found on the table was a drawing of some kind.” - -“You said that before.” - -“Yes, and that Gilmore chophouse is next door to a bank. Do you begin to -catch on?” - -“I was wondering if you had the same idea as myself,” said Nick. “I see -you have. We will postpone the rearrest of Parks until we get ready to -bag the other villains. What are you looking at out there?” - -Chick pointed across the street. - -“Do you see that man standing there by the cigar store?” he asked. - -“Certainly.” - -“Well, that’s the man who followed me from the chophouse.” - -“You know who it is, of course?” - -“No,” said Chick, with a laugh, “my acquaintance with crooks is not so -extensive as is that of my chief.” - -“Well, it’s Nixon, the all-around crook from New York,” replied the -detective. “I wonder what he’s up to now?” - -This last remark was caused by Nixon stepping out on the walk and -stopping two men who were passing. - -“They’re a tough-looking pair,” said Chick, “and he seems to be well -acquainted with them. I believe they are going away together.” - -Instead of starting away, however, the three men stepped into the cigar -store and stood there by the counter, Nixon never taking his eyes from -the doorway through which Chick had entered the hotel. - -Nick began to change his clothes. - -In about five minutes he looked like the prosperous advance agent of a -negro minstrel company--one of the fellows who always talk show, no -matter where they are, and who want everybody with whom they come in -contact to know that they belong to the “perfesh.” - -“How’s this?” he asked. “This will be apt to take down there in the -chophouse, won’t it?” - -“I should say so. Shall I go along?” - -“Not with me, and not in that rig,” was the reply, and the next moment -the detective was on his way across the street to the cigar store, -having left the hotel by a side entrance. - -It took but a moment for Nick to get into conversation with Nixon, for -the crook was quick to recognize “one of the boys,” and Nick declared, -on entering the cigar store, that there wasn’t a decent chophouse in the -whole city of Chicago. - -The two toughs stepped back, and the detective and Nixon were soon on -their way to the restaurant. - -The first thing Nick saw, on entering the place, was the open door of -the private room. - -Parks stood there pointing out. - -Behind him were Gilmore and Geary. - -“There comes Nixon now,” Nick heard Parks say, “and we may as well see -what he has to say.” - -Nick seated himself at a table and ordered a chop, and Nixon went back -to the private room. - -In a moment the two men who had left Nixon at the cigar store entered -the place and sat down at the rear table. - -The waiter seemed to know them, for he went back and opened a -conversation with them. - -Nick could not hear what they were saying, for the distance was too -great, but he could now and then catch a word. - -The men were talking of highway robbery and burglary. - -In a few moments Nixon joined the two men, and then the waiter went -away. - -“I tell you, it’s a sure thing,” Nick heard Nixon say; “for he’s up -there at the Windsor Hotel.” - -“How you goin’ ter git ’im out?” demanded one of the men. - -“That’s easy enough,” was the reply, and then the men talked in whispers -again. - -The detective laughed, softly to himself. - -“They’ll have a nice job coaxing Chick to come out and be killed,” he -thought. - -Presently a muscular-looking young fellow entered the room and seated -himself at a table not far from that occupied by Nick. - -His oily trousers were thrust into the tops of a pair of heavy, -unpolished boots, and he wore a baggy, blue woolen shirt under his rough -coat, which smelled of machine oil. No vest or suspenders were in sight, -and his closely cropped head was covered with a greasy felt hat. - -He looked like an iron worker out for a midnight lunch. - -He ordered a light meal and took out a huge roll of bills, as if to pay -for it in advance. - -Nick saw Nixon watching the money enviously. - -“Now there’ll be a picnic,” he thought, wondering how the attempt to rob -the young mechanic would be made. - -He did not think Gilmore would allow any work of the kind on the -premises, for it would be certain to become known, and would direct the -attention of the police to the place, a thing which the burglar could by -no means afford to have done. - -Nick’s chop was finished by this time, but he ordered a cup of coffee -and a cigar, and sat there smoking and waiting. - -Before long one of the toughs walked over to where the young mechanic -was sitting. - -“I’ve just been strikin’ de boss fer a lunch,” he said, with a grin, -“an’ I couldn’t make it stick. Can’t you help me out?” - -The mechanic motioned the bum to take a chair, and beckoned to a waiter. - -“Fill him up,” he said, shortly. Nick started at the sound of his -voice, and then a pleased smile crept over his face. - -In a moment the seeming mechanic took out his money again to pay for -what the tough had ordered. - -The tough sprang from his chair and made a grab for the roll of bills. - -The next moment he was one of the most surprised men in Chicago. - -His hand did not get within a foot of the coveted prize. - -His intended victim had been expecting just such a move. - -As the tough leaned forward he caught the other’s right square on the -throat, and went down to the floor like a log. - -The mechanic went on eating his lunch. - -But the affair was not to be allowed to pass off so quietly. - -The fallen man’s companion, Nixon, and three or four waiters made for -the seeming mechanic, and in a moment all was confusion. - -The young fellow put up a hot fight, and the chophouse people were sent -tumbling around on the floor in great shape. - -Nick watched the battle curiously for a moment, and then sprang to his -feet with an exclamation of anger. - -There were five to one, and yet the waiters were arming themselves with -clubs and meat cleavers. - -The detective reached the scene just in time. - -A cowardly waiter was aiming a blow at the seeming mechanic from -behind, which would have ended the fight right there. - -He was not striking with his fist, but held a heavy hatchet in his hand. - -Without saying a word, Nick struck out, and the waiter went halfway over -a table before he fell. - -The dishes, with which the table had been loaded, struck the floor about -the time the waiter did, and there was a great crash as the fellow -floundered around among the damaged crockery. - -The door of the private room was now opened, and the three high-power -burglars, who had been perfecting their schemes there, rushed out. - -Nixon and his gang drew back, leaving Nick and the seeming mechanic -standing by the overturned table. - -Gilmore dashed forward and seized the young man by the collar. - -“You’ll go over the road for this,” he shouted. - -The young fellow threw out his hip and caught the burglar around the -body. - -It was a pretty case of hip-lock, and Gilmore carried another table to -the floor when he went down. - -“It’s a conspiracy to rob the place,” cried Geary. “Throw them out and -call the police.” - -But the employees had had enough of trying to throw the two men out of -the place, and they held back. - -Geary began pounding on the floor of the room. - -“That’s a signal,” whispered Nick, to the seeming mechanic. “If a door -leading into the cellar is opened now, get down there, if you can, -while I amuse the people up here.” - -“All right,” replied Chick, “but you ought to be getting out before -long. They’ll suspect it’s a scheme.” - -Gilmore arose from the floor, brushing milk, butter and sugar from his -clothing, and started for the door. - -“This is no chance fight,” he shouted. “These men came here on purpose -to get up a row.” - -“You lie,” said Chick, coolly, “one of your toughs tried to rob me, and -this gentleman came to my assistance.” - -Before Gilmore could reply a back door was opened, and three -hard-looking men rushed into the room. - -“There come the men who are putting in the electric-drill machinery,” -whispered Nick. “Now, look out for hot work.” - -The two detectives moved toward the door, but the gang closed in upon -them. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THREE MILLIONS AT STAKE. - - -“And I tell you they were both detectives.” - -“You are crazy on the subject of detectives.” - -Gilmore sprang to his feet with an oath and pointed around the room. - -“You’ll soon be telling me that no damage has been done here,” he said, -“and that the hot fight those fellows put up was all by way of -amusement.” - -“And you’ll be telling me,” said Geary, “that the advance agent brought -in was Nick Carter, and that the mechanic was Chick.” - -“That’s about the size of it.” - -Geary laughed long and heartily. - -The men were still in the chophouse. - -The large dining room still showed that a desperate fight had taken -place there, for the floor was covered with broken dishes. - -The waiters and cooks had taken their departure for the night, and Parks -and Nixon had gone out. - -“What strikes me as peculiar,” said Geary, “is the way the fellows got -out of the place.” - -“The men you named a moment ago have a way of doing such things,” -replied Gilmore. - -“I stood right there by the stairs,” said Geary, “and I’ll take my oath -that only one of them went in that rush.” - -“Which one?” - -“The advance agent.” - -“Then, where did the other go?” - -“I give it up.” - -“I’m afraid the electric-drill scheme is busted,” said Gilmore. “If the -detectives are onto us, we certainly can’t carry out the plans made in -New York.” - -“But there are three millions in that bank vault.” - -“If we can’t get them out they may as well be in India.” - -“We must get them out.” - -“How?” - -“By the old plan.” - -“With those fellows watching us?” sneered Gilmore. - -“I wish Parks had gone all the way to Sing Sing.” - -“What’s he got to do with it?” - -“The detectives followed him here. They have known where we were all the -time,” said Geary, “and when Parks led them here, they guessed he was -steering for some more of the ‘crooked’ family, and probably decided -they’d look into our history, and run us in with the man they want.” - -“Have you any idea they are watching the drill scheme?” questioned -Gilmore, anxiously. - -“How could they be?” - -“There is no knowing what those fellows will find out.” - -“The drill scheme is all right, notwithstanding what took place here -to-night,” said Geary. “How much money have we?” - -“Mighty little. Parks pulled out fifty to-night.” - -“Then he must earn some and replace it.” - -“How can he earn money, after what has happened to him?” - -“In the old way, I guess.” - -“Burglary?” - -“Of course.” - -“But will he do it?” asked Gilmore. - -“Of course he will. Morton Parks is not Doc Helstone, leader of -criminals, now. He’s just an everyday crook, willing to do anything for -money till he gets another gang under his thumb, and that will take -time. Didn’t he try to hold a man up in his own house to-night?” - -“All right, then; just put him onto that South-Side scheme.” - -During the short silence that followed the sound of a scuffle came from -beyond the door leading to the cellar. - -Then there was a faint cry, and all was still. - -Geary started to his feet and turned pale. - -“What was that?” he asked. - -Gilmore walked to the door and swung it open. - -There was the dark staircase leading to the equally dark cellar below, -and nothing else. - -The two men looked tremblingly in each other’s face for a moment. They -were both longing, yet fearing, to ask the same question. - -Finally Gilmore spoke. - -“Can it be possible,” he asked, “that one of those fellows got down -there during the fight?” - -“It is possible,” replied Geary. “Get a candle and we’ll go down and -look the place over.” - -In the cellar everything looked as usual. - -There was the double partition which had been built to shut the noise of -the motor and the drill from the street, there were tools, pipes and -iron bands lying around, and there, just beyond the broken cellar wall, -was the heavy granite foundation of the bank vault. - -The two men searched through every inch of the place, and then turned to -the double wall. - -“There is a door through here somewhere,” said Gilmore. - -“Yes,” was the reply, “but it fastens from the other side as well as -this, and we can never get through without breaking it down.” - -“Well, if we can’t get through no one else can, that is one sure thing,” -replied Gilmore. “It must have been the rats we heard.” - -“Help! Help!” - -The men were about to ascend the stairs to the room above when the cry -reached their ears. - -They drew their revolvers and stepped back. - -Again the place was still. - -There was no motion anywhere in the cellar. - -“The place is haunted,” whispered Geary. - -“I shall be glad if it turns out to be ghosts,” was the reply. - -While the men waited and listened, the sound of blows and low-muttered -curses came from the other side of the double partition. - -“One of those detectives did get down here,” said Gilmore. “If he gets -out there is an end of our scheme, and all the money we have put into -it.” - -“You stay here,” whispered Geary, “and I’ll go around in front and get -into the other room that way.” - -“Well, hurry.” - -Geary darted away, and Gilmore stood watching the door. - -Then the latter heard steps and voices in the dining room above, and for -a single instant left his post of duty. - -As he crept to the head of the stairs to look into the dining room, he -thought he heard the creaking of a door behind him, and stopped to -listen. - -The noise was not repeated, and he went on. - -Had he returned to the cellar at that instant, he would have found the -door in the double partition wide open. - -He would have seen the body of one of his pals lying for an instant on -the narrow threshold. - -He would have seen the body drawn through into the rear basement, and -the door softly closed and fastened. - -He would have seen a dark figure in the dress of an iron worker lift the -body and carry it through the broken cellar wall. - -Then he would have seen two figures, one always carrying the other -through the almost pitchy darkness, hiding in a corner near the granite -wall of the bank vault. - -But he saw nothing of this. - -He went on up the staircase and stood for a moment on the last step. - -Parks and Nixon had returned, and were walking about the place. - -The former had procured a new suit of clothes and looked more like -himself, though his growing beard and mustache served as a sort of -disguise. - -“What’s up here?” he demanded. “Where’s Gilmore?” - -“Here,” called that gentleman from the head of the stairs. “Did you see -Geary as you came in?” - -“Yes. What’s he rushing around in that way for? Anything wrong?” - -“I should say so. Come into the cellar. Turn the key in the front door -first.” - -Parks did as requested, and then all three men hastened down the cellar -stairs. - -“Hello, there!” - -It was Geary, calling from the other side of the double wall. - -“Well?” - -“Everything all right there?” - -“Yes.” - -“It’s O. K. here. I wonder what it was we heard?” - -As he spoke, Geary placed his hand on the fastening of the door and -opened it. - -“It wasn’t fastened on this side,” he said, stepping through. - -“It was on this side, though,” replied Gilmore, “so everything must be -all right, after all.” - -“Did you look in the space around the vault?” - -“Yes; don’t you remember going in there with me?” - -“Of course. Then the noise we heard must have been out on the street, or -in some adjoining cellar.” - -“I suppose so,” replied Gilmore. - -Then he turned to Parks. - -“Did you find out about that place?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -“Can you work it?” - -“Yes; but it must be done to-night, and I must have help.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE FLAT BURGLARY. - - -It was long past midnight, and a slow, winter rain was falling. - -Shivering with the cold, and muttering imprecations against the weather, -Parks and Nixon left the shelter of the chophouse and walked rapidly -toward Wabash Avenue. - -“We ought to have been out an hour ago,” muttered the former, “then we -shouldn’t have missed the cable.” - -“The owl car’s all right for a job like this,” was the sullen reply. -“You’ll be wanting a hack next.” - -“Why not take a hack down as far as Thirty-ninth Street?” demanded -Parks. “It will be daylight before we get there at this rate.” - -“Have you the price?” - -“Of course.” - -“Then call a cab.” - -In a moment the two men, fairly well housed from the storm, were -whirling southward. - -“Who first got onto this plant?” asked Parks, as they rode along. - -“Gilmore.” - -“He’s a cute one.” - -“You bet he is.” - -Nixon did not seem disposed to talk. - -“How much is there of it?” asked Parks. - -“About five thousand dollars, besides the jewelry.” - -“The fellow’s a fool to keep so much stuff in his room.” - -“He is all of that.” - -“And you know the plan of the building well?” - -“I was there to-day.” - -“And the old man sleeps alone on the third floor away from the rest of -the family?” - -“That’s what I said.” - -“Well, you needn’t be so mighty short about it. Do you want to go in and -get the stuff while I watch outside, or shall I go in?” - -“Gilmore arranged for you to go in.” - -“All right.” - -“And there is to be no slugging.” - -“Suppose he wakes up and kicks?” - -“Snatch all there is in sight and git out.” - -“I guess I’ll run the job in my own way,” growled Parks. “I was in the -business when Gilmore was working on a farm.” - -“Suit yourself.” - -The men were so busy talking, and the night was so dark and rainy, that -they did not notice that one cab passed them several times, went on -south for a block or two on each occasion, and then turned north again. - -The man seated in the cab strained his ears each time in the endeavor to -hear what the men in the other vehicle were saying, but he could only -catch a word now and then. - -The pursuing cab finally fell in behind the other, and the two vehicles -proceeded together at a fast trot toward Thirty-ninth Street. - -There Parks and Nixon got out, and without once looking around to see if -they were followed, walked rapidly toward Forty-third Street. - -The man in the second cab never lost sight of them. - -He, too, left his cab at Thirty-ninth Street and walked south. - -About halfway between Cottage Grove Avenue and the Illinois Central -Railway tracks Parks and Nixon stopped and slunk into a stairway. - -Their “shadow” was not twenty feet behind. - -While they consulted together, he passed the spot where they stood, and -entered the next stairway to the east. - -The apartments in the row--an entire block in length--were all exactly -alike. - -There were three flats in each division, and each flat had seven rooms. - -There were in each one a front and a back parlor, a dining room, a -kitchen, a bedroom off the front parlor, one off the kitchen and a -bathroom off from the hall leading to the kitchen. - -In each instance the back parlor and the bathroom were lighted by an air -shaft running from the first floor to the roof. - -The men talked for some time in the hallway and Nick, for it was he, at -last succeeded in getting near enough to hear what they were saying. - -“He sleeps in the back parlor on the third floor,” Nixon was saying, -“and he always leaves his watch and diamonds on the dresser, and places -the money under his pillow.” - -“Give me the key.” - -Nick heard the jingle of keys, and then Nixon said: - -“His son sleeps in the hall bedroom. Don’t make any noise at the door. -When you get the stuff make a run for it if there is any kick made.” - -Nick darted away, and entering the next stairway, ascended to the second -floor. - -Here he rapped softly on the door leading into the flat on the right of -the hall. - -In a moment the door was opened about an inch. - -“What do you want?” demanded a gruff voice. - -“Are you alone in the room?” - -“Yes; but I have a good gun with me. Keep away.” - -“You’ll do,” said Nick, with a laugh. “You won’t get scared if I tell -you something?” - -“I hope not.” - -“Well, they are burglarizing the flat opposite, and I want to get where -I can see what’s going on, and make an arrest when the time comes.” - -“Who are you?” - -“An officer.” - -The fellow was becoming more and more suspicious, and Nick was becoming -more and more impatient. - -“Will you let me in?” Nick finally asked. - -“I don’t believe you are an officer,” was the reply. “If the flat over -there is being robbed, you must be in with it.” - -“In that case I wouldn’t be likely to be here telling you about it, -would I?” - -“That’s very true, unless you mean to rob this flat, too.” - -The fellow finally opened the door, and Nick stepped through the back -parlor, passed into the hall leading to the kitchen, and entered the -bathroom, from which a full view of the flat across the way could be -had. - -There was no light in the place, except such as crept in from the street -lamps, but this was enough to show the detective that the man who had -admitted him was dressed from head to foot, even to his collar and -necktie. - -“This is a strange time of night for a man to be sitting all dressed in -a dark room,” thought the detective. “Perhaps I have come to the wrong -place for help in capturing these burglars.” - -Nick stood looking across the airshaft to the window of the back parlor -opposite, but there was nothing to be seen there. - -The window shades were drawn, and there was no sound of life in the dark -space beyond them. - -Then the detective heard a voice at his elbow: - -“What are you doing?” - -Nick did not like the fellow’s tone. - -“Waiting,” he replied, shortly. - -“You can’t wait much longer in my rooms.” - -“Why not?” - -“I want to go to bed.” - -“With your clothes on?” - -The fellow muttered something, and struck a match. - -“What are you going to do?” asked Nick. - -“Light the gas.” - -The detective stepped forward and extinguished the flame of the match. - -“Don’t do that,” he said. “You will only warn the men who are on their -way into the next flat.” - -“What do I care about the next flat? I don’t believe there are any -burglars about, anyway.” - -Nick thought the fellow spoke unnecessarily loud. - -He did not like the way he crowded against him. - -There was still no light or motion from across the airshaft. - -The detective, standing with one hand resting on the window ledge, felt -his fingers come in contact with some metallic substance. - -He picked it up, and tried to discover its nature by the sense of -feeling. - -But that was a hard thing to do. - -He could hear the occupant of the flat moving away toward the windows -facing on Forty-third Street, and, in a moment, lit a match. - -The thing he held in his hand was evidently a revolving armature, and in -one end was a “chuck,” into which a diamond-pointed drill could be -fitted. Nick slipped the article into his pocket and turned away from -the bathroom window. - -“There is no use in staying here,” he thought, “for the burglary was -probably planned in this room. I was a fool to come in here looking for -help.” - -He had no doubt that the burglars had in some way been warned before he -was well in the rooms. - -“Where are you going?” - -The occupant asked the question as Nick reached the door. - -“Going home.” - -“Not yet.” - -There was a tone of triumph in the fellow’s voice. - -“And why not?” - -“I want to know who you are, and why you came here with such a story at -this time of night.” - -Nick was about to brush past the fellow and pass on downstairs, when a -low cry came from the direction of the bathroom. - -He placed his hand on his weapon and hastened back. - -The occupant of the flat kept close to his heels. - -“You seem to have changed your mind,” he said, with a sneering laugh. - -For a single instant the bathroom was flooded with light. - -The window shades across the airshaft were up, and the gas in the back -parlor of the opposite flat was burning brightly. - -The detective saw a white-haired man sitting up in bed with a look of -terror on his wrinkled face. - -In front of the bed stood a masked man, holding a revolver within an -inch of the old man’s forehead. - -By the side of the dresser stood another masked figure, eagerly raking -off the articles of jewelry which the old man had placed there on -retiring. - -The thief’s hand was, for an instant, clearly outlined against the pure -white marble of the dresser. - -In a second the light went out and the place was in darkness once more. - -Nick sprang toward the door. - -His purpose now was to reach the stairway below before the burglars -descended, and there arrest them both. - -As he sprang through the bathroom door he felt himself seized from -behind. - -The detective had never before met a strength equal to his own. - -He tried to dash his assailant aside, but found that he could not do so. - -He tried to bring his revolver to bear, but his arms were bound to his -side by that terrible grasp. - -He raised his feet from the floor and threw his whole weight downward, -thinking that a roll and a struggle on the carpet might break the -other’s hold. - -The two men went to the floor together. - -Nick fell on top, but he could not hold the advantage for a single -instant. - -The next instant he realized that he was fighting three men instead of -one, and that they had him in their power. - -He knew that he was being beaten about the head, and that a long-bladed -knife was flashing before his eyes. - -Then everything passed away, and he ceased to struggle. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE POISON BALL. - - -“If you get a hot foot after you, don’t come here.” - -“No; the coppers have had pointers enough already.” - -“We may come back if we get the boodle and come out all right, though?” - -Parks asked the question in a sneering tone. - -“As you choose.” - -Then Chick heard Parks and Nixon leaving the place, and heard Gilmore -and Geary go up the cellar stairs. - -He was practically alone in the cellar. - -The man he had overpowered on entering lay unconscious by the bank -vault. - -“I got him through that partition just in time,” thought the detective, -as he peered through the broken cellar wall, “for they would have hunted -the place over until they found me, had they seen their chum lying -there.” - -According to instructions, Chick had slipped into the cellar during the -fight in the dining room. - -At first he thought himself alone in the place. - -It was only when he passed through the door in the double wall, on the -approach of the men from upstairs, that he realized that the gang had -left a watchman there. - -While Gilmore and Geary were talking on one side of the wall, the -watchman and Chick were fighting desperately on the other side. - -If Gilmore had remained in the cellar, Chick would certainly have been -discovered. - -As it was, the four men, after the arrival of Parks and Nixon, coolly -planned the burglary on Forty-third Street, and then left the cellar. - -Chick knew that his chief would follow anyone leaving the place that -night, and that he would be likely to have something to say about the -affair on the South Side. - -He fairly ached to be with him. - -He did not like the idea of being shut up in the damp cellar all night, -and then having to fight his way out in the morning. - -He reasoned in this way: - -“I have found out all I can about the place. - -“I have seen the electric motor. - -“I have seen the broken cellar wall. - -“I have seen the unprotected granite wall of the bank. - -“Why not get out and follow Nick?” - -But what should he do with the captured watchman? - -He would not remain unconscious long. - -The burglars must not know that the detectives had discovered their -plot. - -He finally handcuffed the fellow’s hands behind his back, tied his -ankles together, gagged him, and prepared to leave the cellar. - -Then a new difficulty presented itself. - -The door in the double wall was fastened on the street side. - -It would take a long time to cut through it with such tools as the -detective had. - -He must pass out, if at all, through the chophouse. - -After some little delay he crept to the head of the stairs and listened. - -Gilmore and Geary were still in the place. - -He could hear them talking in subdued tones. - -The lights were out in the dining room, and the place was evidently -closed for the night. - -They were waiting for the return of Parks and Nixon. - -Chick tried the knob of the cellar door. - -It turned easily, and the door opened without noise. - -It was very dark in that part of the room, and the detective ventured -forth. - -He had hardly closed the door behind himself when Gilmore sprang to his -feet with an oath and lit the gas. - -“What’s up?” asked Geary. - -“We’re a couple of fools.” - -“Well?” - -“Did you see the watchman down there?” - -“Didn’t know there was one.” - -“Well, there was.” - -“Where was he when we were there?” - -“That’s just what I’d like to know.” - -“Probably off on a drunk,” suggested Geary. - -“Not much. He’s been arrested,” said Gilmore. “I thought all along that -there was something wrong down there.” - -Geary laughed. - -“I never saw you act as you are acting to-night,” he said. “What has got -into you?” - -“I tell you that there is something wrong in the cellar.” - -“Well,” said Geary, “then we’d better go down and make it right.” - -He lit a candle as he spoke. - -Gilmore reached up to turn off the gas. - -His companion caught him by the arm. - -“Wait!” he said, in a whisper. - -“What is it?” - -“There’s some one in the room.” - -Two revolvers flashed in the light. - -Chick was in a tight place. - -“I’ll stand here with my gun,” said Gilmore, “and you light all the gas -jets in the room. Then we can see to kill the spy.” - -Geary set about obeying orders. - -In another moment the place where Chick stood would be as light as day. - -Then both burglars would begin shooting at him. - -They would take any chance rather than allow him to escape after having -gained admission to the cellar. - -Chick moved cautiously toward the cellar door. - -As he did so a bullet grazed his hat. - -He sprang for an instant into full view, and darted down the stairs, -followed by half a dozen bullets. - -Gilmore was fairly white with rage. - -“He must have been down there all the time,” he said. - -“And heard the plans laid for the burglary,” added Geary. - -There was a moment’s silence, during which both men took good care to -keep out of range of the cellar door. - -“He might shoot,” suggested Gilmore, pointing toward the dark opening -through which Chick had disappeared. - -“Of course he’ll shoot.” - -Geary was not in a consoling mood. - -“What is to be done?” asked Gilmore. - -“Blessed if I know.” - -“Think. I can’t.” - -“Can he get out?” - -“Only by passing through this room.” - -“The door in the double wall----” - -“Is fastened on the street side.” - -“Then let him stay there until Parks and Nixon come back.” - -“And a great roast they’ll have on us.” - -Gilmore was becoming decidedly savage. - -Geary did not take the matter so much to heart. He was sure that it -would all come out right in the end. - -“Let them roast if they want to,” said the latter. - -“I won’t have it.” - -“Well?” - -“I’m going down there.” - -Gilmore pointed to the cellar as he spoke. - -“You’ll get your head shot off if you do.” - -“I don’t care. I won’t have this scheme ruined now,” said Gilmore, with -an oath. - -Geary pondered a moment. - -“You might go down the front way,” he suggested, “and get a shot at the -fellow through the door.” - -“Just the thing.” - -When Gilmore reached the street door, he saw a man waiting there, and -looking through the glass panel as he waited. - -The door was hastily unlocked, and the man stepped inside. - -“What’s going on here?” he asked. - -“The devil is to pay.” - -“Then pay him, if you can find a member of your crowd that has a soul. I -understand that the gentleman you name has a liking for souls, my -friend.” - -The newcomer was tall and slender, with sharp eyes and very glossy black -whiskers, which clung close to a very white face. - -He was an important personage in the electric-drill combination, having -supplied most of the money with which to equip the chophouse and -purchase the machinery. - -“You will have your joke,” growled Gilmore. - -“Anything new from the South Side?” asked the newcomer, who was a doctor -by profession, and always smelled of drugs. - -“Parks and Nixon are still there,” was the reply. - -“Did they get away from here without being followed?” - -“I think so.” - -Gilmore locked the door again, and the two men joined Geary in the back -end of the room. - -“Tell me what’s up,” said the doctor, looking from one man to the other -in amazement. - -In a moment more it all came out. - -A detective had found his way into the cellar. - -The doctor cursed until the air was almost blue. - -Chick, peeping from the head of the stairs, heard it all, and rather -enjoyed it. - -“Why haven’t you been doing something?” demanded the doctor. “For all -you know, the fellow may be out in the street and halfway to police -headquarters now.” - -“He can’t get out. The door in the wall is fastened from the street -side.” - -It was Geary who spoke. - -The doctor glanced at him for an instant, and then said: - -“An hour ago you would have told me that he could not get into the -cellar at all. Go to the street, and watch the front door.” - -Geary departed without saying a word. - -Then the doctor turned to Gilmore. - -“Isn’t it about time the boys were back from Forty-third Street?” he -asked. - -“I think not,” was the reply. “Have you any fears as to the result down -there?” - -“None whatever,” was the answer. “Even if Parks and Nixon made a mess of -it, my roommate will straighten them out.” - -“He will be there, of course?” - -“Yes.” - -“In the flat across the airshaft?” - -“Didn’t we rent it for this special occasion?” - -The men conversed for some moments in whispers, and then the doctor -crept cautiously to the head of the stairs. - -“He is still there,” he whispered back, in a moment. - -“In the rear room?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then throw your poison ball.” - -The doctor drew away from the doorway for a second, and took a little -round white substance from his pocket. - -“You can’t use the place to-morrow,” he said, warningly, as he for a -moment held the ball suspended in the air between his thumb and -forefinger. - -“What is it?” asked Gilmore. - -“Something made for just such places,” was the reply. - -“Will it produce death?” - -“Not at once, but it will make a man lay like a corpse for twelve hours. -Then, if restoratives are not applied, death results.” - -“Throw it.” - -Chick heard something drop almost at his feet. - -Then came an explosion, followed by a horrible, choking odor. - -Chick tried to breathe, but found it impossible. He felt himself -falling, and heard a strange, rushing sound in his ears. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE MAN IN THE WARDROBE. - - -“There’s a dead man down there.” - -“Down where?” - -“In the doctor’s flat.” - -The man living in the flat above the one where Nick Carter had been -assaulted looked up from the morning paper. - -“How do you know?” he asked. - -The wife gave a little shiver as she answered: - -“I saw it.” - -The head of the family laid down the paper. - -“When?” he asked. - -“When I got up,” began the woman, “I stepped to the window looking into -the airshaft. I did not sleep well last night, on account of the noise -down there, and I thought I would see if everything there looked as -usual.” - -“Well?” - -“Of course I couldn’t see into the rooms under us, so I turned my -attention to the rooms on the other side of the shaft.” - -“How slow you are. Go on.” - -“Well, a heavy black curtain hung over the opposite windows, making an -almost perfect mirror of the plate glass in the sash.” - -“Well--well?” - -“And there, in that mirror, I saw the body of a dead man lying in the -back parlor of the doctor’s flat.” - -“Was the doctor there?” - -“Yes.” - -“Alone?” - -“Yes.” - -“What was he doing--preparing to cut up the body?” - -“No; he was cleaning up.” - -The head of the house resumed his paper for a moment and then laid it -down again. - -“Why didn’t you tell me of this before?” he asked. - -“Oh, I thought it merely a freak of the doctor’s.” - -“What noises did you hear down there last night?” - -“You are not in court now,” said the woman, with a laugh. “I don’t know -as I can describe the noises I heard. There were blows and the sound of -scuffling.” - -The man of the house walked to the hall door, and opened it. - -“I wonder if the doctor is there yet?” he asked. - -“He went away an hour ago,” was the reply. - -The man went down and tried the door. - -It was locked, and no one answered his call. - -“He’s gone, all right enough,” said the man, going upstairs again, “and -I’m going to have a look into that room.” - -“You have no right----” - -“Oh, yes, I have, my dear. The law gives me a right to go anywhere I -believe a crime is being committed.” - -“Will the law heal your head if you get it hurt?” asked the wife, -anxiously. - -“I’ll look out for that, too.” - -The head of the house got his wife’s clothesline down, and raised the -window opening the airshaft. - -The flat straight across was unoccupied, and the heavy curtains which -had revealed so much still hung across the windows in the flat below, so -there was no danger of making a scene. - -The man swung himself down, and landed on the heavy ground glass at the -bottom of the shaft. - -The window was fastened and heavy curtains had been drawn across the -panes, but the investigator, by the exertion of all his strength, forced -the sash up, and looked inside the room. - -The man he saw lying there on the carpet was bound, and gagged, and -bloody, but he was not dead. - -“Help me out of this,” his eyes said, as plainly as words could have -done. - -The man removed the gag and stood looking down at him. - -“How did you come here?” he asked. - -“I didn’t get into this shape for the fun of it,” was the reply. “Take -these things off before those men come back.” - -“Who are you?” - -Nick nodded his chin toward an inside pocket. - -“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he said, “so you may look at my -credentials.” - -The man did look, and in about a second after he had done looking Nick -Carter was free of all bonds, and on his way to the flat above. - -It took but a few moments for the detective to explain all that had -taken place in the building the previous night. - -Nick was not seriously injured. - -A weaker man would have been laid up for days from the effects of the -bruises he had received, but Nick had too much work to do to think of -going to bed at all. - -He washed and dressed his wounds as best he could, partook of a light -breakfast, and then asked the man who had rescued him to inform the -officer on the beat below that something unusual had taken place in the -old man’s flat the night before. - -“That will place the matter in the hands of the police,” he said. “I -don’t want to take a hand in it just yet.” - -The man soon came back, and reported that the policeman had broken in -the door, and found the old man lying bound and gagged on the bed. A -large amount of money and some valuable jewelry had been taken. - -“And you have the clew?” said the man, inquiringly. - -“Yes, but I can’t give it now. I want to have another interview with -those people downstairs before the officers get hold of them.” - -“And they are in with the burglars?” - -“It seems so. How long have they lived there?” - -“About two weeks.” - -“It is a part of the electric-drill scheme,” said Nick. - -“What’s that?” - -“I was thinking aloud.” - -“But you spoke of an electric drill.” - -“Yes.” - -Nick Carter, for once, had been caught napping. He had spoken when he -should have remained silent. - -“That makes me think,” continued the man, “that the two doctors -downstairs are cranks on electricity.” - -“What do they do with electricity?” - -“They have a motor down there, and they have been drilling all sorts of -substances.” - -“How long has this been going on?” - -“Ever since they have lived there.” - -Nick thought of the armature he had found in the rooms below not long -before, and remained silent. - -“Now,” said the detective, “I want to be back in that room when the -doctors return, and I want you within reach in case I should need help. -What do you say to that?” - -“All right. I am dying for a scrap, anyway.” - -The two men descended to the lower flat, and Nick was placed in the -shape in which he had been left. - -The gag was in his mouth, and the ropes were on his wrists and ankles, -but they were fixed so that they could be cast aside at any moment. - -Nick’s companion secreted himself in a huge wardrobe in the room. - -In ten minutes the door was unlocked from the outside, and two men -entered, only one of whom the detective knew. - -One was the man who had attacked Nick and the other was the man who had -thrown the poisonous ball at Chick in the cellar of the chophouse. - -“It worked like a charm,” the latter was saying. “The spy keeled over in -a second, and you ought to see the stuff we got out of his clothes.” - -“Money?” - -“Yes, money and disguises and letters of introduction. He’ll make an -excellent subject for the dissecting table in a day or two.” - -Nick trembled, for he knew that they were talking about Chick. - -“Is he dead?” - -“No, but you know that he will die if restoratives are not applied -inside of twelve hours.” - -“The twelve hours will be up at two o’clock this afternoon?” - -“Yes.” - -“And then?” - -“Why, we’ll cut him up--in the interest of science, of course.” - -The doctor laughed brutally as he spoke. - -“How’s the chophouse to-day?” asked the other. - -“It stinks.” - -“Closed up?” - -“Tight as a drum.” - -“The cellar is being worked, I suppose?” - -“Yes, the boys are all at work, except the watchman Chick came so near -killing. He’s gone to bed.” - -“Things must be about ready down there?” - -“The drilling begins to-night.” - -Nick thought he heard a faint exclamation from the direction of the -wardrobe. - -One of the doctors also heard the noise. - -“What’s that?” he asked. - -His companion made no reply, but stepped up to the place where the -detective was lying. - -“See here,” he said, “your friend is awake.” - -The other advanced, and removed the gag. - -“You might have done it yourself,” he said, addressing Nick, “it’s loose -enough.” - -“How do you like your quarters?” asked the other doctor. - -“Not very well,” was the reply. - -“You heard what we have been saying?” - -“Yes.” - -“How do you like the fate in store for Chick?” - -“He’s not dead yet,” replied Nick. - -“You have an idea that you’ll both get away?” - -“Of course.” - -“Well, you’ll both be on the dissecting table in twenty-four hours. -You’ll make good subjects, too.” - -“Put me in a chair,” said the detective. “The floor is like a rock.” - -The doctors lifted him up. - -“You have only a short time to live,” one of them said, “and we may as -well make you comfortable.” - -The next moment one of the ruffians stood before the detective with a -rag saturated with ether. - -“It’s time to put you to sleep,” he said. “You’ll wake up in a place -where you won’t need an overcoat.” - -The instant the muscular doctor came within reach, Nick sprang to his -feet, and struck out with his right, throwing all the strength of his -strong arm and all the weight of his body into the blow. - -The doctor caught the blow under the ear, and went to the floor like a -dead man. - -Then the door of the wardrobe was thrown open, and Nick’s rescuer dashed -out. - -The other doctor sprang for the door, but the man from the wardrobe got -there first. - -In a moment the doctor was thrown to the floor and handcuffed. - -But although captured, the fellow was not conquered. - -“There’s one sure thing,” he said, “and that is that you can’t save -Chick. He’s got a dose that will finish him.” - -“All right,” said Nick, coolly, “I can get another assistant, but you -can’t get another neck after the law gets done with the one you have.” - -“Will the charge against me be murder?” - -“Certainly.” - -“Is that other chap asleep?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then I want to talk to you alone.” - -Nick motioned to his friend to step outside. - -The next moment there was a sharp report, and a terrible odor crept into -the room. The doctor had thrown another poison ball. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -“THE DOCTOR.” - - -“There! You may set the electric drill in motion to-night, or as soon as -you please.” - -Nixon stood by a basin of water in the cellar, washing his hands. - -Gilmore and Geary, with smiling faces, stood near the break in the -cellar wall. - -“Three million dollars are almost within reach,” said the latter, “and -then here’s one man for Europe.” - -“What’s that for?” asked Gilmore. - -“It’s safer over there.” - -Gilmore lit a cigar and handed one to his companion. - -“It’s safe enough anywhere now,” he said. - -“What makes you think so?” - -“Haven’t we got rid of Nick Carter and Chick?” - -Geary looked doubtful for a moment. - -“They are out of the way for the present,” he said, seeing that Gilmore -expected him to say something. - -“Do you think they will get away?” demanded Gilmore. - -“I’m afraid they will.” - -Gilmore took the candle in his hand and walked through the break in the -cellar wall. - -Turning to the right, he faced toward the rear of the bank vault, and -lifted the flashing candle above his head. - -“There,” he said, “do you see anything there?” - -As he spoke he pointed to the figure of a man lying on the floor. - -“Yes.” - -“Does it look as if he’d get away?” - -“Hardly.” - -“Do you think the doctors will allow Nick to escape?” - -“No.” - -“Of course not. They want him too much for that. Don’t you think so?” - -“What you say is all true,” said Geary, “but for all that you may rest -assured that we are not through with Nick Carter yet.” - -As he spoke, Geary and Gilmore felt a hand laid on their shoulders. - -Each gave a start of surprise. - -The doctor stood before them. - -“My friend Chick seems to be behaving himself,” he said, with a smile. - -“What brings you back here at this time?” asked Gilmore. - -“Restlessness.” - -“How did you leave our friend, Nick Carter?” asked Geary. - -“A trifle under the weather.” - -“Conscious?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then look out for him.” - -“He’s in good hands,” replied the doctor. - -“Where’s Richard?” asked Gilmore. - -“At the rooms. He won’t be down to-day.” - -“What?” - -“He won’t be down until evening.” - -“What are you down for? We shall have a hard night of it.” - -“I want to get this young man away.” - -“What young man?” - -“Chick.” - -Gilmore looked puzzled. - -“I thought he was to remain here,” he said. - -“And have the officers find him with the broken vault in the morning? I -should say not.” - -“Where do you want to take him?” - -“To a place where we can cut him up, of course.” - -“That’s the doctor of it,” said Gilmore, with an oath. - -Then Nixon stepped back to where the three men were talking. - -“Are you going to cut Nick Carter up, too?” he asked. - -“Of course.” - -“Who let you in?” asked Nixon. - -“The fellow at the door.” - -“He was there when you came in, then?” - -“Yes, and he made a kick about letting me in. He said something about -the word having been changed.” - -“He must have been drunk,” said Gilmore, “for the word has not been -changed.” - -“Well,” said Nixon, “the fellow has disappeared.” - -The doctor appeared to be very angry. - -“You will spoil the whole scheme by putting such men on guard,” he said, -“and at this critical time, too.” - -“I’ll run that door myself, after this,” said Nixon, “or at least until -the drill starts.” - -The doctor stepped forward and bent over the still figure lying in the -corner by the bank vault. - -“He’s about gone,” he said. “We must get him out of this before he -dies.” - -“Why so?” - -“Because you can take an unconscious man through the streets very -easily, but you can’t stir with a dead one.” - -“You are right about that,” said Geary. “I have tried both.” - -“How are you going to get him away?” asked Gilmore. - -“In a carriage, I suppose.” - -“Well, call one, then, and let’s have done with the affair for good and -all.” - -Geary went out to call a carriage “for a sick man,” and the doctor went -back to the motionless figure by the vault. - -Gilmore watched him closely. - -Finally he saw him take a bottle from his pocket and press it to Chick’s -lips. - -“What are you doing?” he demanded. - -“Trying to get rid of this accursed smell,” was the cool reply. - -“I wish you could take the stink out of the rooms upstairs,” said -Gilmore. - -“You won’t want the rooms to-morrow,” was the reply. - -“I hope not.” - -Then Nixon came back and announced that the carriage was waiting. - -The doctor and Nixon took Chick by the feet and shoulders, and carried -him to the street door of the chophouse. - -Then Gilmore called Nixon to the back end of the room, to a place where -the doctor could not overhear what was being said. - -“What do you think of this?” he asked. - -“Of what?” - -“Taking Chick away.” - -“I don’t like it.” - -“Well,” said Gilmore, with an oath, “I don’t like it either. He may -escape.” - -“Then don’t let him go.” - -“But the doctor wants him.” - -“Confound the doctor.” - -“He’s been a good producer, Nixon,” said Gilmore. - -“Yes, and has allowed us to do all the work and assume all the risks. -Where was he last night when we were out there at his block? He ought to -have been on deck then.” - -“I know it, old man.” - -Nixon chewed the end of his cigar, and looked ugly. - -“I’ll tell you what it is,” he said, in a moment. “I won’t leave this -young man, Chick, until I see the knife in him.” - -“I was about to suggest that.” - -“I’ve had enough of this monkey work with Nick Carter and his gang,” -continued the burglar. “I have had Nick and Chick in my power before -to-night, and they have always escaped through some soft-heartedness on -the part of some member of the party. That don’t happen this time.” - -Gilmore seemed greatly pleased. - -“You stick to that kind of talk regarding detectives,” he said, “and -you’ll wear diamonds.” - -Nixon turned away toward the door. - -“Remember,” Gilmore whispered in his ear, “any knife will do as well as -a surgeon’s knife.” - -The doctor, standing at the street door, with his hand on the knob, -heard the words, and gave a sudden start. - -“Hurry,” he said, when Nixon came up, “help me into the carriage with -this sick man and then you can run the place to suit yourself for a -little while, but I advise you to keep a closer watch on the door -opening on the street.” - -“I’m going with you.” - -Nixon spoke half angrily. - -“Oh, you are?” - -There was something so peculiar in the doctor’s tone that the burglar -looked up with a start. - -“That’s orders.” - -“From whom?” - -“Gilmore.” - -“Very well. Come along.” - -“He takes it mighty cool,” thought Nixon. But, then, he could not see -the doctor’s face from where he was standing. - -Chick was placed in the carriage without difficulty, and then the doctor -stepped forward to give the driver his orders. - -When he got back to the carriage door, Nixon was leaning over the still -figure of the detective. - -He held a wicked-looking knife in his hand, and seemed about to strike. - -The doctor caught his arm. - -“Don’t make a muss in the carriage,” he said, coolly. - -With an oath, Nixon threw himself into the front seat of the carriage -and folded his arms. - -“Keep me away from him, then,” he said. “I shall not wait for the drug -if I get another chance.” - -The doctor pointed out to the crowded streets. - -“See the risk you would run,” he said. - -The carriage drove straight to the Windsor Hotel. - -Nixon glared about in a suspicious manner, but helped to carry the -unconscious man to a room on the second floor without making any -remarks. - -He cursed and swore at the crowd which gathered around the stairway when -Chick was taken from the vehicle, but said nothing to his companion -until the door of the room was closed behind them. - -“What does this mean?” he then demanded. - -He spoke with his hand on the handle of a revolver, but before he could -draw it the doctor had him covered. - -“It means,” was the calm reply, “that you are under arrest. Throw up -your hands.” - -“You are joking, doctor.” - -The “doctor’s” false beard and wig were off in an instant, and Nick -Carter stood revealed. - -Regardless of the weapon held within an inch of his face, Nixon, wild -with rage, sprang at the detective. - -Nick did not care to use his revolver and so attract the attention of -the police and the people in the house. - -He grappled with his assailant, and the two men rolled on the carpet -together. - -Nixon was a muscular fellow, and he now fought with all the cunning and -all the fierce strength of a maniac. - -He had a knife in his possession, and he exerted himself to the utmost -to bring it into use. - -Nick knew the danger he was in, and tried hard to bring the fight to a -sudden close. - -Not only his own life, but that of his assistant also depended upon his -exertions. - -In a moment the struggling men heard steps in the hall, and then the -door of the room was thrown open. - -Nick expected that the intruder was an employee of the hotel. - -Nixon was afraid it was an officer. - -It was neither. - -It was one of the toughs who had attacked Chick the previous night in -the chophouse. - -Gilmore had ordered him to follow the carriage. - -Nick sprang to his feet, and drew his revolver. - -With grins of triumph, Nixon and the thug advanced upon him. - -“We’ve got you at last,” hissed the former. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -A LONG JUMP. - - -“The electric drill ought to be working by this time.” - -Chester Smith, the wealthy banker, Nick Carter, Chick and two detectives -from the city force sat in a room not far from the chophouse. - -It was nearly midnight, and they had been waiting there two hours. - -“It beats anything I ever heard of,” said the banker. “When burglars -took money from under my pillow, stole my revolver, cooked a breakfast -in my kitchen, tapped my wine, and left an explanatory tag tied to my -dog’s tail, I thought the limit of audacity had been reached; but this -robbing a bank by machinery throws all that in the shade.” - -The detectives laughed heartily at the banker’s account of the burglar’s -visit to his residence. - -Then Chick turned to his chief. - -“I’d like to know,” he said, “how you got that make-up from the doctor, -and how you knew what drug to use in order to help me back to life.” - -“Why,” said Nick, “the fool of a doctor tried to catch me by giving me a -dose of the same medicine he gave you. I got out of the room mighty -quick and shut the door.” - -“And he had to take the dose himself?” - -“Exactly. Well, the ball wasn’t very strong, and when I went back into -the room the fellow was still conscious, although lacking the power of -motion.” - -“That’s the way I felt at first.” - -“He motioned for me to take a bottle out of his pocket, and give him -some of its contents. I did so, and he was soon on his feet. So you see -I had the remedy right in my own hands. As for the doctor’s rig, I made -him give that up at the police station.” - -“It was a perfect fit,” laughed Chick. “How Nixon started when you threw -it off.” - -“You were conscious at that time?” - -“Of course. I began to recover the instant you gave me the antidote, but -I didn’t want those fellows to catch on. I guess Nixon had an idea that -I was as good as dead. When I sprang from the bed and got him by the -neck he acted as if he had seen a ghost.” - -“You saved my life there,” said Nick. “I couldn’t have fought another -round.” - -One of the detectives who stood by the window now turned toward the -little group. - -“It’s time to go,” he said. “The lights are out in the chophouse and the -drill must be going.” - -“They are two hours late now,” said Nick, “but they may be waiting for -Nixon and the two doctors.” - -“They’ll have to wait a long time,” said Chick. - -The two detectives, Nick and Chick, now left the room and walked down to -the chophouse, where they stopped. - -The grinding of the electric drill could very plainly be heard. - -The city detectives went to the front door of the restaurant, while Nick -and his assistant crept down the area in front. - -As they expected, the door in the double partition was securely fastened -on both sides. - -They waited a few moments for the city officers to make their presence -known, but the work on the other side of the double wall went on as if -there were no officers within a thousand miles. - -“Stay here and guard this door,” said Nick, “and I’ll go around and see -what’s the matter.” - -The detective found the door of the chophouse open, and understood that -the city officers were on the inside. - -He entered and walked along through the dark room until he came to the -door leading to the basement. - -There he was met by a quick, sharp challenge. - -“Who’s there?” - -The detective hesitated an instant, and then answered: - -“Nixon.” - -His answer was followed by a sharp whistle, and then he heard a rush of -feet and the sound of excited voices in the basement. - -In an instant the detective realized what had happened. - -The city officers had been overpowered by the burglars. - -The arrest of Nixon had in some way become known. - -At this second invasion of the place the burglars were quitting their -work. - -Nick knew that if he effected the capture of the gang at all he must act -at once, without waiting for assistance. - -With a weapon in each hand, he sprang toward the stairs. - -The guard there fired one warning shot and retreated to the cellar. - -In a moment Nick had confronted the burglars. - -“Surrender!” he shouted. “I have a dozen officers at my back.” - -His only answer was several pistol shots, but the bullets flew wide of -their mark. - -Then the outlaws rushed upon the detective. - -Only one cowardly rascal turned to the door in the double wall to make -his escape. - -Busy as he was with the men about him, Nick could not help smiling when -he saw the fellow unfastening the door. - -He knew what would happen when he got it open. - -Nick was now hard pressed, for the burglars were fighting for dear -liberty. - -He was in a fair way to get the worst of the encounter when the man at -the door succeeded in getting it open, Chick having unfastened it from -the other side. - -As the burglar stepped into the opening he met a hard, white hand which -sent him back into the rear room. - -Then Chick sprang through the doorway with a yell, and began striking -right and left. - -Seeing a man creeping up behind Nick with a knife in his hand, Chick -drew his revolver and shot the fellow through the heart. - -This ended the battle. - -The burglars had no means of knowing how many more officers there were -in the front cellar, and they did not like the shooting. - -So they threw up their arms and surrendered. - -Geary and Parks were the first men handcuffed. - -Gilmore was nowhere in sight. - -“Well, you’ve got me at last,” snarled Parks. - -“Yes, and I could have had you much earlier,” retorted Nick, “but when I -took up your trail after you escaped on the way to Sing Sing, I knew you -would lead me to some other villains, and I thought I might as well bag -them too. Now, where is Gilmore?” - -“He went over the roof, and I hope you’ll catch him.” - -Nick, leaving Chick to guard the prisoners, dashed through the chophouse -and up the stairs to the roof. - -It was very dark, and at first he could see nothing. - -Finally, however, he heard a noise on the roof of the next building, -which was several feet lower than the roof of the one upon which the -detective then stood. - -He crept to the edge and looked down. - -A figure stood on the wall at the rear, looking over an alley, at least -twelve feet wide. - -As the detective looked, the figure sprang into the air and landed on -the other side. - -It was a desperate act, but well carried out. - -“Gilmore still has his old nerve,” thought Nick. “I wonder if I could -jump that alley?” - -He could, and he did, but when he stood in safety on the other side, -Gilmore had disappeared. - -Nick prowled around on the roof a long time, and was about to take his -departure when a low cry of fright reached his ears. - -He crept softly in the direction from which the sound had proceeded, and -found a faint light shining through a skylight in the roof. - -Looking down, he saw Gilmore standing by the side of a bed containing -two young men. - -He was evidently pleading with them for protection. - -The burglar had been careful to replace the skylight after leaving the -roof, and had drawn a table under the opening for the purpose. - -Nick pushed the sash aside, and dropped into the room. - -One of the young men saw him, but Nick pointed to the badge on his vest, -and the fellow remained silent. - -Before Gilmore knew that Nick was in the room, the detective was upon -him. - -There was a short, sharp struggle, and then the most daring house and -bank breaker in the world lay handcuffed on the floor. - -“What a bank burglar you would have made,” said Gilmore, as Nick sat -down by his side for a moment’s rest. - -“Think so?” - -“What have you done with Nixon, the two doctors and the doorkeeper?” -continued Gilmore. - -“All locked up.” - -“And Chick?” - -“Downstairs, keeping cases on the gang.” - -“Are they all under arrest?” - -“Every one.” - -“I suppose it was you that got Chick away?” - -“Of course.” - -“Again I say what a bank burglar you would have made.” - -Gilmore was in a great rage when, after being taken to police -headquarters, he learned that the whole gang had been captured by the -two New York detectives. - -“What became of the city officers?” he asked. - -Geary grinned and pointed toward the old chophouse cellar. - -“You’ll find them down there behind the bank vault,” he said. - -And there the officers were found, nearly suffocated and foaming with -rage. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -AWAITING NICK CARTER. - - -While these events were transpiring in Chicago the New York chief of -police was being interviewed by a woman who had a most remarkable story -to tell. - -So remarkable, indeed, that the chief persuaded his caller to defer any -action till Nick Carter returned home. - -The result was that when Nick reached his office he found this note -awaiting him: - - “Please call and see Miss Louise Templin at the St. James Hotel. - Don’t wait to see me first. See her. Very urgent.” - -Nick did not need to glance at the signature to find out who had written -this characteristic note. - -“When the chief says ‘very urgent,’ he means it,” was Nick’s inward -comment. - -A pile of letters had accumulated in his absence, but it did not take -him long to deal with his correspondents; then directing one of his -assistants to inform the chief that he had returned and was acting on -the urgent message, he started for the St. James and sent up his card to -Miss Templin. - -He was invited to “come right up,” and he soon afterward stood before -the entrance to a suite of rooms on the second floor. - -His knock was answered by a woman’s voice, which bade him enter. - -Accepting the invitation, he found himself standing in the presence of -a young lady, richly and tastefully dressed, and remarkably handsome. - -She held in her hand the card which Nick had sent up, and, glancing at -it, the young lady said: - -“You are Mr. Carter?” - -“At your service, Miss Templin.” - -“You come from the chief of police, I presume?” - -“I have just arrived in the city and have had an urgent message from the -chief asking me to call here.” - -“Please be seated, Mr. Carter.” - -When Nick had taken the chair which the young lady pointed out to him, -she continued: - -“It can scarcely be necessary, Mr. Carter, for me to apologize for -receiving you here, rather than in the public reception rooms of the -hotel, where we might be overheard in our conversation.” - -“I understand all that, Miss Templin. You wish to consult me -professionally.” - -“Yes. I called on your chief of police yesterday, and he advised me to -put the case in your hands. He also promised to send you to me, and I -see he has kept his promise promptly.” - -“I will be pleased to hear from you the nature of the work which you -have for me to do,” said Nick, in order to hasten matters. - -“Briefly, it is to find a man with a long, white beard,” she replied. - -“That is rather a vague undertaking,” smiled Nick. - -“You will not think so after I have told you more about it. - -“Five years ago my father, as I have up to a recent date had reason to -believe, died, and was buried. Last week I met either him alive and in -the flesh, or his double. I want you to run this mystery down and solve -it. That is the gist of the story. Now I will go into details.” - -“If you please, Miss Templin.” - -“As I said before, I had, up to last week, a perfect belief that my -father, Jason Templin, was dead and buried for three years.” - -“You were not present at his death and burial?” - -“No. I have been in Europe for four years.” - -“From whom did you get the news of his death?” - -“From my guardian, and my father’s most intimate friend.” - -“His name?” - -“Lawrence Lonsdale.” - -“Where does he live?” - -“In San Francisco.” - -“Where your father lived, and--is supposed to have died?” - -“Yes.” - -“Cannot you trust this Lonsdale?” - -“I have always believed I could until the sight of that man last week -raised a doubt in my mind of Mr. Lonsdale’s honesty. I am very anxious -to speedily have the doubt removed, or confirmed, and that is why I -applied to your chief of police for help. The affair must be cleared up -within the next few days.” - -“Why?” - -“Because I am the promised wife of Lawrence Lonsdale. He left San -Francisco for New York last evening, and we are to be married when he -reaches this city. There must be no uncertainty about this affair when -he arrives.” - -“Well, give me the details of the case, and I’ll see what can be done,” -said Nick. - -“For several years before his death,” began Miss Templin, “my father was -mentally dead and helpless.” - -“Insane?” - -“Hardly insane. His case puzzled the most eminent physicians on the -Pacific Coast. He retired one night, apparently in his usual good -health. Next morning he was found lying in bed, helpless, speechless -and, as it was soon discovered, with a brain which was mentally a blank. - -“After that day he never spoke, or showed signs of possessing the powers -of reasoning, understanding or hearing, and he never moved a muscle of -either leg. - -“The most wonderful part of the case was that his appetite was not -impaired, and he took nourishment regularly. Physically, he was as well -as ever, except that he never afterward would, or could, walk, talk or -hear. - -“For two years we called into his case all the medical skill on the -coast, but without a particle of success. Mr. Templin lived on, his -physical form as perfect as ever, but his mental or spiritual part -seemed to have died and left the body. - -“At the end of these two years a Dr. Greene, who conducted a sanitarium -near Oakland, devoted to mental diseases of the milder form, expressed -the belief that he could restore my father to the use of all his -faculties, if the afflicted man was placed in his care at his private -retreat. - -“I visited the sanitarium, and was shown the suite of rooms which Greene -offered to set aside for my poor father’s use. He also introduced me to -the two nurses and a male assistant, who would be in constant -attendance. - -“I saw at once that my afflicted parent would receive better attention -than he had been getting, and, although Greene’s charges were -excessively large, Mr. Lonsdale and I concluded to have him removed to -the retreat. - -“This was the more readily agreed to by me because I was going to Europe -for a four years’ stay among the art studios of Italy.” - -“You have been there as a student?” - -“Yes. From my mother, who died when I was young, I inherited a love for -painting, and it was my father’s dearest desire that when I came out of -school I should go to Italy and get the benefit of the best teachers in -painting. Mr. Lonsdale, therefore, urged me to place my father in this -retreat, where he would have better care than we could give him, and go -to Europe, as originally arranged.” - -“Your father, as you supposed, died in the retreat?” - -“Yes. The first news I got of it was about a year after I had been in -Rome. Mr. Lonsdale cabled that papa was dead. Several weeks later I got -his letter, which set forth the details.” - -“Then the death was tragic?” - -“You shall judge for yourself. Mr. Lonsdale, as he wrote to me in his -letter, was summoned to the sanitarium by a telegram which informed him -that my father was dead. - -“He was not surprised at the bare news, for by that time we had -surrendered all hopes of a final recovery; but the manner of the death -was a shock. - -“The weather was cool, and a grate fire burned in my father’s room that -night. In the temporary absence of the attendants from the apartment, it -was supposed the patient recovered the use of his legs, got up and went -to the fire. - -“While there it was thought he fell in a fatal faint. - -“When the attendant came back, he found the patient dead at the grate, -with his head on the fender, and his face nearly burned away. - -“Mr. Templin wore a long, white beard, and very white hair. All of the -beard and hair had been consumed. - -“Dr. Greene wanted to hold an autopsy, but Mr. Lonsdale would not -consent. In fact, he had the remains consigned to a vault, because he -feared the intense desire of the medical profession of California to get -a look at the brain of the man who furnished this remarkable case was so -great and so general that the body would not be safe in a grave.” - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -AN HEIRESS IN TROUBLE. - - -“And yet you have some doubts, Miss Templin, whether it really is your -father’s body which lies in that vault back there?” commented Nick -Carter, as the young lady indicated that her story was told. - -“Yes.” - -“And that Mr. Lonsdale, your guardian and affianced husband, has in some -way deceived you?” - -“Mr. Lonsdale was my guardian. I am now of age.” - -“But you have not answered my question.” - -“Well, I had rather believe that if I have been deceived about my -father’s death, he has been deceived also.” - -“Why not wait, then, till he arrives in New York before making this -investigation?” - -“No. I greatly desire that it be made before he arrives.” - -“And if you find that the man you saw last week is not your father, you -do not want Mr. Lonsdale to know that the investigation was made?” - -“I should prefer it so.” - -“She knows more than she is willing to tell me,” thought Nick. - -“Where did you see the man you believed to be your father?” he asked. - -“At the office of the Scotia Life Insurance Company, in this city.” - -“When?” - -“Wednesday of last week.” - -“And this is Thursday. That was eight days ago?” - -“Yes.” - -“Why so much delay in beginning your search for the man?” - -“It was hard for me to make up my mind to stamp my doubts of the honor -of the man I love with the brand of investigation. It was only when I -realized that he was on his way to claim my hand in marriage that I -decided to have that doubt removed when he stood before me again.” - -“Did you speak to this man whom you thought was your father?” - -“No. He got away before the opportunity offered, or rather before I -recovered from the shock of my surprise. When I saw him he was some -distance away, and just about to go out upon the street. By the time I -had turned back to follow him, he had disappeared among the crowd -outside.” - -“You made no attempt to find out who he was?” - -“No. How could I?” - -“What was he doing when you saw him? Was anyone with him?” - -“He was alone, and held something in his hand which had the appearance -of a note, a check or a receipt. He was looking at this paper the moment -I saw him.” - -“You went to the Scotia’s office on business?” - -“I went there under Mr. Lonsdale’s instructions to get a remittance -which he telegraphed to me from San Francisco,” explained Miss Templin. - -“He expected to meet me here in New York when I landed, but was detained -a week in San Francisco. He therefore telegraphed, asking me to remain -till he could come on. At the same time he sent me to his friend, the -president of the Scotia Life Insurance Company, for what money I needed. -I was just entering the office when I saw that man leaving.” - -“Did you mention the matter to your friend, the president of the -Scotia?” - -“No. I was not well enough acquainted with him to speak on a subject so -delicate. I called at the office yesterday, but he was not in--would not -be in till to-day.” - -“Then we might find him there now?” - -“I suppose so.” - -“Can you accompany me to his office?” - -“Now?” - -“Yes.” - -“Certainly.” - -“Then let us go at once.” - -“What for?” - -“To take up the trail of your man of mystery.” - -“I scarcely see----” - -“Will you leave that to me, Miss Templin?” - -“Why, certainly.” - -“Then, if you are ready, we will start at once.” - -On the way to the office of the Scotia, Nick continued his inquisition: - -“Your father was a rich man, Miss Templin, was he not?” - -“Yes, sir; very.” - -“You are his heiress?” - -“I am, so far as I know, the only blood relative he has living.” - -“Who is this Lawrence Lonsdale, the man you are going to marry?” - -“A lawyer, and papa’s most trusted friend and agent.” - -“How did he become your guardian?” - -“By my father’s will, under which he was also made executor of the -estate.” - -“You were lovers before you went to Europe?” - -“Yes. Mr. Lonsdale and I have been lovers since I was fifteen years -old.” - -“Is there any way in which Mr. Lonsdale could benefit by deceiving you -about your father’s fate?” - -“None that I can imagine.” - -“He is anxious to make you his wife?” - -“Oh, yes. He wanted to marry me before I went to Europe.” - -“Ah! You refused?” - -“Yes. I told him I would not marry while my father was lying in that -half-dead state. After papa died, he wanted to come to Europe and marry -me, but I was determined to finish my studies first.” - -“You ought to easily prove your father’s death without Mr. Lonsdale’s -testimony, Miss Templin.” - -“Why, how? He is the only witness on that point in America.” - -“This Dr. Greene?” - -“He, as well as the nurses and attendant in charge of my father, went to -Australia or New Zealand soon after Mr. Templin’s death.” - -“Ah!” - -It was only a word of two letters, but it caused the young woman to look -at Nick sharply. - -The detective pretended not to notice that searching look, but he was -confident his little aspirate would set Miss Templin’s mind to work on a -brand-new lead. - -They found the president of the Scotia Life Insurance Company in his -office, and Miss Templin introduced herself. She met with a warm welcome -from the friend of her affianced husband. - -Then she introduced Nick Carter. - -“What! Not the celebrated detective!” exclaimed the insurance president. -“How fortunate! I was upon the point of going to your house to consult -you on a matter of considerable concern to not only our company, but to -four or five other companies in this city, who have been hit equally -hard.” - -“Hit!” exclaimed Nick. - -“Why, yes. A man who insured with us two years ago has died. There are -some circumstances about the case which have aroused our suspicions that -everything is not exactly straight. Before we pay the money we want the -case thoroughly investigated, and we have decided you are the man to do -it.” - -“How much is involved?” - -“Half a million. He was insured for one hundred thousand dollars in -each of five companies. If you can show up fraud in the case, it will -pay you well.” - -“What was the man’s name?” - -“Miles Mackenzie.” - -“Where does he live?” - -“At a town in eastern Pennsylvania named Elmwood.” - -“Well, as soon as I finish Miss Templin’s business, I’ll be glad to look -into this affair for you, if it can wait a few days.” - -“Oh, yes, a week, if necessary. The money will not be paid till you get -time to look up the Mackenzie affair. So you have a mystery to clear up, -too, eh, Miss Templin?” - -“Yes; and we’ve come to you to help us out.” - -“I help you out? Why, how can I? What is it?” - -Miss Templin explained as briefly as she could what had happened when -she called the week previous. - -“And you want to trace this man if you can from our office?” asked the -president of Nick. - -“Yes,” replied the detective. - -“But how?” - -“He was here on business, I suppose?” - -“That seems a reasonable deduction.” - -“For what purpose do men usually call?” - -“To pay premiums.” - -“Then let us make inquiries of your cashier first.” - -“Had your man any prominent appearance by which he would be likely to -impress the cashier’s memory?” - -“I think so.” - -“Then I’ll send for him.” - -The president touched a button and summoned a messenger. - -“Tell Mr. Grandin I wish to see him, and ask him to bring his accounts -along for Wednesday of last week.” - -The cashier shortly appeared, with an account book under his arm. - -“Mr. Grandin, this gentleman”--indicating Nick Carter--“wants to make -some inquiries, and I wish you would answer him to the best of your -ability.” - -“I shall be pleased if I can accommodate you, sir,” said the cashier, -bowing to the detective. - -“Well, then, Mr. Grandin, a gentleman was seen to leave this office on -the day mentioned and our belief is that he was here for the purpose of -paying a premium, because he had a piece of paper in his hand when he -went out which looked like one of the company’s receipts.” - -“And you want to learn who he was--what his name is?” - -“That’s it.” - -“Can you describe him?” - -“Miss Templin can,” said Nick, looking at the young lady. Whereupon the -latter said: - -“The man was perhaps sixty years old, but looked older on account of -very white hair and long white whiskers, white eyebrows and a very red -face. He----” - -“Wait a moment,” exclaimed the cashier, interrupting Miss Templin. -“There is no need of your going any further.” - -“Then you know him?” asked Nick. - -“Yes. He was here on that day, as my books will show.” - -“Well, what is his name?” - -“His name was Miles Mackenzie.” - -“What!” shouted the president, springing up from his chair. “The man -who----” - -“The man who died yesterday at Elmwood, in Pennsylvania, who was so -heavily insured,” said the cashier. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -A MAN AND HIS DOUBLE. - - -“This is astonishing!” exclaimed the president, dismissing the cashier -with a wave of his hand. - -“It certainly is a remarkable coincidence,” said Nick Carter. “If your -cashier is correct in what he has just told us, then the man who was -mistaken by Miss Templin for her father was Mackenzie, late of Elmwood, -Pennsylvania.” - -“There doesn’t seem to be a doubt about that,” agreed the president. - -“Then while I prosecute my inquiries for Miss Templin, I can at the same -time probably serve your company,” said Nick, addressing the president -of the Scotia. - -“Not only my company, but the four other companies besides. I have seen -the presidents or managers of the other four this forenoon, and they -authorized me to take charge of the affair and secure an -investigation.” - -“When were your suspicions aroused that the Mackenzie affair might not -be exactly all right?” - -“Yesterday afternoon.” - -“How?” - -“By the receipt of a telegram from Elmwood, announcing the death of -Mackenzie.” - -“Who sent the telegram?” - -“It was signed ‘John A. Abbott.’” - -“Do you know him?” - -“No; never heard of him.” - -“You thought it strange that the death should thus be announced to your -company?” - -“Yes. It is quite unusual. But there are other strange features about -the case. A similar telegram was received by each of the other four -companies. What is more suspicious still, the premiums on three of the -other policies would have been due to-day, and the remaining one next -week. The first insurance was secured in our company. Nine days later he -took out policies in three more companies, and a week later still, in -the fifth.” - -“This is all you have upon which to base your suspicions that something -is wrong in the case?” - -“No. After these telegrams were received yesterday, our general manager, -during my absence from the city, secretly sent an agent of the company -to Elmwood for a little private investigation. This morning we received -a message from him. Here it is.” - -The president handed a telegram to Nick, which the detective read: - -“Better send a shrewd detective at once.” - -“Anything more?” - -“No.” - -“I will go to Elmwood.” - -“When?” - -“This evening. I can get a train at five o’clock, which will set me down -at Elmwood about eight.” - -“Good. You will find our man, Foster, at the best hotel in the town.” - -“No. I want you to recall your man immediately. He must not be there -when I arrive.” - -“But you’ll be gone before he can reach New York.” - -“Yes. We’ll probably pass each other on the way.” - -“Then how can you get the benefit of his investigation?” - -“I don’t want it.” - -“Why?” - -“Maybe I should have said I do not need it. Surely I ought to be able to -discover anything he has discovered. Then I don’t want his deductions. -They might mislead me. A detective’s own theories are usually better and -safer than those of an amateur.” - -“Very well, Mr. Carter. We will recall Foster.” - -“Before I go, will you give me what information you have of the history -of Mackenzie? I mean as to his age, birthplace, family history and other -things shown by his application for a policy.” - -“Oh, I see. I’ll send and get the application from the files.” - -When the insurance company’s application in the case of Miles Mackenzie -was laid before Nick, he looked it rapidly over, and mentally noted -such points as he thought might be of interest in his investigation. - -The application was made two years before. - -The applicant’s age was given as fifty-seven years; born in Scotland; -only child of parents who were both dead; family history good; father -and mother both died at a ripe old age; never had been seriously ill in -his life; medical examination eminently satisfactory; married the second -time; had one child--a son by first wife; his living wife was made the -beneficiary under the policy. - -“Seems to have been a good risk,” commented Nick, as he handed the -application to the president. - -“One of the best we ever had at that age,” was the reply. - -“His premiums must have been very large?” - -“They were. In the two years he has paid to the five companies more than -sixty thousand dollars.” - -Nick arose to go. - -“You will hear from me, Mr. President, within a few days,” he said. - -“Then you think there will be little trouble in showing fraud of some -kind in this case?” - -“Oh, I did not intend to convey that idea. If there be fraud, it ought -to be proven in a very short time. If everything is legitimate, then the -fact must also be readily established. Therefore, I anticipate a speedy -report, but whether it will be favorable to your interests or not, I -cannot promise until I have first gone to Elmwood.” - -On their way uptown, Nick said to Miss Templin: - -“Did this Dr. Greene own his sanitarium at Oakland when Mr. Templin was -a patient at that place?” - -“You mean the real estate?” - -“Yes.” - -“I think he did.” - -“Then when he went to Australia, he sold out to some one?” - -“That is what I understand--to the man who is now in possession.” - -“Can you find out for me the amount realized by him in this conveyance?” - -“Quite easily. An intimate friend in San Francisco, with whom I have -constantly corresponded, can get the information, through her brother.” - -“Then telegraph to her to send it to you without delay.” - -“Mr. Carter, do you----” - -“Now, Miss Templin, you must ask me no questions, but be ready to answer -those I have to put to you at any time. You will stay here in New York a -few days?” - -“Oh, yes. I must remain at the St. James until Mr. Lonsdale arrives, and -that will be nearly a week longer.” - -“Then stay in your room as much as is altogether convenient, and hold -yourself in readiness to come to me at Elmwood in an hour’s notice, -should I send for you,” was Nick’s parting injunction, as Miss Templin -got ready to leave the elevated train at Twenty-eighth Street. - -Nick continued on uptown, and Miss Templin proceeded at once to the St. -James. - -Just as she was going into the hotel at the Twenty-eighth Street -entrance, she was noticed by one of two men who happened to be passing -on Broadway. - -One was a man apparently about fifty years of age, of medium height and -stockily built. He wore a closely cropped, full beard, of a sandy hue, -and was clad in a business suit of light gray. - -His companion was a much younger man, whose age could not have been more -than thirty-five. He wore no beard at all, but his smooth, pale face -showed the close-shaved stubble of a beard which would be intensely -black were it allowed to grow, and his closely-cropped head of hair was -of the same hue. - -It was this younger one of the two who first saw Miss Templin. Instantly -he grew excited and exclaimed, as he grasped his companion by the arm: - -“Good heavens, Dent! Look there!” - -“Look where? Why, what is the matter?” - -“Did you see that woman go into the St. James just now?” - -“No. Who was it?” - -“Louise Templin.” - -“Are you sure?” - -“As sure as I am that you are you and I am I.” - -“That’s bad--at this time.” - -“I should say it was. I’m going to see what she is doing in New York. I -had no idea she was back from Europe. Go on up to the Coleman House. -I’ll join you there in the bar.” - -The man addressed as Dent continued on up Broadway, and his companion -entered the St. James Hotel from the Broadway side. - -Miss Templin was standing in front of the telegraph booth, writing a -message. - -The stranger walked slowly past, behind her back, and managed to read at -a glance what the young lady had written, and to which she was putting -her signature. - -The telegram read: - -“Find out and telegraph me at once sum paid to Dr. Greene by present -owner of Greene’s Sanitarium.” - -The newcomer strolled on up to the office desk, and thence into the -reading room, from which place he saw Miss Templin enter the elevator -and go upstairs. - -Then he left by the Twenty-eighth Street door, and soon joined his -companion at the Coleman House. - -“Dent,” he said, “it is worse than I feared. That woman is here for no -good.” - -“What have you discovered?” - -“She just now sent a telegram to San Francisco, asking for information -as to the price paid for Greene’s Sanitarium by the present owner.” - -“Are you sure?” - -“I read the telegram.” - -“What will you do?” - -“What will I do? That telegram sealed Louise Templin’s fate. She’ll -never get an answer.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -MACKENZIE’S SECRET. - - -Nick Carter reached Elmwood a few minutes after eight o’clock that -night, and went straight to the only hotel in the town--a very -comfortable and well-kept, though small, hostelry. - -He made his appearance in Elmwood in the guise of a lawyer, and -registered as “Wylie Ketchum, New York City.” - -As soon as he had been assigned to a room, he inquired of the landlord: - -“Can you tell me where Mr. Mackenzie lives?” - -“I can tell you where he did live,” was the reply, made in a mysterious -tone of voice. - -“Where he did live? You don’t mean to tell me he has moved away?” - -“Well, he has!” - -“Rather sudden, wasn’t it?” - -“Very.” - -“Do you know where he has gone?” - -“Well, not for sure, though, seeing the old man was a good sort o’ -person as men go--a member of the Presbyterian Church, and one who never -refused a call in the name of charity, I presume he has gone to heaven, -if a man ever gets there.” - -“Dead?” - -“As a doornail.” - -“When did he die?” - -“Yesterday. Are you a friend of the family?” - -“Oh, no; only a lawyer who has done business for him occasionally.” - -“Ah, yes.” - -“How did he die?” - -“Suddenly. Dr. Abbott can tell you all about it.” - -“Who is Dr. Abbott?” asked Nick, at the same time remembering that the -telegrams to the insurance companies, announcing Mackenzie’s death, were -signed “John A. Abbott.” - -“Why, he’s the oldest physician in these parts. Has been here since a -boy, and----” - -“But was he Mackenzie’s physician?” - -“Yes; and more than his physician. The two men were intimates. No one in -Elmwood knew Mackenzie better than Abbott--not even his minister.” - -“Then I want to meet Dr. Abbott as soon as possible,” Nick thought. - -Ten minutes later he was introducing himself to “the oldest physician in -Elmwood.” - -Dr. Abbott was fully sixty years old; he was a large, well-fed, -jolly-appearing gentleman, who no sooner looked Nick Carter in the eye -than he impressed the latter most favorably. - -“No matter how much of a villain Mackenzie was, this man was not his -accomplice,” was Nick’s verdict of Dr. Abbott. - -“Well, Mr. Ketchum, how can I serve you?” asked the doctor. - -“I came to Elmwood to transact a little business with a client, and was -shocked to learn as soon as I reached town that he is dead.” - -“Who? Mackenzie?” - -“Yes.” - -“Ah! poor Mackenzie! It was a great shock to me.” - -“You were his intimate friend?” - -“We were almost like brothers.” - -“So I was told, and that is why I came to you.” - -“How can I serve you?” - -“By giving advice. I came here to draw up a new will.” - -“Why, I didn’t know he had made one. He sent for you?” - -“No; he arranged for my visit when he was in New York yesterday a week -ago.” - -“Ah!” - -“So I’m too late, and it’s my fault. I should have come several days -earlier, but couldn’t get away. Besides, I supposed he was in the best -of health and there was no hurry.” - -“That was Mackenzie’s secret and mine. We expected a quick ending, but -its sudden arrival astonished me, at least, in spite of my knowledge of -his condition.” - -“Then he has been failing for some time?” - -“For about a year. He came to me when he experienced the first symptoms, -and told me how he felt. I kept from him the knowledge of his condition -as long as I thought it wise. But he grew so rapidly and alarmingly -worse, I was forced, a few months ago, to lay bare to him his -precarious state of ill-health. He heard his doom like the brave -Christian he was.” - -“Then death did not find him unprepared?” - -“No; certainly not.” - -“How long did you know him?” - -“A little over two years--ever since he came to Elmwood!” - -“Where did he live before he moved to this place?” - -“In Australia, though he originally came from Scotland. He was a -Scotchman by birth.” - -“How did you and he come to be such friends?” - -“Well, in the first place he was my tenant.” - -“Your tenant?” - -“Yes. I own the house in which they have lived ever since they came to -this place.” - -“He rented it?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then he was not, as I supposed, a wealthy man?” - -“On the contrary, he was worth half a million, besides his large life -insurance.” - -“And yet he was a renter?” - -“He rented, with the privilege of purchasing. You see, he was not sure -of making this his home until after he was stricken with his fatal -disease, and then I discouraged him from buying for two reasons. One was -because the rent he was paying was satisfactory, and the other was -because I made up my mind that I would move into the house myself, -should he die and his wife go away.” - -“Where would she go?” - -“Back to her old home in Australia. Mackenzie told me she has never been -satisfied since she left that far-off place of her nativity.” - -“Then she will return there, now that her husband is dead?” - -“I think it quite likely.” - -“You have spoken only of his wife. Has he no children?” - -“None by the present Mrs. Mackenzie, who is his second wife and -comparatively a young woman. But he had a son living--the issue of his -first marriage.” - -“Where is this son?” - -“I don’t know where he is at present. When last heard from he was in -Paris and talked about coming here to visit his father soon. Indeed, -Mackenzie, when he showed me the Paris letter, said he’d not be -surprised if his boy would drop in on him almost any time.” - -“He showed you the son’s letters?” - -“Oh! yes. You see, Mackenzie made me his full confidant ever since he -first met me. He has talked a great deal about his absent son, and has -shown me all the letters he received from the young man from time to -time, written at different places. He confided in me as if I were his -brother.” - -“You said something about his life insurance?” - -“Yes; Mackenzie had half a million dollars on his life. You see, he -wanted to leave his entire possessions to this son, and yet arrange it -so that his widow would not receive a cent less at his death. He -consulted me about the plan, which was adopted, and it was this: His -income was sufficient for the family’s modest mode of living, and for -the payment of premiums on a half million of life insurance besides. So, -instead of putting the accumulating revenues with the principal, he used -them to carry the insurance. Did he never explain this to you, his -lawyer?” - -“No, I have done very little business with Mackenzie. Had he lived, I -should have known more.” - -“Well, as his trusted friend, I will gladly consult with you on all -matters pertaining to his estate. Now you are here, had you not better -remain till after the funeral? Your services may be needed.” - -“When will the funeral occur?” - -“To-morrow afternoon.” - -“Then I will stay.” - -“I was just going over to the house to see if I could be of service to -the widow in making the arrangements for the funeral. Will you go -along?” - -It was just what Nick hoped for--this opportunity to visit the dead -man’s late home, and he accepted Dr. Abbott’s invitation. - -As the doctor was getting ready to leave his office, Nick made a mental -summing up in the case, so far as he had got. - -“This Mackenzie’s plot, if there be one, was deep-laid. He was probably -an excellent reader of human nature, and when he got ready to pick out -an innocent aid-de-camp in this town, he wisely selected Dr. Abbott, for -the triple reason that Abbott was the most pliable, unsophisticated man -in town: because he was a man of high standing in the community, and -because he was a doctor by profession. - -“He was careful not to let his chosen friend discover the fact that he, -himself, thoroughly understood diseases and all their symptoms. -Therefore, he easily led Abbott into the belief that he--Mackenzie--was -a victim to some deadly malady. - -“He has taken Abbott into his confidence about the absent son, even to -showing the letters from the latter. Those letters we shall find among -his effects, no doubt, and the son may or may not turn up hereafter. - -“He even consulted the doctor, and used him in some way to further his -ends about the life insurance. I must find out just how, after I have -seen the corpse. Yes, I must see the corpse of Miles Mackenzie when we -reach the house of mourning.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -A DOG’S INSTINCT. - - -As Nick Carter and Dr. Abbott walked through the main street of the town -of Elmwood, on their way toward the residence of the late Miles -Mackenzie, the detective had an opportunity to note the great popularity -and widespread esteem in which his companion was held in that community. - -Everyone they met had a word of greeting, and received from the -whole-souled man some response in return. Very often inquiries were made -about the funeral, and it was evident that a very general feeling of -regret existed for the death of the man who had so recently come among -them. - -Abbott explained to Nick that the house, in which Mackenzie’s body lay, -was half a mile beyond the edge of the town. The night was pleasant, and -they walked along in the full enjoyment of the summer weather. - -“Dr. Abbott,” said Nick, when they were fairly out of the town, “your -friend died suddenly, you say. Might not the insurance company, on that -account, be inquisitive, and be inclined to make trouble before they pay -over such a large sum?” - -“There are five companies, Mr. Ketchum. He held a policy in each of five -companies. When it became evident that he would drop dead some day, we -discussed that very point. Mackenzie had a horror of being dug up after -burial, and having his body subjected to a postmortem examination. So we -prepared against that contingency.” - -“Indeed! How?” - -“As soon as he died, I telegraphed to each of the insurance companies, -notifying them of his demise. If they hold an autopsy, it must be done -before to-morrow afternoon. If they fail to do it by that time, they -will never be able to set up a plea that the body was removed beyond -their reach without giving them a fair chance to investigate the cause -of death.” - -“But that would not prevent them from digging up the body or having it -disinterred for the purpose of an autopsy later,” said Nick. - -“Oh! yes, it would. An autopsy after to-morrow night will be -impossible.” - -“Why?” - -“Because the body will be incinerated at the Long Island Crematory.” - -“Then, after all,” said Nick to himself, “it is not his body lying in a -self-inflicted trance, nor is it a perfectly made wax image. What is it -I am up against?” - -A huge Newfoundland dog met them at the gate leading into the spacious -grounds surrounding the house. The dog greeted Dr. Abbott familiarly and -with demonstrations of great friendship. - -“Poor Rover!” exclaimed Abbott, patting the Newfoundland on the head. -“You have lost your good, kind master.” - -Then to Nick he said: - -“This dog and Mackenzie were almost inseparable. When the poor brute -realizes his loss, he will be inconsolable.” - -As they neared the house, Nick said: - -“Dr. Abbott, I wish you would not mention to the widow my profession nor -the business which brought me to Elmwood.” - -“Why not?” - -“I mean until after the funeral. Might it not be a source of additional -worry to her to know that I had been brought here by her dead husband?” - -“You are right, Mr. Ketchum. I will introduce you as a friend from the -city visiting me.” - -“Thank you.” - -The house stood in the center of a large lawn, and there was no other -residence within a radius of a quarter of a mile. It was a frame -building of moderate size, two stories in height, and by no means of -modern architecture. - -A very large, buxom woman, of middle age, met Dr. Abbott at the door. He -addressed her as “Emma,” and Nick supposed she was a servant. - -“Where is Mrs. Mackenzie, Emma?” - -“In the sitting room, sir, with Rev. Playfair and Deacon Cotton.” - -“Then we’ll not disturb her till they have gone. I’ve brought a friend, -who is visiting me, and we’ll go in and look at the remains, if you have -no objections.” - -“Why, certainly not, doctor,” was the stout woman’s reply, but Nick was -aware that she was at the same time staring at him with a gaze which was -full of suspicion or curiosity. - -Abbott and Nick followed Emma through the first door on the right, into -a room which had all the blinds drawn and was but faintly illuminated by -a lamp burning low. - -The servant turned up the light, and Nick saw a coffin resting on two -chairs near the mantel. - -Softly and silently he and Abbott walked forward and looked down at the -dead man. - -They saw the face of what was undoubtedly a corpse; the face of an old -man, with very white hair and very white beard. - -Abbott looked but a few moments. Then he turned away, while tears -trickled down his face. - -Nick stood a little longer, carefully noting every feature of the dead -man in the coffin, and all this time he was aware of the fact that the -stout woman never once took her eyes off his face. When they emerged -from the parlor, the minister and deacon were just leaving. Abbott, -therefore, instructed the servant to conduct them to the widow. - -During that short visit to the corpse, Nick made one very important -observation, which was lost upon Abbott and the woman, Emma. - -Rover had followed them in, and, while Nick was looking at the dead man, -the dog came up to the coffin, also looked at the face of the corpse, -gave one or two sniffs and walked away, without exhibiting a particle of -canine grief over his loss. - -They found the young and comely widow in the sitting room, surrounded by -several condoling neighboring women, who took their departure as Abbott -entered. - -The doctor introduced his friend and visitor, Mr. Ketchum, from the -city, and made his excuses for bringing a stranger to the house of -mourning. - -“The fact is, my dear Mrs. Mackenzie, we may need an additional witness, -when the life insurance is collected, and as Mr. Ketchum is a stranger -in Elmwood, he will serve as such much better than one of your -neighbors.” - -This explanation may have been satisfactory to the widow, but Nick -noticed that she, too, bestowed more attention upon him than the -circumstances seemed to call for. - -“You will pardon me, Mrs. Mackenzie, for mentioning such a matter now, I -know, because you are aware what good friends your husband and I were; -but I’m going to ask whether you have any knowledge of a will which he -left?” - -“He never spoke to me of a will. Did he to you?” - -“Yes. That is why I asked. He told me that it was his design to give you -the proceeds of his life insurance, and his estate in hand to his son, -Leo.” - -“Then he made more of a confidant of you than of me. If there is such a -will, it may be in his room--in his desk. Shall we go and see?” - -Abbott readily assented, and Mrs. Mackenzie led the way into an -apartment between the sitting room and the parlor. - -This, as Nick surmised, had been the private room of the late Miles -Mackenzie. - -A bed stood in one corner. At its foot was a door, partly ajar, which -Nick’s quick eye observed gave entrance to a large clothes closet. - -The dog followed them into this room also. Nick’s eyes never lost sight -of the brute, though to an observer he was giving Rover no attention. - -He saw the dog trot across to the closet, push the door further open -with his nose, and look up toward the ceiling, while he uttered a very -low whine. - -The stout woman was right on Rover’s heels, and the toe of her heavy -shoe gave him an admonishing punch in the ribs to indicate that his -exit from the room and from that closet in particular was greatly -desired. - -And Rover took the prompt hint. - -Nick’s back was turned nearly all the time, while the closet incident -was occurring, and the stout woman no doubt said, in her soul: - -“Thank Heaven! he didn’t see what the fool dog did!” - -And Nick was thinking: - -“That brute will tell me more than Abbott can, if I follow the -four-footed fellow up.” - -“Here is the desk and here are the keys,” said Mrs. Mackenzie, as she -unlocked a small desk sitting between the two windows. “Will you search -for what you want, Dr. Abbott?” - -Abbott accepted the invitation and began a search of the various -drawers. - -They found numerous letters from the absent son, and such odds and ends -as one might expect to find in a private desk of a man whose life was -uneventful. But no will turned up. - -“This desk is especially arranged to throw off the unwary,” thought -Nick, as he watched Abbott sorting papers and investigating pigeonholes. -“If I were to search the house, that desk would be the last place I -should overhaul.” - -The moon was shining brightly as they walked down the path through the -lawn, on their return to town. Nick was slightly behind Dr. Abbott, as -the path was narrow, and the grass wet with a heavy dew. - -Suddenly he saw at his feet a small, square piece of paper, which the -wind was playing with. It looked to him like the label from a bottle. - -He stooped, picked it up, and, assuring himself that he had made no -mistake as to the nature of its former usage, he stuck it into one of -his vest pockets. - -When he left Abbott, to return to his hotel, he promised the latter to -call on him again next morning. - -Once safely in his room at the hotel, Nick took the label from his -pocket and examined it by the light of his lamp. On it he read: - - “Madame Reclaire, - “No. 1871 ----th St., - “Philadelphia.” - -For thirty seconds Nick looked at the address on the label, after -reading it. Then he muttered: - -“So! so! Madame Reclaire, of Philadelphia! We shall meet again. I have -not seen you since I worked out the identity of Daly. I then promised -myself to look into your business at some future time a little more -closely. Now, here is some more of your peculiar article in trade, and -it has been used to further the ends of a stupendous crime. - -“This label came from a bottle of your mixture which changes the color -of hair, after a few applications, and keeps it of the desired hue. - -“What a little thing often works out the fate of man! This small, square -bit of paper, which the sportive wind blew to the feet of Nick Carter, -has solved the mystery of that man who lies back yonder in his coffin.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE SON RETURNS. - - -It was ten o’clock next morning before Nick Carter reached Dr. Abbott’s -office, and then he found the doctor absent on his daily round among his -patients. - -At noon he went back, with better success. - -“I have promised to accompany Mrs. Mackenzie to New York with her -husband’s remains this evening, Ketchum. Can you remain here till we -return?” - -“When will that be?” - -“To-morrow morning. The remains will be incinerated to-night. We must -stay in the city over night and come back early to-morrow forenoon.” - -“I think I will have to return. But I’ll run up again in a few days,” -said Nick, after pretending to study over the situation a little while. - -“Then go to New York with us.” - -“What time does the train leave Elmwood?” - -“At four o’clock.” - -“All right. I’ll be on hand. Any of the neighbors going but you?” - -“No, and I’m really glad you will be one of our party, for I don’t -exactly like being the only disinterested witness to the cremation. I -want you to follow the remains with me to the crematory and see them put -into the retort.” - -“To oblige you, doctor, I’ll do it.” - -“Thank you. Now, let us go up to the house. The service takes place at -one o’clock. We’ll find nearly the whole town present, for Mr. and Mrs. -Mackenzie, though they never entertained, were immensely popular.” - -“Mackenzie must have been a good citizen.” - -“A better man did not live in Elmwood. He and his wife were prominently -identified with every good work undertaken by the churches.” - -“Church members, eh?” - -“Yes. Like nearly all Scotchmen, Mackenzie was a profound Presbyterian -of the strong foreordination faith. Yet he was always ready to join -hands with the members of any Christian sect in doing deeds of good. You -will see in this last tribute how great was the respect in which he was -held.” - -And what Nick saw during the funeral services went to confirm Dr. -Abbott’s assertions. - -The attendance was so large that the coffin was carried out under a -large tree, near the front of the house, and there the funeral sermon -was preached before several hundred neighbors, many of whom shed the -tears of sincere sorrow. - -The sermon was pronounced by everyone to be the most eloquent effort of -the reverend speaker’s life. The subject, it was agreed, was an -inspiration. - -Nick’s attention was quietly divided between the widow and the dog. The -widow’s face was hidden beneath a deep crape veil, and she seemed to -weep silently and incessantly. - -The dog did not simulate. He expressed no sorrow in his brute way, but -to Nick’s practiced eye, the animal was plainly nonplussed. He walked -around among the vast crowd, sniffing at everybody and peering up -anxiously into the faces of all he passed. - -“Rover is looking for his master,” silently commented Nick. “What a -splendid assistant I have in that dog.” - -After the services, the neighbors were dismissed. Only the undertaker, -Dr. Abbott and a few chosen friends remained at the house. - -Nick excused himself to the doctor, with the plea that he must go to the -hotel and get ready for his departure. He promised to meet Abbott at the -depot. - -At half-past three o’clock a train arrived from New York. - -Among the passengers who left the train at Elmwood was a rather -handsome, smoothed-faced young man, an entire stranger to the loungers -about the station, who were already collecting to pay a last tribute of -respect to the remains of their dead townsman, as he would be borne away -forever by the four o’clock train. - -The stranger inquired the way to the nearest hotel and set out to walk -there, after getting his directions. - -With his traveling bag in hand he entered the hotel just as Nick came -into the office with his valise, and went to the desk to settle his -bill. - -The comfort of the parting guest is always made subservient to the -welcome which awaits the fresh arrival at country hotels. - -So Nick waited while the landlord received his new patron. - -The detective noticed a look of surprise on the landlord’s face, as he -turned the register around and examined it, after the stranger had -written his name. - -The good man’s voice had a slight tremble when he asked: - -“Just come in on the half-past three train?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Beg pardon for seeming to be impertinent, but are you Miles Mackenzie’s -son?” - -“I am.” - -“Just arrived from foreign ports?” - -“Exactly!” - -“I’ve often heard your father speak of you. And now I look at you, I -think you resemble him somewhat.” - -“Is that so?” - -“You weren’t expected, I suppose?” - -“Well, no. That is why I want to brush up a little before I go to the -house and surprise him. So I just stopped in. Can you give me a room -with plenty of soap, water and towels?” - -The poor landlord was growing very nervous. - -“Ahem!” he began, clearing his husky throat. “I don’t suppose you’ve -heard any news since you arrived?” - -“News? Why, no! I didn’t suppose you ever had any news in such a quiet, -graveyard sort of a place. What on earth induced father to come to this -town and bury himself alive with all his money, I cannot conceive. I -marvel that he hasn’t died of sheer lonesomeness.” - -“Mr. Mackenzie, I ought not to detain you here.” - -“Why? What do you mean?” - -“You should go straight to the house.” - -“Go straight to the house? What are you driving at?” - -“Your father leaves for New York on the four o’clock train. He must now -be on the road to the depot.” - -“Why, then, I’ll go back and surprise him at the train. I can go along -and----” - -“How can I tell you? Your father will make the journey in a coffin.” - -“What! Merciful Heaven! Don’t tell me he is dead?” - -“I must. He died the day before yesterday, and will be taken to New York -for burial this afternoon.” - -“This is terrible,” groaned the afflicted son, as he let his face fall -into his hands and sank back into a chair. - -The landlord was so absorbed in the overpowering grief of his new guest, -that he scarcely mustered up enough presence of mind to make out and -receipt the bill of the departing lawyer, Wylie Ketchum, of New York. - -As this task was finally completed, the sound of slowly revolving wheels -came in from the street, accompanied by the measured tread of many feet. - -The tender-hearted landlord came out from behind his desk, laid his hand -gently on the afflicted man’s shoulder, and said, while tears came into -his eyes: - -“There comes the body, now, on the way to the depot. Will you accompany -it to New York?” - -The young man raised his face, and looked toward the street. Nick was -sure the face was paler than it had been when its owner covered it with -his hands a few moments before. The eyes certainly were filled with -horror, and a wild expression distorted the countenance. - -“No! No!” he muttered. “I couldn’t bear it. It’s too late, now. Let -them go on. I’ll remain here till--till--my stepmother returns.” - -Then he drew back to a place where he could look through a window into -the street without being seen. - -From that place he watched the funeral procession pass the hotel, on its -slow journey to the depot. - -Nick looked, also, and his eyes rested longest upon the dog, Rover, -which followed among the crowd, still maintaining that animal expression -of puzzled wonder. - -Just as the end of the procession passed the hotel, the dog stopped, put -his nose to the ground, sniffed vigorously a few moments, and came -running back. His nose remained close to the ground, and he came -straight into the hotel. - -The next moment he uttered a joyful whine, and, bounding across the -room, began to lick the hand of the stranger and manifest other signs of -doggish joy. - -Nick Carter was busy fastening his bag, yet he noticed the look of -terror, mixed with rage, which came into the young man’s face. - -The landlord was looking on with open-mouthed astonishment. - -“Whose dog is this?” asked young Mackenzie, patting the delighted Rover -on the head. - -“Well, that beats the dickens!” muttered mine host. “Why, that’s your -father’s Rover. The instinct of these brutes is wonderful. He knows you -are a member of the family, I guess.” - -Just then the landlord’s attention was called to another part of the -room, and Nick’s head was bent down till it seemed to have his body -between his eyes and Mackenzie, Jr. Yet he saw the latter give the dog a -vicious kick, which sent the brute howling toward the door. - -“Poor fellow!” coaxed Mackenzie, “did I step on your foot! Well, I ask -your pardon, old boy, I’m sure.” - -The dog approached suspiciously and received the man’s caress, with some -misgivings expressed in his honest face. - -“Landlord, I’m going to the house to remain till my stepmother returns. -I suppose I’ll find some one there?” - -“Only the servant, sir.” - -“All the better, then; I’ll not be disturbed in my sorrow. Can you -direct me?” - -“Certainly,” was the response, and the landlord gave the necessary -directions, concluding with: “You can’t miss it.” - -“Come on, old fellow; we’ll go together,” said the afflicted man to the -dog. - -And as Nick was driven to the depot, in the town bus, he saw the -wandering prodigal walking up the road in the opposite direction, while -Rover went gamboling along at his side. - -“If men were endowed with the instinct of dogs,” muttered Nick, “crimes -like this would never be committed.” - -Then he heaved a sigh as he watched the capers of the happy dog, and -again muttered: - -“Poor brute! Your instinct this time will cost you your life. You know -too much to live. And if I was suspected of sharing your knowledge, my -life would also be in danger.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE CREMATION. - - -It was seven o’clock when the remains of the dead man from Elmwood -reached New York City. On the train, Nick yielded to Abbott’s request to -accompany them to the crematory. - -So reluctantly did the pretended Mr. Ketchum agree to become one of the -small funeral party, that Abbott was far from suspecting the fact that -his new acquaintance left Elmwood with the determination of seeing the -remains in the coffin placed in the furnace, and not lose sight of them -until they were reduced to ashes. - -It took two hours for the hearse bearing the remains and the carriage in -which sat the widow, Dr. Abbott and Nick to cross the city to the -Thirty-fourth Street Ferry, reach Long Island City, and make their way -to the crematory. - -They found the furnace ready for the reception of the body. The manager -suggested that the widow had better not remain during the process of -incineration, but she insisted in not only remaining, but also in -viewing the process. - -Much to Dr. Abbott’s surprise, but not to Nick’s, the widow witnessed -the cremation without fainting, and without even going into an -hysterical condition. - -Indeed, her interest in the process was marked and unconcealed. The -ceremony seemed to fascinate her, and while her eyes followed every -movement of the men who were handling the corpse, Nick’s eyes were -watching her just as intently. - -Without the twitching of a muscle, she saw the body placed on the -reception slab; she saw it covered with the cloth soaked in the acid -used for that special purpose; she saw the doors of the retort flung -open; she saw the slab containing the body hastily pushed into the -incandescent oven; she saw the doors hurriedly closed forever between -the world and the mortal form of the man with the long, white beard. -Through the place prepared for the purpose, she watched the outlines of -the body under the medicated cloth without a shriek of horror--without -even so much as a sob she stood there, and saw the covered form on the -slab slowly sink, quiver and finally settle down into a thin layer of -ashes. - -The cremation was finished; the earthly remains of the man in the white -beard were nothing but a handful of ashes; the manager of ceremonies -gave Abbott a knowing look. - -Dr. Abbott drew Mrs. Mackenzie’s arm still closer through his own, and -turning, led her away to the waiting carriage. Nick followed, and heard -the sigh which at last escaped from Mrs. Mackenzie’s lips. - -Dr. Abbott’s construction of the sigh differed materially from that -which Nick put upon it. - -So they returned to New York City. - -At the first opportunity, Nick left them and hastened to the St. James -Hotel. - -It was nearly eleven o’clock when he sent up his card to Miss Templin’s -room. - -The boy returned with the information that the lady was not in. - -“I might have told you that much before your card was sent up,” -exclaimed the clerk, “had not something else been on my mind at the -time. Miss Templin has not been at the hotel since last night.” - -“Not been here since last night!” repeated Nick, in surprise. “Why, -where did she go?” - -“Excuse me, sir, but if I knew, I think I should not have the right to -answer for her whereabouts to everybody who called, unless I was sure -the inquisitor had a right to receive the information,” replied the -clerk. - -“You are quite right,” assented Nick. “When I tell you who I am, I -believe you will not hesitate to give me what information I need.” - -The clerk looked at the card Nick had sent up. - -“Carter,” he said, as he read the name written thereon. “You are Mr. -Carter.” - -“Yes. Nick Carter.” - -“What!” cried the clerk; “Nick Carter, the detective?” - -“That is I,” smiled Nick. - -“Well, you beat the dickens in disguising yourself so your best friends -don’t know you,” muttered the clerk. - -“It’s part of my business,” Nick explained. - -“Working for Miss Templin?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, there’s something queer about her disappearance. By the way, -here’s a telegram came for her to-day.” - -Without so much as saying “by your leave,” Nick tore off the envelope -and read the message. - -It was, as he expected, from San Francisco, and merely read: - - “Seventy-five thousand dollars cash.” - -“I’ll keep that,” said Nick, putting it in his pocket. - -“But it is her telegram.” - -“It is in answer to a message she sent for me,” explained the detective. -“Now, what is there strange about her disappearance?” - -“There is our house detective. He’ll tell you. I’ll call him.” - -“Don’t let him know who I am,” whispered Nick, as the hotel detective -came forward, in answer to the clerk’s beck. - -“This gentleman is a friend of Miss Templin, the young lady who has been -absent so mysteriously,” explained the clerk to the local detective. -“Please tell him what you know of the circumstances surrounding the -affair.” - -Nick and the “local” walked over to a seat near the entrance to the -restaurant and sat down together. - -“You see,” began the local, “the first suspicious thing about the affair -that attracted my notice happened yesterday.” - -“What was that?” - -“I saw her sending a telegram by the hotel wire yesterday afternoon. My -attention was attracted at the time, by the queer actions of a man who -came in at the Broadway entrance while Miss Templin was writing out her -message. - -“The fellow passed behind your friend, and I am sure he looked over her -shoulder and endeavored to read what she was writing.” - -“You don’t know if he succeeded?” - -“No; he scarcely stopped at Miss Templin’s back a moment. Then he passed -on, and left by the Twenty-sixth Street door.” - -“What do you make of it?” - -“Nothing out of that alone. But there is more.” - -“More?” - -“This man passed on up Broadway to the Coleman House, where he joined -another fellow--a man older than he, who wore a full, close-cropped -sandy beard. I heard him call this fellow Dent.” - -“You followed him?” - -“Only that far. The two men walked north on Broadway, when they left the -Coleman House, and I came back to the hotel.” - -“That was suspicious.” - -“But now comes the most surprising part of my discoveries. Last evening -those two men came back.” - -“Here to the hotel?” - -“Yes. The man with the sandy beard was on the box--was driving a -spanking pair of horses, to a fine-looking carriage. The other fellow -rode inside. - -“The latter, without getting out, called the bell boy to the carriage, -and sent a note up to Miss Templin. Ten minutes later, the young lady -came down, equipped as if for a call, went out, was helped into the -carriage and was driven away. That was the last of her, the carriage or -her two companions.” - -“Can you describe the person who came to the hotel and took her -away--the man who rode with her, inside?” - -“Like a book.” - -And the hotel detective gave Nick a minute description of the man. - -“Thank you very much,” said Nick, as he started toward the street. - -“Nothing seriously wrong with your friend, I hope?” called the -detective. - -“No, I think I know who took her away, and what the man’s object was.” - -But as Nick went out on the street, he muttered, under his breath: - -“If Miss Templin fell into that fellow’s trap, I can do her no good now. -I must not risk spoiling the whole case in an attempt to find her at -present, especially as such a search would be extremely difficult to -prosecute from the points I have to start with. - -“This sudden disappearance of Miss Templin will make my work somewhat -more difficult, and change my plans materially. With her to accompany me -to Elmwood and confront Mrs. Mackenzie and her woman, Emma, my task -would have been easy from this point. Now, I am forced to take a new -tack, and sail up against the wind.” - -He went to another hotel, registered and retired for the night. - -But he was up and about his business early the next morning. - -When the president of the Scotia Insurance Company arrived at his office -that forenoon, he found Nick on hand waiting for him. - -“Ah! Mr. Carter,” he cried, “I am glad to see you. What news have you to -report?” - -“You must pay the money on that premium, sir!” - -The president sat down with a decided look of disappointment on his -face. - -“Then it’s a straight case, after all.” - -“I did not say so.” - -“You said we’d have to pay the policy?” - -“For the purpose of saving your own money and the money of the other -four companies.” - -“Your words sound queer and paradoxical.” - -“It is only part of my scheme to capture the most consummate band of -scoundrels who ever plotted to rob insurance companies.” - -“Ah! then it was a plot to defraud?” - -“Yes. Now, will you trust me fully in the management of the case?” - -“Certainly I will.” - -“Then please notify the widow that if she will call here at the -company’s office at two o’clock to-morrow, and furnish the necessary -proofs, a check for the amount of her policy will be given to her.” - -“But you don’t want us to give the check?” - -“Yes, I do. You will delay that part of it until after the banks have -closed. I’ll promise that it will never be cashed.” - -“Do you object to telling me more about the case than I already know?” - -“Not at all. Listen.” - -Nick remained in earnest conversation with the president for nearly an -hour. The two men then parted on the best of terms. - -Half an hour later he was on his way to Philadelphia. - -He went straight from the Broad Street Station to the office of the -chief of police, with whom he was closeted for twenty minutes. - -When he left the chief’s office, the latter was with him. - -The two men took a carriage and were driven to No. 1871 ----th Street, -where Madame Reclaire had her rooms. - -Nick knocked, while the chief of police stood at his back. - -The door was opened slightly by a woman. - -Nick didn’t waste a word in parleying, but pushed his way in--the chief -of police following. - -The woman made a vain effort to stop them, but she was helpless to stay -their entrance. - -In half a minute they had locked the door, and led her into a -better-lighted room beyond. - -“What means this outrage?” panted the woman. - -The chief of police showed his insignia of office, and replied: - -“It means, Madame Reclaire, that you’ll give us some information which -we want, or go to jail, charged with being accessory to murder.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -AT MADAME RECLAIRE’S. - - -Madame Reclaire’s face grew ghastly. Her attempted bravado faded away in -an instant. She caught at a chair for support. - -“Murder!” she gasped. - -“Yes, murder! You must make proper explanation or go to jail.” - -“What do you want me to explain?” - -“A label from one of your bottles has been found in a case where life -was taken unlawfully. It may be you are innocent of wrong in the affair, -but your bleaching devices were used in a plot which has, as I said, -resulted in murder.” - -“As Heaven hears me, I am not a party to the crime.” - -“That remains to be seen. It behooves you to speak the truth to us. -About two years ago a man with a long, black beard called at this place -and purchased some bottles of a wash to bleach his beard and his hair -snow-white.” - -“I remember him well.” - -The chief of police shot Nick a quick triumphant glance. Madame -Reclaire saw it, and properly interpreted the meaning of that look. She -bit her lip till it almost bled. The shrewd woman knew in an instant -that she had been trapped; that her two visitors had no knowledge of any -such visit from a customer such as they had described. - -The chief had stated a suspicion as a fact, and she admitted its truth. - -“Now, we are getting on,” said the chief. “Who was with him?” - -“Nobody.” - -“There your memory fails you, madam, and I see we might as well take you -with us, where we can refresh your recollection with faces.” - -“Well, then, he was accompanied by another man.” - -“Of the same age?” - -“No. Older, I should say.” - -“Had he a beard?” - -“Yes.” - -“Its color?” - -“Very light--almost yellow.” - -“And hair to match?” - -“Of course.” - -“You doctored him, also?” - -“Yes”--reluctantly. - -“What hue?” - -“Made his beard and hair sandy.” - -“And have supplied both with enough of the washes since then to keep -those colors up?” - -“Yes.” - -“You did not ask what purpose they had in view by changing the color of -beard and hair?” - -“No. That was none of my affair.” - -“Hereafter you had better make it your business. We will leave you now, -madam. Until I see you again, do not go to the bother of trying to leave -your apartments. You’ll be watched, and it would only lead to your -landing in jail. Good-day.” - -Her visitors left as abruptly as they had arrived. - -Nick went direct to the Broad Street Station, and took a train at that -point for Elmwood, where he arrived about nine o’clock at night. - -From the Elmwood Station he went straight to Dr. Abbott’s office. - -Fortunately he found Abbott in and alone. - -“Hello, Ketchum! I’m downright glad you’ve come. Had you been ten -minutes sooner, you would have seen Mackenzie’s son, who just left my -office. He came in yesterday, and was awfully cut up over the unexpected -news of his father’s death.” - -“Was the dog, Rover, with him?” - -“Why, no. That is a strange question, Mr. Ketchum.” - -“Is it? What is there strange about it?” - -“Why should you ask whether the dog was with him?” - -“I’ll tell you, Dr. Abbott. I was at the hotel yesterday when young -Mackenzie arrived. Rover found him there, and took a great fancy to him. -I thought, perhaps, the dog might be following him around.” - -“There was something more than that to the meaning of your question.” - -“Again I ask why you think so?” - -“Because somebody killed the dog last night.” - -“The news does not surprise me.” - -“You know who killed him?” - -“Yes.” - -“Who?” - -“Wait a moment, doctor. What did Mackenzie want just now? To tell you -his stepmother had been summoned to go to New York to-morrow by the -Scotia Insurance Company to get the money on the policy of that -company?” - -“Why, yes; but----” - -“And he wanted you to go along to furnish proofs of death, and to -identify the widow?” - -“Yes. Were you eavesdropping?” - -“Not at all. I came straight from the depot.” - -“Then how on earth do you know so much?” - -“I’ll tell you, presently. First, let me ask whether you promised to go -to New York with Mrs. Mackenzie?” - -“I did.” - -“Is this son going, too?” - -“He is. And I’ll be obliged if you’ll help them out with your evidence.” - -“Oh! I’ll help them out, never fear. But neither you nor I must go with -them.” - -“What in the world are you driving at?” - -“Are we alone?” - -“Entirely so.” - -“Safe from interruption?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then I’m going to astonish you; probably shock you.” - -“How?” - -“First, by telling you that the poor dog, which was killed last night, -was not so easily deceived as you were.” - -“Deceived. Why----” - -“Had your perceptions been as clear as the dog’s, you, too, might have -met his fate.” - -“Ketchum, this is mummery. What are you trying to say?” - -“Please don’t call me Ketchum.” - -“Why?” - -“Because it is not my name.” - -“Then, in Heaven’s name, who are you?” - -“I am Nick Carter, the detective!” - -“What!” - -Abbott jumped to his feet, as he made the exclamation, and stood looking -at the man before him like one entranced. - -“You must have heard of me?” said Nick, dryly. - -“Heard of you! Who has not heard of Nick Carter?” - -“Would you believe me if I made a plain statement of facts?” - -“That depends.” - -“Well, I’m going to risk it, and rely on your good, sound common sense. -I believe I know you well enough to trust you with an astonishing -secret.” - -“A secret? What secret?” - -“Let me ask you a question. That dog, you told me, was very fond of his -master, Miles Mackenzie?” - -“Yes.” - -“Went with him nearly everywhere; followed him about?” - -“That’s true.” - -“Wasn’t it strange that the dog did not recognize his master’s corpse in -the coffin when he looked at it night before last?” - -“Why, I didn’t notice.” - -“Then I did. An intelligent dog like Rover would have known even his -master’s corpse.” - -“Why, you don’t mean----” - -“Wait. Perhaps you noticed that the dog was almost constantly searching -for something.” - -“Well, yes. There was certainly something of that kind in his demeanor.” - -“He was looking for his master.” - -“That may be.” - -“And he found him. That is where Rover, the dog, was shrewder than you, -the friend.” - -“Found him? How? Where?” - -“Listen. I’ll tell you.” - -Then Nick described the scene at the hotel when Rover surprised the -landlord, and aggravated the newly arrived son. - -“Good heavens, man! What is this you are telling me?” - -“That the dog could not be deceived. He knew the corpse in the coffin -was not the remains of his master as well as he knew the pretended son -was Mackenzie himself, without white whiskers, without white hair, -without dye on the upper part of the face.” - -Abbott sank back into his chair, speechless with amazement. - -“Incredible!” he gasped, finally. - -“It seems so, but I have the proofs to back up the murdered dog’s cute -perceptions--that instinct which cost him his life.” - -“Oh! this is beyond belief.” - -“No. Even incredulous as you are determined to be, you shall soon agree -that you have been wonderfully deceived. Shall I tell you the strange -story?” - -“As you please.” - -“Well, some years ago, a certain Dr. Greene owned a private sanitarium -near Oakland, Cal. - -“Among his patients was a rich man, who met with a peculiar affliction. -The man’s name was Jason Templin. - -“His affliction left him helpless, speechless and without the power of -thought. He was a living man with a dead brain. - -“Templin had a long, white beard, snow-white hair, and a florid face. - -“Dr. Greene had a beard equally long, but it was black. - -“Among the attendants at the sanitarium was one of Templin’s nurses, a -handsome, scheming young woman. - -“It was she, I suspect, who conceived the plan to obtain great wealth, -and at the same time become the wife of Dr. Greene, whom she, in her -way, loved. - -“She made the discovery that if Greene’s beard and hair were white, and -his face a little more florid, he would be almost the counterpart of the -strange patient--Jason Templin. - -“Then a plan was probably laid which had in its aim the substitution of -Greene for Templin, whereby they might obtain the latter’s great wealth. - -“Subsequently, circumstances undoubtedly changed the plan somewhat. - -“One day a man met his death in such a way that only Greene and his -scheming aids knew anything about it. This man’s body was dressed in -Templin’s clothes, the body was laid with the face in the grate fire of -Templin’s room till it was burned beyond the power of recognition, and -the helpless Templin was put in perfect concealment. - -“The mutilated body was delivered to Templin’s friends, who buried it, -under the belief that they were burying the unfortunate man’s corpse. - -“Shortly afterward Greene sold out, receiving seventy-five thousand -dollars cash for his property. - -“He announced that he was going to Australia. - -“When we investigate further, it will be found that Templin’s handsome -nurse and several other of his associates disappeared at the same time, -and were seen no more in California. - -“Some time later, Miles Mackenzie appeared in this town of Elmwood. With -him was his young wife and a stout servant woman. - -“This Mackenzie was such a living image of the awfully afflicted Jason -Templin that the latter’s daughter, a few weeks ago, caught sight of -Mackenzie’s white beard and hair, and mistook him for her father, whose -remains she had believed were lying in a vault at San Francisco. - -“When Miss Templin saw the disguised Mackenzie, he had just paid a -premium on a one-hundred-thousand-dollar life insurance policy. - -“Her mistake led to an investigation. - -“The fact turned up that Mackenzie had five one-hundred-thousand-dollar -policies. - -“A little further investigation showed that in two years he had paid, in -premiums, over sixty thousand dollars. - -“There was not enough left of the seventy-five thousand dollars to pay -another year’s premiums, and still the unfortunate, helpless Templin, -hidden away by the man who was masquerading as his able-bodied double, -didn’t die, and give them a chance to collect the insurance. - -“So a crisis in their plans approached, and the murder, which they had -hoped to avoid, seemed to be inevitable. - -“Meanwhile, Mackenzie had singled out a physician in high standing at -Elmwood, as his chosen friend and confidant. - -“He succeeded in winning this doctor’s friendship, and by correctly -describing the symptoms, so well known to him as a doctor, of a deadly -disease, prepared the deceived friend for the news of his sudden death. - -“Then the helpless Templin’s life was sacrificed----” - -“No! No! Great heavens! No! This Templin may have died a natural death,” -cried Abbott. - -“But he didn’t, as I’ll convince you soon. Templin was killed--poisoned, -probably--and his body was produced before the Elmwood people as that of -Mackenzie. - -“Even you were deceived; but it didn’t deceive the dog. - -“Meanwhile, Greene disappeared. He cut off his beard, cropped his hair, -removed the dye from his face, and appeared in his real character as a -comparatively young man. - -“He had prepared for his advent in Elmwood in the character of his own -son, by showing letters from the supposed young man written in London, -Paris and other foreign cities.” - -“Who wrote them?” - -“One of his companions in crime--a man whose beard and hair of yellow -hue had been dyed a sandy color. A man named Dent.” - -“Where is he?” - -“I haven’t found him yet, but expect to. - -“So the false son came home at almost the hour when the remains of the -supposed father were being taken away to be cremated. - -“But the brute instincts of a dog nearly betrayed the well-laid plot. It -so thoroughly frightened the arch-plotter that he concluded to take no -further risks in that direction, and while the pretended widow was -witnessing the incineration of the remains of Jason Templin, the -rejuvenated Miles Mackenzie, alias Dr. Greene, killed his loving dog. - -“Do you remember how persistently the supposed widow insisted on seeing -the remains cremated?” - -“Yes, yes!” - -“And did you not wonder at her great nerve during the trying ordeal?” - -“Good heavens, how blind I was!” - -“Do you know why she would not leave till she saw the body in ashes?” - -“I can guess, now.” - -“She took no chances on an autopsy ever being held. That is why I am so -sure Jason Templin did not die a natural death.” - -“Where did they keep Templin all this time?” - -“I don’t know, but we will find out.” - -“We?” - -“You and I. That is why I said you must not go with them to New York -to-morrow. I want you, in their absence, to go with me and make a search -of their house.” - -“And yet I am not blind, nor a fool!” ejaculated Abbott. - -“Do you still think it is beyond belief?” - -“No. The only thing which is almost beyond belief now, is that I should -have been so easily deceived.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE PADDED SECRET PRISON. - - -Abbott and Nick Carter remained locked up together in earnest -conversation nearly all that night. A train left Elmwood for New York at -a few minutes after five o’clock in the morning, and it carried away the -famous detective on his return to the city. - -He went at once to his own house, where he was fortunate in finding his -two assistants, Chick and Patsy. - -His first move, after having dispatched a hearty breakfast, was to take -Chick up to his “den” and remove his disguise as Wylie Ketchum, the -lawyer. Then he proceeded to assist Chick in assuming the same -character, until another Wylie Ketchum stood forth. - -Nick looked critically at Chick thus disguised, and then remarked: - -“You’ll do. Mrs. Mackenzie saw me only by lamplight, and through her -crape veil, and you are so nearly like I was, that the difference is not -discernible to an unpracticed eye.” - -“I guess there’ll be no trouble in deceiving her, Nick. The man never -saw you?” - -“No. Now, remember you are to be at the Scotia Insurance Company’s -office at two o’clock prompt. - -“Patsy will be on hand to shadow them when they leave the office, and -never lose sight of the couple till I return, to-morrow morning.” - -About noon Nick went to the Scotia office, and received the following -telegram, which had just arrived: - -“ELMWOOD, PA., July 9, 18--. - - “TO WYLIE KETCHUM, care Scotia Life Insurance Company, New York - City: Impossible for me to accompany Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie to-day. - Have sent certificates of cause of death and identification of - widow. If necessary, I can come down to-morrow. They leave at ten - o’clock. - -ABBOTT.” - - - -“It’s all right,” said Nick, as he handed the telegram to the president. -“My assistant will represent me here as Mr. Ketchum, and I’ll be off to -Elmwood again.” - -Fifteen minutes after Mrs. Mackenzie and her pretended stepson had -reached New York, Nick, in the new disguise of a farmer, was once more -on his way to Elmwood, carrying with him a huge carpetbag. - -His train left directly after the Elmwood express arrived, and he had -the satisfaction of seeing his party disembark, and start toward the -ferry before he stumbled up the steps into the smoking car of his train. - -When he was once more in the presence of Dr. Abbott it was necessary to -introduce himself anew. - -But when Abbott realized that in the old farmer who stood before him he -saw the great New York detective, he was not slow in posting Nick on the -way the case lay at Elmwood. - -“When I pleaded my duty to a sudden very dangerous case, wherein my -services were demanded for this afternoon, Mrs. Mackenzie and her -pretended stepson were very much disturbed. But when I assured them that -you were a personal friend of the president of the insurance company, -and had promised me to be on hand for the purpose of proof and -identification, they agreed to go on and try it without me.” - -“Well, now that the coast is clear, let us lose no time. Are you ready?” - -“At your service.” - -“Then come on.” - -They went straight to the Mackenzie residence. - -The stout servant, Emma, met them at the door, and there was a scowl on -her face. - -“Why, Dr. Abbott, I thought you had such a serious case on hand this -afternoon,” she said, placing her large body in the doorway, and thus -barring their entrance. - -“So I had, Emma--so serious that death has already resulted.” - -“Who was it?” - -“An old man with a long, white beard; a man who looked as much like your -late employer, Mr. Mackenzie, as if they had been brothers.” - -The woman’s face grew deadly white, and for a moment Nick believed she -was going to faint. - -But Emma was not of the fainting kind. By a great effort, she regained -some of her courage, and attempting a laugh, which was a dismal failure, -she said: - -“Do you expect me to believe that? Where does your important patient -live?” - -“We think he did live in this house, and have come to investigate a -little, to satisfy ourselves.” - -Emma had slowly thrust one hand into the folds of her dress skirt. -Suddenly, and with a movement as quick as thought, she stepped back, -raised her arm and flashed a pistol in Abbott’s face. - -She was not quick enough for the detective, however. His large carpetbag -swung through the air and hit the weapon just as she pulled the trigger. - -There was a report, but the bullet went wide of the mark. In another -minute, Emma was securely bound and gagged. - -“Now, for a search of the house,” said Nick. “First, I want to see if -any changes have been made in the building since Mackenzie moved in.” - -“There have been none made on this floor, as I told you, for I’ve been -all over it dozens of times,” replied Abbott. - -“But you’ve not been upstairs since they took possession?” - -“No.” - -“Then let us go up and take a look around.” - -He led the way first to the front room over the parlor. They no sooner -entered than the doctor walked across to the dividing wall opposite the -front windows. - -“Here is something, Mr. Carter,” exclaimed Abbott, staring at the blank -wall. - -“What is it?” - -“There was a large clothes closet at this place when I rented the house -to Mackenzie.” - -“And now it is a solid, blank wall?” - -“Looks that way.” - -Nick tapped against the place indicated. - -“Brick!” was his decision. - -“Brick!” exclaimed Abbott. “Why, the whole house is wood.” - -“Not this part, surely. It is brick, covered with plaster, and neatly -papered. Did Mackenzie buy any brick after he came here?” - -“No. But I now remember he asked permission to remove a small -outbuilding, and that was built of brick.” - -“That is where he got them, then. Was there a corresponding closet on -the other side?” - -“Yes.” - -“Let us go around and look at it.” - -They went into the apartment over the sitting room, and there, too, the -closet had been sealed up by a solid, brick wall. - -“Now, we’ll go below and take a look into the closet where Rover’s -investigations were so rudely interrupted by the toe of Emma’s shoe,” -remarked Nick. - -The closet was dark, but Abbott produced a lamp, lighted it, and brought -it to Nick’s assistance. - -A long stepladder leaned against the wall of the closet. - -Nick’s eyes made a careful examination of the ceiling. - -Then he moved the ladder to a place about the center of the closet, and -mounted the steps until he could place both hands against the board -surface over his head, which he did. - -He pushed against it without avail. - -Meanwhile, Abbott stood below holding the lamp, an interested spectator. - -“There is a trapdoor here, I am sure,” said Nick, “but it is somehow -secured by---- Ah! Let’s try this.” - -He pressed his thumb against the head of a nail, which had a slightly -different appearance from the rest; at the same time he maintained the -upward pressure of the other hand. - -There was the noise of a sharp click, and then a section of the ceiling, -about four feet square, began to rise from one side. - -Nick had found the secret trapdoor. - -Pushing the trap open as he went, the detective continued to ascend the -ladder until his head protruded through the opening. - -For a moment he stopped to look around. Then he drew himself up to the -floor above. - -A few moments later he called down: - -“Leave your lamp below, doctor, and come up. There is plenty of light.” - -Abbott obeyed. - -The two men found themselves standing in an apartment about ten feet -square, inclosed by four solid walls. The roof of the house, twelve feet -above, opened into the glass-inclosed cupola, which surmounted the -building, and thus, as Nick and Abbott saw, in an instant, was furnished -the medium for light and ventilation. - -The floor and walls were deeply padded, and covered with white muslin. - -The only furniture in the small room was a single bed, of iron, a chair -and a small, rough table. - -Indeed, there was little, if any, room, for anything more; though a hole -in the side next to the chimney showed plainly that some kind of a stove -had been used during the winter. - -A hand glass, a pair of scissors, shaving utensils, a basin of water, -and two or three bottles lay promiscuously on the table, and scattered -over the floor was a mass of white hair. - -“Behold all that remains of your friend’s venerable whiskers,” said -Nick, pointing to the telltale material at their feet. - -“He came up here to renew his youth,” exclaimed Abbott. - -“Yes, and was so sure of the security of this hiding place that he -didn’t lose any time in destroying the proofs of his villainous plot. -See! there are the bottles from Madame Reclaire’s laboratory, whose -contents bleached his beard and hair. He even used the wash here right -in the presence of the helpless man who was so terribly wronged.” - -“This was his prison?” - -“Evidently. Have you any idea how they got Templin here without arousing -suspicion?” - -Dr. Abbott remained in thought a few moments before he replied. - -“During the first few months of their residence in the house,” he -finally said, “there was a man of all work about the place who, from -what you tell me, I believe was the fellow with the sandy beard and hair -Madame Reclaire described as a partnership patron with Mackenzie. Maybe -he had something to do with smuggling the old man in.” - -“I have no doubt of it,” said Nick. “It was probably he who constructed -this chamber while Elmwood slept; and helped Mackenzie, or Greene, to -bring the victim from some other hiding place to this padded prison. I -wish I knew where that sandy-bearded man is at this moment.” - -If Nick only had known what he expressed the wish to know, it would have -saved him from great danger. - -For at the very moment the wish was expressed on his lips, the -sandy-bearded man was cautiously crawling up the stepladder, in the -closet below. - -A few moments later his burly form straightened, his arm went up through -the opening, his hand caught hold of the trapdoor, and before Nick or -Abbott realized their peril, the door fell, with a muffled sound, and -the click of the spring lock was plainly heard. - -Abbott turned a startled look upon Nick. - -“The trap has fallen,” he exclaimed. - -“Yes, but not of its own force.” - -“You mean----” - -“I mean somebody reached up and closed it. Hist!” - -Nick had bent his head toward the floor, and was listening for any sound -which might come up from below. - -For half a minute everything was silent. Then was heard what seemed to -be the sound of crashing glass. - -“Abbott, we must get out of this, if we can, without delay,” said Nick, -in tones which were full of intense meaning. “They have crashed the lamp -among the clothing in the closet beneath us, and thus fired the house.” - -“They? Who?” - -“I don’t know. But the woman has had help, for she could never have -escaped from her bonds unassisted; of that I am sure.” - -“Good heavens, Carter! There is no chance for us. The roof is too far -beyond our reach, and that is now our only way out,” cried Abbott. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE WAY IT ALL ENDED. - - -“I have been in many tighter places than this, doctor,” said Nick, -cheerfully. “I’ll show you how badly the people below us have -miscalculated.” - -“What makes it so dark?” queried Abbott. “It is not yet sundown.” - -“No. I suspect a storm is coming up--ah! I thought so.” - -In confirmation of his suspicions, a loud peal of thunder broke the -outside silence. - -“It is coming fast, too,” said Nick. “Now, see how easy it will be for -us to escape.” - -He took the table and stood it directly beneath the cupola. - -Then he pulled a sheet from the bed, twisted it into a rope, and threw -it around his neck. - -“Now, then, doctor,” he exclaimed, “just jump upon the table and brace -yourself to hold the weight of about one hundred and eighty pounds of -human flesh.” - -Abbott quickly complied without stopping to ask a question. - -Nick followed him upon the table at his back, having first seized one of -the empty bottles in his right hand. - -“Steady, now, doctor,” urged Nick. - -The next moment he was standing upright, with a foot on each of Abbott’s -shoulders. - -Having secured a safe hold for his hands on the base of the cupola, -Nick put his athletic training into use, and drew himself up by the -mighty muscles of his arms. - -The next instant he was looking through the thick glass sides of the -cupola. - -Then taking the sheet rope from his shoulders, he lowered it to Abbott, -with the question: - -“Can you raise yourself hand-over-hand?” - -“I can try.” - -“Well, lose no time.” - -Slowly, and with great difficulty, the portly doctor began his task. - -He would not have reached the cupola had not Nick finally let go one -hand from its hold on the sheet, and with it caught Abbott by the arm. -Then he seized the physician with the other hand, and the rescue was -completed. Abbott came through the opening into the cupola as if he were -fastened to a derrick. - -The thunder was crashing on all sides by this time. Smoke was also -rolling out of the house by the doors and windows, and Nick knew that -they would have no time to lose in getting down to the ground. - -Seizing with a firm grasp the bottle he had brought from the prison room -below, he made an assault upon the glass inclosure of the cupola. Crash! -crash! went the crystal plates, until an opening was secured large -enough to let Nick crawl through to the roof. - -He turned and was assisting the doctor through, when the latter suddenly -pointed over Nick’s shoulder and cried: - -“Look there, under that tree!” - -Nick directed his attention to the place Abbott indicated--a large elm -tree, about sixty feet from the house. - -There, leaning against the trunk, and watching the house, were Emma, the -servant, and a man with a sandy beard. - -Even while the doctor was looking, the eyes of the sandy-bearded man -were raised, and he saw the men on the roof. - -He uttered a cry, and made a step as if to leave his place of -observation. - -At that instant there came a blinding flash, followed by a deafening -clap of thunder. - -For a brief time Nick and Abbott were partially stunned. - -Nick was the first to recover. He looked toward the tree. - -The tree was a wreck from the lightning’s bolt, and beneath its -shattered boughs lay two forms--a man and a woman. - -They hastened to reach the solid earth, and the task was soon -accomplished. - -The man and woman under the tree were found, upon examination by the -doctor, to be stone dead. - -The lightning had done its work effectually. - -Half an hour later the residence was beyond rescue. - -Nick hurried the doctor away, and enjoined him to secrecy on the subject -of their afternoon’s adventure. - -An hour later both were on the way to New York. - -That night Nick, accompanied by Dr. Abbott, Chick, Patsy, the chief of -police and the president of the Scotia Insurance Company, surprised -Mackenzie and his guilty wife at their apartments in the hotel where -they had secured accommodations in order to be in New York the next -morning for the purpose of cashing the Scotia’s check as soon as the -banks opened their doors for business. - -The surprise and confusion of the wicked pair were complete. - -They admitted everything but the killing of Jason Templin. Both declared -he had died a natural death, a statement Nick knew was not true, but -which he realized would be hard to disprove before a jury. - -While Chick and Patsy kept close guard over the two prisoners, the chief -of police, Nick Carter, Abbott and the insurance president retired to -another room for consultation. - -Two of the conspirators were dead. If Miss Templin yet lived, it would -be hard to convict the two survivors of murder. That much was admitted. - -Miss Templin could not be found. Mackenzie declared, a few minutes -before, that the young woman was alive, but would never be heard from -unless he got ready to speak, which, under his present circumstances, he -was not willing to do. - -Nick and the chief of police both realized that they were dealing with a -desperate man, and they finally agreed to compromise with him if he -would accept their terms. - -They more readily reached such an understanding when Abbott suggested -that for Miss Templin’s sake it would be well, if possible, to keep -from her the knowledge of the fate of her father. - -So this was the proposition made to Mackenzie and his wife: - -First, they were to return Miss Templin to her friends without her -having suffered serious bodily harm. - -Secondly, they should surrender the five life insurance policies. - -Each should plead guilty to a charge of defrauding the Scotia Insurance -Company, and take a sentence in the State’s prison of from ten to twenty -years. - -In return, they were promised that Templin’s fate would never be brought -up against them. - -To this compromise Mackenzie, speaking for himself and his wife, refused -to agree. - -It was only after a promise that in addition to a pledge not to -prosecute them on a charge of murder, the insurance companies would -refund the premiums already paid in that a final agreement was made. - -Acting under directions from Mackenzie, Nick found Miss Templin, bound -hand and foot, gagged, senseless and almost dead, in a scantily -furnished room high up in a half-deserted tenement on Tenth Avenue, -where she had been taken by Mackenzie and the latter’s friend, Dent, on -the night they decoyed her from the St. James Hotel. - -The decoy had been simple. - -Early in the day on which she disappeared, Miss Templin made a call on a -friend whom she had known in Italy, but who at that time was married, -and living in New York. - -Greene and Dent followed her to the house. - -When Miss Templin was leaving her friend’s residence, the two men -strolled past and heard the hostess from the step say: - -“If Tom comes home to-day, which is not likely, I’ll send him around -after you, and you must come back with him to spend the evening. I know -he’ll be glad to meet you, and you’ll be sure to like him.” - -This gave the desperate couple their clew. - -A forged note, stating that Tom had arrived, after all, and would fetch -Miss Templin to the house in a carriage, was written, a livery carriage -hired from a public stable, the driver drugged, Dent substituted, and -Miss Templin was trapped very easily. - -The agreement made with the Mackenzies that night was faithfully carried -out, and the couple are serving out a fifteen years’ sentence in Sing -Sing. - -Louise will never know that her father’s remains were cremated on Long -Island, but will be left in the belief that they lie in the vault at San -Francisco. - -At Elmwood the theory is prevalent that lightning destroyed the -Mackenzie residence and killed the two servants; for the body of the -dead man was recognized as being that of a person who worked for -Mackenzie when the latter first came to the village. - -The only mystery that has never been cleared up by the good people of -that section is the sudden disappearance of Mrs. Mackenzie and the son. - -They went to New York and were never afterward heard from. - -Many Elmwood people read in their city newspapers the account of Dr. -Amos Greene and his wife, who pleaded guilty to an attempt to defraud an -insurance company, but none of them even suspect that the two -self-convicted criminals were their former highly esteemed fellow -townspeople, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Mackenzie. - -Louise Templin became Mrs. Lonsdale, as Nick discovered a day or two -later, when a dainty card was sent up to his office with this -characteristic message written on the back: - -“Just off on our honeymoon, Mr. Carter. I felt I must stop long enough -to send up my regards and say ‘thank you’ for making our present -happiness possible. - -“LOUISE LONSDALE.” - - -THE END. - - -No. 1142 of the NEW MAGNET LIBRARY is entitled “The Bank Draft Puzzle.” -A mystery story full of exciting incidents in which Nick Carter unravels -an intricate plot teeming with interest. - - -Western Stories About - -BUFFALO BILL - -ALL BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM - - -Red-blooded Adventure Stories for Men - -There is no more romantic character in American history than William F. -Cody, or, as he was internationally known, Buffalo Bill. He, with -Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Wild Bill Hicock, General Custer, and a few -other adventurous spirits, laid the foundation of our great West. - -There is no more brilliant page in American history than the winning of -the West. Never did pioneers live more thrilling lives, so rife with -adventure and brave deeds, as the old scouts and plainsmen. Foremost -among these stands the imposing figure of Buffalo Bill. - -All of the books in this list are intensely interesting. They were -written by the close friend and companion of Buffalo Bill--Colonel -Prentiss Ingraham. They depict actual adventures which this pair of -hard-hitting comrades experienced, while the story of these adventures -is interwoven with fiction; historically the books are correct. - - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1--Buffalo Bill, the Border King - 2--Buffalo Bill’s Raid - 3--Buffalo Bill’s Bravery - 4--Buffalo Bill’s Trump Card - 5--Buffalo Bill’s Pledge - 6--Buffalo Bill s Vengeance - 7--Buffalo Bill’s Iron Grip - 8--Buffalo Bill’s Capture - 9--Buffalo Bill’s Danger Line - 10--Buffalo Bill’s Comrades - 11--Buffalo Bill’s Reckoning - 12--Buffalo Bill’s Warning - 13--Buffalo Bill at Bay - 14--Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Pards - 15--Buffalo Bill’s Brand - 16--Buffalo Bill’s Honor - 17--Buffalo Bill’s Phantom Hunt - 18--Buffalo Bill’s Fight with Fire - 19--Buffalo Bill’s Danite Trail - 20--Buffalo Bill’s Ranch Riders - 21--Buffalo Bill’s Death Trail - 22--Buffalo Bill’s Trackers - 23--Buffalo Bill’s Mid-air Flight - 24--Buffalo Bill, Ambassador - 25--Buffalo Bill’s Air Voyage - 26--Buffalo Bill’s Secret Mission - 27--Buffalo Bill’s Long Trail - 28--Buffalo Bill Against Odds - 29--Buffalo Bill’s Hot Chase - 30--Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ally - 31--Buffalo Bill’s Treasure-trove - 32--Buffalo Bill’s Hidden Foes - 33--Buffalo Bill’s Crack Shot - 34--Buffalo Bill’s Close Call - 35--Buffalo Bill’s Double Surprise - 36--Buffalo Bill’s Ambush - 37--Buffalo Bill’s Outlaw Hunt - 38--Buffalo Bill’s Border Duel - 39--Buffalo Bill’s Bid for Fame - 40--Buffalo Bill’s Triumph - 41--Buffalo Bill’s Spy Trailer - 42--Buffalo Bill’s Death Call - 43--Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard - 44--Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt - 45--Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen - 46--Buffalo Bill’s Prairie Scout - 47--Buffalo Bill’s Traitor Guide - 48--Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza - 49--Buffalo Bill’s Swoop - 50--Buffalo Bill and the Gold King - 51--Buffalo Bill, Dead Shot - 52--Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Bravos - 53--Buffalo Bill’s Big Four - 54--Buffalo Bill’s One-armed Pard - 55--Buffalo Bill’s Race for Life - 56--Buffalo Bill’s Return - 57--Buffalo Bill’s Conquest - 58--Buffalo Bill to the Rescue - 59--Buffalo Bill’s Beautiful Foe - 60--Buffalo Bill’s Perilous Task - 61--Buffalo Bill’s Queer Find - 62--Buffalo Bill’s Blind Lead - 63--Buffalo Bill’s Resolution - 64--Buffalo Bill, the Avenger - 65--Buffalo Bill’s Pledged Pard - 66--Buffalo Bill’s Weird Warning - 67--Buffalo Bill’s Wild Ride - 68--Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Stampede - 69--Buffalo Bill’s Mine Mystery - 70--Buffalo Bill’s Gold Hunt - 71--Buffalo Bill’s Daring Dash - 72--Buffalo Bill on Hand - 73--Buffalo Bill’s Alliance - 74--Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Foe - 75--Buffalo Bill’s Midnight Ride - 76--Buffalo Bill’s Chivalry - 77--Buffalo Bill’s Girl Pard - 78--Buffalo Bill’s Private War - 79--Buffalo Bill’s Diamond Mine - 80--Buffalo Bill’s Big Contract - 81--Buffalo Bill’s Woman Foe - 82--Buffalo Bill’s Ruse - 83--Buffalo Bill’s Pursuit - 84--Buffalo Bill’s Hidden Gold - 85--Buffalo Bill in Mid-air - 86--Buffalo Bill’s Queer Mission - 87--Buffalo Bill’s Verdict - 88--Buffalo Bill’s Ordeal - 89--Buffalo Bill’s Camp Fires - 90--Buffalo Bill’s Iron Nerve - 91--Buffalo Bill’s Rival - 92--Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand - 93--Buffalo Bill’s Sacrifice - 94--Buffalo Bill’s Thunderbolt - 95--Buffalo Bill’s Black Fortune - 96--Buffalo Bill’s Wild Work - 97--Buffalo Bill’s Yellow Trail - 98--Buffalo Bill’s Treasure Train - 99--Buffalo Bill’s Bowie Duel -100--Buffalo Bill’s Mystery Man -101--Buffalo Bill’s Bold Play -102--Buffalo Bill: Peacemaker -103--Buffalo Bill’s Big Surprise -104--Buffalo Bill’s Barricade -105--Buffalo Bill’s Test -106--Buffalo Bill’s Powwow -107--Buffalo Bill’s Stern Justice -108--Buffalo Bill’s Mysterious Friend -109--Buffalo Bill and the Boomers -110--Buffalo Bill’s Panther Fight -111--Buffalo Bill and the Overland Mail -112--Buffalo Bill on the Deadwood Trail -113--Buffalo Bill in Apache Land -114--Buffalo Bill’s Blindfold Duel -115--Buffalo Bill and the Lone Camper -116--Buffalo Bill’s Merry War -117--Buffalo Bill’s Star Play -118--Buffalo Bill’s War Cry -119--Buffalo Bill on Black Panther’s Trail -120--Buffalo Bill’s Slim Chance -121--Buffalo Bill Besieged -122--Buffalo Bill’s Bandit Round-up -123--Buffalo Bill’s Surprise Party -124--Buffalo Bill’s Lightning Raid -125--Buffalo Bill in Mexico -126--Buffalo Bill’s Traitor Foe -127--Buffalo Bill’s Tireless Chase -128--Buffalo Bill’s Boy Bugler -129--Buffalo Bill’s Sure Guess -130--Buffalo Bill’s Record Jump -131--Buffalo Bill in the Land of Dread -132--Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Clew -133--Buffalo Bill’s Wolf Skin -134--Buffalo Bill’s Twice Four Puzzle -135--Buffalo Bill and the Devil Bird -136--Buffalo Bill and the Indian’s Mascot -137--Buffalo Bill Entrapped -138--Buffalo Bill’s Totem Trail -139--Buffalo Bill at Fort Challis -140--Buffalo Bill’s Determination -141--Buffalo Bill’s Battle Axe -142--Buffalo Bill’s Game with Fate -143--Buffalo Bill’s Comanche Raid -144--Buffalo Bill’s Aerial Island -145--Buffalo Bill’s Lucky Shot -146--Buffalo Bill’s Sioux Friends -147--Buffalo Bill’s Supreme Test -148--Buffalo Bill’s Boldest Strike -149--Buffalo Bill and the Red Hand -150--Buffalo Bill’s Dance with Death -151--Buffalo Bill’s Running Fight -152--Buffalo Bill in Harness -153--Buffalo Bill Corralled -154--Buffalo Bill’s Waif of the West -155--Buffalo Bill’s Wizard Pard -156--Buffalo Bill and Hawkeye -157--Buffalo Bill and Grizzly Dan -158--Buffalo Bill’s Ghost Play -159--Buffalo Bill’s Lost Prisoner -160--Buffalo Bill and The Klan of Kau -161--Buffalo Bill’s Crow Scouts -162--Buffalo Bill’s Lassoed Spectre -163--Buffalo Bill and the Wanderers -164--Buffalo Bill and the White Queen -165--Buffalo Bill’s Yellow Guardian -166--Buffalo Bill’s Double “B” Brand -167--Buffalo Bill’s Dangerous Duty -168--Buffalo Bill and the Talking Statue -169--Buffalo Bill Between Two Fires -170--Buffalo Bill and the Giant Apache -171--Buffalo Bill’s Best Bet -172--Buffalo Bill’s Blockhouse Siege -173--Buffalo Bill’s Fight for Right -174--Buffalo Bill’s Sad Tidings -175--Buffalo Bill and “Lucky” Benson -176--Buffalo Bill Among the Sioux -177--Buffalo Bill’s Mystery Box -178--Buffalo Bill’s Worst Tangle -179--Buffalo Bill’s Clean Sweep -180--Buffalo Bill’s Texas Tangle -181--Buffalo Bill and the Nihilists -182--Buffalo Bill’s Emigrant Trail -183--Buffalo Bill at Close Quarters -184--Buffalo Bill and the Cattle Thieves -185--Buffalo Bill at Cimaroon Bar -186--Buffalo Bill’s Ingenuity -187--Buffalo Bill on a Cold Trail -188--Buffalo Bill’s Red Hot Totem -189--Buffalo Bill Under a War Cloud -190--Buffalo Bill and the Prophet -191--Buffalo Bill and the Red Renegade -192--Buffalo Bill’s Mailed Fist -193--Buffalo Bill’s Round-up -194--Buffalo Bill’s Death Message -195--Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Disguise -196--Buffalo Bill, the Whirlwind -197--Buffalo Bill in Death Valley -198--Buffalo Bill and the Magic Button -199--Buffalo Bill’s Friend in Need -200--Buffalo Bill with General Custer -201--Buffalo Bill’s Timely Meeting -202--Buffalo Bill and the Skeleton Scout -203--Buffalo Bill’s Flag of Truce -204--Buffalo Bill’s Pacific Power -205--Buffalo Bill’s Impersonator -206--Buffalo Bill and the Red Maurauders -207--Buffalo Bill’s Long Run -208--Buffalo Bill and Red Dove -209--Buffalo Bill on the Box -210--Buffalo Bill’s Bravo Partner -211--Buffalo Bill’s Strange Task - - -S & S Novels - -Means - -MONEY’S WORTH - -Clean, interesting, attractive--they afford the reader the best possible -value in the way of literature of the day. Do not accept cheap -imitations which are clearly intended to deceive the reader and are -always disappointing. - - -BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN - -MERRIWELL SERIES - -ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH - -Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell - - -Fascinating Stories of Athletics - -A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures of -two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as with -the rest of the world. - -These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports and -athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot fail to be -of immense benefit to every boy who reads them. - -They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become a -good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous, -right-thinking man. - - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1--Frank Merriwell’s School Days - 2--Frank Merriwell’s Chums - 3--Frank Merriwell’s Foes - 4--Frank Merriwell’s Trip West - 5--Frank Merriwell Down South - 6--Frank Merriwell’s Bravery - 7--Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour - 8--Frank Merriwell in Europe - 9--Frank Merriwell at Yale - 10--Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield - 11--Frank Merriwell’s Races - 12--Frank Merriwell’s Party - 13--Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour - 14--Frank Merriwell’s Courage - 15--Frank Merriwell’s Daring - 16--Frank Merriwell’s Alarm - 17--Frank Merriwell’s Athletes - 18--Frank Merriwell’s Skill - 19--Frank Merriwell’s Champions - 20--Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale - 21--Frank Merriwell’s Secret - 22--Frank Merriwell’s Danger - 23--Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty - 24--Frank Merriwell in Camp - 25--Frank Merriwell’s Vacation - 26--Frank Merriwell’s Cruise - 27--Frank Merriwell’s Chase - 28--Frank Merriwell in Maine - 29--Frank Merriwell’s Struggle - 30--Frank Merriwell’s First Job - 31--Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity - 32--Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck - 33--Frank Merriwell’s Protégé - 34--Frank Merriwell on the Road - 35--Frank Merriwell’s Own Company - 36--Frank Merriwell’s Fame - 37--Frank Merriwell’s College Chums - 38--Frank Merriwell’s Problem - 39--Frank Merriwell’s Fortune - 40--Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian - 41--Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity - 42--Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit - 43--Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme - 44--Frank Merriwell in England - 45--Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards - 40--Frank Merriwell’s Duel - 47--Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot - 48--Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories - 49--Frank Merriwell’s Confidence - 50--Frank Merriwell’s Auto - 51--Frank Merriwell’s Fun - 52--Frank Merriwell’s Generosity - 53--Frank Merriwell’s Tricks - 54--Frank Merriwell’s Temptation - 55--Frank Merriwell on Top - 56--Frank Merriwell’s Luck - 57--Frank Merriwell’s Mascot - 58--Frank Merriwell’s Reward - 59--Frank Merriwell’s Phantom - 60--Frank Merriwell’s Faith - 61--Frank Merriwell’s Victories - 62--Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve - 63--Frank Merriwell in Kentucky - 64--Frank Merriwell’s Power - 65--Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness - 66--Frank Merriwell’s Setback - 67--Frank Merriwell’s Search - 68--Frank Merriwell’s Club - 69--Frank Merriwell’s Trust - 70--Frank Merriwell’s False Friend - 71--Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm - 72--Frank Merriwell as Coach - 73--Frank Merriwell’s Brother - 74--Frank Merriwell’s Marvel - 75--Frank Merriwell’s Support - 76--Dick Merriwell at Fardale - 77--Dick Merriwell’s Glory - 78--Dick Merriwell’s Promise - 79--Dick Merriwell’s Rescue - 80--Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape - 81--Dick Merriwell’s Racket - 82--Dick Merriwell’s Revenge - 83--Dick Merriwell’s Ruse - 84--Dick Merriwell’s Delivery - 85--Dick Merriwell’s Wonders - 86--Frank Merriwell’s Honor - 87--Dick Merriwell’s Diamond - 88--Frank Merriwell’s Winners - 89--Dick Merriwell’s Dash - 90--Dick Merriwell’s Ability - 91--Dick Merriwell’s Trap - 92--Dick Merriwell’s Defense - 93--Dick Merriwell’s Model - 94--Dick Merriwell’s Mystery - 95--Frank Merriwell’s Backers - 96--Dick Merriwell’s Backstop - 97--Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission - 98--Frank Merriwell’s Rescue - 99--Frank Merriwell’s Encounter -100--Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money -101--Frank Merriwell’s Nomads -102--Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron -103--Dick Merriwell’s Disguise -104--Dick Merriwell’s Test -105--Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card -106--Frank Merriwell’s Strategy -107--Frank Merriwell’s Triumph -108--Dick Merriwell’s Grit -109--Dick Merriwell’s Assurance -110--Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide -111--Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal -112--Dick Merriwell’s Threat -113--Dick Merriwell’s Persistence -114--Dick Merriwell’s Day -115--Frank Merriwell’s Peril -116--Dick Merriwell’s Downfall -117--Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit -118--Dick Merriwell Abroad -119--Frank Merriwell in the Rockies -120--Dick Merriwell’s Pranks -121--Frank Merriwell’s Pride -122--Frank Merriwell’s Challengers -123--Frank Merriwell’s Endurance -124--Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness -125--Frank Merriwell’s Marriage -126--Dick Merriwell, the Wizard -127--Dick Merriwell’s Stroke -128--Dick Merriwell’s Return -129--Dick Merriwell’s Resource -130--Dick Merriwell’s Five -131--Frank Merriwell’s Tigers -132--Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team -133--Frank Merriwell’s Pupils -134--Frank Merriwell’s New Boy -135--Dick Merriwell’s Home Run -136--Dick Merriwell’s Dare -137--Frank Merriwell’s Son -138--Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate -139--Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers -140--Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp -141--Dick Merriwell’s Influence -142--Dick Merriwell, Freshman -143--Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books -listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York -City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation. - - -To be published in July, 1926. - -144--Dick Merriwell’s Joke -145--Frank Merriwell’s Talisman - - -To be published in August, 1926. - -146--Frank Merriwell’s Horse -147--Dick Merriwell’s Regret - - -To be published in September, 1926. - -148--Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism -149--Dick Merriwell’s Backers - - -To be published in October, 1926. - -150--Dick Merriwell’s Best Work -151--Dick Merriwell’s Distrust -152--Dick Merriwell’s Debt - - -To be published in November, 1926. - -153--Dick Merriwell’s Mastery -154--Dick Merriwell Adrift - - -To be published in December, 1926. - -155--Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy -156--Dick Merriwell’s Close Call - - -Western Story Library - -For Everyone Who Likes Adventure - - -Ted Strong and his band of broncho-busters have most exciting adventures -in this line of attractive big books, and furnish the reader with an -almost unlimited number of thrills. - -If you like a really good Western cowboy story, then this line is made -expressly for you. - - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1--Ted Strong, Cowboy By Edward C. Taylor - 2--Ted Strong Among the Cattlemen By Edward C. Taylor - 3--Ted Strong’s Black Mountain Ranch By Edward C. Taylor - 4--Ted Strong With Rifle and Lasso By Edward C. Taylor - 5--Ted Strong Lost in the Desert By Edward C. Taylor - 6--Ted Strong Fighting the Rustlers By Edward C. Taylor - 7--Ted Strong and the Rival Miners By Edward C. Taylor - 8--Ted Strong and the Last of the Herd By Edward C. Taylor - 9--Ted Strong on a Mountain Trail By Edward C. Taylor -10--Ted Strong Across the Prairie By Edward C. Taylor -11--Ted Strong Out For Big Game By Edward C. Taylor -12--Ted Strong Challenged By Edward C. Taylor -13--Ted Strong’s Close Call By Edward C. Taylor -14--Ted Strong’s Passport By Edward C. Taylor -15--Ted Strong’s Nebraska Ranch By Edward C. Taylor -16--Ted Strong’s Cattle Drive By Edward C. Taylor -17--Ted Strong’s Stampede By Edward C. Taylor -18--Ted Strong’s Prairie Trail By Edward C. Taylor -19--Ted Strong’s Surprise By Edward C. Taylor -20--Ted Strong’s Wolf Hunters By Edward C. Taylor -21--Ted Strong’s Crooked Trail By Edward C. Taylor -22--Ted Strong in Colorado By Edward C. Taylor -23--Ted Strong’s Justice By Edward C. Taylor -24--Ted Strong’s Treasure By Edward C. Taylor -25--Ted Strong’s Search By Edward C. Taylor -26--Ted Strong’s Diamond Mine By Edward C. Taylor -27--Ted Strong’s Manful Task By Edward C. Taylor -28--Ted Strong, Manager By Edward C. Taylor -29--Ted Strong’s Man Hunt By Edward C. Taylor -30--Ted Strong’s Gold Mine By Edward C. Taylor -31--Ted Strong’s Broncho Boys By Edward C. Taylor -32--Ted Strong’s Wild Horse By Edward C. Taylor -33--Ted Strong’s Tenderfoot By Edward C. Taylor -34--Ted Strong’s Stowaway By Edward C. Taylor -35--Ted Strong’s Prize Herd By Edward C. Taylor -36--Ted Strong’s Trouble By Edward C. Taylor -37--Ted Strong’s Mettle By Edward C. Taylor -38--Ted Strong’s Big Business By Edward C. Taylor -39--Ted Strong’s Treasure Cave By Edward C. Taylor -40--Ted Strong’s Vanishing Island By Edward C. Taylor -41--Ted Strong’s Motor Car By Edward C. Taylor -42--Ted Strong in Montana By Edward C. Taylor -43--Ted Strong’s Contract By Edward C. Taylor - - -Insist Upon Having the S & S NOVELS - -They are IMITATED! - - -RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE - -SPORT STORIES - -Price, Fifteen Cents - - -_Stories of the Big Outdoors_ - -There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very considerable -portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories about Jack -Lightfoot, the athlete. - -These stories are of interest to old and young. They are not, strictly -speaking, stories for boys, but boys everywhere will find a great deal -in them to engage their interest. - -The Jack Lightfoot stories deal with every branch of sport--baseball, -football, rowing, swimming, racing, tennis, and every sort of -occupation, both indoor and out, that the healthy-minded man turns to. - - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1--Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete By Maxwell Stevens - 2--Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine By Maxwell Stevens - 3--Jack Lightfoot Trapped By Maxwell Stevens - 4--Jack Lightfoot’s Rival By Maxwell Stevens - 5--Jack Lightfoot in Camp By Maxwell Stevens - 6--Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip By Maxwell Stevens - 7--Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm By Maxwell Stevens - 8--Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo By Maxwell Stevens - 9--Jack Lightfoot’s Decision By Maxwell Stevens -10--Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club By Maxwell Stevens -11--Jack Lightfoot’s Blind By Maxwell Stevens -12--Jack Lightfoot’s Capture By Maxwell Stevens -13--Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work By Maxwell Stevens -14--Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom By Maxwell Stevens - - -The Dealer - -who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS is a man worth patronizing. The -fact that he does handle our books proves that he has considered the -merits of paper-covered lines, and has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others. - -He has looked into the question of the morality of the paper-covered -book, for instance, and feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one -of our novels to any one, because he has our assurance that nothing -except clean, wholesome literature finds its way into our lines. - -Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer is a careful and wise -tradesman, and it is fair to assume selects the other articles he has -for sale with the same degree of intelligence as he does his -paper-covered books. - -Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer. - - -STREET & SMITH CORPORATION -79 Seventh Avenue New York City - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOLLOWING A CHANCE 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. 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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: Following a Chance Clew</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>Nick Carter's Lucky Find</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 11, 2021 [eBook #66708]</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 FOLLOWING A CHANCE CLEW ***</div> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="c"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" height="500" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="deprecated" -style="border:3px solid black; -padding:.5em;"> -<tr><td class="c"> -<a href="#FOLLOWING_A_CHANCE_CLEW"><b>FOLLOWING A CHANCE CLEW.</b></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> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII"> XXVIII.</a> -</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="cb">NICK CARTER STORIES<br /><br /> - -<span class="big200">New Magnet Library</span><br /><br /> - -<i>Not a Dull Book in This List</i><br /><br /> - -ALL BY NICHOLAS CARTER</p> - -<p>Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact that the -books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to the work of -a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced no other type of -fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation of new plots and -situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly from all sorts of -troubles and landed the criminal just where he should be—behind the -bars.</p> - -<p>The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person.</p> - -<p>Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of them -as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price.</p> - -<p>If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New Magnet -Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight you.</p> - -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="deprecated"> - -<tr><th class="c" -colspan="2"><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></th></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td> -850—Wanted: A Clew<br /> -851—A Tangled Skein<br /> -852—The Bullion Mystery<br /> -853—The Man of Riddles<br /> -854—A Miscarriage of Justice<br /> -855—The Gloved Hand<br /> -856—Spoilers and the Spoils<br /> -857—The Deeper Game<br /> -858—Bolts from Blue Skies<br /> -859—Unseen Foes<br /> -860—Knaves in High Places<br /> -861—The Microbe of Crime<br /> -862—In the Toils of Fear<br /> -863—A Heritage of Trouble<br /> -864—Called to Account<br /> -865—The Just and the Unjust<br /> -866—Instinct at Fault<br /> -867—A Rogue Worth Trapping<br /> -868—A Rope of Slender Threads<br /> -869—The Last Call<br /> -870—The Spoils of Chance<br /> -871—A Struggle with Destiny<br /> -872—The Slave of Crime<br /> -873—The Crook’s Blind<br /> -874—A Rascal of Quality<br /> -875—With Shackles of Fire<br /> -876—The Man Who Changed Faces<br /> -877—The Fixed Alibi<br /> -878—Out with the Tide<br /> -879—The Soul Destroyers<br /> -880—The Wages of Rascality<br /> -881—Birds of Prey<br /> -882—When Destruction Threatens<br /> -883—The Keeper of Black Hounds<br /> -884—The Door of Doubt<br /> -885—The Wolf Within<br /> -886—A Perilous Parole<br /> -887—The Trail of the Finger Prints<br /> -888—Dodging the Law<br /> -889—A Crime in Paradise<br /> -890—On the Ragged Edge<br /> -891—The Red God of Tragedy<br /> -892—The Man Who Paid<br /> -893—The Blind Man’s Daughter<br /> -894—One Object in Life<br /> -895—As a Crook Sows<br /> -896—In Record Time<br /> -897—Held in Suspense<br /> -898—The $100,000 Kiss<br /> -899—Just One Slip<br /> -900—On a Million-dollar Trail<br /> -901—A Weird Treasure<br /> -902—The Middle Link<br /> -903—To the Ends of the Earth<br /> -904—When Honors Pall<br /> -905—The Yellow Brand<br /> -906—A New Serpent in Eden<br /> -907—When Brave Men Tremble<br /> -908—A Test of Courage<br /> -909—Where Peril Beckons<br /> -910—The Gargoni Girdle<br /> -911—Rascals & Co.<br /> -912—Too Late to Talk<br /> -913—Satan’s Apt Pupil<br /> -914—The Girl Prisoner<br /> -915—The Danger of Folly<br /> -916—One Shipwreck Too Many<br /> -917—Scourged by Fear<br /> -918—The Red Plague<br /> -919—Scoundrels Rampant<br /> -920—From Clew to Clew<br /> -921—When Rogues Conspire<br /> -922—Twelve in a Grave<br /> -923—The Great Opium Case<br /> -924—A Conspiracy of Rumors<br /> -925—A Klondike Claim<br /> -926—The Evil Formula<br /> -927—The Man of Many Faces<br /> -928—The Great Enigma<br /> -929—The Burden of Proof<br /> -930—The Stolen Brain<br /> -931—A Titled Counterfeiter<br /> -932—The Magic Necklace<br /> -933—Round the World for a Quarter<br /> -934—Over the Edge of the World<br /> -935—In the Grip of Fate<br /> -936—The Case of Many Clews<br /> - -937—The Sealed Door<br /> -938—Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men<br /> -939—The Man Without a Will<br /> -940—Tracked Across the Atlantic<br /> -941—A Clew from the Unknown<br /> -942—The Crime of a Countess<br /> -943—A Mixed-up Mess<br /> -944—The Great Money-order Swindle<br /> -945—The Adder’s Brood<br /> -946—A Wall Street Haul<br /> -947—For a Pawned Crown<br /> -948—Sealed Orders<br /> -949—The Hate that Kills<br /> -950—The American Marquis<br /> -951—The Needy Nine<br /> -952—Fighting Against Millions<br /> -953—Outlaws of the Blue<br /> -954—The Old Detective’s Pupil<br /> -955—Found in the Jungle<br /> -956—The Mysterious Mall Robbery<br /> -957—Broken Bars<br /> -958—A Fair Criminal<br /> -959—Won by Magic<br /> -960—The Piano Box Mystery<br /> -961—The Man They Held Back<br /> -962—A Millionaire Partner<br /> -963—A Pressing Peril<br /> -964—An Australian Klondike<br /> -965—The Sultan’s Pearls<br /> -966—The Double Shuffle Club<br /> -967—Paying the Price<br /> -968—A Woman’s Hand<br /> -969—A Network of Crime<br /> -970—At Thompson’s Ranch<br /> -971—The Crossed Needles<br /> -972—The Diamond Mine Case<br /> -973—Blood Will Tell<br /> -974—An Accidental Password<br /> -975—The Crook’s Double<br /> -976—Two Plus Two<br /> -977—The Yellow Label<br /> -978—The Clever Celestial<br /> -979—The Amphitheater Plot<br /> -980—Gideon Drexel’s Millions<br /> -981—Death In Life<br /> -982—A Stolen Identity<br /> -983—Evidence by Telephone<br /> -984—The Twelve Tin Boxes<br /> -985—Clew Against Clew<br /> -986—Lady Velvet<br /> -987—Playing a Bold Game<br /> -988—A Dead Man’s Grip<br /> -989—Snarled Identities<br /> -990—A Deposit Vault Puzzle<br /> - -991—The Crescent Brotherhood<br /> -992—The Stolen Pay Train<br /> -993—The Sea Fox<br /> -994—Wanted by Two Clients<br /> -995—The Van Alstine Case<br /> -996—Check No. 777<br /> -997—Partners in Peril<br /> -998—Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé<br /> -999—The Sign of the Crossed Knives<br /> -1000—The Man Who Vanished<br /> -1001—A Battle for the Right<br /> -1002—A Game of Craft<br /> -1003—Nick Carter’s Retainer<br /> -1004—Caught in the Tolls<br /> -1005—A Broken Bond<br /> -1006—The Crime of the French Café<br /> -1007—The Man Who Stole Millions<br /> -1008—The Twelve Wise Men<br /> -1009—Hidden Foes<br /> -1010—A Gamblers’ Syndicate<br /> -1011—A Chance Discovery<br /> -1012—Among the Counterfeiters<br /> -1013—A Threefold Disappearance<br /> -1014—At Odds with Scotland Yard<br /> - -1015—A Princess of Crime<br /> -1016—Found on the Beach<br /> - -1017—A Spinner of Death<br /> -</td><td> -1018—The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor<br /> -1019—A Bogus Clew<br /> -1020—The Puzzle of Five Pistols<br /> -1021—The Secret of the Marble Mantel<br /> -1022—A Bite of an Apple<br /> -1023—A Triple Crime<br /> -1024—The Stolen Race Horse<br /> -1025—Wildfire<br /> -1026—A <i>Herald</i> Personal<br /> -1027—The Finger of Suspicion<br /> -1028—The Crimson Clew<br /> -1029—Nick Carter Down East<br /> -1030—The Chain of Clews<br /> -1031—A Victim of Circumstances<br /> -1032—Brought to Bay<br /> -1033—The Dynamite Trap<br /> -1034—A Scrap of Black Lace<br /> -1035—The Woman of Evil<br /> -1036—A Legacy of Hate<br /> -1037—A Trusted Rogue<br /> -1038—Man Against Man<br /> -1039—The Demons of the Night<br /> -1040—The Brotherhood of Death<br /> -1041—At the Knife’s Point<br /> -1042—A Cry for Help<br /> -1043—A Stroke of Policy<br /> -1044—Hounded to Death<br /> -1045—A Bargain in Crime<br /> -1046—The Fatal Prescription<br /> -1047—The Man of Iron<br /> -1048—An Amazing Scoundrel<br /> -1049—The Chain of Evidence<br /> -1050—Paid with Death<br /> -1051—A Fight for a Throne<br /> -1052—The Woman of Steel<br /> -1053—The Seal of Death<br /> -1054—The Human Fiend<br /> -1055—A Desperate Chance<br /> -1056—A Chase in the Dark<br /> -1057—The Snare and the Game<br /> -1058—The Murray Hill Mystery<br /> -1059—Nick Carter’s Close Call<br /> -1060—The Missing Cotton King<br /> -1061—A Game of Plots<br /> -1062—The Prince of Liars<br /> -1063—The Man at the Window<br /> -1064—The Red League<br /> -1065—The Price of a Secret<br /> -1066—The Worst Case on Record<br /> -1067—From Peril to Peril<br /> -1068—The Seal of Silence<br /> -1069—Nick Carter’s Chinese Puzzle<br /> -1070—A Blackmailer’s Bluff<br /> -1071—Heard in the Dark<br /> -1072—A Checkmated Scoundrel<br /> -1073—The Cashier’s Secret<br /> -1074—Behind a Mask<br /> -1075—The Cloak of Guilt<br /> -1076—Two Villains in One<br /> -1077—The Hot Air Clew<br /> -1078—Run to Earth<br /> -1070—The Certified Check<br /> -1080—Weaving the Web<br /> -1081—Beyond Pursuit<br /> -1082—The Claws of the Tiger<br /> -1083—Driven from Cover<br /> -1084—A Deal in Diamonds<br /> -1085—The Wizard of the Cue<br /> -1086—A Race for Ten Thousand<br /> -1087—The Criminal Link<br /> -1088—The Red Signal<br /> -1089—The Secret Panel<br /> -1090—A Bonded Villain<br /> -1091—A Move in the Dark<br /> -1092—Against Desperate Odds<br /> -1093—The Telltale Photographs<br /> -1094—The Ruby Pin<br /> -1095—The Queen of Diamonds<br /> -1096—A Broken Trail<br /> -1097—An Ingenious Stratagem<br /> -1098—A Sharper’s Downfall<br /> -1099—A Race Track Gamble<br /> -1100—Without a Clew<br /> -1101—The Council of Death<br /> -1102—The Hole in the Vault<br /> -1103—In Death’s Grip<br /> -1104—A Great Conspiracy<br /> -1105—The Guilty Governor<br /> -1106—A Ring of Rascals<br /> -1107—A Masterpiece of Crime<br /> -1108—A Blow for Vengeance<br /> -1109—Tangled Threads<br /> -1110—The Crime of the Camera<br /> -1111—The Sign of the Dagger<br /> -1112—Nick Carter’s Promise<br /> -1113—Marked for Death<br /> -1114—The Limited Holdup<br /> -1115—When the Trap Was Sprung<br /> -1116—Through the Cellar Wall<br /> -1117—Under the Tiger’s Claws<br /> -1118—The Girl in the Case<br /> -1119—Behind a Throne<br /> -1120—The Lure of Gold<br /> -1121—Hand to Hand<br /> -1122—From a Prison Cell<br /> -1123—Dr. Quartz, Magician<br /> -1124—Into Nick Carter’s Web<br /> -1125—The Mystic Diagram<br /> -1126—The Hand that Won<br /> -1127—Playing a Lone Hand<br /> -1128—The Master Villain<br /> -1129—The False Claimant<br /> -1130—The Living Mask<br /> -1131—The Crime and the Motive<br /> -1132—A Mysterious Foe<br /> -1133—A Missing Man<br /> -1134—A Game Well Played<br /> -1135—A Cigarette Clew<br /> -1136—The Diamond Trail<br /> -1137—The Silent Guardian<br /> -1138—The Dead Stranger<br /> -1140—The Doctor’s Stratagem<br /> -1141—Following a Chance Clew<br /> -1142—The Bank Draft Puzzle<br /> -1143—The Price of Treachery<br /> -1144—The Silent Partner<br /> -1145—Ahead of the Game<br /> -1146—A Trap of Tangled Wire<br /> -1147—In the Gloom of Night<br /> -1148—The Unaccountable Crook<br /> -1149—A Bundle of Clews<br /> -1150—The Great Diamond Syndicate<br /> -1151—The Death Circle<br /> -1152—The Toss of a Penny<br /> -1153—One Step Too Far<br /> -1154—The Terrible Thirteen<br /> -1155—A Detective’s Theory<br /> -1156—Nick Carter’s Auto Trail<br /> -1157—A Triple Identity<br /> -1158—A Mysterious Graft<br /> -1159—A Carnival of Crime<br /> -1160—The Bloodstone Terror<br /> -1161—Trapped in His Own Net<br /> -1162—The Last Move in the Game<br /> -1163—A Victim of Deceit<br /> -1164—With Links of Steel<br /> -1165—A Plaything of Fate<br /> -1166—The Key King Clew<br /> -1167—Playing for a Fortune<br /> -1168—At Mystery’s Threshold<br /> -1169—Trapped by a Woman<br /> -1170—The Four Fingered Glove<br /> -1171—Nabob and Knave<br /> -1172—The Broadway Cross<br /> -1173—The Man Without a Conscience<br /> -1174—A Master of Deviltry<br /> -1175—Nick Carter’s Double Catch<br /> -1176—Doctor Quartz’s Quick Move<br /> -1177—The Vial of Death<br /> -1178—Nick Carter’s Star Pupils<br /> -1179—Nick Carter’s Girl Detective<br /> -1180—A Baffled Oath<br /> -1181—A Royal Thief<br /> -1182—Down and Out<br /> -1183—A Syndicate of Rascals<br /> -1184—Played to a Finish<br /> -1185—A Tangled Case<br /> -1186—In Letters of Fire -</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books -listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York -City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="deprecated"> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in July, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1187—Crossed Wires</td><td> -1188—A Plot Uncovered</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published In August, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1189—The Cab Driver’s Secret</td><td> -1190—Nick Carter’s Death Warrant</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published In September, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1191—The Plot that Failed<br /> -1192—Nick Carter’s Masterpiece</td><td> -1193—A Prince of Rogues</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in October, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1194—In the Lap of Danger</td><td> -1195—The Man from London</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in November, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1196—Circumstantial Evidence</td><td> -1197—The Pretty Stenographer Mystery</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in December, 1926.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1198—A Villainous Scheme</td><td> -1199—A Plot Within a Plot</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_3" id="page_3">{3}</a></span></p> - -<h1> -Following a Chance Clew</h1> - -<p class="cb">OR,<br /> -<br /> -NICK CARTER’S LUCKY FIND<br /> -<br /> -BY<br /> -<br /> -NICHOLAS CARTER<br /> -<br /> -Author of the celebrated stories of Nick Carter’s adventures,<br /> -which are published exclusively in the <span class="smcap">New Magnet Library</span>,<br /> -conceded to be among the best detective tales ever written.<br /> -<br /><br /> -<img src="images/colophon.png" -width="85" -alt="" /><br /> -<br /><br /> -STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -PUBLISHERS<br /> -79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_4" id="page_4">{4}</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<div class="bbox"> -Copyright, 1899, 1900 and 1904<br /> -By STREET & SMITH<br /> -—— -<br /> -Following a Chance Clew<br /> -</div> - -<p class="c"><small>(Printed in the United States of America)<br /> -<br /> -All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign<br /> -languages, including the Scandinavian.</small><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_5" id="page_5">{5}</a></span></p> - -<h1><a name="FOLLOWING_A_CHANCE_CLEW" -id="FOLLOWING_A_CHANCE_CLEW"></a>FOLLOWING A CHANCE CLEW.</h1> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /><br /> -<small>ON A SEPTEMBER NIGHT.</small></h2> - -<p>“Nathan Lusker.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter read the sign over the jeweler’s store on Eighth Avenue and -stopped to glance critically at the place.</p> - -<p>He noticed that the “regulator” indicated midnight.</p> - -<p>His thoughts flew back to another midnight earlier in the week, when -Lusker’s store had been cleaned out by burglars.</p> - -<p>The robbery had been charged to a mysterious crook known as Doc -Helstone, who was supposed to be the leader of a clever gang of -lawbreakers.</p> - -<p>Nick had been asked to break up this gang, which had baffled some of the -best men of Inspector McLaughlin’s staff. A proposition had been made to -him that day, and he had promised an answer on the morrow.</p> - -<p>Probably he would have decided to refuse the job, for he had a lot of -work on hand; but, as he strolled up the avenue on that September night, -an adventure was waiting for him which was to alter his purpose, and set -him upon the track of a remarkable scoundrel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_6" id="page_6">{6}</a></span></p> - -<p>Lusker’s place was nearly in the middle of a block. As Nick turned his -eyes away from the window, he noticed, on the street corner beyond, a -group of about a dozen men and women.</p> - -<p>There was nothing unusual about them except that they were all looking -one way. Their attention had evidently been strongly attracted by -something which was taking place on the side street, to the westward.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they all hurried in that direction. Other persons, attracted by -this movement, joined in it.</p> - -<p>All whom Nick could see were hastening toward this center of -interest—all, except one man, who was walking the other way.</p> - -<p>This man came out of the street wherein the crowd was gathering, and -turned up the avenue. Nick saw him for only a moment, and at a -considerable distance, but he remembered him.</p> - -<p>When Nick came to the street corner, he saw, about forty yards from the -avenue, a considerable crowd, upon the downtown side. He quickly made -his way to the midst of it.</p> - -<p>There he saw a young man kneeling on the sidewalk, and supporting upon -his arm the head of a woman.</p> - -<p>The man seemed considerably agitated. The woman’s face, indistinct in -the dim light, was white and rigid.</p> - -<p>“Do you know this woman?” asked Nick, quickly, of the young man, after -he had cast a single glance upon the unconscious figure.</p> - -<p>“No; I never saw her before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_7" id="page_7">{7}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Do you know a tall man with a light brown beard parted in the middle, a -dark suit of——”</p> - -<p>“Why, that’s the man who has gone to ring for an ambulance,” was the -reply. “This lady was with him when she was taken sick.”</p> - -<p>Nick did not wait to hear any more. He slipped through the crowd like an -eel, and darted away.</p> - -<p>He was on the track of the man whom he had seen walking away from the -spot to which everybody else was hurrying.</p> - -<p>The avenue was brightly lighted, but the man was not in sight. By rapid, -clever work, Nick traced him to Forty-first Street, where he had entered -a carriage.</p> - -<p>A hackman, who had seen this, did not remember ever to have seen the -carriage or the driver or the passenger before.</p> - -<p>“Was the man looking about for a carriage when you first saw him?” asked -Nick.</p> - -<p>“No; he knew where to find one,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Did he give any directions to the driver?”</p> - -<p>“He held up his hand in a queer sort of way, and the driver nodded. -Nothing was said.”</p> - -<p>Evidently the carriage had been waiting, and the coachman and the -passenger knew each other well. They would be harder to trace on that -account.</p> - -<p>For the moment Nick gave up the chase. He returned to the crowd around -the unconscious woman.</p> - -<p>She still lay where Nick had last seen her. A policeman had come, and -had rung for an ambulance.</p> - -<p>The young man who had been supporting the woma<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_8" id="page_8">{8}</a></span>n’s head had relinquished -his burden, and just as Nick came up he was edging away through the -crowd. He seemed to desire to escape further observation.</p> - -<p>Nick touched him on the arm, and the young man faced about.</p> - -<p>“Don’t try to get away,” said the detective. “You won’t help matters by -that.”</p> - -<p>“Why shouldn’t I go away?”</p> - -<p>“Because,” said Nick, calmly, “you will direct suspicion toward -yourself.”</p> - -<p>“Suspicion! Suspicion of what?”</p> - -<p>“Murder!” replied the detective, in a low, steady voice.</p> - -<p>This sinister word produced a tremendous effect upon the young man. But -he came out of it in a way which showed he had plenty of nerve.</p> - -<p>Nick had drawn him into a doorway, and the two were almost unobserved.</p> - -<p>“Look here,” said the young man, “I’m no fool, and I begin to see that -something is wrong here. But when it comes to murder, I don’t believe -you’re right. That lady isn’t very sick.”</p> - -<p>“She isn’t sick at all,” said Nick; “she’s wounded.”</p> - -<p>“Wounded!”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I saw at a glance that she was suffering from a blow with a -sharp-pointed instrument. She has been stabbed, probably, with a -stiletto.”</p> - -<p>“Then it was that man——”</p> - -<p>“Either that man or yourself,” said Nick, interrupting.</p> - -<p>“But I swear by all that I hold sacred that I never<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_9" id="page_9">{9}</a></span> set eyes on the -woman before this evening. I was passing along the street when I saw her -ahead of me.</p> - -<p>“The man whom I described to you had just overtaken her, and they were -talking. At that moment a drunken man pushed violently against me. I -looked around. He lurched away.</p> - -<p>“Then I turned toward Eighth Avenue again, and at that moment I saw the -woman fall into the man’s arms, with a low cry. I didn’t see him stab -her, and I didn’t see any weapon. I ran up to offer assistance, and he -said: ‘This lady is ill. Take her for a moment while I summon -assistance. I will ring for an ambulance. It will be the quickest way to -get a doctor.’</p> - -<p>“I took the woman out of his arms because I couldn’t let her fall on the -sidewalk. He hurried away. You know the rest.</p> - -<p>“Now, then, I maintain that you have no right to detain me. I’m going -home.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose that you could do so, even if I consented? I tell you -that a detective has his eye on you at this moment, though you do not -see him. Do you think that policeman would have been stupid enough to -let you get away if he hadn’t known that somebody was on hand to look -out for you?”</p> - -<p>“And who are you?”</p> - -<p>“I’m a man who may believe in your innocence and help you to prove it, -if your conduct justifies it.”</p> - -<p>The young man looked at Nick as if he meditated making a break for -liberty, but something in the detective’s glance restrained him. The -stronger mind prevailed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_10" id="page_10">{10}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What would you advise me to do?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Go back and stand near the policeman,” said Nick. “Be on hand when the -ambulance surgeon makes his examination.</p> - -<p>“You will be taken to the police station. When you get there tell your -story as you’ve told it to me. If there’s anything else, save it till -you see me again. What is your name?”</p> - -<p>“Austin L. Reeves. I live at ninety-two West Thirty-ninth Street.”</p> - -<p>“Very well. Here comes the ambulance.”</p> - -<p>Though fully twenty minutes had elapsed since the woman had received the -injury, her condition had not changed in the least. Nick had felt -certain that the night was so warm that no harm would result from her -remaining outdoors. Otherwise he would have taken her to a drug store or -into one of the houses.</p> - -<p>The others, expecting the ambulance every minute, and failing to -perceive the real nature of the woman’s trouble, had not thought of -doing anything.</p> - -<p>When the ambulance surgeon bent over her, he saw at once that she was -suffering from a serious stab wound.</p> - -<p>Not a drop of blood was visible, which showed that the weapon used must -have been as fine as a needle.</p> - -<p>The surgeon whispered a word in the ear of the policeman, who instantly -whistled for assistance. Then, by Nick’s order, he placed young Reeves -under arrest, and took him to the station house.</p> - -<p>The other officer who had responded to the whistle, tried to secure -witnesses. He could find nobody.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_11" id="page_11">{11}</a></span></p> - -<p>Nick, a thousand times more skillful, had been engaged in that search -for some minutes, but when the ambulance rolled away with the wounded -woman in it, he had not succeeded in finding a single person who could -throw any light upon the matter.</p> - -<p>Apparently nobody but Reeves had seen the woman pass along the street, -or had noticed the man who overtook her.</p> - -<p>To be sure, there was the drunken man, of whom Reeves had spoken, but, -accepting Reeves’ story as true, the supposed drunkard was doubtless a -pal of the murderer, and was there to distract the attention of any -person who might be likely to interfere.</p> - -<p>The blinder the case the more anxious Nick was to follow it up. He saw -in it one of the most fascinating murder mysteries which he had ever -encountered.</p> - -<p>It was probable that at the hospital something would be learned which -would be of value, but Nick could not wait for it. There is nothing like -following a trail when it is warm, and so Nick stuck to the ground.</p> - -<p>After about an hour’s hard work, his efforts were rewarded. By this time -the rumor that the case was a murder had begun to spread in the -precinct.</p> - -<p>The local detectives were out on it, and they dropped a word here and -there which was taken up and borne along.</p> - -<p>In the course of Nick’s search he worked along the cross-town street -toward Ninth Avenue, finding out what every person knew.</p> - -<p>At last, just in the doorway of one of the large apart<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_12" id="page_12">{12}</a></span>ment houses he -found a man and woman talking about the case. Both of them were known to -the police.</p> - -<p>The man was a hardened young rascal, not long out of the penitentiary. -The woman was known as “Crazy Mag,” though she was not really insane.</p> - -<p>She was somewhat intoxicated, and was talking loudly. Nick entered the -hall and pretended to be looking for a name on the bell rack.</p> - -<p>“Shut up, Mag,” he heard the young tough whisper. “You’ll get yourself -into trouble.”</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with you?” she exclaimed, roughly. “I saw the woman -come out of No. 349. Why shouldn’t I say so?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you why,” said her companion. “Because that woman was put out -of the way by Doc Helstone’s gang, and if you talk too much you’ll -follow her.”</p> - -<p>“I shouldn’t be surprised if you were right,” said Nick to himself. “At -any rate, this clew settles one thing—I take the contract to trap Doc -Helstone’s gang.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /><br /> -<small>A NOVEL TIMEKEEPER.</small></h2> - -<p>It was about four o’clock in the morning when Nick and the New York -chief of police sat down together in the latter’s house to discuss the -events of the night. What had happened in the meantime the reader will -hear in Nick’s own words.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_13" id="page_13">{13}</a></span></p> - -<p>He had rapidly described the events with which the reader is familiar -and had come to the scene in the hall.</p> - -<p>“I went directly to No. 349,” Nick proceeded, “and there I found -evidence which convinced me that Helstone’s gang had made the house its -headquarters.</p> - -<p>“I got no information from the people in the house. They only knew that -a ‘club’ of some kind had hired one of the upper apartments.</p> - -<p>“Of course it was empty. The gang had taken the alarm. But I saw the -work of Helstone’s carpenter.</p> - -<p>“You remember that when the central office men arrived just too late at -Helstone’s place on East Tenth Street, they found the rooms full of -concealed panels and secret cupboards—the cleverest things of the kind -that had ever been seen in New York.</p> - -<p>“Well, there was the same work over here, but the rooms were entirely -deserted. The gang had got away. The last man hadn’t been gone an hour.”</p> - -<p>“Can that be proved?”</p> - -<p>“I could swear to it,” said Nick, smiling. “There is running water in -one of the rooms. Under the faucet was a pewter drinking cup.</p> - -<p>“The faucet leaked. The cup was very nearly full.</p> - -<p>“The dropping water filled this little bottle in one minute and ten -seconds. The bottle holds the hundredth part of a pint. The cup holds -half a pint. Therefore, the leaking water would fill it in fifty-eight -seconds. So somebody set that cup under the faucet less than an hour -before I arrived.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_14" id="page_14">{14}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word, Nick,” said the chief, “you can make a clock out of -anything.”</p> - -<p>“Dropping water is a first-rate timepiece,” Nick replied. “That’s why I -had this bottle made.”</p> - -<p>“Except the joiner work, was there anything in the rooms to show that -Helstone had occupied them?”</p> - -<p>“No, but it’s pretty well known in the district now. That’s the peculiar -thing about Helstone. He always knows just when to flit.</p> - -<p>“Before he goes, nobody knows anything about him. Ten minutes later, -everybody knows.”</p> - -<p>“But nobody has ever seen Helstone himself.”</p> - -<p>“No; the inspector has got descriptions of some of his men, but there is -no description of Helstone. He’s really only a rumor, a mysterious -influence guiding the movements of those ruffians.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the chief, after a pause, “what did you do next?”</p> - -<p>“I went to the hospital.”</p> - -<p>“Is the woman dead?”</p> - -<p>“She lies unconscious, but will probably recover. Her clothing bears no -marks by which she can be identified. She may prove to be a mystery.”</p> - -<p>“How was she dressed?”</p> - -<p>“A rather ordinary gray dress, with a simple hat to match. Her -underclothing was unusually fine.”</p> - -<p>“In the nature of a disguise,” said the superintendent. “A rich woman -who wished to seem poor.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps; but here’s the great point which makes the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_15" id="page_15">{15}</a></span> case extraordinary -and seems to connect the woman with Helstone.</p> - -<p>“In a pocket of her dress were five loose diamonds. Four of them were -ordinary stones worth about four hundred dollars apiece.</p> - -<p>“The fifth was a splendid gem of the first water. It is worth over five -thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Looks as if she was a member of the gang, and was trying to get away -with some of the plunder.”</p> - -<p>“It certainly has that appearance.”</p> - -<p>“What did you do with the jewels?” asked the chief, after a pause.</p> - -<p>“I sent them to headquarters, and furnished a description of them to the -papers. Probably the last editions of some of them will have the -description.”</p> - -<p>The chief nodded.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he said, “we want the stones identified as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>“And also the woman,” Nick added.</p> - -<p>“What is her description?”</p> - -<p>“Age thirty, medium height, weighs about one hundred and thirty pounds, -hazel eyes, very abundant hair, of a peculiar bronze hue; regular -features, and, in general, unusual personal beauty. There are no -distinguishing marks.”</p> - -<p>“Looks like a refined woman?”</p> - -<p>“Decidedly.”</p> - -<p>“Where is the wound?”</p> - -<p>“In the back. The dagger did not touch the heart,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_16" id="page_16">{16}</a></span> but it grazed the -spine, and there are signs that paralysis will follow, ending, of -course, in death.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve decided to take charge of the case, Nick?”</p> - -<p>“I have.”</p> - -<p>“Good. You have informed Inspector McLaughlin?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“There’s nothing that I can do.”</p> - -<p>“I think not, thank you.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll get back to bed. Good luck to you, Nick. Helstone is game -worthy of your skill, but you’ll bag him.”</p> - -<p>At nine o’clock on that morning Nick was in Inspector McLaughlin’s -office.</p> - -<p>He held in his hand the five diamonds which had been taken from the -wounded woman’s pocket.</p> - -<p>“These four stones,” said the inspector, “will be hard to identify. The -big one should find its rightful owner easily.”</p> - -<p>He had no sooner spoken the words than Nathan Lusker was announced. He -came to see whether the diamonds were a part of his stolen stock.</p> - -<p>Lusker failed to identify them. His description did not fit the large -jewel at all. This stone was cut in a peculiar manner, so that its owner -should be able to describe it in a way to settle all doubt.</p> - -<p>When Lusker had departed, an East Side jeweler called. He had no better -fortune. The stones were evidently not his.</p> - -<p>Then a card was brought in by an officer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_17" id="page_17">{17}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Morton H. Parks,” the inspector read. “He’s not a jeweler. Bring him -in.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Parks entered immediately. He was a fine-looking man of middle age, -with the face of a scholar.</p> - -<p>He wore neither beard nor mustache.</p> - -<p>“I called to examine some jewels,” he said. “They were, I understand, -found last night in the possession of an unfortunate woman—a thief—who -was stabbed by some of her accomplices.”</p> - -<p>“Well, as to that I wouldn’t speak positively,” said the inspector, “but -we have five diamonds here, and I don’t doubt that they were stolen.”</p> - -<p>“I have reason to think,” replied Mr. Parks, “that the larger of them -was stolen from my residence.”</p> - -<p>He proceeded at once to describe the stone, and he had not spoken a -dozen words before the inspector was convinced that the owner of the -diamonds had appeared.</p> - -<p>One of the smaller stones he also described very closely, and he -expressed the opinion that all of them were his.</p> - -<p>“They were stolen on the night of August 3d,” said he. “A burglar took -the entire contents of my wife’s jewel casket.”</p> - -<p>“What else did he take?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>Mr. Parks seemed to be much embarrassed.</p> - -<p>“Nothing else,” he replied, at last, “except some money which was in my -pocketbook.”</p> - -<p>“What was your total loss?”</p> - -<p>“In excess of thirty thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you not report your loss to the police?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_18" id="page_18">{18}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The visitor tried to speak, but his voice stuck in his throat. He seemed -to be suffering great mental distress.</p> - -<p>“Was it because you suspected some member of your family?”</p> - -<p>Mr. Parks bowed his head in assent. Then, with an effort, he recovered -his self-command.</p> - -<p>“I am ashamed to confess,” he said, “that I did at first suspect my -nephew, who lived with us. It is dreadful to think of it, but -circumstances pointed to him. I am rejoiced to find that I was wholly -wrong, and that the robbery was done by an organized gang of burglars.”</p> - -<p>“Your identification of the large diamond,” said the inspector, -“satisfies me that you are the owner. Yet, on account of its value in -money, and its value to us as a clew, I wish to be doubly certain. Is -there any way you can strengthen the identification?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed,” replied Parks, “my wife knows the stones as well as I. -You see, the large diamond was the pendant of a necklace. The smaller -ones, I believe, were in rings belonging to her, though, of course, I -cannot be sure now that the settings have been removed.”</p> - -<p>“Is Mrs. Parks at home?”</p> - -<p>“No; she is in Stamford, Connecticut. She went there yesterday morning -upon a visit. I have telegraphed her to return.”</p> - -<p>“Have you received any answer?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“I did not expect any. She would certainly come.”</p> - -<p>At this moment there was a knock at the door.</p> - -<p>A telegram was brought in. It was addressed to Mr. Parks, and had -reached his house after he left.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_19" id="page_19">{19}</a></span></p> - -<p>The butler, knowing where he had gone, had sent it after him.</p> - -<p>He tore it open.</p> - -<p>“From Stamford,” he said, and then his face grew white.</p> - -<p>“Merciful Heaven!” he cried. “Gentlemen, my wife has not been to -Stamford.”</p> - -<p>“Have you her picture?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>For answer Parks drew out his watch and opened the back of the case with -a trembling hand. He then held the picture it contained before Nick’s -eyes.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, “tell me the truth. Was it your nephew whom you -suspected of that robbery or——”</p> - -<p>“My wife? Yes; may Heaven pity and forgive her! It was my wife.”</p> - -<p>“Will you go to her?”</p> - -<p>“Can it be true?”</p> - -<p>“She lies in Bellevue Hospital, at the point of death.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /><br /> -<small>THE ONLY WITNESS.</small></h2> - -<p>Mr. Parks seemed to be greatly agitated by this intelligence, and it was -some time before he regained his self-command. Then Nick asked him how -it happened he had had no suspicions on reading the description of the -wounded woman in the morning papers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_20" id="page_20">{20}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Read that,” he said, thrusting a paper into Nick’s hands. “Does that -describe her?”</p> - -<p>“It is all wrong,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“And that picture?”</p> - -<p>“It is a pure fake. There has been no opportunity of getting a picture -of her.”</p> - -<p>“The description and the picture caught my eye before I read about the -diamonds. Therefore I never thought of my previous suspicions of my -wife, except to be thankful that they had been proved groundless.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you suspect her at first?”</p> - -<p>“In one word, because it seemed utterly impossible that anybody else -should have done it. The theory of burglars would not hold water. One of -my servants had been ill, and had been about the house with a light -almost all night, and had seen nothing of robbers.”</p> - -<p>“Did you tell the servants of your loss?”</p> - -<p>“No; I questioned them without letting them know anything unusual had -happened.”</p> - -<p>“They have been the guilty ones.”</p> - -<p>Parks shook his head.</p> - -<p>“I watched them all. They were honest. Then I learned that my wife -speculated in stocks. There are more women stock gamblers in New York -than most people could be made to believe.</p> - -<p>“She had wasted her private fortune, and had got all the money she could -from me. Heaven knows that I did not begrudge it. I only asked for her -confidence, but she would not give it to me.”</p> - -<p>“How about the nephew?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_21" id="page_21">{21}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Out of the question entirely. He was not in the house. He was in a -sleeping car bound for Boston. I only mentioned him to you because I -could think of no other way to avoid mentioning my wife.</p> - -<p>“And now, gentlemen, do not detain me longer. I have recovered from the -first shock of this dreadful news. I must go to her. Guilty or innocent, -she is my wife, and I will protect and help her so long as she has need -of me.”</p> - -<p>All three went at once to Bellevue Hospital.</p> - -<p>When they stood beside the motionless and deathlike figure, the grief of -the husband was pitiful to see.</p> - -<p>He knelt by the bed, and taking his wife’s hand gently in his, he kissed -it.</p> - -<p>The patient occupied a cot in the accident ward. Several other injured -persons were there.</p> - -<p>Parks turned to ask Nick whether his wife could be removed from the -hospital, but Nick had vanished.</p> - -<p>Inspector McLaughlin could not tell where he had gone.</p> - -<p>“He seems to be directing everything,” said Parks, “and I wished to ask -whether I might take my wife to my house.”</p> - -<p>“The surgeon can answer you,” said the inspector, pointing to a -white-bearded and venerable man, who at that moment approached the cot.</p> - -<p>“Then the police will offer no objection?” said Parks.</p> - -<p>“Certainly not.”</p> - -<p>Parks at once turned to the surgeon and besought permission to take his -wife home at once.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_22" id="page_22">{22}</a></span></p> - -<p>“It is impossible,” said the surgeon.</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Because the patient could not endure the removal.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any hope?”</p> - -<p>“There is a faint hope.”</p> - -<p>“Thank God for that.”</p> - -<p>“In a few moments we shall make another examination of the wound. An -operation may be necessary to remove a splinter of bone. After that she -must be kept perfectly quiet.”</p> - -<p>“Will you not allow me to see her?”</p> - -<p>“We cannot prevent you, but it would endanger her life.”</p> - -<p>Parks bowed his head.</p> - -<p>“At least I can secure her a separate room,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And I can send a nurse to assist the regular hospital attendants.”</p> - -<p>“You may.”</p> - -<p>“You will send for me if she becomes conscious?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and now I must ask you to withdraw. I think it much better that -you should do so.”</p> - -<p>Without making any protest against this decree, Parks again knelt beside -his wife and kissed her. Then he slowly walked out of the ward.</p> - -<p>The surgeon beckoned to a nurse. Then he and Inspector McLaughlin went -into a small adjoining room.</p> - -<p>“Why did you do that, Nick?” asked the inspector, when they were alone.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_23" id="page_23">{23}</a></span></p> - -<p>Nick was removing the disguise in which he had appeared as the surgeon.</p> - -<p>“For two reasons,” he replied. “The first is that Mrs. Parks really -ought not to be removed. But if Parks had been told so less firmly he -might have insisted.</p> - -<p>“My second reason for keeping her here is that while she will almost -certainly die, she will, perhaps, have a few minutes of consciousness. -We must know what she says.”</p> - -<p>“That is true.”</p> - -<p>“And Parks would naturally conceal it.”</p> - -<p>“He would, since it would be a confession tending to degrade her.”</p> - -<p>Nick said nothing.</p> - -<p>“You can’t blame him for wanting to keep this affair quiet,” continued -the inspector.</p> - -<p>“It is only natural; but we must hear what she has to say if ever able -to speak rationally. We must do it in common justice.”</p> - -<p>“Justice to her?”</p> - -<p>“No; to the young man whom we hold under arrest.”</p> - -<p>“Reeves?”</p> - -<p>“The same.”</p> - -<p>“He ought easily to be able to clear himself, if he is innocent.”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, he will find it very hard.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you know best, Nick. Of course I have not had a chance to study -the case you have. What will be the difficulty?”</p> - -<p>“Lack of witnesses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_24" id="page_24">{24}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“That seems incredible.”</p> - -<p>“It is true. By chance that scene upon the street seems to have been -wholly unobserved.</p> - -<p>“Reeves is found with this wounded woman in his arms. We have only his -word to explain how he came by her. A coroner’s jury would certainly -hold him.”</p> - -<p>“What do you think?”</p> - -<p>“It is possible that he is in the plot. He may have expected to escape. -In fact, he came near succeeding.”</p> - -<p>“You saw the other man—the fellow with the brown beard.”</p> - -<p>“I had a glimpse of him, but I know nothing that connects him with the -crime.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right, Nick. Reeves is in a tighter place than I had supposed.”</p> - -<p>“But one word from this woman can certainly save him. I propose that we -shall hear that word.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Nick, take your own course. What I want is to see this crime -fastened upon Helstone, and then to see you run that villain to earth.”</p> - -<p>“As to the connection of this crime with that gang—— Ah, here is -Chick.”</p> - -<p>The door opened at that moment and Nick’s famous assistant entered. Even -the inspector, who had seen him in many disguises, would not have known -him but for Nick’s words.</p> - -<p>“Well, Chick,” said his chief.</p> - -<p>“Crazy Mag is our only direct witness, so far,” said Chick. “She is the -only person who can testify that the woman came out of that house.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_25" id="page_25">{25}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Did anybody see her go in?”</p> - -<p>“No; that was where I had trouble. It seemed impossible that she should -have got in without being seen.</p> - -<p>“I found a lot of people who ought to have seen her, but not one of them -remembered her. At last, however, I struck the clew.</p> - -<p>“Helstone’s gang had a secret entrance. They had rooms also in a rear -building. To get into that house they passed through an alley from the -street above.</p> - -<p>“No. 349 and this rear building are connected by an iron bridge intended -as a fire escape for the latter.</p> - -<p>“Their use of this bridge had begun to be noticed, and this was probably -one of the reasons why they had to skip.</p> - -<p>“At any rate, I’m convinced that the woman entered that way. She could -have done it all right, whereas the other entrance was under somebody’s -observation almost all the evening.”</p> - -<p>“Do you feel sure that she went to the rooms of the Helstone gang?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. The house is tenanted by respectable people. They all say that -they did not see her, and I believe them.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any trace of the man with the brown beard?”</p> - -<p>“He has been seen in the neighborhood, but nobody remembers anything -about him. It is going to be nearly impossible to trace him.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t mean to trace him,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed the inspector.</p> - -<p>“That’s the state of the case,” Nick rejoined. “You<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_26" id="page_26">{26}</a></span> won’t find me -camping on the trail of that fellow any more.”</p> - -<p>“What will you do?”</p> - -<p>“Look here, inspector, your men have been after Helstone for some time, -haven’t they?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“And they haven’t caught him?”</p> - -<p>“Equally true, I’m sorry to say.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, I think it is time to quit going after him.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“I’m going ahead of him.”</p> - -<p>“You are.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; no detective can go to him, it’s time to make him come to the -detective.”</p> - -<p>“How’ll you do that?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll set a trap.”</p> - -<p>“A trap?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, a mouse trap.”</p> - -<p>“For Doc Helstone?”</p> - -<p>“For his whole gang.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE DISPLACED BANDAGE.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick and Chick left the hospital together, but they soon separated. -Chick resumed his search for clews in the neighborhood of the Helstone -gang’s last haunt, and Nick, presumably, went to prepare his mouse -trap.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_27" id="page_27">{27}</a></span></p> - -<p>Not long after they left the hospital Dr. Reginald Morris, the -well-known expert in the surgery of wounds, called to offer his services -in the Parks case. He had been engaged by Mr. Parks.</p> - -<p>About three o’clock in the afternoon a pale, dark-haired woman of middle -age arrived and announced herself as the trained nurse engaged by Mr. -Parks.</p> - -<p>She presented his card, on which was written the request that she be -allowed to attend the wounded woman.</p> - -<p>She was permitted to do so, and showed at once to the surgeon’s -experienced eye that she understood most thoroughly the care of the -sick.</p> - -<p>An operation, to clear the wound, had just been performed, and the -bandages had just been replaced. Surgery could do no more. The work of -the trained nurse began.</p> - -<p>For about an hour she remained almost motionless by the bedside of the -patient. During this interval one of the hospital nurses entered the -room several times.</p> - -<p>There was no change in the condition of the patient. But a change was to -come.</p> - -<p>The regular attendant had gone out after her fourth visit. The nurse -suddenly rose and listened at the door. All was quiet.</p> - -<p>She approached the patient stealthily, then paused and listened again. -Not a sound broke the solemn quiet of this abode of the suffering.</p> - -<p>The nurse drew back the bedclothing and looked intently at the bandage. -Then she stretched out her hand, made a rapid motion and replaced the -clothing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_28" id="page_28">{28}</a></span></p> - -<p>Seating herself again beside the bed, the nurse waited quietly. -Presently there was a change in the appearance of the white face on the -pillow.</p> - -<p>A flush tinged the cheeks and crept up toward the brow.</p> - -<p>The patient, who had hitherto lain quiet as a statue, began to move -restlessly and murmured in her swoon.</p> - -<p>“Fever,” muttered the nurse. “Will she speak?”</p> - -<p>Rising gently, the nurse laid her ear closely to the lips of the moaning -woman. She could hear no articulate words.</p> - -<p>The delirium increased. Now the words began to come, but they were wild -and wandering.</p> - -<p>“Will she answer me?” whispered the nurse. “Not yet.”</p> - -<p>She waited some minutes longer. Then again she bent over the sufferer.</p> - -<p>“Who did this? who did this?” the nurse repeated over and over.</p> - -<p>“Helstone, Helstone,” murmured the patient.</p> - -<p>“Tell me, quick. What is his real name, his real name?”</p> - -<p>There was no answer. With a gesture of impatience, the nurse turned away -for an instant from the patient whom she was so barbarously torturing.</p> - -<p>Then she screamed. It was not a loud cry, but a scream stifled by -suddenly closed lips.</p> - -<p>She had turned to meet the gaze of sharp eyes which, for some minutes, -had rested upon her, though she was far from suspecting that she was -observed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_29" id="page_29">{29}</a></span></p> - -<p>Nick Carter had crept quietly into the room.</p> - -<p>As the faithless nurse fell back before him, he quickly lifted the -patient and gently replaced the bandages. Then, by the touch of a bell, -he summoned a surgeon.</p> - -<p>“The patient seems worse,” said Nick. “I discovered that her bandage had -become displaced.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you notice it?” asked the surgeon, sharply, of the nurse.</p> - -<p>“No, I didn’t,” replied the woman.</p> - -<p>She had recovered a part of her self-command upon finding that Nick did -not intend to expose her immediately.</p> - -<p>“I can’t trust her with you again,” said the surgeon.</p> - -<p>He summoned a nurse from the adjacent ward.</p> - -<p>As he passed Nick he whispered:</p> - -<p>“Is there anything wrong here?”</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid that there is,” Nick replied.</p> - -<p>The detective turned to the unfaithful nurse.</p> - -<p>“Come with me,” he said.</p> - -<p>She obeyed him without a word.</p> - -<p>He led her to the private room of one of the surgeons which had been -placed at his disposal.</p> - -<p>“Now, murderess,” said he, sternly, “tell me who sent you to do this -work?”</p> - -<p>“What work?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t trifle with me. There is a noose around your neck.”</p> - -<p>“No, there isn’t,” said the woman, coolly. “I was employed to come here -and attend that patient. I did it as well as I knew how.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_30" id="page_30">{30}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick could not deny to himself the force of her words. He had not seen -her remove the bandage. He could not swear that she had done so. It -might have been done by the sick woman herself.</p> - -<p>A nurse cannot be prosecuted for an error of judgment unless it amounts -to criminal carelessness.</p> - -<p>It might be doubtful whether in this case Nick could prove to the -satisfaction of a jury that this woman intended to kill the patient left -in her charge.</p> - -<p>He was far too skillful, however, to show the weakness of his position.</p> - -<p>“Somebody stabbed that woman. That same person hired you to come here.</p> - -<p>“When I lay my hand upon the man who struck the blow, I will prove you -to be his accomplice, for I will show that he hired you to come here.”</p> - -<p>The woman grew a shade paler, but she answered firmly:</p> - -<p>“I was engaged by Mr. Parks himself. He came to my apartment about two -o’clock this afternoon. I brought his card with a note written upon it -to the hospital.”</p> - -<p>“Did you have any acquaintance with him?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Why did he come to you?”</p> - -<p>“He was advised to come.”</p> - -<p>“By whom?”</p> - -<p>“Several physicians, he said.”</p> - -<p>“Their names?”</p> - -<p>“I have forgotten.”</p> - -<p>“Did he not say that he knew you for a woman who<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_31" id="page_31">{31}</a></span> would do what was -required of you, and make no fuss about it?”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Were you not recommended to him by crooks, as a murderess?”</p> - -<p>“You insult me.”</p> - -<p>The woman said this in a firm voice, but not with the air of innocence.</p> - -<p>Nick, of course, had no doubt of her guilt. In these questions he was -simply trying to test the strength of her position.</p> - -<p>“What did he agree to pay you?”</p> - -<p>“The usual fee.”</p> - -<p>“How much money have you at the present moment in your possession?”</p> - -<p>This question staggered her. Nick saw at once by her manner that the -enormous fee she had exacted for this murderous work was then in her -pocket or concealed somewhere about her clothing.</p> - -<p>She hesitated to reply.</p> - -<p>“Don’t go to the trouble of lying,” said Nick. “I shall have you -searched anyway.</p> - -<p>“Now, madam, let me lay the case before you. You believe that that woman -was stabbed by the notorious criminal, Doc Helstone, or by his order.</p> - -<p>“You think that she possesses the secrets of Helstone’s real identity. -You tried to extort his real name from her, in her delirium and agony, -fiend that you are!</p> - -<p>“You believe that the person who hired you was Doc Helstone himself, and -you wish to get a new hold upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_32" id="page_32">{32}</a></span> him, or rather to be able to find him -when you wish to. That’s your case in a nutshell.”</p> - -<p>Hardened as this creature was, she shook with fear while the secrets of -her heart were being read by Nick’s unerring eye.</p> - -<p>What reply she would have made cannot be told, but her demeanor was -enough for Nick. He saw that he had penetrated the secret.</p> - -<p>But what was the effect of it upon the case?</p> - -<p>As he revolved this question in his mind, and the wretched woman strove -to frame some suitable reply to his accusation, there was a knock at the -door.</p> - -<p>Morton Parks entered, and with him was a woman who seemed to be a nurse.</p> - -<p>When the eyes of the murderous creature, with whom Nick had been -talking, fell upon Parks, they were barren of recognition.</p> - -<p>Nick saw at once that she did not know him.</p> - -<p>“What do I hear?” cried Parks. “An impostor has appeared claiming to be -the nurse sent by me to my wife!”</p> - -<p>“It is true,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>The murderess scowled at these words. She pointed to Parks.</p> - -<p>“Who is he?” she asked. “Is he the real Parks?”</p> - -<p>“He is,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Then I have been imposed upon,” said the woman, sullenly.</p> - -<p>It required some minutes for Nick to explain the case<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_33" id="page_33">{33}</a></span> fully to Parks. -Then he asked to see the card bearing his name and the note.</p> - -<p>Nick showed it.</p> - -<p>“This is really one of my cards,” said Parks, “but the writing bears no -resemblance to mine.”</p> - -<p>He sat down by the table and rapidly wrote the words of the message upon -a card which he took from his pocket.</p> - -<p>There was no similarity between the two hands.</p> - -<p>“Here is the nurse whom I really engaged,” said Parks, indicating the -woman who had accompanied him. “She is well known in the hospital. As -for you, murderess——”</p> - -<p>His emotion, which he had hitherto repressed, broke out in violent -reproaches as he turned upon the creature who had so nearly crushed out -his wife’s last chance of life.</p> - -<p>She bore the storm firmly and repeated her story that she had come in -good faith, and had done the best she could.</p> - -<p>Nick, however, put her under arrest, and took her to police -headquarters.</p> - -<p>There, under his rigid cross-examination, her pretenses melted away. She -practically admitted what was charged against her.</p> - -<p>Most important of all was the description which she gave of the man who -had hired her.</p> - -<p>It tallied exactly with the appearance of the man whom Nick had seen -walking away from the spot where the crime had been committed.<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>BENTON, THE ENGLISHMAN.</small></h2> - -<p>After Nick’s cross-examination of the nurse he had an interview with -Inspector McLaughlin.</p> - -<p>He was still conversing with the inspector when Chick appeared.</p> - -<p>“Benton is your man,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“Not Ellis Benton?” asked the inspector, quickly.</p> - -<p>“That’s he.”</p> - -<p>“Has that crook set up in business again?”</p> - -<p>“No doubt of it. I have been in his place this afternoon,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>Perhaps the reader does not know Ellis Benton so well as the three -persons who were present on the occasion described.</p> - -<p>Therefore, it may be necessary to explain that Benton is an Englishman, -about fifty years old, who has been notorious at various times, as a -receiver of stolen goods.</p> - -<p>He is undoubtedly one of the sharpest rascals in his line of business, -and has made a great deal of money dishonestly. It does not do him much -good, however, for he plays faro and never wins.</p> - -<p>His enormous losses at the game make him all the more daring and -grasping. His success in disposing of stolen jewels is especially -remarkable.</p> - -<p>“I’ve been in his place,” said Chick, “and I’ve learned that he has -important business for to-night.”</p> - -<p>“How did you find that out?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_35" id="page_35">{35}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I offered to bring him a lot of stuff at midnight. He wouldn’t hear of -it. His answers to my questions made me sure that he has something big -on hand.</p> - -<p>“What do you suspect?” asked the inspector.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you my opinion and my plan,” said Nick. “You know that -Helstone’s gang holds its plunder till it shifts its quarters. Then it -turns loose upon some ‘fence.’</p> - -<p>“When the gang was driven out of East Tenth Street, you remember, its -plunder was turned over to old man Abrahams.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said the inspector, “my men got a tremendous lot of it.”</p> - -<p>“The stuff, you will remember,” said Nick, “was all turned in the night -before Abrahams’ place was raided.”</p> - -<p>“True.”</p> - -<p>“And Abrahams maintained that at least a dozen persons had brought it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I conclude from that that Helstone’s gang does not intrust its -plunder to any one person. When it is to be disposed of the whole gang -is present.</p> - -<p>“There’s no other way of understanding Abrahams’ story which was as near -the truth as anything he ever said. It was all right except his -descriptions of the men. They were drawn from his imagination.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” assented the inspector, “he was too shrewd to put his customers -in quod. He may need them when he gets out himself.”</p> - -<p>“Just so,” said Nick, “and now for my plan. I be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_36" id="page_36">{36}</a></span>lieve that Helstone’s -gang is just on the point of disposing of its plunder.</p> - -<p>“None of Lusker’s stuff has shown up anywhere yet, nor Alterberg’s -either. The gang still holds it.</p> - -<p>“But now that attention is directed to them they’ll want to turn their -swag into cash. Greenbacks are the things to have if sudden flight is -necessary. Yes; some ‘fence’ is going to get Helstone’s stuff very soon.</p> - -<p>“Now, in my opinion, Benton is the man they’ll go to. He is just the man -for them. I’ve had Chick look over the field, and he agrees with me that -there are ten chances to one that Benton will get their plunder.</p> - -<p>“What I propose to do, therefore, is to capture Benton’s place on the -quiet. Not a whisper must be heard on the outside.</p> - -<p>“When that is done I’ll wait in the old thief’s place. I’ll disguise -myself as Benton, and receive his customers.”</p> - -<p>“Very pretty,” said the inspector. “You’ll bag a lot of game.”</p> - -<p>“We ought to get a good part of the gang.”</p> - -<p>“I think so, but you won’t get Helstone himself.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“He’s too shrewd to put his head into the trap.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t agree with you.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Nick, I have perfect confidence in your skill. Go ahead. I hope -Helstone will be among our mice, but I can’t think so.”</p> - -<p>“Inspector,” said Nick, quietly, “when my trap is sprung, Doc Helstone’s -neck will be pinched harder than that of any other mouse in it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_37" id="page_37">{37}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Good. Do you want any men?”</p> - -<p>“No; Chick and I will do the job.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Benton located?”</p> - -<p>“At No.—Sixth Avenue.”</p> - -<p>“In the rear?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I know the building. It runs back so far that it cuts into the -cross-town lots.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it. There’s a little square yard just back of it. An alley runs -from the yard to the street below, and there are other near entrances.”</p> - -<p>“With a sentry guarding each.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt of it.”</p> - -<p>“And you’ve got to get in without alarming any one of them.”</p> - -<p>Nick nodded.</p> - -<p>“Well, if it was anybody but you, Nick, I’d say it couldn’t be done. Of -course we have sprung traps of that kind, but not when men like Benton -were inside. Take care of yourselves, and if there’s any cutting or -shooting, let the other fellows get it. The community can spare Benton -or any of his crew better than it can spare you two.”</p> - -<p>With this piece of good advice, the inspector wished Nick and Chick -success, and they left the office.</p> - -<p>They walked along in the direction of the Bowery. Suddenly Chick said:</p> - -<p>“We are followed.”</p> - -<p>He spoke without moving his lips and his voice was like a -ventriloquist’s. The whisper seemed to be at Nic<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_38" id="page_38">{38}</a></span>k’s ear, perfectly -distinct. And yet a person on the other side of Chick could not have -heard it.</p> - -<p>“So I perceive,” responded Nick, in the same tone.</p> - -<p>Neither gave the faintest sign of having discovered the pursuer.</p> - -<p>He was an ordinary-looking young man whom neither of the detectives -remembered.</p> - -<p>“He does it pretty well,” said Chick, after an instant’s pause.</p> - -<p>“Which of us is he after?” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“We must find out.”</p> - -<p>They paused on the corner of Houston Street and the Bowery and exchanged -a few words.</p> - -<p>Then Chick went up the stairs to the elevated station, and Nick walked -along the Bowery, northward.</p> - -<p>The shadow followed Nick.</p> - -<p>The detective was dressed on this occasion in a dark blue sack suit. He -wore a soft hat, and carried over his arm a light-brown fall overcoat.</p> - -<p>Keeping fifty feet or more behind Nick, the shadow walked up the Bowery. -Suddenly Nick turned sharply to the left and entered the swinging door -of a saloon.</p> - -<p>As it closed behind him, and before he passed the main door, he passed -his hand over his soft hat, and it took a wholly different shape.</p> - -<p>Then he turned the overcoat wrong side out, and slipped it on. Instead -of a handsome brown overcoat on his arm he now had a shabby black one on -his back.</p> - -<p>This was done in less time than it takes to read about<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_39" id="page_39">{39}</a></span> it, and without -attracting the notice of the bartender or the two or three people in the -saloon.</p> - -<p>At the same time Nick’s shoulders seemed to grow narrower by about six -inches. His figure changed utterly, lost its erectness, and its athletic -appearance.</p> - -<p>And his face—— Well, Nick Carter can do anything with his face.</p> - -<p>When the shadow entered the saloon Nick was partaking of the free lunch. -He seemed to stand in great need of it.</p> - -<p>The shadow looked at each of the people in the saloon, and then hurried -out by a side door.</p> - -<p>The positions were now reversed. Nick followed the shadow.</p> - -<p>On the street, the trailer tried desperately hard to get upon the scent -again. Nick lounged on a corner and watched him.</p> - -<p>The detective knew that for a little time the shadow would stick to the -place where he had lost the trail.</p> - -<p>When at last the hopelessness of it dawned upon the young man, he struck -off at a rapid pace up the Bowery.</p> - -<p>Nick kept him in sight. Thus the chase continued up to Eighth Street.</p> - -<p>Here the shadow—now shadowed in his turn—walked up to a carriage that -was standing beside the curb, and spoke a few words to somebody within.</p> - -<p>Then the shadow passed along, and Nick followed for a little distance. -As soon, however, as he could shield himself from the observation of the -driver on that car<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_40" id="page_40">{40}</a></span>riage, he dodged into a dark corner and came out -transformed.</p> - -<p>Nick wore now the semblance of the young man who had attempted to follow -him. The likeness might not have deceived the young man’s mother, but in -the evening and upon the street it seemed good enough to answer Nick’s -purpose.</p> - -<p>Thus disguised, Nick returned hurriedly to the carriage. He was -determined to get a sight of the person within.</p> - -<p>The coachman made no sign of suspecting anything was wrong. He sat like -a statue on the box.</p> - -<p>There was a deep shadow on the side of the carriage which Nick -approached, for an electric lamp was on the opposite side of the street -near the corner.</p> - -<p>Nick went straight to the door and looked into the carriage. It was -empty.</p> - -<p>He put his head in to make sure.</p> - -<p>As he withdrew it again, the driver, with a sudden movement, leaned over -from the box and struck Nick a tremendous blow on top of the head with a -blackjack.</p> - -<p>The detective fell like a log, and the coachman, whipping up his horses, -drove away rapidly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_41" id="page_41">{41}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /><br /> -<small>A POINT GAINED.</small></h2> - -<p>The man who first came to Nick’s assistance was Chick.</p> - -<p>It may as well be said at once that Nick was not badly hurt. His hat was -not exactly what it seemed to be.</p> - -<p>One would have taken it to be soft felt. In reality, it was a better -helmet than those which the knights of the Middle Ages wore.</p> - -<p>He had fallen under the blow because he believed that course to be the -best policy.</p> - -<p>Somebody had planned to kill or at least disable him, and he thought it -wise to let that person suppose that he had succeeded.</p> - -<p>Chick carried him to a drug store with the aid of a policeman.</p> - -<p>An ambulance was summoned; Nick was put into it.</p> - -<p>But when the ambulance reached the hospital there was nobody inside it -except the surgeon, who winked to the driver and went to his room.</p> - -<p>Nick and Chick presently met again.</p> - -<p>“Did you see the person who got out of that carriage?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“I caught a glimpse of him,” Chick replied. “He was a tall man with a -light-brown beard. I have no doubt he is the same man whom you saw last -night.”</p> - -<p>“Then we’ve gained a point. We have worked down<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_42" id="page_42">{42}</a></span> to the man who is -directing all these operations. Three times he has appeared. This -settles it.”</p> - -<p>“In other words,” said Chick, “we have seen Doc Helstone.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p>“He is a slippery rascal.”</p> - -<p>“What became of him?”</p> - -<p>“He executed one of the finest disappearances that I ever saw. It was -just at the moment when the coachman’s club was over your head. I had to -keep the coachman covered, and when I took my eyes off him, the other -man had vanished.”</p> - -<p>“It’s of no consequence,” said Nick. “At present we want him to be at -large. We want to take his gang with him in order to secure the evidence -we need.”</p> - -<p>They walked a short distance in silence. Then Nick said:</p> - -<p>“I must go home to receive Ida’s report. At eleven o’clock I will meet -you at Twenty-eighth Street and Sixth Avenue. Then we will descend upon -the ‘fence.’<span class="lftspc">”</span></p> - -<p>Nick heard the report of his clever young assistant, Ida Jones, and then -proceeded at once to his rendezvous with Chick.</p> - -<p>It was eleven o’clock exactly when they met. They had assumed the -characters of well-known thieves.</p> - -<p>Chick was the exact image of “Kid” Leary. Nick was Al Hardy, the -notorious second-story thief.</p> - -<p>“Pat Powers wanted to take me in,” said Chick, indicating a policeman -who stood on the opposite corner. “He<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_43" id="page_43">{43}</a></span> says that if I tell any of the -boys at the station about it he’ll commit suicide.”</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t need to be ashamed of it,” said Nick, surveying the perfect -make-up of his friend.</p> - -<p>They walked over Twenty-eighth Street to Seventh Avenue, and then -downtown until they were nearly opposite the “fence” on Sixth Avenue.</p> - -<p>Then Nick took one of the cross streets and Chick the other. Nick was to -enter by the alley, and Chick from the front.</p> - -<p>At the mouth of the alley Nick encountered a negro whose face was as -black as the darkness behind him.</p> - -<p>“Heah, you! Whar you goin’?” cried the negro, as Nick tried to pass him.</p> - -<p>“Shut up, Pete,” said Nick, in a voice exactly like Hardy’s. “Don’t you -know me?”</p> - -<p>“That you, Al Hardy? When did you get out?”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t been in, you black rascal.”</p> - -<p>“Yer oughter be.”</p> - -<p>“Look here, Pete, I can’t stand here chinning with you all night. I want -to see old man Benton.”</p> - -<p>“Yer can’t see him.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“He’s got pertic’lar business to transact.”</p> - -<p>“Come off, you coon.”</p> - -<p>“Well, to tell ye the troof, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Benton ain’t in this -evenin’.”</p> - -<p>“You can’t give me any such steer as that. I know that he’s in.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead then, if ye know so much,” said the negro.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_44" id="page_44">{44}</a></span> “Ye’ll find I’ve -been givin’ it to yer straight. Everything is locked up.”</p> - -<p>Nick had known that he could get by the sentinel. Benton could not keep -people away by force.</p> - -<p>That would make too much noise and attract too much attention.</p> - -<p>But Nick knew equally well that it would do him no good to get by unless -he was welcome. The negro unquestionably had some means of signaling to -Benton.</p> - -<p>He was, of course, instructed to pass only those who had the countersign -or whose names had been given in advance.</p> - -<p>For these Pete was to make a favorable signal, and they would get in all -right.</p> - -<p>In the case of others he would signal unfavorably and they would find -“everything locked up.”</p> - -<p>Understanding this perfectly well, Nick kept a watchful eye on the negro -while passing him. He saw Pete back against the wall of the alley.</p> - -<p>Certainly there was some signaling apparatus there—probably an electric -bell.</p> - -<p>In an instant Nick had the burly negro by the throat.</p> - -<p>“Signal right,” he said, in a voice which showed that he meant it. -“Signal right or this goes through your heart.”</p> - -<p>Pete could feel a sharp point pressed against his breast. It pricked -him, and a few drops of blood began to flow.</p> - -<p>He dared not struggle. He was in mortal terror. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_45" id="page_45">{45}</a></span> grip on his throat -was choking him, and the knife was at his heart.</p> - -<p>“Fo’ de lub er Heaven, Mr. Hardy,” he gasped, as the pressure on his -windpipe relaxed, “don’t cut me an’ I’ll do what you say.”</p> - -<p>“Wait a minute, Pete. Hear what I’ve got to say, before you do -anything.”</p> - -<p>Nick’s hand left Pete’s throat; the dagger point was withdrawn, but -before the trembling negro could take advantage of his improved -condition, he found himself worse off than before.</p> - -<p>He was handcuffed, and a pistol was thrust into his face.</p> - -<p>“Now, Pete, look here. There’s a bell behind you.</p> - -<p>“Yes; I thought so. Here it is in the space where this brick has been -removed.</p> - -<p>“If you ring that bell the right way I shall be admitted when I knock at -Benton’s door. If you don’t I shall have to break it down.</p> - -<p>“I prefer to get in quietly. I’m going to gag you and take you up to the -head of the alley. If the door is open, I shall go in. If it isn’t I’ll -come back and blow your head off.”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” gasped Pete, for Nick at the last had spoken in his usual -voice.</p> - -<p>“Don’t bother about that. Ring the bell.”</p> - -<p>Nick brought Pete’s fingers in contact with the button, and the signal -was made.</p> - -<p>“Four times is all right. Very well. Now come with me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_46" id="page_46">{46}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Seizing the negro by the shoulder, he ran him out into the deserted -street, and about a third of the way to Seventh Avenue.</p> - -<p>Then he whistled in a peculiar manner. A form appeared out of the -darkness.</p> - -<p>“Patsy,” said Nick, “bring up the carriage.”</p> - -<p>It was brought. Peter, gagged as well as bound, was bundled into it.</p> - -<p>“Take him home,” said Nick to the driver. “Now, Patsy, follow me.”</p> - -<p>He darted off in the direction of the alley.</p> - -<p>“Stand here, as if on guard,” he whispered to Patsy. “When anybody who -may by any possibility be one of Helstone’s gang comes along, press this -bell four times. Don’t shut anybody out unless you’re perfectly sure we -don’t want him.”</p> - -<p>Having spoken these words, Nick ran up the alley. He feared that Benton, -having heard the favorable signal, would be impatient for his customer.</p> - -<p>In the little yard behind the house in which was the “fence,” there was -no light whatever.</p> - -<p>Nick found two or three steps leading up to a door which, by daylight, -seemed to be frail, but was in reality strengthened by iron bands.</p> - -<p>On this door he knocked cautiously four times. It was opened, disclosing -a perfectly dark hall.</p> - -<p>Nick entered. He could not see the person who admitted him, but he -supposed that it must be Benton.</p> - -<p>When the door had been closed a light was suddenly flashed in his face.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_47" id="page_47">{47}</a></span></p> - -<p>Then a voice said:</p> - -<p>“Al Hardy! When did they let you in?”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, old man Benton, I’m in the ranks now,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s none of my business. Come this way.”</p> - -<p>Nick might have seized the rascal there, and he meditated doing it. But -he desired to see all the formalities of the place.</p> - -<p>He wished to know how the thieves were received, because it would soon -be his turn to receive them.</p> - -<p>Moreover, the hall was so dark that he might easily make a mistake in -his calculations. If he fell upon Benton and failed to shut off his wind -instantly, the outcry would ruin his plans.</p> - -<p>Then, too, for all he knew there might be somebody else in the hall. He -could see nothing. Half a dozen men might have been standing there -without his knowing it.</p> - -<p>The flash of light had come so suddenly and been so speedily withdrawn -that it had dazzled him without disclosing anything.</p> - -<p>Nick decided to bide his time.</p> - -<p>“Come this way,” said Benton, and he took Nick by the arm.</p> - -<p>A door opened. Nick knew this by the current of air, though he could not -see the door, nor did he hear it move upon its hinges.</p> - -<p>The hand upon his arm guided him into a perfectly dark room, where he -was presently told to sit down. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_48" id="page_48">{48}</a></span> found a bench behind him, and he sat -upon it because there did not seem to be anything else to do.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes passed and absolutely nothing happened.</p> - -<p>Nick heard nothing of Benton. He could not be sure that the old man was -still in the room.</p> - -<p>By close listening, however, Nick satisfied himself that he was not -alone.</p> - -<p>There was a sound of suppressed breathing, the faint noise made by -persons who are trying to keep still.</p> - -<p>Whether there were two or a dozen men in the room, Nick could not say.</p> - -<p>Presently there was a ring at the bell. The faint sound made itself -audible, but it was impossible to say from what direction it came.</p> - -<p>Nick would have guessed that the bell was under the floor.</p> - -<p>It rang four times.</p> - -<p>Then came a faint sound which Nick took to be the departure of Benton to -let in his visitor.</p> - -<p>Presently there was another faint sound. The visitor had been admitted.</p> - -<p>How long was this thing going to last?</p> - -<p>Was Chick the last arrival?</p> - -<p> </p> - -<p>How could Benton be captured secretly in this dense darkness?</p> - -<p>Would it be possible to make a light without stirring up such a tumult -as would alarm the whole city?</p> - -<p>These were the questions which ran through Nick’s mind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_49" id="page_49">{49}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /><br /> -<small>IN THE GLOOM.</small></h2> - -<p>All this darkness and mystery did not surprise Nick. He knew that Benton -was a great man for hocus-pocus.</p> - -<p>He had signs and passwords, and surrounded himself with precautions -which looked childish.</p> - -<p>There was a purpose in all this, however. By keeping a good many silly -mysteries in motion he managed very often to cover up the real mystery -and direct attention elsewhere.</p> - -<p>Nick knew Benton for a desperate man at heart. Was he playing a deep -game here?</p> - -<p>It was just like him to collect the whole Helstone gang in the dark for -no other purpose than to show them what a mysterious character he was. -By and by he might bring a lamp, and then the business would proceed in -the most ordinary way in the world.</p> - -<p>But, on the other hand, he might have a deadly trap concealed in this -gloom.</p> - -<p>Nick wondered whether it was possible that he had been recognized. If -so, he knew that Benton would never let him get out of the place alive, -unless he couldn’t help it.</p> - -<p>Presently the bell rang again. This time, by listening with the deepest -attention, Nick made sure that Benton went to the rear door—the one by -which Nick himself had been admitted.</p> - -<p>Then Nick was sure that something out of the common<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_50" id="page_50">{50}</a></span> course had -happened. It would be hard to say just how he knew it. Only his great -experience enabled him to interpret the faint sounds which he heard.</p> - -<p>The caller, whoever he was, was not ushered into the room in which Nick -sat. Of that Nick felt certain.</p> - -<p>Benton, however, returned. By straining every nerve in the most rigid -attention, Nick ascertained that.</p> - -<p>Afterward it seemed to him that Benton had touched some other person in -the room and was leading him out.</p> - -<p>A second time this occurred, and then a third.</p> - -<p>Nick began to be anxious. He made a sign which should have elicited a -response from Chick if he had been present, but only silence ensued.</p> - -<p>For the fourth time Benton entered the room.</p> - -<p>Nick could not see him, of course. The darkness was as profound as ever. -But by this time he had learned to recognize the old man’s stealthy -tread.</p> - -<p>Then dead silence ensued.</p> - -<p>Nick listened intently. He seemed to know by instinct that Benton was -listening also.</p> - -<p>“Something has gone wrong, sure,” said Nick to himself. “I must act -quickly or all is lost.”</p> - -<p>He stirred his foot upon the floor so as to make a faint noise.</p> - -<p>Then, for a second, he listened.</p> - -<p>Surely Benton was creeping up toward him.</p> - -<p>And another sound now began to be audible. It was the faint noise of -impeded breathing.</p> - -<p>Nick knew that sound. In the midst of that perfect<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_51" id="page_51">{51}</a></span> darkness he -recognized the person who was breathing as plainly as if he had seen the -man by the light of day.</p> - -<p>It was Pete, the negro.</p> - -<p>Nick had known Pete for some years. The negro had a slight asthmatic -affection, which made his breathing just the least bit more difficult -than a healthy man’s.</p> - -<p>He also had a peculiar habit of drawing in his breath with a faint -rattling sound once in about two minutes.</p> - -<p>These noises Nick recognized, and he grasped the whole situation -instantly.</p> - -<p>Pete had escaped. He had returned and had probably disabled Patsy.</p> - -<p>Then he had informed Benton that Nick Carter had got inside the house -disguised as Al Hardy.</p> - -<p>The wily old man, on receiving this information, had quietly removed the -other persons from the room in which Nick was, and had then come in with -the negro to take vengeance upon the detective.</p> - -<p>There was no time for delay. The two murderers were creeping down upon -him.</p> - -<p>Again Nick made a slight movement to attract their attention.</p> - -<p>He set down his pocket lamp on the bench beside him.</p> - -<p>This lamp was arranged to be used as a bull’s-eye or by removing the -coverings from the sides it could be made to throw its light about as an -ordinary lamp does.</p> - -<p>Nick removed the side coverings. At that moment he could hear the two -assassins very close to him.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he pressed the spring of the lamp, and leaped to one side as -agile as a cat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_52" id="page_52">{52}</a></span></p> - -<p>The flame flashed up in the faces of his assailants.</p> - -<p>It revealed the evil countenance of Benton, with his thin, cruel lips, -and habitual sneer. It shone upon the brutal face of the negro.</p> - -<p>Each of them held a knife in his hand. They were bending forward, and -were just ready to strike.</p> - -<p>The bright flame dazzled and confused them for an instant.</p> - -<p>Then they turned toward the spot to which Nick had sprung.</p> - -<p>The sight which met their gaze was not reassuring.</p> - -<p>In each hand Nick held a revolver. There was death in the glance of his -eye.</p> - -<p>Neither Benton nor the negro could summon up the courage to stir.</p> - -<p>Every crook in New York—not to go further—knows Nick Carter’s -reputation as a pistol shot.</p> - -<p>Probably there is not a criminal in the whole city who would dream of -making any resistance if he found himself covered by a revolver in -Nick’s hands.</p> - -<p>It would be suicide and nothing else.</p> - -<p>Ellis Benton ground his teeth, but he dared not move.</p> - -<p>“Lay those knives down on the floor carefully,” said Nick. “Don’t make -any noise or I’ll make a louder one.”</p> - -<p>The two villains obeyed, Benton with hatred and chagrin visible in every -movement, the negro with the alacrity of perfect submission.</p> - -<p>Of Pete, at least, Nick felt sure. The man was an arrant coward, and -Nick’s only wonder was that he had been induced to assist in murder.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_53" id="page_53">{53}</a></span></p> - -<p>Doubtless he had intended to leave the real work to Benton.</p> - -<p>“Now hold up your hands,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>These directions he gave in a low voice, which could not be heard beyond -the limits of the apartment.</p> - -<p>“Pete,” he continued, “face round.”</p> - -<p>The negro obeyed, turning his back to Nick.</p> - -<p>“Now walk straight to the wall and put your face against it. If you look -round, you’re a dead man.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it,” whined the negro, whose terror was doubled when his back -was turned to the object of his alarm; “don’t you go for to shoot, an’ I -won’t make no trouble.”</p> - -<p>“Benton, come here,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>The old man advanced, grinding his teeth.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Nick put one of the revolvers into his pocket, and drew out a -pair of handcuffs.</p> - -<p>As Benton held out his hands, Nick, for an instant, removed the pistol’s -muzzle from a direct line with the other’s head.</p> - -<p>Benton’s eye was quick to see this. Instantly he leaped forward to seize -Nick’s hand, at the same time calling upon Pete to help him.</p> - -<p>But the first word barely escaped his lips.</p> - -<p>The hand in which Nick held the fetters leaped out and struck Benton on -the point of his jaw, and he fell like a rag baby.</p> - -<p>Pete turned at the sound of his name, but his head spun round again -without any delay.</p> - -<p>He saw Nick holding Benton’s unconscious form across his arm, as one -might hold an old coat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_54" id="page_54">{54}</a></span></p> - -<p>And Nick’s free hand leveled the revolver straight at Pete’s head.</p> - -<p>“I ain’t doin’ nothin’,” protested the negro. “Don’t trouble ’bout -pointin’ that gun at me.”</p> - -<p>“You behave yourself and you’ll be all right,” said Nick. “Keep those -hands up.”</p> - -<p>Assuring himself that Pete was thoroughly intimidated, Nick bent over -the form of the “receiver” and fettered him securely. He added a gag, -which would keep him quiet in case he should regain consciousness before -he could be put in a safe place.</p> - -<p>It was Pete’s turn next, and he was bound in a way which made a second -escape impossible. He, too, was gagged.</p> - -<p>“I believe, Mr. Benton,” said Nick, addressing the “fence,” who, -however, had not sufficiently recovered to hear him, “that there is a -cellar under this apartment.”</p> - -<p>With little trouble Nick found a trapdoor which could be raised. He -lifted it and discovered a ladder leading down into the darkness.</p> - -<p>He lowered Benton down into this place with a piece of rope, and then -steadied Pete so that the negro made the descent, although his hands -were tied behind him.</p> - -<p>Nick followed with the light.</p> - -<p>The cellar was a damp and unwholesome dungeon, but it extended a long -way in the direction of Sixth Avenue.</p> - -<p>This was what Nick had hoped, for it gave him an opportunity to dispose -of his two captives at such distance from the rooms which Benton -occupied that their cries, muffled by the gags, could not be heard.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_55" id="page_55">{55}</a></span></p> - -<p>A partition divided the cellar, and there was a door in it. Nick made -his prisoners secure on the other side of this door, and then he -returned to the room in which he had captured them.</p> - -<p>Here he speedily, but very carefully, disguised himself as Ellis Benton.</p> - -<p>Then, extinguishing his light, he put it into his pocket, and made his -way along the hall toward the rear door.</p> - -<p>He passed out into the little yard, and thence to the alley where he had -left Patsy.</p> - -<p>The fate of his young assistant was a black problem in Nick’s mind. He -greatly feared that Patsy had been murdered.</p> - -<p>Therefore his satisfaction was great when, in the mouth of the alley, he -found Patsy leaning against the wall.</p> - -<p>Nick disclosed himself.</p> - -<p>“They pretty nearly did me up, Nick,” said Patsy. “I guess they left me -for dead. But I’m worth half a dozen dead men.”</p> - -<p>“How did it happen, my boy?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t exactly know. The negro must have crept up along the wall. The -first thing I knew he was on top of me, and he got in a chance blow with -a sandbag.</p> - -<p>“Why it didn’t kill me I can’t understand. It lit fair enough. Is the -game up, Nick?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so. How do you feel?”</p> - -<p>“Dizzy; but it will pass away.”</p> - -<p>Nick examined Patsy carefully.</p> - -<p>“You’ve had a narrow escape, my boy,” he said, “but<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_56" id="page_56">{56}</a></span> you don’t seem to -be much hurt. Do you feel well enough to go on guard again?”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll let you do it, since the case is so desperate, but if your -head troubles you too much, just push the bell six times as a signal to -me and then drop into a carriage on the avenue and go to see Dr. Allen.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you worry about me, Nick,” replied the boy. “I’m only ashamed to -have him get the best of me.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right. I’ve got him safe.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /><br /> -<small>A SEMICIRCLE OF CRIME.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick returned to the house. In the dark hall he paused.</p> - -<p>Voices could be heard. Men were talking in subdued tones in a room on -his left.</p> - -<p>The room where he had met with the adventures already narrated was on -his right.</p> - -<p>A moment’s thought convinced Nick that the voices were those of the men -who had been in the room with him, and had been led out by Benton.</p> - -<p>He resolved to join them. Therefore he threw open the door on his left -and entered a room.</p> - -<p>It was not perfectly dark, as the other had been. A small bead of gas -flame struggled with the shadows.</p> - -<p>In its light Nick saw three men, whom he instantly<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_57" id="page_57">{57}</a></span> knew to be crooks. -One of them, Reddy Miller, had been suspected of belonging to Helstone’s -gang.</p> - -<p>Nick, it will be remembered, was disguised as Ellis Benton.</p> - -<p>“Come, Ellis,” said Miller, the instant Nick appeared, “we’ve had enough -fiddling round. Tell us what’s the object of all this mystery.”</p> - -<p>These words delighted Nick’s heart. He saw the lay of the land at once.</p> - -<p>Benton had evidently given no alarm to these fellows when Pete had -brought the news of Nick’s presence.</p> - -<p>He had been confident that he could put the detective out of the way, -and he had reasoned that if he did it without letting the thieves know, -they would stay, and he could do a good stroke of business with them. On -the other hand, if he let them know that a detective had got in, they -would clear out at once.</p> - -<p>If Benton had seen any signs of a police trap, he would not have tried -this game, but he was shrewd enough to infer from the circumstances that -Nick was not the forerunner of a squad of police.</p> - -<p>All these thoughts passed through Nick’s brain in a flash as Reddy -Miller spoke.</p> - -<p>Counterfeiting Benton’s voice and manner exactly, Nick replied:</p> - -<p>“Mystery? Well, why not? This isn’t the sort of business to be -proclaimed from the housetops.”</p> - -<p>“Rats!” replied Miller, in a tone of disgust; “you go through all these -monkey tricks because you’re a cussed old crank. Now come down to -business.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_58" id="page_58">{58}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“But we can’t come down to business yet,” said Nick. “Our friends are -not all here.”</p> - -<p>“What I want to know,” said Miller, “is whether you’re ready to make the -big deal. Can you take all of the stuff off our hands?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be so fast, Reddy,” said one of the other crooks. “Wait till the -others get here. The Doc himself is coming.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you believe it,” said Miller. “The Doc is going to lay mighty low -for a while. Things are pretty warm for him.”</p> - -<p>“Shut up, Reddy,” said the third crook, and they all relapsed into -silence.</p> - -<p>The bell rang again. Nick had learned to distinguish the alley bell from -the other. This time he was summoned to the front of the house.</p> - -<p>The person whom he ushered in was Chick.</p> - -<p>“I’ve had a fearful time getting in,” said Chick. “Sixth Avenue seems to -be plastered with Benton’s lookouts.</p> - -<p>“I tried to get by the sentry, but he wanted a password. I said -‘Helstone,’ at a venture, and it didn’t go.</p> - -<p>“My game was to pretend that I was too drunk to remember the password. -Finally I went around to the alley where I met Patsy, who had learned -the password from a crook whom he had let in.</p> - -<p>“Of course I might have gone in that way, but I thought it best to pass -the other sentry, convince him that I was all right, and thus quiet any -suspicion which I might have aroused.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_59" id="page_59">{59}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>In reply Nick rapidly sketched his own adventures.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got three of them in the room at the rear. I think we’d better -secure them now, and then take the others singly, as they drop in.”</p> - -<p>Chick signified his readiness.</p> - -<p>The two detectives went at once to the rear room, and before the three -crooks had time to suspect any danger, they found themselves covered by -revolvers in the hands of Nick and Chick.</p> - -<p>They were secured without trouble.</p> - -<p>It was now a little after midnight. For half an hour the members of Doc -Helstone’s gang arrived rapidly.</p> - -<p>Each man was secured as he came in.</p> - -<p>While Nick answered the bell, Chick stood guard over the captives, -revolver in hand.</p> - -<p>A strange spectacle was presented in that room.</p> - -<p>Eleven criminals, every one a specialist in some line of theft, sat in a -semicircle, facing a sort of desk which Benton ordinarily used when he -had business on hand.</p> - -<p>Nick had found a lot of heavy wooden chairs in one of the rooms, and in -these the crooks sat, every one handcuffed and fastened to his chair.</p> - -<p>The infernal regions could hardly furnish such a row of scowling faces. -The crooks saw themselves trapped, and their rage was boundless.</p> - -<p>On the desk and around it was spread out the plunder which they had -brought. Its value went up well into the tens of thousands.</p> - -<p>A richer haul had not been made in New York in many a day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_60" id="page_60">{60}</a></span></p> - -<p>It had been arranged that Inspector McLaughlin should come at three -o’clock. He wished to see the mice in the trap.</p> - -<p>Exactly at that hour he arrived. Chick met him on the outside.</p> - -<p>The crooks had stopped coming by that time, and so Benton’s sentries -were gathered in and sent to the station.</p> - -<p>Inspector McLaughlin smiled when he viewed the semicircle of fettered -crooks.</p> - -<p>Several of them were men whom he had long desired to have in exactly -this position.</p> - -<p>“Your mouse trap was a great success, Nick,” said he.</p> - -<p>“It has caught a fair lot of vermin.”</p> - -<p>“Shall we take them to headquarters?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet, inspector. I wish them to remain here.”</p> - -<p>The inspector drew Nick into a corner.</p> - -<p>“Is Doc Helstone among them?” he asked. “There are two or three of these -fellows whom I don’t know. Is he one of them?”</p> - -<p>“No; Helstone is not here, but he is coming.”</p> - -<p>“Coming?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but before that I have something to do.”</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“I am going to call on Morton Parks.”</p> - -<p>“Right; he should be here to look over this plunder. And more than that, -he has a right to see the capture of his wife’s murderer.”</p> - -<p>“I am going to him,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>A light was burning in the library of the residence on Madison Avenue -when Nick rang the door bell.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_61" id="page_61">{61}</a></span></p> - -<p>Parks himself came to the door. He had sent his servants to bed.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, “I have something of great importance to say to -you—so great that I would have roused you at this hour, but I see that -you have not retired.”</p> - -<p>“No; I am in no mood to sleep.”</p> - -<p>These words were spoken while Parks led the way to the library.</p> - -<p>“In the first place,” Nick said, when they were seated in that -apartment, “let me ask what you have heard regarding your wife’s -condition?”</p> - -<p>“I have secured hourly reports,” Parks replied. “There has been no -change.”</p> - -<p>“You can hardly wish, believing what you do of her, that she should -recover. Her fate might be worse than death.”</p> - -<p>Parks pressed his hands to his forehead.</p> - -<p>“Nevertheless,” Nick continued, “you cannot be indifferent to the arrest -of the assassin.”</p> - -<p>Parks sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Has he been taken?” he cried.</p> - -<p>“Not yet; but he will be in custody to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Who is he?”</p> - -<p>The question was asked in a voice that was like a groan. The man’s eyes -blazed.</p> - -<p>“I will not answer that question now,” said Nick, “but come with me and -in an hour at the furthest I will set you face to face with the cowardly -villain who struck that blow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_62" id="page_62">{62}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /><br /> -<small>PARKS IN DISGUISE.</small></h2> - -<p>The two men left the house immediately.</p> - -<p>A carriage was in waiting, and it conveyed them rapidly to the “fence” -on Sixth Avenue.</p> - -<p>Nick guided Parks through the dark halls, but he did not take him to the -room where the crooks sat chafing in their fetters.</p> - -<p>Instead, the two went into the room on the other side of the hall. Nick -struck a light, and they took chairs.</p> - -<p>“I am simply following you,” said Parks. “I do not understand what we -have come here for.”</p> - -<p>“To meet the assassin,” said Nick; “but before we do that I wish to -impose one condition on you.”</p> - -<p>“Name it.”</p> - -<p>“I wish you to be disguised.”</p> - -<p>“For what reason?”</p> - -<p>“I do not wish you to appear as Morton Parks.”</p> - -<p>“That is only saying the same thing in other words.”</p> - -<p>“True; I had not finished. It is important that when you face the -assassin you should not do it in your own character.”</p> - -<p>“That is hardly more definite. But why should I argue the point? It is -immaterial. I am willing to assume a disguise.”</p> - -<p>“I will disguise you now. You have heard, perhaps, that I have skill in -such matters.”</p> - -<p>“Do as you wish.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_63" id="page_63">{63}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>It was wonderful to see the change which Nick produced in Parks’ -appearance. It was not done so quickly as would have been the case with -the detective’s own face, but it was done with amazing skill and care.</p> - -<p>At last Nick held up a looking-glass before the other’s gaze.</p> - -<p>Looking into it Parks beheld a dark, bearded countenance. Paints, -cleverly applied, threw such shadows upon the eyes that though they were -really gray they looked black.</p> - -<p>The hair was black; the beard was black; it was indeed a swarthy face.</p> - -<p>“Do you think that anybody would recognize you?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Never,” said Parks, and there was something of relief in his tone.</p> - -<p>Nick replaced the mirror and resumed his seat.</p> - -<p>“We were speaking, some minutes ago,” he said, “of the character of your -wife, as these tragic events have disclosed it.”</p> - -<p>“Is it necessary to speak further on that subject?”</p> - -<p>“It is, as I believe.”</p> - -<p>“You must be aware that it is very painful to me.”</p> - -<p>“It should not be.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Parks, your wife is a pure and innocent woman, the victim of brutal -wretches.”</p> - -<p>Parks sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter,” he cried, “in Heaven’s name, present the proof quickly, if -you have any.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_64" id="page_64">{64}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“You believe that your wife stole her own jewels in order to pawn or -sell them.”</p> - -<p>Parks bowed in assent.</p> - -<p>“She must have had a motive,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“I have already told you that she gambled in stocks.”</p> - -<p>“With what brokers did she deal?”</p> - -<p>“I cannot tell.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know that she gambled in stocks?”</p> - -<p>“She confessed to me when she had wasted her own fortune. She promised -to reform.”</p> - -<p>“How long ago was this?”</p> - -<p>“Over a year.”</p> - -<p>“And she did not reform?”</p> - -<p>“No; she continued to speculate.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know?”</p> - -<p>“The theft of the jewels proves it.”</p> - -<p>“That was on August 3d?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“She obtained money as well as jewels?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“A considerable sum?”</p> - -<p>“Twenty-four hundred dollars. I happened to have an unusual amount of -money in the house that night.”</p> - -<p>“If she stole that money for speculation, it is reasonable to suppose -that she used it immediately for that purpose, is it not?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose so.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Parks, I have traced your wife’s movements for almost every -day of last August.”</p> - -<p>“You have?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_65" id="page_65">{65}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Yes; by means of one of my assistants, a very clever and well-taught -young lady.”</p> - -<p>“What have you learned?”</p> - -<p>“That she did not speculate.”</p> - -<p>“How can you be sure of that? A person does not have to go to Wall -Street in order to dabble in stocks.”</p> - -<p>“I know it; but a person whose fate is on the turn of that dreadful game -does not spend her time as your wife did.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“In the noblest works of charity; in the homes of the poor on the East -Side. It was there that she spent her days, not hanging over a stock -ticker in some resort of fashionable women gamblers.”</p> - -<p>“This seems incredible.”</p> - -<p>“It is true. I know of one family which she visited every week day -between August 3d and August 21st. I know several others where she was a -regular visitor.”</p> - -<p>“You amaze me.”</p> - -<p>“She spent a great deal of money in these charities, too. That does not -look like the work of a ruined gambler.”</p> - -<p>“But how do you account for her association with thieves?”</p> - -<p>“I will tell you. Let us suppose a case. You mentioned your nephew.</p> - -<p>“Let us suppose that your wife was deeply attached to him. Let us say -that after long watching, and years, perhaps, of dark suspicion, she -discovered that he was a thief.</p> - -<p>“Unwilling to believe any other evidence than that of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_66" id="page_66">{66}</a></span> her own eyes, she -follows him. She sees him enter a den of thieves. She learns that he is -their leader.”</p> - -<p>“Is my nephew, then, the thief?” cried Parks.</p> - -<p>“Wait. This is all supposition.</p> - -<p>“Let us say that she enters this den of thieves. She has found their -private way.</p> - -<p>“They are thunderstruck when she appears, though only the leader knows -her. She walks up to a table on which lies the plunder which they are -dividing.</p> - -<p>“She seizes some of it in her hands. She is mad with the horror of the -scene, perceiving one she loves in such a place.</p> - -<p>“They do not dare to kill her, for they have no means of disposing of -the body. She does not see that she is in great danger.</p> - -<p>“She threatens them. She urges upon this man—your nephew, let us -say—to make restitution and reform.</p> - -<p>“It is what a woman might do though a man would smile at it. He curses -her. She seizes some of the jewels and rushes out saying that she will -expose everything.</p> - -<p>“The rank and file of the thieves’ gang would murder her rather than -permit her to leave the room.</p> - -<p>“But the leader is more wily. He knows that she must die, but not there.</p> - -<p>“He follows her; stabs her in the street, and escapes.”</p> - -<p>“In the name of God, did my nephew do this?”</p> - -<p>“The villain who did this is called Helstone. He is the leader of a gang -of thieves. His real name has been unknown to the police.”</p> - -<p>“And my nephew<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_67" id="page_67">{67}</a></span>——”</p> - -<p>“Wait. That was only a supposition. Let us see if there is not somebody -who was bound to her by a closer tie.”</p> - -<p>“What!”</p> - -<p>“Had she no near relatives?”</p> - -<p>“None.”</p> - -<p>“She had a husband.”</p> - -<p>“Liar! Do you dare to say——”</p> - -<p>“That you, Morton Parks, are Helstone. It was not your nephew, it was -you she followed. Yes; I say it, and I shall ask you to test the truth -of it.”</p> - -<p>“How? I am ready, and I think I know the test.”</p> - -<p>“In this house, at this moment, I hold the most of Helstone’s gang of -thieves. Dare you face them?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“You are disguised, it is true. I have purposely changed your appearance -as much as possible. But it will not serve.”</p> - -<p>“I will face them instantly.”</p> - -<p>“Then come.”</p> - -<p>Nick walked to the door, and Parks was at his side.</p> - -<p>They passed into a room which opened into that in which sat the fettered -thieves.</p> - -<p>There they found Chick.</p> - -<p>“Keep your eye on this man,” said Nick, but in a tone so low that it -could not be heard in the other room.</p> - -<p>“You need not be afraid that I shall run away,” muttered Parks in reply.</p> - -<p>Nick entered the large room where Inspector McLaugh<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_68" id="page_68">{68}</a></span>lin sat with a -revolver in each hand, facing the semicircle of crooks.</p> - -<p>“Now, gentlemen,” said Nick, briskly, “you probably give me a great deal -of credit for having trapped you so neatly.”</p> - -<p>A volley of oaths was the reply.</p> - -<p>“I am too modest, however,” he continued, “to take glory which is not my -due.”</p> - -<p>Again he paused, and this time the crooks appeared to take more serious -interest in what he was saying.</p> - -<p>“Another man has really done the work,” Nick went on. “Without him you -would never be in the predicament in which you now find yourselves, with -Sing Sing prison open before you.”</p> - -<p>“We’ve been sold out,” growled Miller. “Did Benton do it?”</p> - -<p>“I am happy to clear Mr. Benton of that imputation,” said Nick. “He did -not do it.”</p> - -<p>“Somebody did,” yelled Miller, and again the oaths broke forth.</p> - -<p>Evidently the gang had no very cordial feeling toward its betrayer.</p> - -<p>“Bring in Mr. Jones,” called Nick to Chick.</p> - -<p>Parks and Chick entered on the instant. Nick could not help admiring the -man’s nerve.</p> - -<p>His one chance in the world was that the gang would not recognize him.</p> - -<p>And he had seen his disguise—the most utterly impenetrable which ever -shrouded the face of any human being.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_69" id="page_69">{69}</a></span></p> - -<p>He remembered the swarthy skin, the flashing black eyes, the beard of -the color of a raven’s wing.</p> - -<p>Yet when he appeared a cry broke from every crook’s throat in that -criminal assembly.</p> - -<p>“Helstone! Helstone!” they shouted.</p> - -<p>Miller and one other actually burst their bonds in the frenzy of their -wrath against the man whom they believed had betrayed them.</p> - -<p>And Morton Parks stood there utterly at a loss for a defense. The -recognition was too sudden and unanimous.</p> - -<p>How had it happened? How could they have seen through that wonderful -mask?</p> - -<p>“Mr. Parks,” said Nick, stepping forward, “I promised that within the -hour I would bring you face to face with the coward and villain who -stabbed your wife.</p> - -<p>“I will keep my word. Behold Doc Helstone!”</p> - -<p>With a sudden movement Nick raised a mirror which he had held concealed -behind him and thrust it before Parks’ face.</p> - -<p>Parks leaped back as if a thunderbolt had struck him.</p> - -<p>In that mirror he saw his face wearing the exact disguise which he had -led his gang of thieves to believe was the real countenance of Doc -Helstone.</p> - -<p>There was the light-brown beard parted in the middle, there were the -gray eyes and light eyebrows, and rather pale skin.</p> - -<p>“Surprised, are you?” said Nick. “Why, it was the simplest thing in the -world.</p> - -<p>“When I made your face up half an hour ago I used<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_70" id="page_70">{70}</a></span> a false beard colored -with a substance which is black when it is moist, but light-brown when -it is dry.</p> - -<p>“Your eyebrows were colored with the same substance. It dries very -quickly. Five minutes after I showed you the dark face in the glass you -had begun to look like Doc Helstone. Every black line was fading into -brown.</p> - -<p>“The tint which I used on your skin acts the same way. It turns from a -tan color to a pale flesh tint by simply being exposed to the air.</p> - -<p>“It was very interesting to watch your face change into the character -you so much wished to avoid. Of course you couldn’t see it yourself. It -was changing almost all the time that we were talking.</p> - -<p>“When you entered this room you fancied that you were disguised. In -reality, your face was exactly as you now see it—the face of the man -whom I saw walking away from the woman who had been stabbed.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /><br /> -<small>“SPEAKING OF SELLS.”</small></h2> - -<p>“You have taken him on all sides at once,” exclaimed the inspector.</p> - -<p>“The trap has been sprung and Helstone is in it. Come, my man, what have -you to say?”</p> - -<p>These last words were addressed to Parks.</p> - -<p>“I have this to say,” said he, boldly, “that this identification is -meaningless. The detective has painted my face<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_71" id="page_71">{71}</a></span> to represent a -well-known criminal, and I am mistaken for him, that’s all.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be foolish, Doc,” said Miller. “We all know you. Now tell us why -you sold us.”</p> - -<p>“He didn’t sell you,” said the inspector. “This gentleman sold -you”—pointing to Nick—“but it was a different kind of sell.</p> - -<p>“And, speaking of sells. I have cells for every one of you. Shall we -march them away, Nick?”</p> - -<p>“As you please. Ah! Chick, what is that?</p> - -<p>“A message from the hospital.”</p> - -<p>“Let me see it.”</p> - -<p>Nick tore the envelope, glanced at the contents, and then said:</p> - -<p>“She is fully conscious. She knows everything.”</p> - -<p>Morton Parks’ face became ashen. Then for an instant it cleared. If his -wife was conscious he was not yet a murderer, at least he could save his -life out of the ruin of his fortunes.</p> - -<p>“Do you still deny your guilt?” Nick said, addressing Parks.</p> - -<p>“It is fate,” the man muttered. “I have never for an instant expected to -escape it.”</p> - -<p>Doc Helstone and his friends were taken to police headquarters.</p> - -<p>Reeves, the witness, was released.</p> - -<p>“How did you get your clew to this riddle?” asked the inspector of Nick.</p> - -<p>“I found it in the character of Mrs. Parks,” said Nick. “She could not -be a thief or willingly the associate of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_72" id="page_72">{72}</a></span> thieves. She was not the sort -of woman who leads a double life.</p> - -<p>“Yet she was proved to have been in a resort of thieves. What motive -could have carried her there?</p> - -<p>“I answer, only love, or what was left of it after respect had been -destroyed—the love of some man.</p> - -<p>“What man? To know her character was to answer that question. It must be -her husband.”</p> - -<p>“But, how did you learn her character so quickly?”</p> - -<p>“For that I must thank my assistant, Ida Jones. I sent her on that part -of the case as soon as the identity of the woman was known. She reported -to me from time to time. It was easy enough to trace her, she had so -many friends among the poor. Ida had only to get a tip from Park’s -coachman and the thing was done.”</p> - -<p>“How did you persuade him to walk into your trap?”</p> - -<p>“I told him I would show him the murderer of his wife. He could not -refuse to come.</p> - -<p>“Once here, I asked him if he dared to meet the Helstone gang. Could he -say that he did not dare? That would have been confession.</p> - -<p>“The disguise was merely a trick to make the recognition more sure.”</p> - -<p>“But how about the diamonds, Nick?”</p> - -<p>“Why, I take it that when Mrs. Parks tracked her husband to the resort -of his gang and entered it after him there was wild confusion.</p> - -<p>“Very little was said that anybody understood or remembered. There was a -heap of plunder on the table for the gang was ready to move.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_73" id="page_73">{73}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Mrs. Parks snatched these diamonds as a corroboration of the story she -intended to tell to the police. So tremendous was the excitement that -nobody noticed her action.</p> - -<p>“When Parks followed her out and murdered her, he dared not remove the -diamonds for fear somebody would see him. The horror that comes on all -murderers came on him.”</p> - -<p>“But why did Parks tell that false story about a robbery at his house?”</p> - -<p>“In order to get hold of the gems before the rightful owner could -identify them and in order to make the police believe that Mrs. Parks -was a thief and a companion of thieves. It gave him a chance to tell -this lie about stock gambling.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Parks recovered, but she declined to appear against her husband.</p> - -<p>“I never wish to look on his face again,” she said. “He is a bad man and -deserves punishment, but you must deal with him on a charge of robbery, -not on a charge of assault.”</p> - -<p>And from this position she refused to be moved.</p> - -<p>But Nick did not press the matter.</p> - -<p>As the leader of a gang of burglars, Parks was put on trial and -sentenced to ten years.</p> - -<p>Nick thought he had seen the last of him when he saw him go on board the -train in charge of Special Detective Jones, who was to convey the -criminal to Sing Sing.</p> - -<p>But Parks was not a man to take his punishment without an effort to -escape it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_74" id="page_74">{74}</a></span></p> - -<p>He had prepared for this trip to Sing Sing.</p> - -<p>Docilely he took his seat alongside the plain-clothes man in the smoking -car, which was then empty.</p> - -<p>Jones took out a paper and settled himself back for the long ride; -glancing once or twice at the placid face of the man beside him.</p> - -<p>Truth to tell, he had an immense respect for this criminal leader, and -he appreciated the responsibility of the task that had devolved upon him -in lieu of the deputy sheriff who usually escorted prisoners to Sing -Sing.</p> - -<p>The car began to fill, but no one glanced at the detective and his -prisoner, for Jones was in plain clothes, and his newspaper covered the -handcuffs that linked Parks’ right hand with the left hand of the -detective.</p> - -<p>Parks ventured a word or two and presently led Detective Jones into a -conversation. He was a highly educated man, and he had the gift of -telling a story in an interesting fashion.</p> - -<p>“By the way,” he said; “have you any objection to my smoking?”</p> - -<p>“No; go ahead,” said Jones, pleasantly.</p> - -<p>With his unfettered left hand Parks drew from his pocket a cigar case, -fumbled with it a minute or two, and soon had a long, black weed between -his teeth.</p> - -<p>“Can I offer you a smoke?” he asked, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>The cigar case stopped on its way to his pocket, while he waited for the -detective’s answer.</p> - -<p>“Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.”</p> - -<p>“Help yourself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_75" id="page_75">{75}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>There was a peculiar gleam in his eyes as the detective struck a match -and lit up.</p> - -<p>Parks talked on pleasantly for a little while, but soon relapsed into -silence as the train rushed on, carrying him nearer and nearer to Sing -Sing.</p> - -<p>The car was uncomfortably warm. There was a drowsiness about the air -that made it difficult to keep the eyes open.</p> - -<p>At any rate, that was how Detective Jones felt.</p> - -<p>He tried to fasten his attention on a particularly thrilling newspaper -story, but the letters danced before his eyes; his eyes closed; he was -asleep.</p> - -<p>Parks emitted a grunt that might mean anything, then stretching out his -legs and resting his head on the back of the seat, he followed his -escort’s example and closed his eyes.</p> - -<p>The train sped on. Passengers came and went, but Detective Jones still -slept.</p> - -<p>Mr. Parks seemed to be asleep, too, but there was no one more awake than -he at that moment.</p> - -<p>“The drugged cigar has done its work.”</p> - -<p>This was the thought that surged in his brain. He mentally repeated the -phrase over and over again, then cautiously he opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>Just across the aisle were two Italian workmen, too much engrossed in -reciting their individual woes to notice anything else.</p> - -<p>Over his shoulder he got a glimpse of a commercial man, studying his -notebook. There was no danger to be apprehended from this quarter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_76" id="page_76">{76}</a></span></p> - -<p>Under cover of the newspaper he slid his left hand over to the -detective’s waistcoat.</p> - -<p>It was a moment of horrible anxiety as his fingers touched a key.</p> - -<p>But Detective Jones was still dead to the world.</p> - -<p>Next moment the key snapped in the lock and Parks was free.</p> - -<p>A swift glance around assured him that his actions had not been -observed.</p> - -<p>Emboldened by his success, he rifled the pockets of the sleeping -detective.</p> - -<p>“I’ll need a few extra dollars,” he told himself, though he despised -this petty theft.</p> - -<p>At the next stop he left his seat, and, mingling with the other -travelers, passed out.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /><br /> -<small>THE FUGITIVE.</small></h2> - -<p>“Now where am I to go?”</p> - -<p>Morton Parks asked himself this question as he sat down on a fallen tree -to rest.</p> - -<p>He had rubbed the dust of the road on his face and had considerably -altered his whole appearance by tearing rents in his clothing and -pulling the crown out of his hat.</p> - -<p>He looked like a tramp, and it was in this character he hoped to escape -the vigilance of the police who were now scouring the country for him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_77" id="page_77">{77}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I would like to get back to New York,” he mused, “and yet I daren’t -show up as Doc Helstone, and nobody knows Morton Parks.</p> - -<p>“Stop! I had forgotten Gilmore and Geary, the high-power burglars. They -know me in both characters. But they have left New York by this time. -When I saw them last they were making arrangements for a big bank -robbery in Chicago, and I remember they said they were going to bore -into the vault with an electric drill.</p> - -<p>“I laughed at the scheme, but I hadn’t any intention of joining them -then. Why shouldn’t I get to Chicago and give Gilmore and Geary a hand? -Yes, by jingo, that’s my plan.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have to beg or steal my way there, but I ought to know how to do -that.”</p> - -<p class="castt">* * * * * * *</p> - -<p>“Talk about nerve!”</p> - -<p>“What is it now, Mr. Smith?”</p> - -<p>“Burglars!”</p> - -<p>“What, again?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, last night, at my residence.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Chester Smith, the wealthy Chicago banker, threw himself into an -easy-chair in the office of the chief of police, and looked decidedly -ugly.</p> - -<p>“What did they get?” asked the chief.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what they didn’t get,” was the excited reply, “and I -was at home every minute of the time, too.”</p> - -<p>“Well?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_78" id="page_78">{78}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>There was a quiet smile on the chief’s face as he sat looking at his -excited friend.</p> - -<p>“They entered my house while I was at home,” continued the banker, -“ransacked every room in it, took my watch and pocketbook from under my -pillow, and my revolver from a table drawer near the bed.”</p> - -<p>“You were right in calling them nervy,” said the chief.</p> - -<p>“But that isn’t half of it. They went from my room to the kitchen, and -what do you think they did there?”</p> - -<p>“Surely they didn’t find much there.”</p> - -<p>“Well, they lit a fire and cooked breakfast. Then they went to the -cellar and tapped my wine.”</p> - -<p>“And no one heard them?”</p> - -<p>“Not a soul.”</p> - -<p>“Go on.”</p> - -<p>“Then they rigged themselves out in my clothes and put their own old -duds in the clothes press. But the worst is yet to come, and for -iridescent audacity, it breaks the record.”</p> - -<p>“Proceed.”</p> - -<p>“Last week I bought a bulldog, whose sole duty it is to watch the -premises. This morning I found him shut up in the coalhouse, with a -heavy rubber band around his jaws, and a tag tied to his tail. The tag -reads as follows:</p> - -<p>“<span class="lftspc">‘</span>We didn’t take yer purp, ’cos we thought mebbe as how he wos raised a -pet, an’ you might be fond of him.’<span class="lftspc">”</span></p> - -<p>The chief laughed heartily for a moment, and then his face grew grave.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_79" id="page_79">{79}</a></span></p> - -<p>“We are having a great deal of trouble with burglars lately,” he said, -“and I am often at a loss what to do.”</p> - -<p>“And nearly all recent burglaries are unusually daring and successful, -are they not?”</p> - -<p>“They are all daring, and I am sorry to say that nearly all are -successful.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll have to send to New York for Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t always get Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we ought to have a few men like Nick on the Chicago detective -force.”</p> - -<p>The chief smiled.</p> - -<p>“There is only one Nick Carter,” he said.</p> - -<p>The banker gave a few additional details regarding the burglary at his -residence, and went away.</p> - -<p class="castt">* * * * * * *</p> - -<p>John Mitchell, returning to his residence on Boston Avenue one evening, -saw that he was being followed by several men, and started off on a run.</p> - -<p>It was quite dark, but Mitchell could see the men plainly every time -they came to a street lamp.</p> - -<p>He started to run.</p> - -<p>They did the same.</p> - -<p>At last he came to the steps of his own residence.</p> - -<p>Then the toughs seemed to understand that they were likely to lose their -prey, and one of them darted forward and dealt him a stunning blow on -the side of the head.</p> - -<p>When Mitchell fell, he went through the door of his home, and landed in -the hallway.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_80" id="page_80">{80}</a></span></p> - -<p>He was partially stunned, but grappled with his assailant.</p> - -<p>The struggle which followed attracted the attention of two men who -resided in the family.</p> - -<p>But the highwayman was a desperate fellow, and seemed to be fighting for -his life.</p> - -<p>With the full weight of the three men upon him, he still struggled to -his feet, shaking the men from his back as a huge dog throws off water.</p> - -<p>Then he made for the door. His companions had disappeared, and the -patrolman on the beat had been attracted to the spot by the noise of the -combat.</p> - -<p>The robber sprang past the officer and went, panting, up a dark alley.</p> - -<p>Pursuit soon died out, and the fellow stopped to rest in the shelter of -a cluster of stables.</p> - -<p>His clothes, though of good material, were of the cheapest, and in -shocking condition.</p> - -<p>His broken shoes were soaked with mud and water, and his crownless hat -afforded little protection from the weather.</p> - -<p>When, occasionally, the light of a street lamp shone upon him, it -revealed a countenance haggard and worn, yet it was the face of Morton -Parks.</p> - -<p>In all the city of Chicago that night there was probably no more piteous -object than the escaped criminal. For lack of money this leader of -criminals had become a common highwayman.</p> - -<p>Dodging here and there through the semi-deserted streets in the banking -and real-estate district—for it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_81" id="page_81">{81}</a></span> now after ten o’clock—the -fugitive at length entered a prosperous-looking oyster and chophouse and -asked for the proprietor.</p> - -<p>The waiter looked at the disreputable figure in amazement for a moment -and then pointed toward the door.</p> - -<p>Then a handsomely dressed fellow with a long, drooping mustache and -flowing side whiskers of the Dundreary type, stepped into the room.</p> - -<p>A signal passed between the robber and the keeper of the restaurant, and -the two men were soon closeted in a private room.</p> - -<p>“Now, Parks, explain.”</p> - -<p>“It’s easy, Gilmore. I was on the road to Sing Sing. I escaped. I only -had a dollar or two, that I stole from the detective.”</p> - -<p>“Go on; don’t worry about the details. We can fill them in afterward. -How do you come to be here in this plight?”</p> - -<p>“My New York gang had been run in. I knew you had come to Chicago. I -became a tramp, got in with a lot of thugs and finally landed here -because it’s the only place where I expect to meet a friend.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be too sure,” said Gilmore, brutally. “Nobody likes to have an -escaped criminal on his hands.”</p> - -<p>“How about your own record?” asked Parks.</p> - -<p>“That’s nothing to do with the case. Who sent you to Sing Sing?” he -asked, suddenly.</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“The keenest sleuth alive!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_82" id="page_82">{82}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The restaurant man walked up and down the floor for a moment with a -heavy frown on his face.</p> - -<p>“How do you know Nick Carter did not follow you here?” he finally asked.</p> - -<p>“I saw him last at Detroit,” was the calm reply.</p> - -<p>“Then you think he is after you?”</p> - -<p>“I am certain of it.”</p> - -<p>“And yet, you come here?”</p> - -<p>“I told you before I had no other place to go.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll murder you if he follows you to my place.”</p> - -<p>“You seem to be doing pretty well here,” said Parks.</p> - -<p>“No man with my police record—as you hinted—can do well anywhere,” was -the angry answer.</p> - -<p>“I noticed a bank next door,” said Parks. “I presume this place is a -starter for the electric-drill scheme you once spoke of.”</p> - -<p>“It is nothing of the sort,” said Gilmore. “I have decided to have -nothing to do with that scheme.”</p> - -<p>“It is strange that you should locate a place like this—next door to a -bank, then. There can’t be much money in the trade you get here.”</p> - -<p>“There is money enough here if the sneaks of the profession would only -let me alone.”</p> - -<p>Parks sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Another word like that,” he shouted, “and I’ll give you dead away to -the police. You can’t talk to a man of my stamp in that fashion.”</p> - -<p>“But suppose Nick Carter follows you here, and recognizes me? I’ll be -pulled in, too.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_83" id="page_83">{83}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Have you any idea that Nick Carter knows where you are?” asked Parks.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think he does.”</p> - -<p>“Drop Nick Carter. Lend me some money. I need a complete outfit, and -something to buy food and drink with.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t give you a cent.”</p> - -<p>Parks started for the door.</p> - -<p>“Where are you going?” demanded Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“To the police.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore opened the door.</p> - -<p>“I don’t care how quick you go,” he said.</p> - -<p>As Parks stepped out, a waiter walked up to the door of the room.</p> - -<p>“Did you ring?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Gilmore turned him away with an oath, and pulled Parks back into the -room.</p> - -<p>“You see how it is,” he said.</p> - -<p>“See how what is?”</p> - -<p>“That is a detective.”</p> - -<p>“Who hired him?”</p> - -<p>“I did.”</p> - -<p>“Knowing him to be a detective?”</p> - -<p>“Of course not. I found that out just now.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“By his coming here and asking that question.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t understand.”</p> - -<p>“There is no bell to this room. He came here for the purpose of spotting -you.”</p> - -<p>Parks threw himself back into his chair with an oath.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_84" id="page_84">{84}</a></span></p> - -<p>“We can’t afford to quarrel,” he said, “if that is Nick Carter, or one -of his assistants.”</p> - -<p>Parks pondered for some moments.</p> - -<p>“Help me out,” he said, “and I’ll get rid of the fellow. Then we can put -up the electric-drill burglary, and make enough money to get out of the -country.”</p> - -<p>“Have you tried to turn any tricks since you came here?” Gilmore asked.</p> - -<p>Parks hesitated.</p> - -<p>He had once been a leader of crooks, and disliked to mention the -incident on Boston Avenue.</p> - -<p>At last, however, he explained just what had taken place, and was -roundly cursed by Gilmore for coming to his place after having attempted -so daring a crime.</p> - -<p>“You will be sure to be tracked,” Gilmore said, “if you remain in your -present condition, and that will endanger my place. How much cash do you -want to fix yourself up with?”</p> - -<p>“Fifty dollars will do for the present. It’s a change for Morton Parks -to be begging a paltry fifty-dollar bill, but my luck has turned—that’s -all.”</p> - -<p>“And you will help me to get rid of these people, and also assist in the -electric-drill scheme?”</p> - -<p>“So you are into that, after all,” said Parks. “I thought so all the -time. Yes, I will help you all I can in both directions if you stake me -now.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore counted out the sum named, and handed it to his companion.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Parks, “tell me about this electric-drill scheme.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_85" id="page_85">{85}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Gilmore took a folded paper from his pocketbook and spread it out on the -table. It was nothing more nor less than a carefully drawn plan of the -buildings surrounding the bank which adjoined the restaurant.</p> - -<p>“Here is the bank vault,” explained Gilmore, “and here is my place. The -plan is to break through the cellar wall under this floor, and cut -through the granite and steel walls of the bank with an electric drill. -It can be done in two hours.”</p> - -<p>“But won’t you strike too low in the vault?”</p> - -<p>“No. The vault is two feet lower than the floor of the bank above, and -we shall strike it just about right.”</p> - -<p>“Where does your power come from?”</p> - -<p>“Oh! I put in a patent electric motor for a dishwasher, and contracted -for electric fly fans for next summer. So that is all right.”</p> - -<p>Parks laughed heartily, and declared that it was a great scheme.</p> - -<p>While the men were figuring over the plan, the sound of breaking -crockery came from the front end of the place.</p> - -<p>They both dashed out, for it was quite evident that there was serious -trouble in the main dining room.</p> - -<p>“One of the waiters threw a server of dishes at a customer,” explained -an employee.</p> - -<p>“Where is that waiter?” thundered Gilmore. “I’ll take care of him.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, sir,” was the reply. “He was here a moment ago.”</p> - -<p>“Where is the customer?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_86" id="page_86">{86}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“There on the floor, sir. He was knocked down.”</p> - -<p>The proprietor stepped forward and lifted the fallen man’s head.</p> - -<p>It was Geary, his rascally partner in the electric-drill scheme.</p> - -<p>“They had some words, sir,” continued the waiter, “and the customer -tried to grab the waiter.”</p> - -<p>Geary was revived, and the three men went back to the private room -together. There a new surprise awaited them.</p> - -<p>The plan they had been examining was not there, although Gilmore and -Parks had left it on the table when they rushed out.</p> - -<p>There was a movement by the door, and Geary turned, to see the man who -had struck him stealing out of the room.</p> - -<p>“There’s that detective again,” he yelled. “Grab him.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t allow him to escape,” roared Gilmore. “He has the missing paper. -Shoot him down.”</p> - -<p>The proprietor drew a revolver as he spoke, but Geary caught his hand in -time to prevent the shot.</p> - -<p>“Do you want the police down here?” he said, with an oath.</p> - -<p>“I don’t want him to escape,” said Gilmore, making a dive for the young -man, who was just passing out of the doorway.</p> - -<p>The burglar was a powerful man, but he was little more than a baby in -the hands of the man he sought to detain.</p> - -<p>He was whirled from his feet in an instant, and thrown<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_87" id="page_87">{87}</a></span> against his two -companions, who were now advancing to assist him.</p> - -<p>Before the three men could do anything more to keep the young man from -leaving the room, he had closed the door with a bang and darted through -the restaurant to the street.</p> - -<p>When Gilmore opened the door the fugitive was out of sight.</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you catch him?” demanded the proprietor. “The man is a -thief, and the racket out here was nothing but a scheme to steal some -private papers from my room.”</p> - -<p>“He went through like a flash,” explained the cashier.</p> - -<p>“Nixon followed him,” replied a waiter.</p> - -<p>“I am glad that one employee has some sense,” growled Gilmore. “When -Nixon comes back, send him to my room.”</p> - -<p>Nixon was an old crook, who had been brought on from New York to keep -track of things in the restaurant.</p> - -<p>“I told you he was a detective, didn’t I?” demanded Gilmore of Parks, as -soon as the door of the private room was closed.</p> - -<p>“How did you know that?” asked Geary.</p> - -<p>“Because he stood in front of the door when I opened it a few minutes -ago. Then, to account for his presence there, he asked if I had rung for -him.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Well, there is no bell in the room. He was there listening.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_88" id="page_88">{88}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I spotted him when I came in to-night,” said Geary, “and accused him of -trying to pick my pocket. He threw the dishes at me, and I made a grab -for him. That’s all I know about it. He strikes a hard blow, whoever he -is.”</p> - -<p>“How long has he been here?” asked Parks.</p> - -<p>“Only two days,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Then he followed me here, and spotted this place the first thing, -knowing that I would be likely to come here,” said Parks.</p> - -<p>“But what did he dodge into the room for as soon as we left it?”</p> - -<p>“To find out what we were up to; and he found out, too.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about that,” said Gilmore, lifting a piece of paper from -the floor as he spoke.</p> - -<p>The paper was the missing plan, which the intruder had undoubtedly -dropped in the scuffle.</p> - -<p>“So the electric-drill scheme is safe for the present, at least,” said -Parks, “but there is no knowing how long it will remain so, for the man -just in here was Chick, Nick Carter’s assistant.”</p> - -<p>“Then you make a skip,” said Geary, “and don’t come here again. We can -communicate by letter.”</p> - -<p>Parks did not move, but stood pointing toward the now open door.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_89" id="page_89">{89}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /><br /> -<small>“ONE OF THE BOYS.”</small></h2> - -<p>“Hello! What’s up, now?”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter, sitting in his room, at the Windsor Hotel, on Dearborn -Street, looked up with a smile, as Chick rushed into the room and -hastened to the window.</p> - -<p>“Nothing special.”</p> - -<p>Chick peered carefully through the blinds as he spoke.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad you came in early to-night,” said Nick, “for I am feeling a -trifle annoyed.”</p> - -<p>“About what?”</p> - -<p>“It’s taking altogether too much time to get this man Parks back to Sing -Sing.”</p> - -<p>Chick turned out the gas, threw the window blinds wide open, and sat -down in front of the window.</p> - -<p>“I have a little surprise for you. Parks is at present trying to renew -acquaintance with two famous high-power burglars, Gilmore and Geary.”</p> - -<p>“What! Have you see him—Parks, I mean?”</p> - -<p>“He is there at the Gilmore chop house.”</p> - -<p>Chick then explained all that had taken place in the restaurant that -evening.</p> - -<p>“And what was the paper you got hold of in the room?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“That’s just what I’d like to know. You see, I dropped it in the scuffle -before I had a chance to look at it.”</p> - -<p>“What did it look like?”</p> - -<p>“It was a drawing of some kind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_90" id="page_90">{90}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick pondered a moment.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry,” he said, “that there are no charges against Gilmore and -Geary. I’d run them in to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Were they acquitted when last arrested?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; by perjury.”</p> - -<p>“Well, there will soon be a charge against them,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“The paper I found on the table was a drawing of some kind.”</p> - -<p>“You said that before.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and that Gilmore chophouse is next door to a bank. Do you begin to -catch on?”</p> - -<p>“I was wondering if you had the same idea as myself,” said Nick. “I see -you have. We will postpone the rearrest of Parks until we get ready to -bag the other villains. What are you looking at out there?”</p> - -<p>Chick pointed across the street.</p> - -<p>“Do you see that man standing there by the cigar store?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s the man who followed me from the chophouse.”</p> - -<p>“You know who it is, of course?”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Chick, with a laugh, “my acquaintance with crooks is not so -extensive as is that of my chief.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s Nixon, the all-around crook from New York,” replied the -detective. “I wonder what he’s up to now?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_91" id="page_91">{91}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>This last remark was caused by Nixon stepping out on the walk and -stopping two men who were passing.</p> - -<p>“They’re a tough-looking pair,” said Chick, “and he seems to be well -acquainted with them. I believe they are going away together.”</p> - -<p>Instead of starting away, however, the three men stepped into the cigar -store and stood there by the counter, Nixon never taking his eyes from -the doorway through which Chick had entered the hotel.</p> - -<p>Nick began to change his clothes.</p> - -<p>In about five minutes he looked like the prosperous advance agent of a -negro minstrel company—one of the fellows who always talk show, no -matter where they are, and who want everybody with whom they come in -contact to know that they belong to the “perfesh.”</p> - -<p>“How’s this?” he asked. “This will be apt to take down there in the -chophouse, won’t it?”</p> - -<p>“I should say so. Shall I go along?”</p> - -<p>“Not with me, and not in that rig,” was the reply, and the next moment -the detective was on his way across the street to the cigar store, -having left the hotel by a side entrance.</p> - -<p>It took but a moment for Nick to get into conversation with Nixon, for -the crook was quick to recognize “one of the boys,” and Nick declared, -on entering the cigar store, that there wasn’t a decent chophouse in the -whole city of Chicago.</p> - -<p>The two toughs stepped back, and the detective and Nixon were soon on -their way to the restaurant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_92" id="page_92">{92}</a></span></p> - -<p>The first thing Nick saw, on entering the place, was the open door of -the private room.</p> - -<p>Parks stood there pointing out.</p> - -<p>Behind him were Gilmore and Geary.</p> - -<p>“There comes Nixon now,” Nick heard Parks say, “and we may as well see -what he has to say.”</p> - -<p>Nick seated himself at a table and ordered a chop, and Nixon went back -to the private room.</p> - -<p>In a moment the two men who had left Nixon at the cigar store entered -the place and sat down at the rear table.</p> - -<p>The waiter seemed to know them, for he went back and opened a -conversation with them.</p> - -<p>Nick could not hear what they were saying, for the distance was too -great, but he could now and then catch a word.</p> - -<p>The men were talking of highway robbery and burglary.</p> - -<p>In a few moments Nixon joined the two men, and then the waiter went -away.</p> - -<p>“I tell you, it’s a sure thing,” Nick heard Nixon say; “for he’s up -there at the Windsor Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“How you goin’ ter git ’im out?” demanded one of the men.</p> - -<p>“That’s easy enough,” was the reply, and then the men talked in whispers -again.</p> - -<p>The detective laughed, softly to himself.</p> - -<p>“They’ll have a nice job coaxing Chick to come out and be killed,” he -thought.</p> - -<p>Presently a muscular-looking young fellow entered the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_93" id="page_93">{93}</a></span> room and seated -himself at a table not far from that occupied by Nick.</p> - -<p>His oily trousers were thrust into the tops of a pair of heavy, -unpolished boots, and he wore a baggy, blue woolen shirt under his rough -coat, which smelled of machine oil. No vest or suspenders were in sight, -and his closely cropped head was covered with a greasy felt hat.</p> - -<p>He looked like an iron worker out for a midnight lunch.</p> - -<p>He ordered a light meal and took out a huge roll of bills, as if to pay -for it in advance.</p> - -<p>Nick saw Nixon watching the money enviously.</p> - -<p>“Now there’ll be a picnic,” he thought, wondering how the attempt to rob -the young mechanic would be made.</p> - -<p>He did not think Gilmore would allow any work of the kind on the -premises, for it would be certain to become known, and would direct the -attention of the police to the place, a thing which the burglar could by -no means afford to have done.</p> - -<p>Nick’s chop was finished by this time, but he ordered a cup of coffee -and a cigar, and sat there smoking and waiting.</p> - -<p>Before long one of the toughs walked over to where the young mechanic -was sitting.</p> - -<p>“I’ve just been strikin’ de boss fer a lunch,” he said, with a grin, -“an’ I couldn’t make it stick. Can’t you help me out?”</p> - -<p>The mechanic motioned the bum to take a chair, and beckoned to a waiter.</p> - -<p>“Fill him up,” he said, shortly. Nick started at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_94" id="page_94">{94}</a></span> sound of his -voice, and then a pleased smile crept over his face.</p> - -<p>In a moment the seeming mechanic took out his money again to pay for -what the tough had ordered.</p> - -<p>The tough sprang from his chair and made a grab for the roll of bills.</p> - -<p>The next moment he was one of the most surprised men in Chicago.</p> - -<p>His hand did not get within a foot of the coveted prize.</p> - -<p>His intended victim had been expecting just such a move.</p> - -<p>As the tough leaned forward he caught the other’s right square on the -throat, and went down to the floor like a log.</p> - -<p>The mechanic went on eating his lunch.</p> - -<p>But the affair was not to be allowed to pass off so quietly.</p> - -<p>The fallen man’s companion, Nixon, and three or four waiters made for -the seeming mechanic, and in a moment all was confusion.</p> - -<p>The young fellow put up a hot fight, and the chophouse people were sent -tumbling around on the floor in great shape.</p> - -<p>Nick watched the battle curiously for a moment, and then sprang to his -feet with an exclamation of anger.</p> - -<p>There were five to one, and yet the waiters were arming themselves with -clubs and meat cleavers.</p> - -<p>The detective reached the scene just in time.</p> - -<p>A cowardly waiter was aiming a blow at the seeming<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_95" id="page_95">{95}</a></span> mechanic from -behind, which would have ended the fight right there.</p> - -<p>He was not striking with his fist, but held a heavy hatchet in his hand.</p> - -<p>Without saying a word, Nick struck out, and the waiter went halfway over -a table before he fell.</p> - -<p>The dishes, with which the table had been loaded, struck the floor about -the time the waiter did, and there was a great crash as the fellow -floundered around among the damaged crockery.</p> - -<p>The door of the private room was now opened, and the three high-power -burglars, who had been perfecting their schemes there, rushed out.</p> - -<p>Nixon and his gang drew back, leaving Nick and the seeming mechanic -standing by the overturned table.</p> - -<p>Gilmore dashed forward and seized the young man by the collar.</p> - -<p>“You’ll go over the road for this,” he shouted.</p> - -<p>The young fellow threw out his hip and caught the burglar around the -body.</p> - -<p>It was a pretty case of hip-lock, and Gilmore carried another table to -the floor when he went down.</p> - -<p>“It’s a conspiracy to rob the place,” cried Geary. “Throw them out and -call the police.”</p> - -<p>But the employees had had enough of trying to throw the two men out of -the place, and they held back.</p> - -<p>Geary began pounding on the floor of the room.</p> - -<p>“That’s a signal,” whispered Nick, to the seeming mechanic. “If a door -leading into the cellar is opened<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_96" id="page_96">{96}</a></span> now, get down there, if you can, -while I amuse the people up here.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” replied Chick, “but you ought to be getting out before -long. They’ll suspect it’s a scheme.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore arose from the floor, brushing milk, butter and sugar from his -clothing, and started for the door.</p> - -<p>“This is no chance fight,” he shouted. “These men came here on purpose -to get up a row.”</p> - -<p>“You lie,” said Chick, coolly, “one of your toughs tried to rob me, and -this gentleman came to my assistance.”</p> - -<p>Before Gilmore could reply a back door was opened, and three -hard-looking men rushed into the room.</p> - -<p>“There come the men who are putting in the electric-drill machinery,” -whispered Nick. “Now, look out for hot work.”</p> - -<p>The two detectives moved toward the door, but the gang closed in upon -them.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /><br /> -<small>THREE MILLIONS AT STAKE.</small></h2> - -<p>“And I tell you they were both detectives.”</p> - -<p>“You are crazy on the subject of detectives.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore sprang to his feet with an oath and pointed around the room.</p> - -<p>“You’ll soon be telling me that no damage has been done here,” he said, -“and that the hot fight those fellows put up was all by way of -amusement.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_97" id="page_97">{97}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“And you’ll be telling me,” said Geary, “that the advance agent brought -in was Nick Carter, and that the mechanic was Chick.”</p> - -<p>“That’s about the size of it.”</p> - -<p>Geary laughed long and heartily.</p> - -<p>The men were still in the chophouse.</p> - -<p>The large dining room still showed that a desperate fight had taken -place there, for the floor was covered with broken dishes.</p> - -<p>The waiters and cooks had taken their departure for the night, and Parks -and Nixon had gone out.</p> - -<p>“What strikes me as peculiar,” said Geary, “is the way the fellows got -out of the place.”</p> - -<p>“The men you named a moment ago have a way of doing such things,” -replied Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“I stood right there by the stairs,” said Geary, “and I’ll take my oath -that only one of them went in that rush.”</p> - -<p>“Which one?”</p> - -<p>“The advance agent.”</p> - -<p>“Then, where did the other go?”</p> - -<p>“I give it up.”</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid the electric-drill scheme is busted,” said Gilmore. “If the -detectives are onto us, we certainly can’t carry out the plans made in -New York.”</p> - -<p>“But there are three millions in that bank vault.”</p> - -<p>“If we can’t get them out they may as well be in India.”</p> - -<p>“We must get them out.”</p> - -<p>“How?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_98" id="page_98">{98}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“By the old plan.”</p> - -<p>“With those fellows watching us?” sneered Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“I wish Parks had gone all the way to Sing Sing.”</p> - -<p>“What’s he got to do with it?”</p> - -<p>“The detectives followed him here. They have known where we were all the -time,” said Geary, “and when Parks led them here, they guessed he was -steering for some more of the ‘crooked’ family, and probably decided -they’d look into our history, and run us in with the man they want.”</p> - -<p>“Have you any idea they are watching the drill scheme?” questioned -Gilmore, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“How could they be?”</p> - -<p>“There is no knowing what those fellows will find out.”</p> - -<p>“The drill scheme is all right, notwithstanding what took place here -to-night,” said Geary. “How much money have we?”</p> - -<p>“Mighty little. Parks pulled out fifty to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Then he must earn some and replace it.”</p> - -<p>“How can he earn money, after what has happened to him?”</p> - -<p>“In the old way, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“Burglary?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“But will he do it?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Of course he will. Morton Parks is not Doc Helstone, leader of -criminals, now. He’s just an everyday crook, willing to do anything for -money till he gets another gang under his thumb, and that will take -time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_99" id="page_99">{99}</a></span> Didn’t he try to hold a man up in his own house to-night?”</p> - -<p>“All right, then; just put him onto that South-Side scheme.”</p> - -<p>During the short silence that followed the sound of a scuffle came from -beyond the door leading to the cellar.</p> - -<p>Then there was a faint cry, and all was still.</p> - -<p>Geary started to his feet and turned pale.</p> - -<p>“What was that?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Gilmore walked to the door and swung it open.</p> - -<p>There was the dark staircase leading to the equally dark cellar below, -and nothing else.</p> - -<p>The two men looked tremblingly in each other’s face for a moment. They -were both longing, yet fearing, to ask the same question.</p> - -<p>Finally Gilmore spoke.</p> - -<p>“Can it be possible,” he asked, “that one of those fellows got down -there during the fight?”</p> - -<p>“It is possible,” replied Geary. “Get a candle and we’ll go down and -look the place over.”</p> - -<p>In the cellar everything looked as usual.</p> - -<p>There was the double partition which had been built to shut the noise of -the motor and the drill from the street, there were tools, pipes and -iron bands lying around, and there, just beyond the broken cellar wall, -was the heavy granite foundation of the bank vault.</p> - -<p>The two men searched through every inch of the place, and then turned to -the double wall.</p> - -<p>“There is a door through here somewhere,” said Gilmore.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100">{100}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes,” was the reply, “but it fastens from the other side as well as -this, and we can never get through without breaking it down.”</p> - -<p>“Well, if we can’t get through no one else can, that is one sure thing,” -replied Gilmore. “It must have been the rats we heard.”</p> - -<p>“Help! Help!”</p> - -<p>The men were about to ascend the stairs to the room above when the cry -reached their ears.</p> - -<p>They drew their revolvers and stepped back.</p> - -<p>Again the place was still.</p> - -<p>There was no motion anywhere in the cellar.</p> - -<p>“The place is haunted,” whispered Geary.</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad if it turns out to be ghosts,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>While the men waited and listened, the sound of blows and low-muttered -curses came from the other side of the double partition.</p> - -<p>“One of those detectives did get down here,” said Gilmore. “If he gets -out there is an end of our scheme, and all the money we have put into -it.”</p> - -<p>“You stay here,” whispered Geary, “and I’ll go around in front and get -into the other room that way.”</p> - -<p>“Well, hurry.”</p> - -<p>Geary darted away, and Gilmore stood watching the door.</p> - -<p>Then the latter heard steps and voices in the dining room above, and for -a single instant left his post of duty.</p> - -<p>As he crept to the head of the stairs to look into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101">{101}</a></span> dining room, he -thought he heard the creaking of a door behind him, and stopped to -listen.</p> - -<p>The noise was not repeated, and he went on.</p> - -<p>Had he returned to the cellar at that instant, he would have found the -door in the double partition wide open.</p> - -<p>He would have seen the body of one of his pals lying for an instant on -the narrow threshold.</p> - -<p>He would have seen the body drawn through into the rear basement, and -the door softly closed and fastened.</p> - -<p>He would have seen a dark figure in the dress of an iron worker lift the -body and carry it through the broken cellar wall.</p> - -<p>Then he would have seen two figures, one always carrying the other -through the almost pitchy darkness, hiding in a corner near the granite -wall of the bank vault.</p> - -<p>But he saw nothing of this.</p> - -<p>He went on up the staircase and stood for a moment on the last step.</p> - -<p>Parks and Nixon had returned, and were walking about the place.</p> - -<p>The former had procured a new suit of clothes and looked more like -himself, though his growing beard and mustache served as a sort of -disguise.</p> - -<p>“What’s up here?” he demanded. “Where’s Gilmore?”</p> - -<p>“Here,” called that gentleman from the head of the stairs. “Did you see -Geary as you came in?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. What’s he rushing around in that way for? Anything wrong?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102">{102}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I should say so. Come into the cellar. Turn the key in the front door -first.”</p> - -<p>Parks did as requested, and then all three men hastened down the cellar -stairs.</p> - -<p>“Hello, there!”</p> - -<p>It was Geary, calling from the other side of the double wall.</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Everything all right there?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It’s O. K. here. I wonder what it was we heard?”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Geary placed his hand on the fastening of the door and -opened it.</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t fastened on this side,” he said, stepping through.</p> - -<p>“It was on this side, though,” replied Gilmore, “so everything must be -all right, after all.”</p> - -<p>“Did you look in the space around the vault?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; don’t you remember going in there with me?”</p> - -<p>“Of course. Then the noise we heard must have been out on the street, or -in some adjoining cellar.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose so,” replied Gilmore.</p> - -<p>Then he turned to Parks.</p> - -<p>“Did you find out about that place?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Can you work it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but it must be done to-night, and I must have help.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103">{103}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE FLAT BURGLARY.</small></h2> - -<p>It was long past midnight, and a slow, winter rain was falling.</p> - -<p>Shivering with the cold, and muttering imprecations against the weather, -Parks and Nixon left the shelter of the chophouse and walked rapidly -toward Wabash Avenue.</p> - -<p>“We ought to have been out an hour ago,” muttered the former, “then we -shouldn’t have missed the cable.”</p> - -<p>“The owl car’s all right for a job like this,” was the sullen reply. -“You’ll be wanting a hack next.”</p> - -<p>“Why not take a hack down as far as Thirty-ninth Street?” demanded -Parks. “It will be daylight before we get there at this rate.”</p> - -<p>“Have you the price?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“Then call a cab.”</p> - -<p>In a moment the two men, fairly well housed from the storm, were -whirling southward.</p> - -<p>“Who first got onto this plant?” asked Parks, as they rode along.</p> - -<p>“Gilmore.”</p> - -<p>“He’s a cute one.”</p> - -<p>“You bet he is.”</p> - -<p>Nixon did not seem disposed to talk.</p> - -<p>“How much is there of it?” asked Parks.</p> - -<p>“About five thousand dollars, besides the jewelry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104">{104}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“The fellow’s a fool to keep so much stuff in his room.”</p> - -<p>“He is all of that.”</p> - -<p>“And you know the plan of the building well?”</p> - -<p>“I was there to-day.”</p> - -<p>“And the old man sleeps alone on the third floor away from the rest of -the family?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I said.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you needn’t be so mighty short about it. Do you want to go in and -get the stuff while I watch outside, or shall I go in?”</p> - -<p>“Gilmore arranged for you to go in.”</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>“And there is to be no slugging.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose he wakes up and kicks?”</p> - -<p>“Snatch all there is in sight and git out.”</p> - -<p>“I guess I’ll run the job in my own way,” growled Parks. “I was in the -business when Gilmore was working on a farm.”</p> - -<p>“Suit yourself.”</p> - -<p>The men were so busy talking, and the night was so dark and rainy, that -they did not notice that one cab passed them several times, went on -south for a block or two on each occasion, and then turned north again.</p> - -<p>The man seated in the cab strained his ears each time in the endeavor to -hear what the men in the other vehicle were saying, but he could only -catch a word now and then.</p> - -<p>The pursuing cab finally fell in behind the other, and the two vehicles -proceeded together at a fast trot toward Thirty-ninth Street.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105">{105}</a></span></p> - -<p>There Parks and Nixon got out, and without once looking around to see if -they were followed, walked rapidly toward Forty-third Street.</p> - -<p>The man in the second cab never lost sight of them.</p> - -<p>He, too, left his cab at Thirty-ninth Street and walked south.</p> - -<p>About halfway between Cottage Grove Avenue and the Illinois Central -Railway tracks Parks and Nixon stopped and slunk into a stairway.</p> - -<p>Their “shadow” was not twenty feet behind.</p> - -<p>While they consulted together, he passed the spot where they stood, and -entered the next stairway to the east.</p> - -<p>The apartments in the row—an entire block in length—were all exactly -alike.</p> - -<p>There were three flats in each division, and each flat had seven rooms.</p> - -<p>There were in each one a front and a back parlor, a dining room, a -kitchen, a bedroom off the front parlor, one off the kitchen and a -bathroom off from the hall leading to the kitchen.</p> - -<p>In each instance the back parlor and the bathroom were lighted by an air -shaft running from the first floor to the roof.</p> - -<p>The men talked for some time in the hallway and Nick, for it was he, at -last succeeded in getting near enough to hear what they were saying.</p> - -<p>“He sleeps in the back parlor on the third floor,” Nixon was saying, -“and he always leaves his watch and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106">{106}</a></span> diamonds on the dresser, and places -the money under his pillow.”</p> - -<p>“Give me the key.”</p> - -<p>Nick heard the jingle of keys, and then Nixon said:</p> - -<p>“His son sleeps in the hall bedroom. Don’t make any noise at the door. -When you get the stuff make a run for it if there is any kick made.”</p> - -<p>Nick darted away, and entering the next stairway, ascended to the second -floor.</p> - -<p>Here he rapped softly on the door leading into the flat on the right of -the hall.</p> - -<p>In a moment the door was opened about an inch.</p> - -<p>“What do you want?” demanded a gruff voice.</p> - -<p>“Are you alone in the room?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but I have a good gun with me. Keep away.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll do,” said Nick, with a laugh. “You won’t get scared if I tell -you something?”</p> - -<p>“I hope not.”</p> - -<p>“Well, they are burglarizing the flat opposite, and I want to get where -I can see what’s going on, and make an arrest when the time comes.”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?”</p> - -<p>“An officer.”</p> - -<p>The fellow was becoming more and more suspicious, and Nick was becoming -more and more impatient.</p> - -<p>“Will you let me in?” Nick finally asked.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe you are an officer,” was the reply. “If the flat over -there is being robbed, you must be in with it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107">{107}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“In that case I wouldn’t be likely to be here telling you about it, -would I?”</p> - -<p>“That’s very true, unless you mean to rob this flat, too.”</p> - -<p>The fellow finally opened the door, and Nick stepped through the back -parlor, passed into the hall leading to the kitchen, and entered the -bathroom, from which a full view of the flat across the way could be -had.</p> - -<p>There was no light in the place, except such as crept in from the street -lamps, but this was enough to show the detective that the man who had -admitted him was dressed from head to foot, even to his collar and -necktie.</p> - -<p>“This is a strange time of night for a man to be sitting all dressed in -a dark room,” thought the detective. “Perhaps I have come to the wrong -place for help in capturing these burglars.”</p> - -<p>Nick stood looking across the airshaft to the window of the back parlor -opposite, but there was nothing to be seen there.</p> - -<p>The window shades were drawn, and there was no sound of life in the dark -space beyond them.</p> - -<p>Then the detective heard a voice at his elbow:</p> - -<p>“What are you doing?”</p> - -<p>Nick did not like the fellow’s tone.</p> - -<p>“Waiting,” he replied, shortly.</p> - -<p>“You can’t wait much longer in my rooms.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“I want to go to bed.”</p> - -<p>“With your clothes on?”</p> - -<p>The fellow muttered something, and struck a match.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108">{108}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What are you going to do?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Light the gas.”</p> - -<p>The detective stepped forward and extinguished the flame of the match.</p> - -<p>“Don’t do that,” he said. “You will only warn the men who are on their -way into the next flat.”</p> - -<p>“What do I care about the next flat? I don’t believe there are any -burglars about, anyway.”</p> - -<p>Nick thought the fellow spoke unnecessarily loud.</p> - -<p>He did not like the way he crowded against him.</p> - -<p>There was still no light or motion from across the airshaft.</p> - -<p>The detective, standing with one hand resting on the window ledge, felt -his fingers come in contact with some metallic substance.</p> - -<p>He picked it up, and tried to discover its nature by the sense of -feeling.</p> - -<p>But that was a hard thing to do.</p> - -<p>He could hear the occupant of the flat moving away toward the windows -facing on Forty-third Street, and, in a moment, lit a match.</p> - -<p>The thing he held in his hand was evidently a revolving armature, and in -one end was a “chuck,” into which a diamond-pointed drill could be -fitted. Nick slipped the article into his pocket and turned away from -the bathroom window.</p> - -<p>“There is no use in staying here,” he thought, “for the burglary was -probably planned in this room. I was a fool to come in here looking for -help.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109">{109}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>He had no doubt that the burglars had in some way been warned before he -was well in the rooms.</p> - -<p>“Where are you going?”</p> - -<p>The occupant asked the question as Nick reached the door.</p> - -<p>“Going home.”</p> - -<p>“Not yet.”</p> - -<p>There was a tone of triumph in the fellow’s voice.</p> - -<p>“And why not?”</p> - -<p>“I want to know who you are, and why you came here with such a story at -this time of night.”</p> - -<p>Nick was about to brush past the fellow and pass on downstairs, when a -low cry came from the direction of the bathroom.</p> - -<p>He placed his hand on his weapon and hastened back.</p> - -<p>The occupant of the flat kept close to his heels.</p> - -<p>“You seem to have changed your mind,” he said, with a sneering laugh.</p> - -<p>For a single instant the bathroom was flooded with light.</p> - -<p>The window shades across the airshaft were up, and the gas in the back -parlor of the opposite flat was burning brightly.</p> - -<p>The detective saw a white-haired man sitting up in bed with a look of -terror on his wrinkled face.</p> - -<p>In front of the bed stood a masked man, holding a revolver within an -inch of the old man’s forehead.</p> - -<p>By the side of the dresser stood another masked figure, eagerly raking -off the articles of jewelry which the old man had placed there on -retiring.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110">{110}</a></span></p> - -<p>The thief’s hand was, for an instant, clearly outlined against the pure -white marble of the dresser.</p> - -<p>In a second the light went out and the place was in darkness once more.</p> - -<p>Nick sprang toward the door.</p> - -<p>His purpose now was to reach the stairway below before the burglars -descended, and there arrest them both.</p> - -<p>As he sprang through the bathroom door he felt himself seized from -behind.</p> - -<p>The detective had never before met a strength equal to his own.</p> - -<p>He tried to dash his assailant aside, but found that he could not do so.</p> - -<p>He tried to bring his revolver to bear, but his arms were bound to his -side by that terrible grasp.</p> - -<p>He raised his feet from the floor and threw his whole weight downward, -thinking that a roll and a struggle on the carpet might break the -other’s hold.</p> - -<p>The two men went to the floor together.</p> - -<p>Nick fell on top, but he could not hold the advantage for a single -instant.</p> - -<p>The next instant he realized that he was fighting three men instead of -one, and that they had him in their power.</p> - -<p>He knew that he was being beaten about the head, and that a long-bladed -knife was flashing before his eyes.</p> - -<p>Then everything passed away, and he ceased to struggle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111">{111}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE POISON BALL.</small></h2> - -<p>“If you get a hot foot after you, don’t come here.”</p> - -<p>“No; the coppers have had pointers enough already.”</p> - -<p>“We may come back if we get the boodle and come out all right, though?”</p> - -<p>Parks asked the question in a sneering tone.</p> - -<p>“As you choose.”</p> - -<p>Then Chick heard Parks and Nixon leaving the place, and heard Gilmore -and Geary go up the cellar stairs.</p> - -<p>He was practically alone in the cellar.</p> - -<p>The man he had overpowered on entering lay unconscious by the bank -vault.</p> - -<p>“I got him through that partition just in time,” thought the detective, -as he peered through the broken cellar wall, “for they would have hunted -the place over until they found me, had they seen their chum lying -there.”</p> - -<p>According to instructions, Chick had slipped into the cellar during the -fight in the dining room.</p> - -<p>At first he thought himself alone in the place.</p> - -<p>It was only when he passed through the door in the double wall, on the -approach of the men from upstairs, that he realized that the gang had -left a watchman there.</p> - -<p>While Gilmore and Geary were talking on one side of the wall, the -watchman and Chick were fighting desperately on the other side.</p> - -<p>If Gilmore had remained in the cellar, Chick would certainly have been -discovered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112">{112}</a></span></p> - -<p>As it was, the four men, after the arrival of Parks and Nixon, coolly -planned the burglary on Forty-third Street, and then left the cellar.</p> - -<p>Chick knew that his chief would follow anyone leaving the place that -night, and that he would be likely to have something to say about the -affair on the South Side.</p> - -<p>He fairly ached to be with him.</p> - -<p>He did not like the idea of being shut up in the damp cellar all night, -and then having to fight his way out in the morning.</p> - -<p>He reasoned in this way:</p> - -<p>“I have found out all I can about the place.</p> - -<p>“I have seen the electric motor.</p> - -<p>“I have seen the broken cellar wall.</p> - -<p>“I have seen the unprotected granite wall of the bank.</p> - -<p>“Why not get out and follow Nick?”</p> - -<p>But what should he do with the captured watchman?</p> - -<p>He would not remain unconscious long.</p> - -<p>The burglars must not know that the detectives had discovered their -plot.</p> - -<p>He finally handcuffed the fellow’s hands behind his back, tied his -ankles together, gagged him, and prepared to leave the cellar.</p> - -<p>Then a new difficulty presented itself.</p> - -<p>The door in the double wall was fastened on the street side.</p> - -<p>It would take a long time to cut through it with such tools as the -detective had.</p> - -<p>He must pass out, if at all, through the chophouse.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113">{113}</a></span></p> - -<p>After some little delay he crept to the head of the stairs and listened.</p> - -<p>Gilmore and Geary were still in the place.</p> - -<p>He could hear them talking in subdued tones.</p> - -<p>The lights were out in the dining room, and the place was evidently -closed for the night.</p> - -<p>They were waiting for the return of Parks and Nixon.</p> - -<p>Chick tried the knob of the cellar door.</p> - -<p>It turned easily, and the door opened without noise.</p> - -<p>It was very dark in that part of the room, and the detective ventured -forth.</p> - -<p>He had hardly closed the door behind himself when Gilmore sprang to his -feet with an oath and lit the gas.</p> - -<p>“What’s up?” asked Geary.</p> - -<p>“We’re a couple of fools.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Did you see the watchman down there?”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t know there was one.”</p> - -<p>“Well, there was.”</p> - -<p>“Where was he when we were there?”</p> - -<p>“That’s just what I’d like to know.”</p> - -<p>“Probably off on a drunk,” suggested Geary.</p> - -<p>“Not much. He’s been arrested,” said Gilmore. “I thought all along that -there was something wrong down there.”</p> - -<p>Geary laughed.</p> - -<p>“I never saw you act as you are acting to-night,” he said. “What has got -into you?”</p> - -<p>“I tell you that there is something wrong in the cellar.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114">{114}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Geary, “then we’d better go down and make it right.”</p> - -<p>He lit a candle as he spoke.</p> - -<p>Gilmore reached up to turn off the gas.</p> - -<p>His companion caught him by the arm.</p> - -<p>“Wait!” he said, in a whisper.</p> - -<p>“What is it?”</p> - -<p>“There’s some one in the room.”</p> - -<p>Two revolvers flashed in the light.</p> - -<p>Chick was in a tight place.</p> - -<p>“I’ll stand here with my gun,” said Gilmore, “and you light all the gas -jets in the room. Then we can see to kill the spy.”</p> - -<p>Geary set about obeying orders.</p> - -<p>In another moment the place where Chick stood would be as light as day.</p> - -<p>Then both burglars would begin shooting at him.</p> - -<p>They would take any chance rather than allow him to escape after having -gained admission to the cellar.</p> - -<p>Chick moved cautiously toward the cellar door.</p> - -<p>As he did so a bullet grazed his hat.</p> - -<p>He sprang for an instant into full view, and darted down the stairs, -followed by half a dozen bullets.</p> - -<p>Gilmore was fairly white with rage.</p> - -<p>“He must have been down there all the time,” he said.</p> - -<p>“And heard the plans laid for the burglary,” added Geary.</p> - -<p>There was a moment’s silence, during which both men took good care to -keep out of range of the cellar door.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115">{115}</a></span></p> - -<p>“He might shoot,” suggested Gilmore, pointing toward the dark opening -through which Chick had disappeared.</p> - -<p>“Of course he’ll shoot.”</p> - -<p>Geary was not in a consoling mood.</p> - -<p>“What is to be done?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Blessed if I know.”</p> - -<p>“Think. I can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Can he get out?”</p> - -<p>“Only by passing through this room.”</p> - -<p>“The door in the double wall——”</p> - -<p>“Is fastened on the street side.”</p> - -<p>“Then let him stay there until Parks and Nixon come back.”</p> - -<p>“And a great roast they’ll have on us.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore was becoming decidedly savage.</p> - -<p>Geary did not take the matter so much to heart. He was sure that it -would all come out right in the end.</p> - -<p>“Let them roast if they want to,” said the latter.</p> - -<p>“I won’t have it.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“I’m going down there.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore pointed to the cellar as he spoke.</p> - -<p>“You’ll get your head shot off if you do.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care. I won’t have this scheme ruined now,” said Gilmore, with -an oath.</p> - -<p>Geary pondered a moment.</p> - -<p>“You might go down the front way,” he suggested, “and get a shot at the -fellow through the door.”</p> - -<p>“Just the thing.”</p> - -<p>When Gilmore reached the street door, he saw a man<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116">{116}</a></span> waiting there, and -looking through the glass panel as he waited.</p> - -<p>The door was hastily unlocked, and the man stepped inside.</p> - -<p>“What’s going on here?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“The devil is to pay.”</p> - -<p>“Then pay him, if you can find a member of your crowd that has a soul. I -understand that the gentleman you name has a liking for souls, my -friend.”</p> - -<p>The newcomer was tall and slender, with sharp eyes and very glossy black -whiskers, which clung close to a very white face.</p> - -<p>He was an important personage in the electric-drill combination, having -supplied most of the money with which to equip the chophouse and -purchase the machinery.</p> - -<p>“You will have your joke,” growled Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Anything new from the South Side?” asked the newcomer, who was a doctor -by profession, and always smelled of drugs.</p> - -<p>“Parks and Nixon are still there,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Did they get away from here without being followed?”</p> - -<p>“I think so.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore locked the door again, and the two men joined Geary in the back -end of the room.</p> - -<p>“Tell me what’s up,” said the doctor, looking from one man to the other -in amazement.</p> - -<p>In a moment more it all came out.</p> - -<p>A detective had found his way into the cellar.</p> - -<p>The doctor cursed until the air was almost blue.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117">{117}</a></span></p> - -<p>Chick, peeping from the head of the stairs, heard it all, and rather -enjoyed it.</p> - -<p>“Why haven’t you been doing something?” demanded the doctor. “For all -you know, the fellow may be out in the street and halfway to police -headquarters now.”</p> - -<p>“He can’t get out. The door in the wall is fastened from the street -side.”</p> - -<p>It was Geary who spoke.</p> - -<p>The doctor glanced at him for an instant, and then said:</p> - -<p>“An hour ago you would have told me that he could not get into the -cellar at all. Go to the street, and watch the front door.”</p> - -<p>Geary departed without saying a word.</p> - -<p>Then the doctor turned to Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it about time the boys were back from Forty-third Street?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“I think not,” was the reply. “Have you any fears as to the result down -there?”</p> - -<p>“None whatever,” was the answer. “Even if Parks and Nixon made a mess of -it, my roommate will straighten them out.”</p> - -<p>“He will be there, of course?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“In the flat across the airshaft?”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t we rent it for this special occasion?”</p> - -<p>The men conversed for some moments in whispers, and then the doctor -crept cautiously to the head of the stairs.</p> - -<p>“He is still there,” he whispered back, in a moment.</p> - -<p>“In the rear room?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118">{118}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then throw your poison ball.”</p> - -<p>The doctor drew away from the doorway for a second, and took a little -round white substance from his pocket.</p> - -<p>“You can’t use the place to-morrow,” he said, warningly, as he for a -moment held the ball suspended in the air between his thumb and -forefinger.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Something made for just such places,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Will it produce death?”</p> - -<p>“Not at once, but it will make a man lay like a corpse for twelve hours. -Then, if restoratives are not applied, death results.”</p> - -<p>“Throw it.”</p> - -<p>Chick heard something drop almost at his feet.</p> - -<p>Then came an explosion, followed by a horrible, choking odor.</p> - -<p>Chick tried to breathe, but found it impossible. He felt himself -falling, and heard a strange, rushing sound in his ears.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br /><br /> -<small>THE MAN IN THE WARDROBE.</small></h2> - -<p>“There’s a dead man down there.”</p> - -<p>“Down where?”</p> - -<p>“In the doctor’s flat.”</p> - -<p>The man living in the flat above the one where Nick<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119">{119}</a></span> Carter had been -assaulted looked up from the morning paper.</p> - -<p>“How do you know?” he asked.</p> - -<p>The wife gave a little shiver as she answered:</p> - -<p>“I saw it.”</p> - -<p>The head of the family laid down the paper.</p> - -<p>“When?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“When I got up,” began the woman, “I stepped to the window looking into -the airshaft. I did not sleep well last night, on account of the noise -down there, and I thought I would see if everything there looked as -usual.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Of course I couldn’t see into the rooms under us, so I turned my -attention to the rooms on the other side of the shaft.”</p> - -<p>“How slow you are. Go on.”</p> - -<p>“Well, a heavy black curtain hung over the opposite windows, making an -almost perfect mirror of the plate glass in the sash.”</p> - -<p>“Well—well?”</p> - -<p>“And there, in that mirror, I saw the body of a dead man lying in the -back parlor of the doctor’s flat.”</p> - -<p>“Was the doctor there?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Alone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What was he doing—preparing to cut up the body?”</p> - -<p>“No; he was cleaning up.”</p> - -<p>The head of the house resumed his paper for a moment and then laid it -down again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120">{120}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you tell me of this before?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I thought it merely a freak of the doctor’s.”</p> - -<p>“What noises did you hear down there last night?”</p> - -<p>“You are not in court now,” said the woman, with a laugh. “I don’t know -as I can describe the noises I heard. There were blows and the sound of -scuffling.”</p> - -<p>The man of the house walked to the hall door, and opened it.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if the doctor is there yet?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“He went away an hour ago,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>The man went down and tried the door.</p> - -<p>It was locked, and no one answered his call.</p> - -<p>“He’s gone, all right enough,” said the man, going upstairs again, “and -I’m going to have a look into that room.”</p> - -<p>“You have no right——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I have, my dear. The law gives me a right to go anywhere I -believe a crime is being committed.”</p> - -<p>“Will the law heal your head if you get it hurt?” asked the wife, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>“I’ll look out for that, too.”</p> - -<p>The head of the house got his wife’s clothesline down, and raised the -window opening the airshaft.</p> - -<p>The flat straight across was unoccupied, and the heavy curtains which -had revealed so much still hung across the windows in the flat below, so -there was no danger of making a scene.</p> - -<p>The man swung himself down, and landed on the heavy ground glass at the -bottom of the shaft.</p> - -<p>The window was fastened and heavy curtains had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121" id="page_121">{121}</a></span> drawn across the -panes, but the investigator, by the exertion of all his strength, forced -the sash up, and looked inside the room.</p> - -<p>The man he saw lying there on the carpet was bound, and gagged, and -bloody, but he was not dead.</p> - -<p>“Help me out of this,” his eyes said, as plainly as words could have -done.</p> - -<p>The man removed the gag and stood looking down at him.</p> - -<p>“How did you come here?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t get into this shape for the fun of it,” was the reply. “Take -these things off before those men come back.”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?”</p> - -<p>Nick nodded his chin toward an inside pocket.</p> - -<p>“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he said, “so you may look at my -credentials.”</p> - -<p>The man did look, and in about a second after he had done looking Nick -Carter was free of all bonds, and on his way to the flat above.</p> - -<p>It took but a few moments for the detective to explain all that had -taken place in the building the previous night.</p> - -<p>Nick was not seriously injured.</p> - -<p>A weaker man would have been laid up for days from the effects of the -bruises he had received, but Nick had too much work to do to think of -going to bed at all.</p> - -<p>He washed and dressed his wounds as best he could, partook of a light -breakfast, and then asked the man who had rescued him to inform the -officer on the beat<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122" id="page_122">{122}</a></span> below that something unusual had taken place in the -old man’s flat the night before.</p> - -<p>“That will place the matter in the hands of the police,” he said. “I -don’t want to take a hand in it just yet.”</p> - -<p>The man soon came back, and reported that the policeman had broken in -the door, and found the old man lying bound and gagged on the bed. A -large amount of money and some valuable jewelry had been taken.</p> - -<p>“And you have the clew?” said the man, inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I can’t give it now. I want to have another interview with -those people downstairs before the officers get hold of them.”</p> - -<p>“And they are in with the burglars?”</p> - -<p>“It seems so. How long have they lived there?”</p> - -<p>“About two weeks.”</p> - -<p>“It is a part of the electric-drill scheme,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“I was thinking aloud.”</p> - -<p>“But you spoke of an electric drill.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter, for once, had been caught napping. He had spoken when he -should have remained silent.</p> - -<p>“That makes me think,” continued the man, “that the two doctors -downstairs are cranks on electricity.”</p> - -<p>“What do they do with electricity?”</p> - -<p>“They have a motor down there, and they have been drilling all sorts of -substances.”</p> - -<p>“How long has this been going on?”</p> - -<p>“Ever since they have lived there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_123" id="page_123">{123}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick thought of the armature he had found in the rooms below not long -before, and remained silent.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said the detective, “I want to be back in that room when the -doctors return, and I want you within reach in case I should need help. -What do you say to that?”</p> - -<p>“All right. I am dying for a scrap, anyway.”</p> - -<p>The two men descended to the lower flat, and Nick was placed in the -shape in which he had been left.</p> - -<p>The gag was in his mouth, and the ropes were on his wrists and ankles, -but they were fixed so that they could be cast aside at any moment.</p> - -<p>Nick’s companion secreted himself in a huge wardrobe in the room.</p> - -<p>In ten minutes the door was unlocked from the outside, and two men -entered, only one of whom the detective knew.</p> - -<p>One was the man who had attacked Nick and the other was the man who had -thrown the poisonous ball at Chick in the cellar of the chophouse.</p> - -<p>“It worked like a charm,” the latter was saying. “The spy keeled over in -a second, and you ought to see the stuff we got out of his clothes.”</p> - -<p>“Money?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, money and disguises and letters of introduction. He’ll make an -excellent subject for the dissecting table in a day or two.”</p> - -<p>Nick trembled, for he knew that they were talking about Chick.</p> - -<p>“Is he dead?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124">{124}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“No, but you know that he will die if restoratives are not applied -inside of twelve hours.”</p> - -<p>“The twelve hours will be up at two o’clock this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And then?”</p> - -<p>“Why, we’ll cut him up—in the interest of science, of course.”</p> - -<p>The doctor laughed brutally as he spoke.</p> - -<p>“How’s the chophouse to-day?” asked the other.</p> - -<p>“It stinks.”</p> - -<p>“Closed up?”</p> - -<p>“Tight as a drum.”</p> - -<p>“The cellar is being worked, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, the boys are all at work, except the watchman Chick came so near -killing. He’s gone to bed.”</p> - -<p>“Things must be about ready down there?”</p> - -<p>“The drilling begins to-night.”</p> - -<p>Nick thought he heard a faint exclamation from the direction of the -wardrobe.</p> - -<p>One of the doctors also heard the noise.</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” he asked.</p> - -<p>His companion made no reply, but stepped up to the place where the -detective was lying.</p> - -<p>“See here,” he said, “your friend is awake.”</p> - -<p>The other advanced, and removed the gag.</p> - -<p>“You might have done it yourself,” he said, addressing Nick, “it’s loose -enough.”</p> - -<p>“How do you like your quarters?” asked the other doctor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125" id="page_125">{125}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Not very well,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“You heard what we have been saying?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“How do you like the fate in store for Chick?”</p> - -<p>“He’s not dead yet,” replied Nick.</p> - -<p>“You have an idea that you’ll both get away?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you’ll both be on the dissecting table in twenty-four hours. -You’ll make good subjects, too.”</p> - -<p>“Put me in a chair,” said the detective. “The floor is like a rock.”</p> - -<p>The doctors lifted him up.</p> - -<p>“You have only a short time to live,” one of them said, “and we may as -well make you comfortable.”</p> - -<p>The next moment one of the ruffians stood before the detective with a -rag saturated with ether.</p> - -<p>“It’s time to put you to sleep,” he said. “You’ll wake up in a place -where you won’t need an overcoat.”</p> - -<p>The instant the muscular doctor came within reach, Nick sprang to his -feet, and struck out with his right, throwing all the strength of his -strong arm and all the weight of his body into the blow.</p> - -<p>The doctor caught the blow under the ear, and went to the floor like a -dead man.</p> - -<p>Then the door of the wardrobe was thrown open, and Nick’s rescuer dashed -out.</p> - -<p>The other doctor sprang for the door, but the man from the wardrobe got -there first.</p> - -<p>In a moment the doctor was thrown to the floor and handcuffed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126">{126}</a></span></p> - -<p>But although captured, the fellow was not conquered.</p> - -<p>“There’s one sure thing,” he said, “and that is that you can’t save -Chick. He’s got a dose that will finish him.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Nick, coolly, “I can get another assistant, but you -can’t get another neck after the law gets done with the one you have.”</p> - -<p>“Will the charge against me be murder?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“Is that other chap asleep?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then I want to talk to you alone.”</p> - -<p>Nick motioned to his friend to step outside.</p> - -<p>The next moment there was a sharp report, and a terrible odor crept into -the room. The doctor had thrown another poison ball.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br /><br /> -<small>“THE DOCTOR.”</small></h2> - -<p>“There! You may set the electric drill in motion to-night, or as soon as -you please.”</p> - -<p>Nixon stood by a basin of water in the cellar, washing his hands.</p> - -<p>Gilmore and Geary, with smiling faces, stood near the break in the -cellar wall.</p> - -<p>“Three million dollars are almost within reach,” said the latter, “and -then here’s one man for Europe.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127" id="page_127">{127}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“What’s that for?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“It’s safer over there.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore lit a cigar and handed one to his companion.</p> - -<p>“It’s safe enough anywhere now,” he said.</p> - -<p>“What makes you think so?”</p> - -<p>“Haven’t we got rid of Nick Carter and Chick?”</p> - -<p>Geary looked doubtful for a moment.</p> - -<p>“They are out of the way for the present,” he said, seeing that Gilmore -expected him to say something.</p> - -<p>“Do you think they will get away?” demanded Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid they will.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore took the candle in his hand and walked through the break in the -cellar wall.</p> - -<p>Turning to the right, he faced toward the rear of the bank vault, and -lifted the flashing candle above his head.</p> - -<p>“There,” he said, “do you see anything there?”</p> - -<p>As he spoke he pointed to the figure of a man lying on the floor.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Does it look as if he’d get away?”</p> - -<p>“Hardly.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think the doctors will allow Nick to escape?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not. They want him too much for that. Don’t you think so?”</p> - -<p>“What you say is all true,” said Geary, “but for all that you may rest -assured that we are not through with Nick Carter yet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128">{128}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Geary and Gilmore felt a hand laid on their shoulders.</p> - -<p>Each gave a start of surprise.</p> - -<p>The doctor stood before them.</p> - -<p>“My friend Chick seems to be behaving himself,” he said, with a smile.</p> - -<p>“What brings you back here at this time?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Restlessness.”</p> - -<p>“How did you leave our friend, Nick Carter?” asked Geary.</p> - -<p>“A trifle under the weather.”</p> - -<p>“Conscious?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then look out for him.”</p> - -<p>“He’s in good hands,” replied the doctor.</p> - -<p>“Where’s Richard?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“At the rooms. He won’t be down to-day.”</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“He won’t be down until evening.”</p> - -<p>“What are you down for? We shall have a hard night of it.”</p> - -<p>“I want to get this young man away.”</p> - -<p>“What young man?”</p> - -<p>“Chick.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore looked puzzled.</p> - -<p>“I thought he was to remain here,” he said.</p> - -<p>“And have the officers find him with the broken vault in the morning? I -should say not.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you want to take him?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129" id="page_129">{129}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“To a place where we can cut him up, of course.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the doctor of it,” said Gilmore, with an oath.</p> - -<p>Then Nixon stepped back to where the three men were talking.</p> - -<p>“Are you going to cut Nick Carter up, too?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“Who let you in?” asked Nixon.</p> - -<p>“The fellow at the door.”</p> - -<p>“He was there when you came in, then?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and he made a kick about letting me in. He said something about -the word having been changed.”</p> - -<p>“He must have been drunk,” said Gilmore, “for the word has not been -changed.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Nixon, “the fellow has disappeared.”</p> - -<p>The doctor appeared to be very angry.</p> - -<p>“You will spoil the whole scheme by putting such men on guard,” he said, -“and at this critical time, too.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll run that door myself, after this,” said Nixon, “or at least until -the drill starts.”</p> - -<p>The doctor stepped forward and bent over the still figure lying in the -corner by the bank vault.</p> - -<p>“He’s about gone,” he said. “We must get him out of this before he -dies.”</p> - -<p>“Why so?”</p> - -<p>“Because you can take an unconscious man through the streets very -easily, but you can’t stir with a dead one.”</p> - -<p>“You are right about that,” said Geary. “I have tried both.”</p> - -<p>“How are you going to get him away?” asked Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“In a carriage, I suppose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130" id="page_130">{130}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Well, call one, then, and let’s have done with the affair for good and -all.”</p> - -<p>Geary went out to call a carriage “for a sick man,” and the doctor went -back to the motionless figure by the vault.</p> - -<p>Gilmore watched him closely.</p> - -<p>Finally he saw him take a bottle from his pocket and press it to Chick’s -lips.</p> - -<p>“What are you doing?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“Trying to get rid of this accursed smell,” was the cool reply.</p> - -<p>“I wish you could take the stink out of the rooms upstairs,” said -Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“You won’t want the rooms to-morrow,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“I hope not.”</p> - -<p>Then Nixon came back and announced that the carriage was waiting.</p> - -<p>The doctor and Nixon took Chick by the feet and shoulders, and carried -him to the street door of the chophouse.</p> - -<p>Then Gilmore called Nixon to the back end of the room, to a place where -the doctor could not overhear what was being said.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of this?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Of what?”</p> - -<p>“Taking Chick away.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t like it.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Gilmore, with an oath, “I don’t like it either. He may -escape.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131">{131}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Then don’t let him go.”</p> - -<p>“But the doctor wants him.”</p> - -<p>“Confound the doctor.”</p> - -<p>“He’s been a good producer, Nixon,” said Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and has allowed us to do all the work and assume all the risks. -Where was he last night when we were out there at his block? He ought to -have been on deck then.”</p> - -<p>“I know it, old man.”</p> - -<p>Nixon chewed the end of his cigar, and looked ugly.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what it is,” he said, in a moment. “I won’t leave this -young man, Chick, until I see the knife in him.”</p> - -<p>“I was about to suggest that.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve had enough of this monkey work with Nick Carter and his gang,” -continued the burglar. “I have had Nick and Chick in my power before -to-night, and they have always escaped through some soft-heartedness on -the part of some member of the party. That don’t happen this time.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore seemed greatly pleased.</p> - -<p>“You stick to that kind of talk regarding detectives,” he said, “and -you’ll wear diamonds.”</p> - -<p>Nixon turned away toward the door.</p> - -<p>“Remember,” Gilmore whispered in his ear, “any knife will do as well as -a surgeon’s knife.”</p> - -<p>The doctor, standing at the street door, with his hand on the knob, -heard the words, and gave a sudden start.</p> - -<p>“Hurry,” he said, when Nixon came up, “help me into the carriage with -this sick man and then you can<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132">{132}</a></span> run the place to suit yourself for a -little while, but I advise you to keep a closer watch on the door -opening on the street.”</p> - -<p>“I’m going with you.”</p> - -<p>Nixon spoke half angrily.</p> - -<p>“Oh, you are?”</p> - -<p>There was something so peculiar in the doctor’s tone that the burglar -looked up with a start.</p> - -<p>“That’s orders.”</p> - -<p>“From whom?”</p> - -<p>“Gilmore.”</p> - -<p>“Very well. Come along.”</p> - -<p>“He takes it mighty cool,” thought Nixon. But, then, he could not see -the doctor’s face from where he was standing.</p> - -<p>Chick was placed in the carriage without difficulty, and then the doctor -stepped forward to give the driver his orders.</p> - -<p>When he got back to the carriage door, Nixon was leaning over the still -figure of the detective.</p> - -<p>He held a wicked-looking knife in his hand, and seemed about to strike.</p> - -<p>The doctor caught his arm.</p> - -<p>“Don’t make a muss in the carriage,” he said, coolly.</p> - -<p>With an oath, Nixon threw himself into the front seat of the carriage -and folded his arms.</p> - -<p>“Keep me away from him, then,” he said. “I shall not wait for the drug -if I get another chance.”</p> - -<p>The doctor pointed out to the crowded streets.</p> - -<p>“See the risk you would run,” he said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133">{133}</a></span></p> - -<p>The carriage drove straight to the Windsor Hotel.</p> - -<p>Nixon glared about in a suspicious manner, but helped to carry the -unconscious man to a room on the second floor without making any -remarks.</p> - -<p>He cursed and swore at the crowd which gathered around the stairway when -Chick was taken from the vehicle, but said nothing to his companion -until the door of the room was closed behind them.</p> - -<p>“What does this mean?” he then demanded.</p> - -<p>He spoke with his hand on the handle of a revolver, but before he could -draw it the doctor had him covered.</p> - -<p>“It means,” was the calm reply, “that you are under arrest. Throw up -your hands.”</p> - -<p>“You are joking, doctor.”</p> - -<p>The “doctor’s” false beard and wig were off in an instant, and Nick -Carter stood revealed.</p> - -<p>Regardless of the weapon held within an inch of his face, Nixon, wild -with rage, sprang at the detective.</p> - -<p>Nick did not care to use his revolver and so attract the attention of -the police and the people in the house.</p> - -<p>He grappled with his assailant, and the two men rolled on the carpet -together.</p> - -<p>Nixon was a muscular fellow, and he now fought with all the cunning and -all the fierce strength of a maniac.</p> - -<p>He had a knife in his possession, and he exerted himself to the utmost -to bring it into use.</p> - -<p>Nick knew the danger he was in, and tried hard to bring the fight to a -sudden close.</p> - -<p>Not only his own life, but that of his assistant also depended upon his -exertions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134">{134}</a></span></p> - -<p>In a moment the struggling men heard steps in the hall, and then the -door of the room was thrown open.</p> - -<p>Nick expected that the intruder was an employee of the hotel.</p> - -<p>Nixon was afraid it was an officer.</p> - -<p>It was neither.</p> - -<p>It was one of the toughs who had attacked Chick the previous night in -the chophouse.</p> - -<p>Gilmore had ordered him to follow the carriage.</p> - -<p>Nick sprang to his feet, and drew his revolver.</p> - -<p>With grins of triumph, Nixon and the thug advanced upon him.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got you at last,” hissed the former.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /><br /> -<small>A LONG JUMP.</small></h2> - -<p>“The electric drill ought to be working by this time.”</p> - -<p>Chester Smith, the wealthy banker, Nick Carter, Chick and two detectives -from the city force sat in a room not far from the chophouse.</p> - -<p>It was nearly midnight, and they had been waiting there two hours.</p> - -<p>“It beats anything I ever heard of,” said the banker. “When burglars -took money from under my pillow, stole my revolver, cooked a breakfast -in my kitchen, tapped my wine, and left an explanatory tag tied to my -dog’s tail, I thought the limit of audacity had been reached; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135">{135}</a></span> this -robbing a bank by machinery throws all that in the shade.”</p> - -<p>The detectives laughed heartily at the banker’s account of the burglar’s -visit to his residence.</p> - -<p>Then Chick turned to his chief.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know,” he said, “how you got that make-up from the doctor, -and how you knew what drug to use in order to help me back to life.”</p> - -<p>“Why,” said Nick, “the fool of a doctor tried to catch me by giving me a -dose of the same medicine he gave you. I got out of the room mighty -quick and shut the door.”</p> - -<p>“And he had to take the dose himself?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Well, the ball wasn’t very strong, and when I went back into -the room the fellow was still conscious, although lacking the power of -motion.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the way I felt at first.”</p> - -<p>“He motioned for me to take a bottle out of his pocket, and give him -some of its contents. I did so, and he was soon on his feet. So you see -I had the remedy right in my own hands. As for the doctor’s rig, I made -him give that up at the police station.”</p> - -<p>“It was a perfect fit,” laughed Chick. “How Nixon started when you threw -it off.”</p> - -<p>“You were conscious at that time?”</p> - -<p>“Of course. I began to recover the instant you gave me the antidote, but -I didn’t want those fellows to catch on. I guess Nixon had an idea that -I was as good as dead. When I sprang from the bed and got him by the -neck he acted as if he had seen a ghost.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136">{136}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“You saved my life there,” said Nick. “I couldn’t have fought another -round.”</p> - -<p>One of the detectives who stood by the window now turned toward the -little group.</p> - -<p>“It’s time to go,” he said. “The lights are out in the chophouse and the -drill must be going.”</p> - -<p>“They are two hours late now,” said Nick, “but they may be waiting for -Nixon and the two doctors.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll have to wait a long time,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>The two detectives, Nick and Chick, now left the room and walked down to -the chophouse, where they stopped.</p> - -<p>The grinding of the electric drill could very plainly be heard.</p> - -<p>The city detectives went to the front door of the restaurant, while Nick -and his assistant crept down the area in front.</p> - -<p>As they expected, the door in the double partition was securely fastened -on both sides.</p> - -<p>They waited a few moments for the city officers to make their presence -known, but the work on the other side of the double wall went on as if -there were no officers within a thousand miles.</p> - -<p>“Stay here and guard this door,” said Nick, “and I’ll go around and see -what’s the matter.”</p> - -<p>The detective found the door of the chophouse open, and understood that -the city officers were on the inside.</p> - -<p>He entered and walked along through the dark room until he came to the -door leading to the basement.</p> - -<p>There he was met by a quick, sharp challenge.</p> - -<p>“Who’s there?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137" id="page_137">{137}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The detective hesitated an instant, and then answered:</p> - -<p>“Nixon.”</p> - -<p>His answer was followed by a sharp whistle, and then he heard a rush of -feet and the sound of excited voices in the basement.</p> - -<p>In an instant the detective realized what had happened.</p> - -<p>The city officers had been overpowered by the burglars.</p> - -<p>The arrest of Nixon had in some way become known.</p> - -<p>At this second invasion of the place the burglars were quitting their -work.</p> - -<p>Nick knew that if he effected the capture of the gang at all he must act -at once, without waiting for assistance.</p> - -<p>With a weapon in each hand, he sprang toward the stairs.</p> - -<p>The guard there fired one warning shot and retreated to the cellar.</p> - -<p>In a moment Nick had confronted the burglars.</p> - -<p>“Surrender!” he shouted. “I have a dozen officers at my back.”</p> - -<p>His only answer was several pistol shots, but the bullets flew wide of -their mark.</p> - -<p>Then the outlaws rushed upon the detective.</p> - -<p>Only one cowardly rascal turned to the door in the double wall to make -his escape.</p> - -<p>Busy as he was with the men about him, Nick could not help smiling when -he saw the fellow unfastening the door.</p> - -<p>He knew what would happen when he got it open.</p> - -<p>Nick was now hard pressed, for the burglars were fighting for dear -liberty.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138" id="page_138">{138}</a></span></p> - -<p>He was in a fair way to get the worst of the encounter when the man at -the door succeeded in getting it open, Chick having unfastened it from -the other side.</p> - -<p>As the burglar stepped into the opening he met a hard, white hand which -sent him back into the rear room.</p> - -<p>Then Chick sprang through the doorway with a yell, and began striking -right and left.</p> - -<p>Seeing a man creeping up behind Nick with a knife in his hand, Chick -drew his revolver and shot the fellow through the heart.</p> - -<p>This ended the battle.</p> - -<p>The burglars had no means of knowing how many more officers there were -in the front cellar, and they did not like the shooting.</p> - -<p>So they threw up their arms and surrendered.</p> - -<p>Geary and Parks were the first men handcuffed.</p> - -<p>Gilmore was nowhere in sight.</p> - -<p>“Well, you’ve got me at last,” snarled Parks.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and I could have had you much earlier,” retorted Nick, “but when I -took up your trail after you escaped on the way to Sing Sing, I knew you -would lead me to some other villains, and I thought I might as well bag -them too. Now, where is Gilmore?”</p> - -<p>“He went over the roof, and I hope you’ll catch him.”</p> - -<p>Nick, leaving Chick to guard the prisoners, dashed through the chophouse -and up the stairs to the roof.</p> - -<p>It was very dark, and at first he could see nothing.</p> - -<p>Finally, however, he heard a noise on the roof of the next building, -which was several feet lower than the roof of the one upon which the -detective then stood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139" id="page_139">{139}</a></span></p> - -<p>He crept to the edge and looked down.</p> - -<p>A figure stood on the wall at the rear, looking over an alley, at least -twelve feet wide.</p> - -<p>As the detective looked, the figure sprang into the air and landed on -the other side.</p> - -<p>It was a desperate act, but well carried out.</p> - -<p>“Gilmore still has his old nerve,” thought Nick. “I wonder if I could -jump that alley?”</p> - -<p>He could, and he did, but when he stood in safety on the other side, -Gilmore had disappeared.</p> - -<p>Nick prowled around on the roof a long time, and was about to take his -departure when a low cry of fright reached his ears.</p> - -<p>He crept softly in the direction from which the sound had proceeded, and -found a faint light shining through a skylight in the roof.</p> - -<p>Looking down, he saw Gilmore standing by the side of a bed containing -two young men.</p> - -<p>He was evidently pleading with them for protection.</p> - -<p>The burglar had been careful to replace the skylight after leaving the -roof, and had drawn a table under the opening for the purpose.</p> - -<p>Nick pushed the sash aside, and dropped into the room.</p> - -<p>One of the young men saw him, but Nick pointed to the badge on his vest, -and the fellow remained silent.</p> - -<p>Before Gilmore knew that Nick was in the room, the detective was upon -him.</p> - -<p>There was a short, sharp struggle, and then the most daring house and -bank breaker in the world lay handcuffed on the floor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_140" id="page_140">{140}</a></span></p> - -<p>“What a bank burglar you would have made,” said Gilmore, as Nick sat -down by his side for a moment’s rest.</p> - -<p>“Think so?”</p> - -<p>“What have you done with Nixon, the two doctors and the doorkeeper?” -continued Gilmore.</p> - -<p>“All locked up.”</p> - -<p>“And Chick?”</p> - -<p>“Downstairs, keeping cases on the gang.”</p> - -<p>“Are they all under arrest?”</p> - -<p>“Every one.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose it was you that got Chick away?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“Again I say what a bank burglar you would have made.”</p> - -<p>Gilmore was in a great rage when, after being taken to police -headquarters, he learned that the whole gang had been captured by the -two New York detectives.</p> - -<p>“What became of the city officers?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Geary grinned and pointed toward the old chophouse cellar.</p> - -<p>“You’ll find them down there behind the bank vault,” he said.</p> - -<p>And there the officers were found, nearly suffocated and foaming with -rage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_141" id="page_141">{141}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br /><br /> -<small>AWAITING NICK CARTER.</small></h2> - -<p>While these events were transpiring in Chicago the New York chief of -police was being interviewed by a woman who had a most remarkable story -to tell.</p> - -<p>So remarkable, indeed, that the chief persuaded his caller to defer any -action till Nick Carter returned home.</p> - -<p>The result was that when Nick reached his office he found this note -awaiting him:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Please call and see Miss Louise Templin at the St. James Hotel. -Don’t wait to see me first. See her. Very urgent.”</p></div> - -<p>Nick did not need to glance at the signature to find out who had written -this characteristic note.</p> - -<p>“When the chief says ‘very urgent,’ he means it,” was Nick’s inward -comment.</p> - -<p>A pile of letters had accumulated in his absence, but it did not take -him long to deal with his correspondents; then directing one of his -assistants to inform the chief that he had returned and was acting on -the urgent message, he started for the St. James and sent up his card to -Miss Templin.</p> - -<p>He was invited to “come right up,” and he soon afterward stood before -the entrance to a suite of rooms on the second floor.</p> - -<p>His knock was answered by a woman’s voice, which bade him enter.</p> - -<p>Accepting the invitation, he found himself standing in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142">{142}</a></span> the presence of -a young lady, richly and tastefully dressed, and remarkably handsome.</p> - -<p>She held in her hand the card which Nick had sent up, and, glancing at -it, the young lady said:</p> - -<p>“You are Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“At your service, Miss Templin.”</p> - -<p>“You come from the chief of police, I presume?”</p> - -<p>“I have just arrived in the city and have had an urgent message from the -chief asking me to call here.”</p> - -<p>“Please be seated, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>When Nick had taken the chair which the young lady pointed out to him, -she continued:</p> - -<p>“It can scarcely be necessary, Mr. Carter, for me to apologize for -receiving you here, rather than in the public reception rooms of the -hotel, where we might be overheard in our conversation.”</p> - -<p>“I understand all that, Miss Templin. You wish to consult me -professionally.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I called on your chief of police yesterday, and he advised me to -put the case in your hands. He also promised to send you to me, and I -see he has kept his promise promptly.”</p> - -<p>“I will be pleased to hear from you the nature of the work which you -have for me to do,” said Nick, in order to hasten matters.</p> - -<p>“Briefly, it is to find a man with a long, white beard,” she replied.</p> - -<p>“That is rather a vague undertaking,” smiled Nick.</p> - -<p>“You will not think so after I have told you more about it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143">{143}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Five years ago my father, as I have up to a recent date had reason to -believe, died, and was buried. Last week I met either him alive and in -the flesh, or his double. I want you to run this mystery down and solve -it. That is the gist of the story. Now I will go into details.”</p> - -<p>“If you please, Miss Templin.”</p> - -<p>“As I said before, I had, up to last week, a perfect belief that my -father, Jason Templin, was dead and buried for three years.”</p> - -<p>“You were not present at his death and burial?”</p> - -<p>“No. I have been in Europe for four years.”</p> - -<p>“From whom did you get the news of his death?”</p> - -<p>“From my guardian, and my father’s most intimate friend.”</p> - -<p>“His name?”</p> - -<p>“Lawrence Lonsdale.”</p> - -<p>“Where does he live?”</p> - -<p>“In San Francisco.”</p> - -<p>“Where your father lived, and—is supposed to have died?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Cannot you trust this Lonsdale?”</p> - -<p>“I have always believed I could until the sight of that man last week -raised a doubt in my mind of Mr. Lonsdale’s honesty. I am very anxious -to speedily have the doubt removed, or confirmed, and that is why I -applied to your chief of police for help. The affair must be cleared up -within the next few days.”</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Because I am the promised wife of Lawrence Lons<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_144" id="page_144">{144}</a></span>dale. He left San -Francisco for New York last evening, and we are to be married when he -reaches this city. There must be no uncertainty about this affair when -he arrives.”</p> - -<p>“Well, give me the details of the case, and I’ll see what can be done,” -said Nick.</p> - -<p>“For several years before his death,” began Miss Templin, “my father was -mentally dead and helpless.”</p> - -<p>“Insane?”</p> - -<p>“Hardly insane. His case puzzled the most eminent physicians on the -Pacific Coast. He retired one night, apparently in his usual good -health. Next morning he was found lying in bed, helpless, speechless -and, as it was soon discovered, with a brain which was mentally a blank.</p> - -<p>“After that day he never spoke, or showed signs of possessing the powers -of reasoning, understanding or hearing, and he never moved a muscle of -either leg.</p> - -<p>“The most wonderful part of the case was that his appetite was not -impaired, and he took nourishment regularly. Physically, he was as well -as ever, except that he never afterward would, or could, walk, talk or -hear.</p> - -<p>“For two years we called into his case all the medical skill on the -coast, but without a particle of success. Mr. Templin lived on, his -physical form as perfect as ever, but his mental or spiritual part -seemed to have died and left the body.</p> - -<p>“At the end of these two years a Dr. Greene, who conducted a sanitarium -near Oakland, devoted to mental diseases of the milder form, expressed -the belief that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145" id="page_145">{145}</a></span> could restore my father to the use of all his -faculties, if the afflicted man was placed in his care at his private -retreat.</p> - -<p>“I visited the sanitarium, and was shown the suite of rooms which Greene -offered to set aside for my poor father’s use. He also introduced me to -the two nurses and a male assistant, who would be in constant -attendance.</p> - -<p>“I saw at once that my afflicted parent would receive better attention -than he had been getting, and, although Greene’s charges were -excessively large, Mr. Lonsdale and I concluded to have him removed to -the retreat.</p> - -<p>“This was the more readily agreed to by me because I was going to Europe -for a four years’ stay among the art studios of Italy.”</p> - -<p>“You have been there as a student?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. From my mother, who died when I was young, I inherited a love for -painting, and it was my father’s dearest desire that when I came out of -school I should go to Italy and get the benefit of the best teachers in -painting. Mr. Lonsdale, therefore, urged me to place my father in this -retreat, where he would have better care than we could give him, and go -to Europe, as originally arranged.”</p> - -<p>“Your father, as you supposed, died in the retreat?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. The first news I got of it was about a year after I had been in -Rome. Mr. Lonsdale cabled that papa was dead. Several weeks later I got -his letter, which set forth the details.”</p> - -<p>“Then the death was tragic?”</p> - -<p>“You shall judge for yourself. Mr. Lonsdale, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146" id="page_146">{146}</a></span> wrote to me in his -letter, was summoned to the sanitarium by a telegram which informed him -that my father was dead.</p> - -<p>“He was not surprised at the bare news, for by that time we had -surrendered all hopes of a final recovery; but the manner of the death -was a shock.</p> - -<p>“The weather was cool, and a grate fire burned in my father’s room that -night. In the temporary absence of the attendants from the apartment, it -was supposed the patient recovered the use of his legs, got up and went -to the fire.</p> - -<p>“While there it was thought he fell in a fatal faint.</p> - -<p>“When the attendant came back, he found the patient dead at the grate, -with his head on the fender, and his face nearly burned away.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Templin wore a long, white beard, and very white hair. All of the -beard and hair had been consumed.</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greene wanted to hold an autopsy, but Mr. Lonsdale would not -consent. In fact, he had the remains consigned to a vault, because he -feared the intense desire of the medical profession of California to get -a look at the brain of the man who furnished this remarkable case was so -great and so general that the body would not be safe in a grave.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_147" id="page_147">{147}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br /><br /> -<small>AN HEIRESS IN TROUBLE.</small></h2> - -<p>“And yet you have some doubts, Miss Templin, whether it really is your -father’s body which lies in that vault back there?” commented Nick -Carter, as the young lady indicated that her story was told.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And that Mr. Lonsdale, your guardian and affianced husband, has in some -way deceived you?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lonsdale was my guardian. I am now of age.”</p> - -<p>“But you have not answered my question.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I had rather believe that if I have been deceived about my -father’s death, he has been deceived also.”</p> - -<p>“Why not wait, then, till he arrives in New York before making this -investigation?”</p> - -<p>“No. I greatly desire that it be made before he arrives.”</p> - -<p>“And if you find that the man you saw last week is not your father, you -do not want Mr. Lonsdale to know that the investigation was made?”</p> - -<p>“I should prefer it so.”</p> - -<p>“She knows more than she is willing to tell me,” thought Nick.</p> - -<p>“Where did you see the man you believed to be your father?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“At the office of the Scotia Life Insurance Company, in this city.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_148" id="page_148">{148}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“When?”</p> - -<p>“Wednesday of last week.”</p> - -<p>“And this is Thursday. That was eight days ago?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Why so much delay in beginning your search for the man?”</p> - -<p>“It was hard for me to make up my mind to stamp my doubts of the honor -of the man I love with the brand of investigation. It was only when I -realized that he was on his way to claim my hand in marriage that I -decided to have that doubt removed when he stood before me again.”</p> - -<p>“Did you speak to this man whom you thought was your father?”</p> - -<p>“No. He got away before the opportunity offered, or rather before I -recovered from the shock of my surprise. When I saw him he was some -distance away, and just about to go out upon the street. By the time I -had turned back to follow him, he had disappeared among the crowd -outside.”</p> - -<p>“You made no attempt to find out who he was?”</p> - -<p>“No. How could I?”</p> - -<p>“What was he doing when you saw him? Was anyone with him?”</p> - -<p>“He was alone, and held something in his hand which had the appearance -of a note, a check or a receipt. He was looking at this paper the moment -I saw him.”</p> - -<p>“You went to the Scotia’s office on business?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149">{149}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“I went there under Mr. Lonsdale’s instructions to get a remittance -which he telegraphed to me from San Francisco,” explained Miss Templin.</p> - -<p>“He expected to meet me here in New York when I landed, but was detained -a week in San Francisco. He therefore telegraphed, asking me to remain -till he could come on. At the same time he sent me to his friend, the -president of the Scotia Life Insurance Company, for what money I needed. -I was just entering the office when I saw that man leaving.”</p> - -<p>“Did you mention the matter to your friend, the president of the -Scotia?”</p> - -<p>“No. I was not well enough acquainted with him to speak on a subject so -delicate. I called at the office yesterday, but he was not in—would not -be in till to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Then we might find him there now?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose so.”</p> - -<p>“Can you accompany me to his office?”</p> - -<p>“Now?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“Then let us go at once.”</p> - -<p>“What for?”</p> - -<p>“To take up the trail of your man of mystery.”</p> - -<p>“I scarcely see——”</p> - -<p>“Will you leave that to me, Miss Templin?”</p> - -<p>“Why, certainly.”</p> - -<p>“Then, if you are ready, we will start at once.”</p> - -<p>On the way to the office of the Scotia, Nick continued his inquisition:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150">{150}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Your father was a rich man, Miss Templin, was he not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; very.”</p> - -<p>“You are his heiress?”</p> - -<p>“I am, so far as I know, the only blood relative he has living.”</p> - -<p>“Who is this Lawrence Lonsdale, the man you are going to marry?”</p> - -<p>“A lawyer, and papa’s most trusted friend and agent.”</p> - -<p>“How did he become your guardian?”</p> - -<p>“By my father’s will, under which he was also made executor of the -estate.”</p> - -<p>“You were lovers before you went to Europe?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Mr. Lonsdale and I have been lovers since I was fifteen years -old.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any way in which Mr. Lonsdale could benefit by deceiving you -about your father’s fate?”</p> - -<p>“None that I can imagine.”</p> - -<p>“He is anxious to make you his wife?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. He wanted to marry me before I went to Europe.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! You refused?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I told him I would not marry while my father was lying in that -half-dead state. After papa died, he wanted to come to Europe and marry -me, but I was determined to finish my studies first.”</p> - -<p>“You ought to easily prove your father’s death without Mr. Lonsdale’s -testimony, Miss Templin.”</p> - -<p>“Why, how? He is the only witness on that point in America.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151">{151}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“This Dr. Greene?”</p> - -<p>“He, as well as the nurses and attendant in charge of my father, went to -Australia or New Zealand soon after Mr. Templin’s death.”</p> - -<p>“Ah!”</p> - -<p>It was only a word of two letters, but it caused the young woman to look -at Nick sharply.</p> - -<p>The detective pretended not to notice that searching look, but he was -confident his little aspirate would set Miss Templin’s mind to work on a -brand-new lead.</p> - -<p>They found the president of the Scotia Life Insurance Company in his -office, and Miss Templin introduced herself. She met with a warm welcome -from the friend of her affianced husband.</p> - -<p>Then she introduced Nick Carter.</p> - -<p>“What! Not the celebrated detective!” exclaimed the insurance president. -“How fortunate! I was upon the point of going to your house to consult -you on a matter of considerable concern to not only our company, but to -four or five other companies in this city, who have been hit equally -hard.”</p> - -<p>“Hit!” exclaimed Nick.</p> - -<p>“Why, yes. A man who insured with us two years ago has died. There are -some circumstances about the case which have aroused our suspicions that -everything is not exactly straight. Before we pay the money we want the -case thoroughly investigated, and we have decided you are the man to do -it.”</p> - -<p>“How much is involved?”</p> - -<p>“Half a million. He was insured for one hundred<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152">{152}</a></span> thousand dollars in -each of five companies. If you can show up fraud in the case, it will -pay you well.”</p> - -<p>“What was the man’s name?”</p> - -<p>“Miles Mackenzie.”</p> - -<p>“Where does he live?”</p> - -<p>“At a town in eastern Pennsylvania named Elmwood.”</p> - -<p>“Well, as soon as I finish Miss Templin’s business, I’ll be glad to look -into this affair for you, if it can wait a few days.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, a week, if necessary. The money will not be paid till you get -time to look up the Mackenzie affair. So you have a mystery to clear up, -too, eh, Miss Templin?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and we’ve come to you to help us out.”</p> - -<p>“I help you out? Why, how can I? What is it?”</p> - -<p>Miss Templin explained as briefly as she could what had happened when -she called the week previous.</p> - -<p>“And you want to trace this man if you can from our office?” asked the -president of Nick.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the detective.</p> - -<p>“But how?”</p> - -<p>“He was here on business, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“That seems a reasonable deduction.”</p> - -<p>“For what purpose do men usually call?”</p> - -<p>“To pay premiums.”</p> - -<p>“Then let us make inquiries of your cashier first.”</p> - -<p>“Had your man any prominent appearance by which he would be likely to -impress the cashier’s memory?”</p> - -<p>“I think so.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll send for him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153">{153}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>The president touched a button and summoned a messenger.</p> - -<p>“Tell Mr. Grandin I wish to see him, and ask him to bring his accounts -along for Wednesday of last week.”</p> - -<p>The cashier shortly appeared, with an account book under his arm.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Grandin, this gentleman”—indicating Nick Carter—“wants to make -some inquiries, and I wish you would answer him to the best of your -ability.”</p> - -<p>“I shall be pleased if I can accommodate you, sir,” said the cashier, -bowing to the detective.</p> - -<p>“Well, then, Mr. Grandin, a gentleman was seen to leave this office on -the day mentioned and our belief is that he was here for the purpose of -paying a premium, because he had a piece of paper in his hand when he -went out which looked like one of the company’s receipts.”</p> - -<p>“And you want to learn who he was—what his name is?”</p> - -<p>“That’s it.”</p> - -<p>“Can you describe him?”</p> - -<p>“Miss Templin can,” said Nick, looking at the young lady. Whereupon the -latter said:</p> - -<p>“The man was perhaps sixty years old, but looked older on account of -very white hair and long white whiskers, white eyebrows and a very red -face. He——”</p> - -<p>“Wait a moment,” exclaimed the cashier, interrupting Miss Templin. -“There is no need of your going any further.”</p> - -<p>“Then you know him?” asked Nick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154" id="page_154">{154}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes. He was here on that day, as my books will show.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what is his name?”</p> - -<p>“His name was Miles Mackenzie.”</p> - -<p>“What!” shouted the president, springing up from his chair. “The man -who——”</p> - -<p>“The man who died yesterday at Elmwood, in Pennsylvania, who was so -heavily insured,” said the cashier.</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br /><br /> -<small>A MAN AND HIS DOUBLE.</small></h2> - -<p>“This is astonishing!” exclaimed the president, dismissing the cashier -with a wave of his hand.</p> - -<p>“It certainly is a remarkable coincidence,” said Nick Carter. “If your -cashier is correct in what he has just told us, then the man who was -mistaken by Miss Templin for her father was Mackenzie, late of Elmwood, -Pennsylvania.”</p> - -<p>“There doesn’t seem to be a doubt about that,” agreed the president.</p> - -<p>“Then while I prosecute my inquiries for Miss Templin, I can at the same -time probably serve your company,” said Nick, addressing the president -of the Scotia.</p> - -<p>“Not only my company, but the four other companies besides. I have seen -the presidents or managers of the other four this forenoon, and they -authorized me to take charge of the affair and secure an -investigation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155">{155}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“When were your suspicions aroused that the Mackenzie affair might not -be exactly all right?”</p> - -<p>“Yesterday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“By the receipt of a telegram from Elmwood, announcing the death of -Mackenzie.”</p> - -<p>“Who sent the telegram?”</p> - -<p>“It was signed ‘John A. Abbott.’<span class="lftspc">”</span></p> - -<p>“Do you know him?”</p> - -<p>“No; never heard of him.”</p> - -<p>“You thought it strange that the death should thus be announced to your -company?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. It is quite unusual. But there are other strange features about -the case. A similar telegram was received by each of the other four -companies. What is more suspicious still, the premiums on three of the -other policies would have been due to-day, and the remaining one next -week. The first insurance was secured in our company. Nine days later he -took out policies in three more companies, and a week later still, in -the fifth.”</p> - -<p>“This is all you have upon which to base your suspicions that something -is wrong in the case?”</p> - -<p>“No. After these telegrams were received yesterday, our general manager, -during my absence from the city, secretly sent an agent of the company -to Elmwood for a little private investigation. This morning we received -a message from him. Here it is.”</p> - -<p>The president handed a telegram to Nick, which the detective read:</p> - -<p>“Better send a shrewd detective at once.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_156" id="page_156">{156}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Anything more?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“I will go to Elmwood.”</p> - -<p>“When?”</p> - -<p>“This evening. I can get a train at five o’clock, which will set me down -at Elmwood about eight.”</p> - -<p>“Good. You will find our man, Foster, at the best hotel in the town.”</p> - -<p>“No. I want you to recall your man immediately. He must not be there -when I arrive.”</p> - -<p>“But you’ll be gone before he can reach New York.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. We’ll probably pass each other on the way.”</p> - -<p>“Then how can you get the benefit of his investigation?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want it.”</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I should have said I do not need it. Surely I ought to be able to -discover anything he has discovered. Then I don’t want his deductions. -They might mislead me. A detective’s own theories are usually better and -safer than those of an amateur.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Mr. Carter. We will recall Foster.”</p> - -<p>“Before I go, will you give me what information you have of the history -of Mackenzie? I mean as to his age, birthplace, family history and other -things shown by his application for a policy.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I see. I’ll send and get the application from the files.”</p> - -<p>When the insurance company’s application in the case of Miles Mackenzie -was laid before Nick, he looked it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157">{157}</a></span> rapidly over, and mentally noted -such points as he thought might be of interest in his investigation.</p> - -<p>The application was made two years before.</p> - -<p>The applicant’s age was given as fifty-seven years; born in Scotland; -only child of parents who were both dead; family history good; father -and mother both died at a ripe old age; never had been seriously ill in -his life; medical examination eminently satisfactory; married the second -time; had one child—a son by first wife; his living wife was made the -beneficiary under the policy.</p> - -<p>“Seems to have been a good risk,” commented Nick, as he handed the -application to the president.</p> - -<p>“One of the best we ever had at that age,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“His premiums must have been very large?”</p> - -<p>“They were. In the two years he has paid to the five companies more than -sixty thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>Nick arose to go.</p> - -<p>“You will hear from me, Mr. President, within a few days,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Then you think there will be little trouble in showing fraud of some -kind in this case?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I did not intend to convey that idea. If there be fraud, it ought -to be proven in a very short time. If everything is legitimate, then the -fact must also be readily established. Therefore, I anticipate a speedy -report, but whether it will be favorable to your interests or not, I -cannot promise until I have first gone to Elmwood.”</p> - -<p>On their way uptown, Nick said to Miss Templin:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158">{158}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did this Dr. Greene own his sanitarium at Oakland when Mr. Templin was -a patient at that place?”</p> - -<p>“You mean the real estate?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I think he did.”</p> - -<p>“Then when he went to Australia, he sold out to some one?”</p> - -<p>“That is what I understand—to the man who is now in possession.”</p> - -<p>“Can you find out for me the amount realized by him in this conveyance?”</p> - -<p>“Quite easily. An intimate friend in San Francisco, with whom I have -constantly corresponded, can get the information, through her brother.”</p> - -<p>“Then telegraph to her to send it to you without delay.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter, do you——”</p> - -<p>“Now, Miss Templin, you must ask me no questions, but be ready to answer -those I have to put to you at any time. You will stay here in New York a -few days?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. I must remain at the St. James until Mr. Lonsdale arrives, and -that will be nearly a week longer.”</p> - -<p>“Then stay in your room as much as is altogether convenient, and hold -yourself in readiness to come to me at Elmwood in an hour’s notice, -should I send for you,” was Nick’s parting injunction, as Miss Templin -got ready to leave the elevated train at Twenty-eighth Street.</p> - -<p>Nick continued on uptown, and Miss Templin proceeded at once to the St. -James.</p> - -<p>Just as she was going into the hotel at the Twenty-<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159">{159}</a></span>eighth Street -entrance, she was noticed by one of two men who happened to be passing -on Broadway.</p> - -<p>One was a man apparently about fifty years of age, of medium height and -stockily built. He wore a closely cropped, full beard, of a sandy hue, -and was clad in a business suit of light gray.</p> - -<p>His companion was a much younger man, whose age could not have been more -than thirty-five. He wore no beard at all, but his smooth, pale face -showed the close-shaved stubble of a beard which would be intensely -black were it allowed to grow, and his closely-cropped head of hair was -of the same hue.</p> - -<p>It was this younger one of the two who first saw Miss Templin. Instantly -he grew excited and exclaimed, as he grasped his companion by the arm:</p> - -<p>“Good heavens, Dent! Look there!”</p> - -<p>“Look where? Why, what is the matter?”</p> - -<p>“Did you see that woman go into the St. James just now?”</p> - -<p>“No. Who was it?”</p> - -<p>“Louise Templin.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure?”</p> - -<p>“As sure as I am that you are you and I am I.”</p> - -<p>“That’s bad—at this time.”</p> - -<p>“I should say it was. I’m going to see what she is doing in New York. I -had no idea she was back from Europe. Go on up to the Coleman House. -I’ll join you there in the bar.”</p> - -<p>The man addressed as Dent continued on up Broad<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_160" id="page_160">{160}</a></span>way, and his companion -entered the St. James Hotel from the Broadway side.</p> - -<p>Miss Templin was standing in front of the telegraph booth, writing a -message.</p> - -<p>The stranger walked slowly past, behind her back, and managed to read at -a glance what the young lady had written, and to which she was putting -her signature.</p> - -<p>The telegram read:</p> - -<p>“Find out and telegraph me at once sum paid to Dr. Greene by present -owner of Greene’s Sanitarium.”</p> - -<p>The newcomer strolled on up to the office desk, and thence into the -reading room, from which place he saw Miss Templin enter the elevator -and go upstairs.</p> - -<p>Then he left by the Twenty-eighth Street door, and soon joined his -companion at the Coleman House.</p> - -<p>“Dent,” he said, “it is worse than I feared. That woman is here for no -good.”</p> - -<p>“What have you discovered?”</p> - -<p>“She just now sent a telegram to San Francisco, asking for information -as to the price paid for Greene’s Sanitarium by the present owner.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure?”</p> - -<p>“I read the telegram.”</p> - -<p>“What will you do?”</p> - -<p>“What will I do? That telegram sealed Louise Templin’s fate. She’ll -never get an answer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_161" id="page_161">{161}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br /><br /> -<small>MACKENZIE’S SECRET.</small></h2> - -<p>Nick Carter reached Elmwood a few minutes after eight o’clock that -night, and went straight to the only hotel in the town—a very -comfortable and well-kept, though small, hostelry.</p> - -<p>He made his appearance in Elmwood in the guise of a lawyer, and -registered as “Wylie Ketchum, New York City.”</p> - -<p>As soon as he had been assigned to a room, he inquired of the landlord:</p> - -<p>“Can you tell me where Mr. Mackenzie lives?”</p> - -<p>“I can tell you where he did live,” was the reply, made in a mysterious -tone of voice.</p> - -<p>“Where he did live? You don’t mean to tell me he has moved away?”</p> - -<p>“Well, he has!”</p> - -<p>“Rather sudden, wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Very.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know where he has gone?”</p> - -<p>“Well, not for sure, though, seeing the old man was a good sort o’ -person as men go—a member of the Presbyterian Church, and one who never -refused a call in the name of charity, I presume he has gone to heaven, -if a man ever gets there.”</p> - -<p>“Dead?”</p> - -<p>“As a doornail.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162">{162}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“When did he die?”</p> - -<p>“Yesterday. Are you a friend of the family?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no; only a lawyer who has done business for him occasionally.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, yes.”</p> - -<p>“How did he die?”</p> - -<p>“Suddenly. Dr. Abbott can tell you all about it.”</p> - -<p>“Who is Dr. Abbott?” asked Nick, at the same time remembering that the -telegrams to the insurance companies, announcing Mackenzie’s death, were -signed “John A. Abbott.”</p> - -<p>“Why, he’s the oldest physician in these parts. Has been here since a -boy, and——”</p> - -<p>“But was he Mackenzie’s physician?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and more than his physician. The two men were intimates. No one in -Elmwood knew Mackenzie better than Abbott—not even his minister.”</p> - -<p>“Then I want to meet Dr. Abbott as soon as possible,” Nick thought.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later he was introducing himself to “the oldest physician in -Elmwood.”</p> - -<p>Dr. Abbott was fully sixty years old; he was a large, well-fed, -jolly-appearing gentleman, who no sooner looked Nick Carter in the eye -than he impressed the latter most favorably.</p> - -<p>“No matter how much of a villain Mackenzie was, this man was not his -accomplice,” was Nick’s verdict of Dr. Abbott.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Ketchum, how can I serve you?” asked the doctor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163" id="page_163">{163}</a></span></p> - -<p>“I came to Elmwood to transact a little business with a client, and was -shocked to learn as soon as I reached town that he is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Who? Mackenzie?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! poor Mackenzie! It was a great shock to me.”</p> - -<p>“You were his intimate friend?”</p> - -<p>“We were almost like brothers.”</p> - -<p>“So I was told, and that is why I came to you.”</p> - -<p>“How can I serve you?”</p> - -<p>“By giving advice. I came here to draw up a new will.”</p> - -<p>“Why, I didn’t know he had made one. He sent for you?”</p> - -<p>“No; he arranged for my visit when he was in New York yesterday a week -ago.”</p> - -<p>“Ah!”</p> - -<p>“So I’m too late, and it’s my fault. I should have come several days -earlier, but couldn’t get away. Besides, I supposed he was in the best -of health and there was no hurry.”</p> - -<p>“That was Mackenzie’s secret and mine. We expected a quick ending, but -its sudden arrival astonished me, at least, in spite of my knowledge of -his condition.”</p> - -<p>“Then he has been failing for some time?”</p> - -<p>“For about a year. He came to me when he experienced the first symptoms, -and told me how he felt. I kept from him the knowledge of his condition -as long as I thought it wise. But he grew so rapidly and alarmingly -worse, I was forced, a few months ago, to lay bare to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164">{164}</a></span> him his -precarious state of ill-health. He heard his doom like the brave -Christian he was.”</p> - -<p>“Then death did not find him unprepared?”</p> - -<p>“No; certainly not.”</p> - -<p>“How long did you know him?”</p> - -<p>“A little over two years—ever since he came to Elmwood!”</p> - -<p>“Where did he live before he moved to this place?”</p> - -<p>“In Australia, though he originally came from Scotland. He was a -Scotchman by birth.”</p> - -<p>“How did you and he come to be such friends?”</p> - -<p>“Well, in the first place he was my tenant.”</p> - -<p>“Your tenant?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I own the house in which they have lived ever since they came to -this place.”</p> - -<p>“He rented it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then he was not, as I supposed, a wealthy man?”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, he was worth half a million, besides his large life -insurance.”</p> - -<p>“And yet he was a renter?”</p> - -<p>“He rented, with the privilege of purchasing. You see, he was not sure -of making this his home until after he was stricken with his fatal -disease, and then I discouraged him from buying for two reasons. One was -because the rent he was paying was satisfactory, and the other was -because I made up my mind that I would move into the house myself, -should he die and his wife go away.”</p> - -<p>“Where would she go?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_165" id="page_165">{165}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Back to her old home in Australia. Mackenzie told me she has never been -satisfied since she left that far-off place of her nativity.”</p> - -<p>“Then she will return there, now that her husband is dead?”</p> - -<p>“I think it quite likely.”</p> - -<p>“You have spoken only of his wife. Has he no children?”</p> - -<p>“None by the present Mrs. Mackenzie, who is his second wife and -comparatively a young woman. But he had a son living—the issue of his -first marriage.”</p> - -<p>“Where is this son?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know where he is at present. When last heard from he was in -Paris and talked about coming here to visit his father soon. Indeed, -Mackenzie, when he showed me the Paris letter, said he’d not be -surprised if his boy would drop in on him almost any time.”</p> - -<p>“He showed you the son’s letters?”</p> - -<p>“Oh! yes. You see, Mackenzie made me his full confidant ever since he -first met me. He has talked a great deal about his absent son, and has -shown me all the letters he received from the young man from time to -time, written at different places. He confided in me as if I were his -brother.”</p> - -<p>“You said something about his life insurance?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; Mackenzie had half a million dollars on his life. You see, he -wanted to leave his entire possessions to this son, and yet arrange it -so that his widow would not receive a cent less at his death. He -consulted me about the plan, which was adopted, and it was this: His -in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166">{166}</a></span>come was sufficient for the family’s modest mode of living, and for -the payment of premiums on a half million of life insurance besides. So, -instead of putting the accumulating revenues with the principal, he used -them to carry the insurance. Did he never explain this to you, his -lawyer?”</p> - -<p>“No, I have done very little business with Mackenzie. Had he lived, I -should have known more.”</p> - -<p>“Well, as his trusted friend, I will gladly consult with you on all -matters pertaining to his estate. Now you are here, had you not better -remain till after the funeral? Your services may be needed.”</p> - -<p>“When will the funeral occur?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will stay.”</p> - -<p>“I was just going over to the house to see if I could be of service to -the widow in making the arrangements for the funeral. Will you go -along?”</p> - -<p>It was just what Nick hoped for—this opportunity to visit the dead -man’s late home, and he accepted Dr. Abbott’s invitation.</p> - -<p>As the doctor was getting ready to leave his office, Nick made a mental -summing up in the case, so far as he had got.</p> - -<p>“This Mackenzie’s plot, if there be one, was deep-laid. He was probably -an excellent reader of human nature, and when he got ready to pick out -an innocent aid-de-camp in this town, he wisely selected Dr. Abbott, for -the triple reason that Abbott was the most pliable, unsophisticated man -in town: because he was a man of high stand<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167" id="page_167">{167}</a></span>ing in the community, and -because he was a doctor by profession.</p> - -<p>“He was careful not to let his chosen friend discover the fact that he, -himself, thoroughly understood diseases and all their symptoms. -Therefore, he easily led Abbott into the belief that he—Mackenzie—was -a victim to some deadly malady.</p> - -<p>“He has taken Abbott into his confidence about the absent son, even to -showing the letters from the latter. Those letters we shall find among -his effects, no doubt, and the son may or may not turn up hereafter.</p> - -<p>“He even consulted the doctor, and used him in some way to further his -ends about the life insurance. I must find out just how, after I have -seen the corpse. Yes, I must see the corpse of Miles Mackenzie when we -reach the house of mourning.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /><br /> -<small>A DOG’S INSTINCT.</small></h2> - -<p>As Nick Carter and Dr. Abbott walked through the main street of the town -of Elmwood, on their way toward the residence of the late Miles -Mackenzie, the detective had an opportunity to note the great popularity -and widespread esteem in which his companion was held in that community.</p> - -<p>Everyone they met had a word of greeting, and received from the -whole-souled man some response in return. Very often inquiries were made -about the funeral,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168">{168}</a></span> and it was evident that a very general feeling of -regret existed for the death of the man who had so recently come among -them.</p> - -<p>Abbott explained to Nick that the house, in which Mackenzie’s body lay, -was half a mile beyond the edge of the town. The night was pleasant, and -they walked along in the full enjoyment of the summer weather.</p> - -<p>“Dr. Abbott,” said Nick, when they were fairly out of the town, “your -friend died suddenly, you say. Might not the insurance company, on that -account, be inquisitive, and be inclined to make trouble before they pay -over such a large sum?”</p> - -<p>“There are five companies, Mr. Ketchum. He held a policy in each of five -companies. When it became evident that he would drop dead some day, we -discussed that very point. Mackenzie had a horror of being dug up after -burial, and having his body subjected to a postmortem examination. So we -prepared against that contingency.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! How?”</p> - -<p>“As soon as he died, I telegraphed to each of the insurance companies, -notifying them of his demise. If they hold an autopsy, it must be done -before to-morrow afternoon. If they fail to do it by that time, they -will never be able to set up a plea that the body was removed beyond -their reach without giving them a fair chance to investigate the cause -of death.”</p> - -<p>“But that would not prevent them from digging up the body or having it -disinterred for the purpose of an autopsy later,” said Nick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169" id="page_169">{169}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh! yes, it would. An autopsy after to-morrow night will be -impossible.”</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Because the body will be incinerated at the Long Island Crematory.”</p> - -<p>“Then, after all,” said Nick to himself, “it is not his body lying in a -self-inflicted trance, nor is it a perfectly made wax image. What is it -I am up against?”</p> - -<p>A huge Newfoundland dog met them at the gate leading into the spacious -grounds surrounding the house. The dog greeted Dr. Abbott familiarly and -with demonstrations of great friendship.</p> - -<p>“Poor Rover!” exclaimed Abbott, patting the Newfoundland on the head. -“You have lost your good, kind master.”</p> - -<p>Then to Nick he said:</p> - -<p>“This dog and Mackenzie were almost inseparable. When the poor brute -realizes his loss, he will be inconsolable.”</p> - -<p>As they neared the house, Nick said:</p> - -<p>“Dr. Abbott, I wish you would not mention to the widow my profession nor -the business which brought me to Elmwood.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“I mean until after the funeral. Might it not be a source of additional -worry to her to know that I had been brought here by her dead husband?”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Mr. Ketchum. I will introduce you as a friend from the -city visiting me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170">{170}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>The house stood in the center of a large lawn, and there was no other -residence within a radius of a quarter of a mile. It was a frame -building of moderate size, two stories in height, and by no means of -modern architecture.</p> - -<p>A very large, buxom woman, of middle age, met Dr. Abbott at the door. He -addressed her as “Emma,” and Nick supposed she was a servant.</p> - -<p>“Where is Mrs. Mackenzie, Emma?”</p> - -<p>“In the sitting room, sir, with Rev. Playfair and Deacon Cotton.”</p> - -<p>“Then we’ll not disturb her till they have gone. I’ve brought a friend, -who is visiting me, and we’ll go in and look at the remains, if you have -no objections.”</p> - -<p>“Why, certainly not, doctor,” was the stout woman’s reply, but Nick was -aware that she was at the same time staring at him with a gaze which was -full of suspicion or curiosity.</p> - -<p>Abbott and Nick followed Emma through the first door on the right, into -a room which had all the blinds drawn and was but faintly illuminated by -a lamp burning low.</p> - -<p>The servant turned up the light, and Nick saw a coffin resting on two -chairs near the mantel.</p> - -<p>Softly and silently he and Abbott walked forward and looked down at the -dead man.</p> - -<p>They saw the face of what was undoubtedly a corpse; the face of an old -man, with very white hair and very white beard.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171">{171}</a></span></p> - -<p>Abbott looked but a few moments. Then he turned away, while tears -trickled down his face.</p> - -<p>Nick stood a little longer, carefully noting every feature of the dead -man in the coffin, and all this time he was aware of the fact that the -stout woman never once took her eyes off his face. When they emerged -from the parlor, the minister and deacon were just leaving. Abbott, -therefore, instructed the servant to conduct them to the widow.</p> - -<p>During that short visit to the corpse, Nick made one very important -observation, which was lost upon Abbott and the woman, Emma.</p> - -<p>Rover had followed them in, and, while Nick was looking at the dead man, -the dog came up to the coffin, also looked at the face of the corpse, -gave one or two sniffs and walked away, without exhibiting a particle of -canine grief over his loss.</p> - -<p>They found the young and comely widow in the sitting room, surrounded by -several condoling neighboring women, who took their departure as Abbott -entered.</p> - -<p>The doctor introduced his friend and visitor, Mr. Ketchum, from the -city, and made his excuses for bringing a stranger to the house of -mourning.</p> - -<p>“The fact is, my dear Mrs. Mackenzie, we may need an additional witness, -when the life insurance is collected, and as Mr. Ketchum is a stranger -in Elmwood, he will serve as such much better than one of your -neighbors.”</p> - -<p>This explanation may have been satisfactory to the widow, but Nick -noticed that she, too, bestowed more<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172" id="page_172">{172}</a></span> attention upon him than the -circumstances seemed to call for.</p> - -<p>“You will pardon me, Mrs. Mackenzie, for mentioning such a matter now, I -know, because you are aware what good friends your husband and I were; -but I’m going to ask whether you have any knowledge of a will which he -left?”</p> - -<p>“He never spoke to me of a will. Did he to you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. That is why I asked. He told me that it was his design to give you -the proceeds of his life insurance, and his estate in hand to his son, -Leo.”</p> - -<p>“Then he made more of a confidant of you than of me. If there is such a -will, it may be in his room—in his desk. Shall we go and see?”</p> - -<p>Abbott readily assented, and Mrs. Mackenzie led the way into an -apartment between the sitting room and the parlor.</p> - -<p>This, as Nick surmised, had been the private room of the late Miles -Mackenzie.</p> - -<p>A bed stood in one corner. At its foot was a door, partly ajar, which -Nick’s quick eye observed gave entrance to a large clothes closet.</p> - -<p>The dog followed them into this room also. Nick’s eyes never lost sight -of the brute, though to an observer he was giving Rover no attention.</p> - -<p>He saw the dog trot across to the closet, push the door further open -with his nose, and look up toward the ceiling, while he uttered a very -low whine.</p> - -<p>The stout woman was right on Rover’s heels, and the toe of her heavy -shoe gave him an admonishing punch in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173" id="page_173">{173}</a></span> the ribs to indicate that his -exit from the room and from that closet in particular was greatly -desired.</p> - -<p>And Rover took the prompt hint.</p> - -<p>Nick’s back was turned nearly all the time, while the closet incident -was occurring, and the stout woman no doubt said, in her soul:</p> - -<p>“Thank Heaven! he didn’t see what the fool dog did!”</p> - -<p>And Nick was thinking:</p> - -<p>“That brute will tell me more than Abbott can, if I follow the -four-footed fellow up.”</p> - -<p>“Here is the desk and here are the keys,” said Mrs. Mackenzie, as she -unlocked a small desk sitting between the two windows. “Will you search -for what you want, Dr. Abbott?”</p> - -<p>Abbott accepted the invitation and began a search of the various -drawers.</p> - -<p>They found numerous letters from the absent son, and such odds and ends -as one might expect to find in a private desk of a man whose life was -uneventful. But no will turned up.</p> - -<p>“This desk is especially arranged to throw off the unwary,” thought -Nick, as he watched Abbott sorting papers and investigating pigeonholes. -“If I were to search the house, that desk would be the last place I -should overhaul.”</p> - -<p>The moon was shining brightly as they walked down the path through the -lawn, on their return to town. Nick was slightly behind Dr. Abbott, as -the path was narrow, and the grass wet with a heavy dew.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he saw at his feet a small, square piece of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_174" id="page_174">{174}</a></span> paper, which the -wind was playing with. It looked to him like the label from a bottle.</p> - -<p>He stooped, picked it up, and, assuring himself that he had made no -mistake as to the nature of its former usage, he stuck it into one of -his vest pockets.</p> - -<p>When he left Abbott, to return to his hotel, he promised the latter to -call on him again next morning.</p> - -<p>Once safely in his room at the hotel, Nick took the label from his -pocket and examined it by the light of his lamp. On it he read:</p> - -<p class="c"> -“Madame Reclaire,<br /> -“No. 1871 ——th St.,<br /> -“Philadelphia.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>For thirty seconds Nick looked at the address on the label, after -reading it. Then he muttered:</p> - -<p>“So! so! Madame Reclaire, of Philadelphia! We shall meet again. I have -not seen you since I worked out the identity of Daly. I then promised -myself to look into your business at some future time a little more -closely. Now, here is some more of your peculiar article in trade, and -it has been used to further the ends of a stupendous crime.</p> - -<p>“This label came from a bottle of your mixture which changes the color -of hair, after a few applications, and keeps it of the desired hue.</p> - -<p>“What a little thing often works out the fate of man! This small, square -bit of paper, which the sportive wind blew to the feet of Nick Carter, -has solved the mystery of that man who lies back yonder in his coffin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175">{175}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE SON RETURNS.</small></h2> - -<p>It was ten o’clock next morning before Nick Carter reached Dr. Abbott’s -office, and then he found the doctor absent on his daily round among his -patients.</p> - -<p>At noon he went back, with better success.</p> - -<p>“I have promised to accompany Mrs. Mackenzie to New York with her -husband’s remains this evening, Ketchum. Can you remain here till we -return?”</p> - -<p>“When will that be?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow morning. The remains will be incinerated to-night. We must -stay in the city over night and come back early to-morrow forenoon.”</p> - -<p>“I think I will have to return. But I’ll run up again in a few days,” -said Nick, after pretending to study over the situation a little while.</p> - -<p>“Then go to New York with us.”</p> - -<p>“What time does the train leave Elmwood?”</p> - -<p>“At four o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“All right. I’ll be on hand. Any of the neighbors going but you?”</p> - -<p>“No, and I’m really glad you will be one of our party, for I don’t -exactly like being the only disinterested witness to the cremation. I -want you to follow the remains with me to the crematory and see them put -into the retort.”</p> - -<p>“To oblige you, doctor, I’ll do it.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. Now, let us go up to the house. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_176" id="page_176">{176}</a></span> service takes place at -one o’clock. We’ll find nearly the whole town present, for Mr. and Mrs. -Mackenzie, though they never entertained, were immensely popular.”</p> - -<p>“Mackenzie must have been a good citizen.”</p> - -<p>“A better man did not live in Elmwood. He and his wife were prominently -identified with every good work undertaken by the churches.”</p> - -<p>“Church members, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Like nearly all Scotchmen, Mackenzie was a profound Presbyterian -of the strong foreordination faith. Yet he was always ready to join -hands with the members of any Christian sect in doing deeds of good. You -will see in this last tribute how great was the respect in which he was -held.”</p> - -<p>And what Nick saw during the funeral services went to confirm Dr. -Abbott’s assertions.</p> - -<p>The attendance was so large that the coffin was carried out under a -large tree, near the front of the house, and there the funeral sermon -was preached before several hundred neighbors, many of whom shed the -tears of sincere sorrow.</p> - -<p>The sermon was pronounced by everyone to be the most eloquent effort of -the reverend speaker’s life. The subject, it was agreed, was an -inspiration.</p> - -<p>Nick’s attention was quietly divided between the widow and the dog. The -widow’s face was hidden beneath a deep crape veil, and she seemed to -weep silently and incessantly.</p> - -<p>The dog did not simulate. He expressed no sorrow in his brute way, but -to Nick’s practiced eye, the animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177">{177}</a></span> was plainly nonplussed. He walked -around among the vast crowd, sniffing at everybody and peering up -anxiously into the faces of all he passed.</p> - -<p>“Rover is looking for his master,” silently commented Nick. “What a -splendid assistant I have in that dog.”</p> - -<p>After the services, the neighbors were dismissed. Only the undertaker, -Dr. Abbott and a few chosen friends remained at the house.</p> - -<p>Nick excused himself to the doctor, with the plea that he must go to the -hotel and get ready for his departure. He promised to meet Abbott at the -depot.</p> - -<p>At half-past three o’clock a train arrived from New York.</p> - -<p>Among the passengers who left the train at Elmwood was a rather -handsome, smoothed-faced young man, an entire stranger to the loungers -about the station, who were already collecting to pay a last tribute of -respect to the remains of their dead townsman, as he would be borne away -forever by the four o’clock train.</p> - -<p>The stranger inquired the way to the nearest hotel and set out to walk -there, after getting his directions.</p> - -<p>With his traveling bag in hand he entered the hotel just as Nick came -into the office with his valise, and went to the desk to settle his -bill.</p> - -<p>The comfort of the parting guest is always made subservient to the -welcome which awaits the fresh arrival at country hotels.</p> - -<p>So Nick waited while the landlord received his new patron.</p> - -<p>The detective noticed a look of surprise on the land<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178">{178}</a></span>lord’s face, as he -turned the register around and examined it, after the stranger had -written his name.</p> - -<p>The good man’s voice had a slight tremble when he asked:</p> - -<p>“Just come in on the half-past three train?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Beg pardon for seeming to be impertinent, but are you Miles Mackenzie’s -son?”</p> - -<p>“I am.”</p> - -<p>“Just arrived from foreign ports?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly!”</p> - -<p>“I’ve often heard your father speak of you. And now I look at you, I -think you resemble him somewhat.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so?”</p> - -<p>“You weren’t expected, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Well, no. That is why I want to brush up a little before I go to the -house and surprise him. So I just stopped in. Can you give me a room -with plenty of soap, water and towels?”</p> - -<p>The poor landlord was growing very nervous.</p> - -<p>“Ahem!” he began, clearing his husky throat. “I don’t suppose you’ve -heard any news since you arrived?”</p> - -<p>“News? Why, no! I didn’t suppose you ever had any news in such a quiet, -graveyard sort of a place. What on earth induced father to come to this -town and bury himself alive with all his money, I cannot conceive. I -marvel that he hasn’t died of sheer lonesomeness.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Mackenzie, I ought not to detain you here.”</p> - -<p>“Why? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“You should go straight to the house.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179">{179}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Go straight to the house? What are you driving at?”</p> - -<p>“Your father leaves for New York on the four o’clock train. He must now -be on the road to the depot.”</p> - -<p>“Why, then, I’ll go back and surprise him at the train. I can go along -and——”</p> - -<p>“How can I tell you? Your father will make the journey in a coffin.”</p> - -<p>“What! Merciful Heaven! Don’t tell me he is dead?”</p> - -<p>“I must. He died the day before yesterday, and will be taken to New York -for burial this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“This is terrible,” groaned the afflicted son, as he let his face fall -into his hands and sank back into a chair.</p> - -<p>The landlord was so absorbed in the overpowering grief of his new guest, -that he scarcely mustered up enough presence of mind to make out and -receipt the bill of the departing lawyer, Wylie Ketchum, of New York.</p> - -<p>As this task was finally completed, the sound of slowly revolving wheels -came in from the street, accompanied by the measured tread of many feet.</p> - -<p>The tender-hearted landlord came out from behind his desk, laid his hand -gently on the afflicted man’s shoulder, and said, while tears came into -his eyes:</p> - -<p>“There comes the body, now, on the way to the depot. Will you accompany -it to New York?”</p> - -<p>The young man raised his face, and looked toward the street. Nick was -sure the face was paler than it had been when its owner covered it with -his hands a few moments before. The eyes certainly were filled with -horror, and a wild expression distorted the countenance.</p> - -<p>“No! No!” he muttered. “I couldn’t bear it. It’s too<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180">{180}</a></span> late, now. Let -them go on. I’ll remain here till—till—my stepmother returns.”</p> - -<p>Then he drew back to a place where he could look through a window into -the street without being seen.</p> - -<p>From that place he watched the funeral procession pass the hotel, on its -slow journey to the depot.</p> - -<p>Nick looked, also, and his eyes rested longest upon the dog, Rover, -which followed among the crowd, still maintaining that animal expression -of puzzled wonder.</p> - -<p>Just as the end of the procession passed the hotel, the dog stopped, put -his nose to the ground, sniffed vigorously a few moments, and came -running back. His nose remained close to the ground, and he came -straight into the hotel.</p> - -<p>The next moment he uttered a joyful whine, and, bounding across the -room, began to lick the hand of the stranger and manifest other signs of -doggish joy.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter was busy fastening his bag, yet he noticed the look of -terror, mixed with rage, which came into the young man’s face.</p> - -<p>The landlord was looking on with open-mouthed astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Whose dog is this?” asked young Mackenzie, patting the delighted Rover -on the head.</p> - -<p>“Well, that beats the dickens!” muttered mine host. “Why, that’s your -father’s Rover. The instinct of these brutes is wonderful. He knows you -are a member of the family, I guess.”</p> - -<p>Just then the landlord’s attention was called to another part of the -room, and Nick’s head was bent down till it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181">{181}</a></span> seemed to have his body -between his eyes and Mackenzie, Jr. Yet he saw the latter give the dog a -vicious kick, which sent the brute howling toward the door.</p> - -<p>“Poor fellow!” coaxed Mackenzie, “did I step on your foot! Well, I ask -your pardon, old boy, I’m sure.”</p> - -<p>The dog approached suspiciously and received the man’s caress, with some -misgivings expressed in his honest face.</p> - -<p>“Landlord, I’m going to the house to remain till my stepmother returns. -I suppose I’ll find some one there?”</p> - -<p>“Only the servant, sir.”</p> - -<p>“All the better, then; I’ll not be disturbed in my sorrow. Can you -direct me?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” was the response, and the landlord gave the necessary -directions, concluding with: “You can’t miss it.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, old fellow; we’ll go together,” said the afflicted man to the -dog.</p> - -<p>And as Nick was driven to the depot, in the town bus, he saw the -wandering prodigal walking up the road in the opposite direction, while -Rover went gamboling along at his side.</p> - -<p>“If men were endowed with the instinct of dogs,” muttered Nick, “crimes -like this would never be committed.”</p> - -<p>Then he heaved a sigh as he watched the capers of the happy dog, and -again muttered:</p> - -<p>“Poor brute! Your instinct this time will cost you your life. You know -too much to live. And if I was suspected of sharing your knowledge, my -life would also be in danger.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182">{182}</a></span>”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE CREMATION.</small></h2> - -<p>It was seven o’clock when the remains of the dead man from Elmwood -reached New York City. On the train, Nick yielded to Abbott’s request to -accompany them to the crematory.</p> - -<p>So reluctantly did the pretended Mr. Ketchum agree to become one of the -small funeral party, that Abbott was far from suspecting the fact that -his new acquaintance left Elmwood with the determination of seeing the -remains in the coffin placed in the furnace, and not lose sight of them -until they were reduced to ashes.</p> - -<p>It took two hours for the hearse bearing the remains and the carriage in -which sat the widow, Dr. Abbott and Nick to cross the city to the -Thirty-fourth Street Ferry, reach Long Island City, and make their way -to the crematory.</p> - -<p>They found the furnace ready for the reception of the body. The manager -suggested that the widow had better not remain during the process of -incineration, but she insisted in not only remaining, but also in -viewing the process.</p> - -<p>Much to Dr. Abbott’s surprise, but not to Nick’s, the widow witnessed -the cremation without fainting, and without even going into an -hysterical condition.</p> - -<p>Indeed, her interest in the process was marked and unconcealed. The -ceremony seemed to fascinate her, and while her eyes followed every -movement of the men who<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_183" id="page_183">{183}</a></span> were handling the corpse, Nick’s eyes were -watching her just as intently.</p> - -<p>Without the twitching of a muscle, she saw the body placed on the -reception slab; she saw it covered with the cloth soaked in the acid -used for that special purpose; she saw the doors of the retort flung -open; she saw the slab containing the body hastily pushed into the -incandescent oven; she saw the doors hurriedly closed forever between -the world and the mortal form of the man with the long, white beard. -Through the place prepared for the purpose, she watched the outlines of -the body under the medicated cloth without a shriek of horror—without -even so much as a sob she stood there, and saw the covered form on the -slab slowly sink, quiver and finally settle down into a thin layer of -ashes.</p> - -<p>The cremation was finished; the earthly remains of the man in the white -beard were nothing but a handful of ashes; the manager of ceremonies -gave Abbott a knowing look.</p> - -<p>Dr. Abbott drew Mrs. Mackenzie’s arm still closer through his own, and -turning, led her away to the waiting carriage. Nick followed, and heard -the sigh which at last escaped from Mrs. Mackenzie’s lips.</p> - -<p>Dr. Abbott’s construction of the sigh differed materially from that -which Nick put upon it.</p> - -<p>So they returned to New York City.</p> - -<p>At the first opportunity, Nick left them and hastened to the St. James -Hotel.</p> - -<p>It was nearly eleven o’clock when he sent up his card to Miss Templin’s -room.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_184" id="page_184">{184}</a></span></p> - -<p>The boy returned with the information that the lady was not in.</p> - -<p>“I might have told you that much before your card was sent up,” -exclaimed the clerk, “had not something else been on my mind at the -time. Miss Templin has not been at the hotel since last night.”</p> - -<p>“Not been here since last night!” repeated Nick, in surprise. “Why, -where did she go?”</p> - -<p>“Excuse me, sir, but if I knew, I think I should not have the right to -answer for her whereabouts to everybody who called, unless I was sure -the inquisitor had a right to receive the information,” replied the -clerk.</p> - -<p>“You are quite right,” assented Nick. “When I tell you who I am, I -believe you will not hesitate to give me what information I need.”</p> - -<p>The clerk looked at the card Nick had sent up.</p> - -<p>“Carter,” he said, as he read the name written thereon. “You are Mr. -Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“What!” cried the clerk; “Nick Carter, the detective?”</p> - -<p>“That is I,” smiled Nick.</p> - -<p>“Well, you beat the dickens in disguising yourself so your best friends -don’t know you,” muttered the clerk.</p> - -<p>“It’s part of my business,” Nick explained.</p> - -<p>“Working for Miss Templin?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s something queer about her disappearance. By the way, -here’s a telegram came for her to-day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185">{185}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Without so much as saying “by your leave,” Nick tore off the envelope -and read the message.</p> - -<p>It was, as he expected, from San Francisco, and merely read:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Seventy-five thousand dollars cash.”</p></div> - -<p>“I’ll keep that,” said Nick, putting it in his pocket.</p> - -<p>“But it is her telegram.”</p> - -<p>“It is in answer to a message she sent for me,” explained the detective. -“Now, what is there strange about her disappearance?”</p> - -<p>“There is our house detective. He’ll tell you. I’ll call him.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t let him know who I am,” whispered Nick, as the hotel detective -came forward, in answer to the clerk’s beck.</p> - -<p>“This gentleman is a friend of Miss Templin, the young lady who has been -absent so mysteriously,” explained the clerk to the local detective. -“Please tell him what you know of the circumstances surrounding the -affair.”</p> - -<p>Nick and the “local” walked over to a seat near the entrance to the -restaurant and sat down together.</p> - -<p>“You see,” began the local, “the first suspicious thing about the affair -that attracted my notice happened yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“What was that?”</p> - -<p>“I saw her sending a telegram by the hotel wire yesterday afternoon. My -attention was attracted at the time, by the queer actions of a man who -came in at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186">{186}</a></span> Broadway entrance while Miss Templin was writing out her -message.</p> - -<p>“The fellow passed behind your friend, and I am sure he looked over her -shoulder and endeavored to read what she was writing.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t know if he succeeded?”</p> - -<p>“No; he scarcely stopped at Miss Templin’s back a moment. Then he passed -on, and left by the Twenty-sixth Street door.”</p> - -<p>“What do you make of it?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing out of that alone. But there is more.”</p> - -<p>“More?”</p> - -<p>“This man passed on up Broadway to the Coleman House, where he joined -another fellow—a man older than he, who wore a full, close-cropped -sandy beard. I heard him call this fellow Dent.”</p> - -<p>“You followed him?”</p> - -<p>“Only that far. The two men walked north on Broadway, when they left the -Coleman House, and I came back to the hotel.”</p> - -<p>“That was suspicious.”</p> - -<p>“But now comes the most surprising part of my discoveries. Last evening -those two men came back.”</p> - -<p>“Here to the hotel?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. The man with the sandy beard was on the box—was driving a -spanking pair of horses, to a fine-looking carriage. The other fellow -rode inside.</p> - -<p>“The latter, without getting out, called the bell boy to the carriage, -and sent a note up to Miss Templin. Ten minutes later, the young lady -came down, equipped as if<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187" id="page_187">{187}</a></span> for a call, went out, was helped into the -carriage and was driven away. That was the last of her, the carriage or -her two companions.”</p> - -<p>“Can you describe the person who came to the hotel and took her -away—the man who rode with her, inside?”</p> - -<p>“Like a book.”</p> - -<p>And the hotel detective gave Nick a minute description of the man.</p> - -<p>“Thank you very much,” said Nick, as he started toward the street.</p> - -<p>“Nothing seriously wrong with your friend, I hope?” called the -detective.</p> - -<p>“No, I think I know who took her away, and what the man’s object was.”</p> - -<p>But as Nick went out on the street, he muttered, under his breath:</p> - -<p>“If Miss Templin fell into that fellow’s trap, I can do her no good now. -I must not risk spoiling the whole case in an attempt to find her at -present, especially as such a search would be extremely difficult to -prosecute from the points I have to start with.</p> - -<p>“This sudden disappearance of Miss Templin will make my work somewhat -more difficult, and change my plans materially. With her to accompany me -to Elmwood and confront Mrs. Mackenzie and her woman, Emma, my task -would have been easy from this point. Now, I am forced to take a new -tack, and sail up against the wind.”</p> - -<p>He went to another hotel, registered and retired for the night.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188">{188}</a></span></p> - -<p>But he was up and about his business early the next morning.</p> - -<p>When the president of the Scotia Insurance Company arrived at his office -that forenoon, he found Nick on hand waiting for him.</p> - -<p>“Ah! Mr. Carter,” he cried, “I am glad to see you. What news have you to -report?”</p> - -<p>“You must pay the money on that premium, sir!”</p> - -<p>The president sat down with a decided look of disappointment on his -face.</p> - -<p>“Then it’s a straight case, after all.”</p> - -<p>“I did not say so.”</p> - -<p>“You said we’d have to pay the policy?”</p> - -<p>“For the purpose of saving your own money and the money of the other -four companies.”</p> - -<p>“Your words sound queer and paradoxical.”</p> - -<p>“It is only part of my scheme to capture the most consummate band of -scoundrels who ever plotted to rob insurance companies.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! then it was a plot to defraud?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Now, will you trust me fully in the management of the case?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly I will.”</p> - -<p>“Then please notify the widow that if she will call here at the -company’s office at two o’clock to-morrow, and furnish the necessary -proofs, a check for the amount of her policy will be given to her.”</p> - -<p>“But you don’t want us to give the check?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_189" id="page_189">{189}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do. You will delay that part of it until after the banks have -closed. I’ll promise that it will never be cashed.”</p> - -<p>“Do you object to telling me more about the case than I already know?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all. Listen.”</p> - -<p>Nick remained in earnest conversation with the president for nearly an -hour. The two men then parted on the best of terms.</p> - -<p>Half an hour later he was on his way to Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>He went straight from the Broad Street Station to the office of the -chief of police, with whom he was closeted for twenty minutes.</p> - -<p>When he left the chief’s office, the latter was with him.</p> - -<p>The two men took a carriage and were driven to No. 1871 ——th Street, -where Madame Reclaire had her rooms.</p> - -<p>Nick knocked, while the chief of police stood at his back.</p> - -<p>The door was opened slightly by a woman.</p> - -<p>Nick didn’t waste a word in parleying, but pushed his way in—the chief -of police following.</p> - -<p>The woman made a vain effort to stop them, but she was helpless to stay -their entrance.</p> - -<p>In half a minute they had locked the door, and led her into a -better-lighted room beyond.</p> - -<p>“What means this outrage?” panted the woman.</p> - -<p>The chief of police showed his insignia of office, and replied:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190">{190}</a></span></p> - -<p>“It means, Madame Reclaire, that you’ll give us some information which -we want, or go to jail, charged with being accessory to murder.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /><br /> -<small>AT MADAME RECLAIRE’S.</small></h2> - -<p>Madame Reclaire’s face grew ghastly. Her attempted bravado faded away in -an instant. She caught at a chair for support.</p> - -<p>“Murder!” she gasped.</p> - -<p>“Yes, murder! You must make proper explanation or go to jail.”</p> - -<p>“What do you want me to explain?”</p> - -<p>“A label from one of your bottles has been found in a case where life -was taken unlawfully. It may be you are innocent of wrong in the affair, -but your bleaching devices were used in a plot which has, as I said, -resulted in murder.”</p> - -<p>“As Heaven hears me, I am not a party to the crime.”</p> - -<p>“That remains to be seen. It behooves you to speak the truth to us. -About two years ago a man with a long, black beard called at this place -and purchased some bottles of a wash to bleach his beard and his hair -snow-white.”</p> - -<p>“I remember him well.”</p> - -<p>The chief of police shot Nick a quick triumphant<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191">{191}</a></span> glance. Madame -Reclaire saw it, and properly interpreted the meaning of that look. She -bit her lip till it almost bled. The shrewd woman knew in an instant -that she had been trapped; that her two visitors had no knowledge of any -such visit from a customer such as they had described.</p> - -<p>The chief had stated a suspicion as a fact, and she admitted its truth.</p> - -<p>“Now, we are getting on,” said the chief. “Who was with him?”</p> - -<p>“Nobody.”</p> - -<p>“There your memory fails you, madam, and I see we might as well take you -with us, where we can refresh your recollection with faces.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, he was accompanied by another man.”</p> - -<p>“Of the same age?”</p> - -<p>“No. Older, I should say.”</p> - -<p>“Had he a beard?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Its color?”</p> - -<p>“Very light—almost yellow.”</p> - -<p>“And hair to match?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“You doctored him, also?”</p> - -<p>“Yes”—reluctantly.</p> - -<p>“What hue?”</p> - -<p>“Made his beard and hair sandy.”</p> - -<p>“And have supplied both with enough of the washes since then to keep -those colors up?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_192" id="page_192">{192}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“You did not ask what purpose they had in view by changing the color of -beard and hair?”</p> - -<p>“No. That was none of my affair.”</p> - -<p>“Hereafter you had better make it your business. We will leave you now, -madam. Until I see you again, do not go to the bother of trying to leave -your apartments. You’ll be watched, and it would only lead to your -landing in jail. Good-day.”</p> - -<p>Her visitors left as abruptly as they had arrived.</p> - -<p>Nick went direct to the Broad Street Station, and took a train at that -point for Elmwood, where he arrived about nine o’clock at night.</p> - -<p>From the Elmwood Station he went straight to Dr. Abbott’s office.</p> - -<p>Fortunately he found Abbott in and alone.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Ketchum! I’m downright glad you’ve come. Had you been ten -minutes sooner, you would have seen Mackenzie’s son, who just left my -office. He came in yesterday, and was awfully cut up over the unexpected -news of his father’s death.”</p> - -<p>“Was the dog, Rover, with him?”</p> - -<p>“Why, no. That is a strange question, Mr. Ketchum.”</p> - -<p>“Is it? What is there strange about it?”</p> - -<p>“Why should you ask whether the dog was with him?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you, Dr. Abbott. I was at the hotel yesterday when young -Mackenzie arrived. Rover found him there, and took a great fancy to him. -I thought, perhaps, the dog might be following him around.”</p> - -<p>“There was something more than that to the meaning of your question.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193" id="page_193">{193}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Again I ask why you think so?”</p> - -<p>“Because somebody killed the dog last night.”</p> - -<p>“The news does not surprise me.”</p> - -<p>“You know who killed him?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Who?”</p> - -<p>“Wait a moment, doctor. What did Mackenzie want just now? To tell you -his stepmother had been summoned to go to New York to-morrow by the -Scotia Insurance Company to get the money on the policy of that -company?”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes; but——”</p> - -<p>“And he wanted you to go along to furnish proofs of death, and to -identify the widow?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Were you eavesdropping?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all. I came straight from the depot.”</p> - -<p>“Then how on earth do you know so much?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you, presently. First, let me ask whether you promised to go -to New York with Mrs. Mackenzie?”</p> - -<p>“I did.”</p> - -<p>“Is this son going, too?”</p> - -<p>“He is. And I’ll be obliged if you’ll help them out with your evidence.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! I’ll help them out, never fear. But neither you nor I must go with -them.”</p> - -<p>“What in the world are you driving at?”</p> - -<p>“Are we alone?”</p> - -<p>“Entirely so.”</p> - -<p>“Safe from interruption?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194">{194}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Then I’m going to astonish you; probably shock you.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“First, by telling you that the poor dog, which was killed last night, -was not so easily deceived as you were.”</p> - -<p>“Deceived. Why——”</p> - -<p>“Had your perceptions been as clear as the dog’s, you, too, might have -met his fate.”</p> - -<p>“Ketchum, this is mummery. What are you trying to say?”</p> - -<p>“Please don’t call me Ketchum.”</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Because it is not my name.”</p> - -<p>“Then, in Heaven’s name, who are you?”</p> - -<p>“I am Nick Carter, the detective!”</p> - -<p>“What!”</p> - -<p>Abbott jumped to his feet, as he made the exclamation, and stood looking -at the man before him like one entranced.</p> - -<p>“You must have heard of me?” said Nick, dryly.</p> - -<p>“Heard of you! Who has not heard of Nick Carter?”</p> - -<p>“Would you believe me if I made a plain statement of facts?”</p> - -<p>“That depends.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m going to risk it, and rely on your good, sound common sense. -I believe I know you well enough to trust you with an astonishing -secret.”</p> - -<p>“A secret? What secret?”</p> - -<p>“Let me ask you a question. That dog, you told me, was very fond of his -master, Miles Mackenzie?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195">{195}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Went with him nearly everywhere; followed him about?”</p> - -<p>“That’s true.”</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t it strange that the dog did not recognize his master’s corpse in -the coffin when he looked at it night before last?”</p> - -<p>“Why, I didn’t notice.”</p> - -<p>“Then I did. An intelligent dog like Rover would have known even his -master’s corpse.”</p> - -<p>“Why, you don’t mean——”</p> - -<p>“Wait. Perhaps you noticed that the dog was almost constantly searching -for something.”</p> - -<p>“Well, yes. There was certainly something of that kind in his demeanor.”</p> - -<p>“He was looking for his master.”</p> - -<p>“That may be.”</p> - -<p>“And he found him. That is where Rover, the dog, was shrewder than you, -the friend.”</p> - -<p>“Found him? How? Where?”</p> - -<p>“Listen. I’ll tell you.”</p> - -<p>Then Nick described the scene at the hotel when Rover surprised the -landlord, and aggravated the newly arrived son.</p> - -<p>“Good heavens, man! What is this you are telling me?”</p> - -<p>“That the dog could not be deceived. He knew the corpse in the coffin -was not the remains of his master as well as he knew the pretended son -was Mackenzie himself, without white whiskers, without white hair, -without dye on the upper part of the face.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196">{196}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Abbott sank back into his chair, speechless with amazement.</p> - -<p>“Incredible!” he gasped, finally.</p> - -<p>“It seems so, but I have the proofs to back up the murdered dog’s cute -perceptions—that instinct which cost him his life.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! this is beyond belief.”</p> - -<p>“No. Even incredulous as you are determined to be, you shall soon agree -that you have been wonderfully deceived. Shall I tell you the strange -story?”</p> - -<p>“As you please.”</p> - -<p>“Well, some years ago, a certain Dr. Greene owned a private sanitarium -near Oakland, Cal.</p> - -<p>“Among his patients was a rich man, who met with a peculiar affliction. -The man’s name was Jason Templin.</p> - -<p>“His affliction left him helpless, speechless and without the power of -thought. He was a living man with a dead brain.</p> - -<p>“Templin had a long, white beard, snow-white hair, and a florid face.</p> - -<p>“Dr. Greene had a beard equally long, but it was black.</p> - -<p>“Among the attendants at the sanitarium was one of Templin’s nurses, a -handsome, scheming young woman.</p> - -<p>“It was she, I suspect, who conceived the plan to obtain great wealth, -and at the same time become the wife of Dr. Greene, whom she, in her -way, loved.</p> - -<p>“She made the discovery that if Greene’s beard and hair were white, and -his face a little more florid, he would be almost the counterpart of the -strange patient—Jason Templin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197">{197}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Then a plan was probably laid which had in its aim the substitution of -Greene for Templin, whereby they might obtain the latter’s great wealth.</p> - -<p>“Subsequently, circumstances undoubtedly changed the plan somewhat.</p> - -<p>“One day a man met his death in such a way that only Greene and his -scheming aids knew anything about it. This man’s body was dressed in -Templin’s clothes, the body was laid with the face in the grate fire of -Templin’s room till it was burned beyond the power of recognition, and -the helpless Templin was put in perfect concealment.</p> - -<p>“The mutilated body was delivered to Templin’s friends, who buried it, -under the belief that they were burying the unfortunate man’s corpse.</p> - -<p>“Shortly afterward Greene sold out, receiving seventy-five thousand -dollars cash for his property.</p> - -<p>“He announced that he was going to Australia.</p> - -<p>“When we investigate further, it will be found that Templin’s handsome -nurse and several other of his associates disappeared at the same time, -and were seen no more in California.</p> - -<p>“Some time later, Miles Mackenzie appeared in this town of Elmwood. With -him was his young wife and a stout servant woman.</p> - -<p>“This Mackenzie was such a living image of the awfully afflicted Jason -Templin that the latter’s daughter, a few weeks ago, caught sight of -Mackenzie’s white beard and hair, and mistook him for her father, whose -remains she had believed were lying in a vault at San Francisco.</p> - -<p>“When Miss Templin saw the disguised Mackenzie,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198">{198}</a></span> he had just paid a -premium on a one-hundred-thousand-dollar life insurance policy.</p> - -<p>“Her mistake led to an investigation.</p> - -<p>“The fact turned up that Mackenzie had five one-hundred-thousand-dollar -policies.</p> - -<p>“A little further investigation showed that in two years he had paid, in -premiums, over sixty thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>“There was not enough left of the seventy-five thousand dollars to pay -another year’s premiums, and still the unfortunate, helpless Templin, -hidden away by the man who was masquerading as his able-bodied double, -didn’t die, and give them a chance to collect the insurance.</p> - -<p>“So a crisis in their plans approached, and the murder, which they had -hoped to avoid, seemed to be inevitable.</p> - -<p>“Meanwhile, Mackenzie had singled out a physician in high standing at -Elmwood, as his chosen friend and confidant.</p> - -<p>“He succeeded in winning this doctor’s friendship, and by correctly -describing the symptoms, so well known to him as a doctor, of a deadly -disease, prepared the deceived friend for the news of his sudden death.</p> - -<p>“Then the helpless Templin’s life was sacrificed——”</p> - -<p>“No! No! Great heavens! No! This Templin may have died a natural death,” -cried Abbott.</p> - -<p>“But he didn’t, as I’ll convince you soon. Templin was killed—poisoned, -probably—and his body was produced before the Elmwood people as that of -Mackenzie.</p> - -<p>“Even you were deceived; but it didn’t deceive the dog.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199">{199}</a></span></p> - -<p>“Meanwhile, Greene disappeared. He cut off his beard, cropped his hair, -removed the dye from his face, and appeared in his real character as a -comparatively young man.</p> - -<p>“He had prepared for his advent in Elmwood in the character of his own -son, by showing letters from the supposed young man written in London, -Paris and other foreign cities.”</p> - -<p>“Who wrote them?”</p> - -<p>“One of his companions in crime—a man whose beard and hair of yellow -hue had been dyed a sandy color. A man named Dent.”</p> - -<p>“Where is he?”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t found him yet, but expect to.</p> - -<p>“So the false son came home at almost the hour when the remains of the -supposed father were being taken away to be cremated.</p> - -<p>“But the brute instincts of a dog nearly betrayed the well-laid plot. It -so thoroughly frightened the arch-plotter that he concluded to take no -further risks in that direction, and while the pretended widow was -witnessing the incineration of the remains of Jason Templin, the -rejuvenated Miles Mackenzie, alias Dr. Greene, killed his loving dog.</p> - -<p>“Do you remember how persistently the supposed widow insisted on seeing -the remains cremated?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes!”</p> - -<p>“And did you not wonder at her great nerve during the trying ordeal?”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens, how blind I was!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200">{200}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“Do you know why she would not leave till she saw the body in ashes?”</p> - -<p>“I can guess, now.”</p> - -<p>“She took no chances on an autopsy ever being held. That is why I am so -sure Jason Templin did not die a natural death.”</p> - -<p>“Where did they keep Templin all this time?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but we will find out.”</p> - -<p>“We?”</p> - -<p>“You and I. That is why I said you must not go with them to New York -to-morrow. I want you, in their absence, to go with me and make a search -of their house.”</p> - -<p>“And yet I am not blind, nor a fool!” ejaculated Abbott.</p> - -<p>“Do you still think it is beyond belief?”</p> - -<p>“No. The only thing which is almost beyond belief now, is that I should -have been so easily deceived.”</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br /><br /> -<small>THE PADDED SECRET PRISON.</small></h2> - -<p>Abbott and Nick Carter remained locked up together in earnest -conversation nearly all that night. A train left Elmwood for New York at -a few minutes after five o’clock in the morning, and it carried away the -famous detective on his return to the city.</p> - -<p>He went at once to his own house, where he was fortunate in finding his -two assistants, Chick and Patsy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201">{201}</a></span></p> - -<p>His first move, after having dispatched a hearty breakfast, was to take -Chick up to his “den” and remove his disguise as Wylie Ketchum, the -lawyer. Then he proceeded to assist Chick in assuming the same -character, until another Wylie Ketchum stood forth.</p> - -<p>Nick looked critically at Chick thus disguised, and then remarked:</p> - -<p>“You’ll do. Mrs. Mackenzie saw me only by lamplight, and through her -crape veil, and you are so nearly like I was, that the difference is not -discernible to an unpracticed eye.”</p> - -<p>“I guess there’ll be no trouble in deceiving her, Nick. The man never -saw you?”</p> - -<p>“No. Now, remember you are to be at the Scotia Insurance Company’s -office at two o’clock prompt.</p> - -<p>“Patsy will be on hand to shadow them when they leave the office, and -never lose sight of the couple till I return, to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p>About noon Nick went to the Scotia office, and received the following -telegram, which had just arrived:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="r">Elmwood, Pa., July 9, 18—.<br /> -</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">To Wylie Ketchum</span>, care Scotia Life Insurance Company, New York -City: Impossible for me to accompany Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie to-day. -Have sent certificates of cause of death and identification of -widow. If necessary, I can come down to-morrow. They leave at ten -o’clock.</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Abbott.</span>”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>“It’s all right,” said Nick, as he handed the telegram to the president. -“My assistant will represent me here as Mr. Ketchum, and I’ll be off to -Elmwood again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_202" id="page_202">{202}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes after Mrs. Mackenzie and her pretended stepson had -reached New York, Nick, in the new disguise of a farmer, was once more -on his way to Elmwood, carrying with him a huge carpetbag.</p> - -<p>His train left directly after the Elmwood express arrived, and he had -the satisfaction of seeing his party disembark, and start toward the -ferry before he stumbled up the steps into the smoking car of his train.</p> - -<p>When he was once more in the presence of Dr. Abbott it was necessary to -introduce himself anew.</p> - -<p>But when Abbott realized that in the old farmer who stood before him he -saw the great New York detective, he was not slow in posting Nick on the -way the case lay at Elmwood.</p> - -<p>“When I pleaded my duty to a sudden very dangerous case, wherein my -services were demanded for this afternoon, Mrs. Mackenzie and her -pretended stepson were very much disturbed. But when I assured them that -you were a personal friend of the president of the insurance company, -and had promised me to be on hand for the purpose of proof and -identification, they agreed to go on and try it without me.”</p> - -<p>“Well, now that the coast is clear, let us lose no time. Are you ready?”</p> - -<p>“At your service.”</p> - -<p>“Then come on.”</p> - -<p>They went straight to the Mackenzie residence.</p> - -<p>The stout servant, Emma, met them at the door, and there was a scowl on -her face.</p> - -<p>“Why, Dr. Abbott, I thought you had such a serious<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_203" id="page_203">{203}</a></span> case on hand this -afternoon,” she said, placing her large body in the doorway, and thus -barring their entrance.</p> - -<p>“So I had, Emma—so serious that death has already resulted.”</p> - -<p>“Who was it?”</p> - -<p>“An old man with a long, white beard; a man who looked as much like your -late employer, Mr. Mackenzie, as if they had been brothers.”</p> - -<p>The woman’s face grew deadly white, and for a moment Nick believed she -was going to faint.</p> - -<p>But Emma was not of the fainting kind. By a great effort, she regained -some of her courage, and attempting a laugh, which was a dismal failure, -she said:</p> - -<p>“Do you expect me to believe that? Where does your important patient -live?”</p> - -<p>“We think he did live in this house, and have come to investigate a -little, to satisfy ourselves.”</p> - -<p>Emma had slowly thrust one hand into the folds of her dress skirt. -Suddenly, and with a movement as quick as thought, she stepped back, -raised her arm and flashed a pistol in Abbott’s face.</p> - -<p>She was not quick enough for the detective, however. His large carpetbag -swung through the air and hit the weapon just as she pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>There was a report, but the bullet went wide of the mark. In another -minute, Emma was securely bound and gagged.</p> - -<p>“Now, for a search of the house,” said Nick. “First, I want to see if -any changes have been made in the building since Mackenzie moved in.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204">{204}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>“There have been none made on this floor, as I told you, for I’ve been -all over it dozens of times,” replied Abbott.</p> - -<p>“But you’ve not been upstairs since they took possession?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then let us go up and take a look around.”</p> - -<p>He led the way first to the front room over the parlor. They no sooner -entered than the doctor walked across to the dividing wall opposite the -front windows.</p> - -<p>“Here is something, Mr. Carter,” exclaimed Abbott, staring at the blank -wall.</p> - -<p>“What is it?”</p> - -<p>“There was a large clothes closet at this place when I rented the house -to Mackenzie.”</p> - -<p>“And now it is a solid, blank wall?”</p> - -<p>“Looks that way.”</p> - -<p>Nick tapped against the place indicated.</p> - -<p>“Brick!” was his decision.</p> - -<p>“Brick!” exclaimed Abbott. “Why, the whole house is wood.”</p> - -<p>“Not this part, surely. It is brick, covered with plaster, and neatly -papered. Did Mackenzie buy any brick after he came here?”</p> - -<p>“No. But I now remember he asked permission to remove a small -outbuilding, and that was built of brick.”</p> - -<p>“That is where he got them, then. Was there a corresponding closet on -the other side?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Let us go around and look at it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_205" id="page_205">{205}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>They went into the apartment over the sitting room, and there, too, the -closet had been sealed up by a solid, brick wall.</p> - -<p>“Now, we’ll go below and take a look into the closet where Rover’s -investigations were so rudely interrupted by the toe of Emma’s shoe,” -remarked Nick.</p> - -<p>The closet was dark, but Abbott produced a lamp, lighted it, and brought -it to Nick’s assistance.</p> - -<p>A long stepladder leaned against the wall of the closet.</p> - -<p>Nick’s eyes made a careful examination of the ceiling.</p> - -<p>Then he moved the ladder to a place about the center of the closet, and -mounted the steps until he could place both hands against the board -surface over his head, which he did.</p> - -<p>He pushed against it without avail.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Abbott stood below holding the lamp, an interested spectator.</p> - -<p>“There is a trapdoor here, I am sure,” said Nick, “but it is somehow -secured by—— Ah! Let’s try this.”</p> - -<p>He pressed his thumb against the head of a nail, which had a slightly -different appearance from the rest; at the same time he maintained the -upward pressure of the other hand.</p> - -<p>There was the noise of a sharp click, and then a section of the ceiling, -about four feet square, began to rise from one side.</p> - -<p>Nick had found the secret trapdoor.</p> - -<p>Pushing the trap open as he went, the detective continued to ascend the -ladder until his head protruded through the opening.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206">{206}</a></span></p> - -<p>For a moment he stopped to look around. Then he drew himself up to the -floor above.</p> - -<p>A few moments later he called down:</p> - -<p>“Leave your lamp below, doctor, and come up. There is plenty of light.”</p> - -<p>Abbott obeyed.</p> - -<p>The two men found themselves standing in an apartment about ten feet -square, inclosed by four solid walls. The roof of the house, twelve feet -above, opened into the glass-inclosed cupola, which surmounted the -building, and thus, as Nick and Abbott saw, in an instant, was furnished -the medium for light and ventilation.</p> - -<p>The floor and walls were deeply padded, and covered with white muslin.</p> - -<p>The only furniture in the small room was a single bed, of iron, a chair -and a small, rough table.</p> - -<p>Indeed, there was little, if any, room, for anything more; though a hole -in the side next to the chimney showed plainly that some kind of a stove -had been used during the winter.</p> - -<p>A hand glass, a pair of scissors, shaving utensils, a basin of water, -and two or three bottles lay promiscuously on the table, and scattered -over the floor was a mass of white hair.</p> - -<p>“Behold all that remains of your friend’s venerable whiskers,” said -Nick, pointing to the telltale material at their feet.</p> - -<p>“He came up here to renew his youth,” exclaimed Abbott.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and was so sure of the security of this hiding<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207" id="page_207">{207}</a></span> place that he -didn’t lose any time in destroying the proofs of his villainous plot. -See! there are the bottles from Madame Reclaire’s laboratory, whose -contents bleached his beard and hair. He even used the wash here right -in the presence of the helpless man who was so terribly wronged.”</p> - -<p>“This was his prison?”</p> - -<p>“Evidently. Have you any idea how they got Templin here without arousing -suspicion?”</p> - -<p>Dr. Abbott remained in thought a few moments before he replied.</p> - -<p>“During the first few months of their residence in the house,” he -finally said, “there was a man of all work about the place who, from -what you tell me, I believe was the fellow with the sandy beard and hair -Madame Reclaire described as a partnership patron with Mackenzie. Maybe -he had something to do with smuggling the old man in.”</p> - -<p>“I have no doubt of it,” said Nick. “It was probably he who constructed -this chamber while Elmwood slept; and helped Mackenzie, or Greene, to -bring the victim from some other hiding place to this padded prison. I -wish I knew where that sandy-bearded man is at this moment.”</p> - -<p>If Nick only had known what he expressed the wish to know, it would have -saved him from great danger.</p> - -<p>For at the very moment the wish was expressed on his lips, the -sandy-bearded man was cautiously crawling up the stepladder, in the -closet below.</p> - -<p>A few moments later his burly form straightened, his arm went up through -the opening, his hand caught hold of the trapdoor, and before Nick or -Abbott realized their<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_208" id="page_208">{208}</a></span> peril, the door fell, with a muffled sound, and -the click of the spring lock was plainly heard.</p> - -<p>Abbott turned a startled look upon Nick.</p> - -<p>“The trap has fallen,” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but not of its own force.”</p> - -<p>“You mean——”</p> - -<p>“I mean somebody reached up and closed it. Hist!”</p> - -<p>Nick had bent his head toward the floor, and was listening for any sound -which might come up from below.</p> - -<p>For half a minute everything was silent. Then was heard what seemed to -be the sound of crashing glass.</p> - -<p>“Abbott, we must get out of this, if we can, without delay,” said Nick, -in tones which were full of intense meaning. “They have crashed the lamp -among the clothing in the closet beneath us, and thus fired the house.”</p> - -<p>“They? Who?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. But the woman has had help, for she could never have -escaped from her bonds unassisted; of that I am sure.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens, Carter! There is no chance for us. The roof is too far -beyond our reach, and that is now our only way out,” cried Abbott.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209" id="page_209">{209}</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /><br /> -<small>THE WAY IT ALL ENDED.</small></h2> - -<p>“I have been in many tighter places than this, doctor,” said Nick, -cheerfully. “I’ll show you how badly the people below us have -miscalculated.”</p> - -<p>“What makes it so dark?” queried Abbott. “It is not yet sundown.”</p> - -<p>“No. I suspect a storm is coming up—ah! I thought so.”</p> - -<p>In confirmation of his suspicions, a loud peal of thunder broke the -outside silence.</p> - -<p>“It is coming fast, too,” said Nick. “Now, see how easy it will be for -us to escape.”</p> - -<p>He took the table and stood it directly beneath the cupola.</p> - -<p>Then he pulled a sheet from the bed, twisted it into a rope, and threw -it around his neck.</p> - -<p>“Now, then, doctor,” he exclaimed, “just jump upon the table and brace -yourself to hold the weight of about one hundred and eighty pounds of -human flesh.”</p> - -<p>Abbott quickly complied without stopping to ask a question.</p> - -<p>Nick followed him upon the table at his back, having first seized one of -the empty bottles in his right hand.</p> - -<p>“Steady, now, doctor,” urged Nick.</p> - -<p>The next moment he was standing upright, with a foot on each of Abbott’s -shoulders.</p> - -<p>Having secured a safe hold for his hands on the base<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210">{210}</a></span> of the cupola, -Nick put his athletic training into use, and drew himself up by the -mighty muscles of his arms.</p> - -<p>The next instant he was looking through the thick glass sides of the -cupola.</p> - -<p>Then taking the sheet rope from his shoulders, he lowered it to Abbott, -with the question:</p> - -<p>“Can you raise yourself hand-over-hand?”</p> - -<p>“I can try.”</p> - -<p>“Well, lose no time.”</p> - -<p>Slowly, and with great difficulty, the portly doctor began his task.</p> - -<p>He would not have reached the cupola had not Nick finally let go one -hand from its hold on the sheet, and with it caught Abbott by the arm. -Then he seized the physician with the other hand, and the rescue was -completed. Abbott came through the opening into the cupola as if he were -fastened to a derrick.</p> - -<p>The thunder was crashing on all sides by this time. Smoke was also -rolling out of the house by the doors and windows, and Nick knew that -they would have no time to lose in getting down to the ground.</p> - -<p>Seizing with a firm grasp the bottle he had brought from the prison room -below, he made an assault upon the glass inclosure of the cupola. Crash! -crash! went the crystal plates, until an opening was secured large -enough to let Nick crawl through to the roof.</p> - -<p>He turned and was assisting the doctor through, when the latter suddenly -pointed over Nick’s shoulder and cried:</p> - -<p>“Look there, under that tree!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211" id="page_211">{211}</a></span>”</p> - -<p>Nick directed his attention to the place Abbott indicated—a large elm -tree, about sixty feet from the house.</p> - -<p>There, leaning against the trunk, and watching the house, were Emma, the -servant, and a man with a sandy beard.</p> - -<p>Even while the doctor was looking, the eyes of the sandy-bearded man -were raised, and he saw the men on the roof.</p> - -<p>He uttered a cry, and made a step as if to leave his place of -observation.</p> - -<p>At that instant there came a blinding flash, followed by a deafening -clap of thunder.</p> - -<p>For a brief time Nick and Abbott were partially stunned.</p> - -<p>Nick was the first to recover. He looked toward the tree.</p> - -<p>The tree was a wreck from the lightning’s bolt, and beneath its -shattered boughs lay two forms—a man and a woman.</p> - -<p>They hastened to reach the solid earth, and the task was soon -accomplished.</p> - -<p>The man and woman under the tree were found, upon examination by the -doctor, to be stone dead.</p> - -<p>The lightning had done its work effectually.</p> - -<p>Half an hour later the residence was beyond rescue.</p> - -<p>Nick hurried the doctor away, and enjoined him to secrecy on the subject -of their afternoon’s adventure.</p> - -<p>An hour later both were on the way to New York.</p> - -<p>That night Nick, accompanied by Dr. Abbott, Chick, Patsy, the chief of -police and the president of the Scotia<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_212" id="page_212">{212}</a></span> Insurance Company, surprised -Mackenzie and his guilty wife at their apartments in the hotel where -they had secured accommodations in order to be in New York the next -morning for the purpose of cashing the Scotia’s check as soon as the -banks opened their doors for business.</p> - -<p>The surprise and confusion of the wicked pair were complete.</p> - -<p>They admitted everything but the killing of Jason Templin. Both declared -he had died a natural death, a statement Nick knew was not true, but -which he realized would be hard to disprove before a jury.</p> - -<p>While Chick and Patsy kept close guard over the two prisoners, the chief -of police, Nick Carter, Abbott and the insurance president retired to -another room for consultation.</p> - -<p>Two of the conspirators were dead. If Miss Templin yet lived, it would -be hard to convict the two survivors of murder. That much was admitted.</p> - -<p>Miss Templin could not be found. Mackenzie declared, a few minutes -before, that the young woman was alive, but would never be heard from -unless he got ready to speak, which, under his present circumstances, he -was not willing to do.</p> - -<p>Nick and the chief of police both realized that they were dealing with a -desperate man, and they finally agreed to compromise with him if he -would accept their terms.</p> - -<p>They more readily reached such an understanding when Abbott suggested -that for Miss Templin’s sake it would<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_213" id="page_213">{213}</a></span> be well, if possible, to keep -from her the knowledge of the fate of her father.</p> - -<p>So this was the proposition made to Mackenzie and his wife:</p> - -<p>First, they were to return Miss Templin to her friends without her -having suffered serious bodily harm.</p> - -<p>Secondly, they should surrender the five life insurance policies.</p> - -<p>Each should plead guilty to a charge of defrauding the Scotia Insurance -Company, and take a sentence in the State’s prison of from ten to twenty -years.</p> - -<p>In return, they were promised that Templin’s fate would never be brought -up against them.</p> - -<p>To this compromise Mackenzie, speaking for himself and his wife, refused -to agree.</p> - -<p>It was only after a promise that in addition to a pledge not to -prosecute them on a charge of murder, the insurance companies would -refund the premiums already paid in that a final agreement was made.</p> - -<p>Acting under directions from Mackenzie, Nick found Miss Templin, bound -hand and foot, gagged, senseless and almost dead, in a scantily -furnished room high up in a half-deserted tenement on Tenth Avenue, -where she had been taken by Mackenzie and the latter’s friend, Dent, on -the night they decoyed her from the St. James Hotel.</p> - -<p>The decoy had been simple.</p> - -<p>Early in the day on which she disappeared, Miss Templin made a call on a -friend whom she had known in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_214" id="page_214">{214}</a></span> Italy, but who at that time was married, -and living in New York.</p> - -<p>Greene and Dent followed her to the house.</p> - -<p>When Miss Templin was leaving her friend’s residence, the two men -strolled past and heard the hostess from the step say:</p> - -<p>“If Tom comes home to-day, which is not likely, I’ll send him around -after you, and you must come back with him to spend the evening. I know -he’ll be glad to meet you, and you’ll be sure to like him.”</p> - -<p>This gave the desperate couple their clew.</p> - -<p>A forged note, stating that Tom had arrived, after all, and would fetch -Miss Templin to the house in a carriage, was written, a livery carriage -hired from a public stable, the driver drugged, Dent substituted, and -Miss Templin was trapped very easily.</p> - -<p>The agreement made with the Mackenzies that night was faithfully carried -out, and the couple are serving out a fifteen years’ sentence in Sing -Sing.</p> - -<p>Louise will never know that her father’s remains were cremated on Long -Island, but will be left in the belief that they lie in the vault at San -Francisco.</p> - -<p>At Elmwood the theory is prevalent that lightning destroyed the -Mackenzie residence and killed the two servants; for the body of the -dead man was recognized as being that of a person who worked for -Mackenzie when the latter first came to the village.</p> - -<p>The only mystery that has never been cleared up by the good people of -that section is the sudden disappearance of Mrs. Mackenzie and the son.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_215" id="page_215">{215}</a></span></p> - -<p>They went to New York and were never afterward heard from.</p> - -<p>Many Elmwood people read in their city newspapers the account of Dr. -Amos Greene and his wife, who pleaded guilty to an attempt to defraud an -insurance company, but none of them even suspect that the two -self-convicted criminals were their former highly esteemed fellow -townspeople, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Mackenzie.</p> - -<p>Louise Templin became Mrs. Lonsdale, as Nick discovered a day or two -later, when a dainty card was sent up to his office with this -characteristic message written on the back:</p> - -<p>“Just off on our honeymoon, Mr. Carter. I felt I must stop long enough -to send up my regards and say ‘thank you’ for making our present -happiness possible.</p> - -<p class="r"> -“<span class="smcap">Louise Lonsdale.</span>”<br /> -</p> - -<p class="fint">THE END.</p> - -<p>No. 1142 of the <span class="smcap">New Magnet Library</span> is entitled “The Bank Draft Puzzle.” -A mystery story full of exciting incidents in which Nick Carter unravels -an intricate plot teeming with interest.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="c">Western Stories About</p> - -<p class="cb"><span class="big200">BUFFALO BILL</span></p> - -<p class="cb">ALL BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM<br /><br /> -Red-blooded Adventure Stories for Men</p> - -<p>There is no more romantic character in American history than William F. -Cody, or, as he was internationally known, Buffalo Bill. He, with -Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Wild Bill Hicock, General Custer, and a few -other adventurous spirits, laid the foundation of our great West.</p> - -<p>There is no more brilliant page in American history than the winning of -the West. Never did pioneers live more thrilling lives, so rife with -adventure and brave deeds, as the old scouts and plainsmen. Foremost -among these stands the imposing figure of Buffalo Bill.</p> - -<p>All of the books in this list are intensely interesting. They were -written by the close friend and companion of Buffalo Bill—Colonel -Prentiss Ingraham. They depict actual adventures which this pair of -hard-hitting comrades experienced, while the story of these adventures -is interwoven with fiction; historically the books are correct.</p> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><th colspan="2"><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></th></tr> -<tr valign="top"><td> -1—Buffalo Bill, the Border King<br /> -2—Buffalo Bill’s Raid<br /> -3—Buffalo Bill’s Bravery<br /> -4—Buffalo Bill’s Trump Card<br /> -5—Buffalo Bill’s Pledge<br /> -6—Buffalo Bill s Vengeance<br /> -7—Buffalo Bill’s Iron Grip<br /> -8—Buffalo Bill’s Capture<br /> -9—Buffalo Bill’s Danger Line<br /> -10—Buffalo Bill’s Comrades<br /> -11—Buffalo Bill’s Reckoning<br /> -12—Buffalo Bill’s Warning<br /> -13—Buffalo Bill at Bay<br /> -14—Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Pards<br /> -15—Buffalo Bill’s Brand<br /> -16—Buffalo Bill’s Honor<br /> -17—Buffalo Bill’s Phantom Hunt<br /> -18—Buffalo Bill’s Fight with Fire<br /> -19—Buffalo Bill’s Danite Trail<br /> -20—Buffalo Bill’s Ranch Riders<br /> -21—Buffalo Bill’s Death Trail<br /> -22—Buffalo Bill’s Trackers<br /> -23—Buffalo Bill’s Mid-air Flight<br /> -24—Buffalo Bill, Ambassador<br /> -25—Buffalo Bill’s Air Voyage<br /> -26—Buffalo Bill’s Secret Mission<br /> -27—Buffalo Bill’s Long Trail<br /> -28—Buffalo Bill Against Odds<br /> -29—Buffalo Bill’s Hot Chase<br /> -30—Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ally<br /> -31—Buffalo Bill’s Treasure-trove<br /> -32—Buffalo Bill’s Hidden Foes<br /> -33—Buffalo Bill’s Crack Shot<br /> -34—Buffalo Bill’s Close Call<br /> -35—Buffalo Bill’s Double Surprise<br /> -36—Buffalo Bill’s Ambush<br /> -37—Buffalo Bill’s Outlaw Hunt<br /> -38—Buffalo Bill’s Border Duel<br /> -39—Buffalo Bill’s Bid for Fame<br /> -40—Buffalo Bill’s Triumph<br /> -41—Buffalo Bill’s Spy Trailer<br /> -42—Buffalo Bill’s Death Call<br /> -43—Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard<br /> -44—Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt<br /> -45—Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen<br /> -46—Buffalo Bill’s Prairie Scout<br /> -47—Buffalo Bill’s Traitor Guide<br /> -48—Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza<br /> -49—Buffalo Bill’s Swoop<br /> -50—Buffalo Bill and the Gold King<br /> -51—Buffalo Bill, Dead Shot<br /> -52—Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Bravos<br /> -53—Buffalo Bill’s Big Four<br /> - -54—Buffalo Bill’s One-armed Pard<br /> -55—Buffalo Bill’s Race for Life<br /> -56—Buffalo Bill’s Return<br /> -57—Buffalo Bill’s Conquest<br /> -58—Buffalo Bill to the Rescue<br /> -59—Buffalo Bill’s Beautiful Foe<br /> -60—Buffalo Bill’s Perilous Task<br /> -61—Buffalo Bill’s Queer Find<br /> -62—Buffalo Bill’s Blind Lead<br /> -63—Buffalo Bill’s Resolution<br /> -64—Buffalo Bill, the Avenger<br /> -65—Buffalo Bill’s Pledged Pard<br /> -66—Buffalo Bill’s Weird Warning<br /> -67—Buffalo Bill’s Wild Ride<br /> -68—Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Stampede<br /> -69—Buffalo Bill’s Mine Mystery<br /> -70—Buffalo Bill’s Gold Hunt<br /> -71—Buffalo Bill’s Daring Dash<br /> -72—Buffalo Bill on Hand<br /> -73—Buffalo Bill’s Alliance<br /> -74—Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Foe<br /> -75—Buffalo Bill’s Midnight Ride<br /> -76—Buffalo Bill’s Chivalry<br /> -77—Buffalo Bill’s Girl Pard<br /> -78—Buffalo Bill’s Private War<br /> -79—Buffalo Bill’s Diamond Mine<br /> -80—Buffalo Bill’s Big Contract<br /> -81—Buffalo Bill’s Woman Foe<br /> -82—Buffalo Bill’s Ruse<br /> -83—Buffalo Bill’s Pursuit<br /> -84—Buffalo Bill’s Hidden Gold<br /> -85—Buffalo Bill in Mid-air<br /> -86—Buffalo Bill’s Queer Mission<br /> -87—Buffalo Bill’s Verdict<br /> -88—Buffalo Bill’s Ordeal<br /> -89—Buffalo Bill’s Camp Fires<br /> -90—Buffalo Bill’s Iron Nerve<br /> -91—Buffalo Bill’s Rival<br /> -92—Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand<br /> -93—Buffalo Bill’s Sacrifice<br /> -94—Buffalo Bill’s Thunderbolt<br /> -95—Buffalo Bill’s Black Fortune<br /> -96—Buffalo Bill’s Wild Work<br /> -97—Buffalo Bill’s Yellow Trail<br /> -98—Buffalo Bill’s Treasure Train<br /> -99—Buffalo Bill’s Bowie Duel<br /> -100—Buffalo Bill’s Mystery Man<br /> -101—Buffalo Bill’s Bold Play<br /> -102—Buffalo Bill: Peacemaker<br /> -103—Buffalo Bill’s Big Surprise<br /> -104—Buffalo Bill’s Barricade<br /> -105—Buffalo Bill’s Test<br /></td><td> -106—Buffalo Bill’s Powwow<br /> - -107—Buffalo Bill’s Stern Justice<br /> -108—Buffalo Bill’s Mysterious Friend<br /> -109—Buffalo Bill and the Boomers<br /> -110—Buffalo Bill’s Panther Fight<br /> -111—Buffalo Bill and the Overland Mail<br /> -112—Buffalo Bill on the Deadwood Trail<br /> -113—Buffalo Bill in Apache Land<br /> -114—Buffalo Bill’s Blindfold Duel<br /> -115—Buffalo Bill and the Lone Camper<br /> -116—Buffalo Bill’s Merry War<br /> -117—Buffalo Bill’s Star Play<br /> -118—Buffalo Bill’s War Cry<br /> -119—Buffalo Bill on Black Panther’s Trail<br /> -120—Buffalo Bill’s Slim Chance<br /> -121—Buffalo Bill Besieged<br /> -122—Buffalo Bill’s Bandit Round-up<br /> -123—Buffalo Bill’s Surprise Party<br /> -124—Buffalo Bill’s Lightning Raid<br /> -125—Buffalo Bill in Mexico<br /> - -126—Buffalo Bill’s Traitor Foe<br /> -127—Buffalo Bill’s Tireless Chase<br /> -128—Buffalo Bill’s Boy Bugler<br /> -129—Buffalo Bill’s Sure Guess<br /> -130—Buffalo Bill’s Record Jump<br /> -131—Buffalo Bill in the Land of Dread<br /> -132—Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Clew<br /> -133—Buffalo Bill’s Wolf Skin<br /> -134—Buffalo Bill’s Twice Four Puzzle<br /> -135—Buffalo Bill and the Devil Bird<br /> -136—Buffalo Bill and the Indian’s Mascot<br /> -137—Buffalo Bill Entrapped<br /> -138—Buffalo Bill’s Totem Trail<br /> -139—Buffalo Bill at Fort Challis<br /> -140—Buffalo Bill’s Determination<br /> -141—Buffalo Bill’s Battle Axe<br /> -142—Buffalo Bill’s Game with Fate<br /> -143—Buffalo Bill’s Comanche Raid<br /> -144—Buffalo Bill’s Aerial Island<br /> -145—Buffalo Bill’s Lucky Shot<br /> -146—Buffalo Bill’s Sioux Friends<br /> -147—Buffalo Bill’s Supreme Test<br /> -148—Buffalo Bill’s Boldest Strike<br /> -149—Buffalo Bill and the Red Hand<br /> -150—Buffalo Bill’s Dance with Death<br /> -151—Buffalo Bill’s Running Fight<br /> -152—Buffalo Bill in Harness<br /> -153—Buffalo Bill Corralled<br /> -154—Buffalo Bill’s Waif of the West<br /> -155—Buffalo Bill’s Wizard Pard<br /> -156—Buffalo Bill and Hawkeye<br /> -157—Buffalo Bill and Grizzly Dan<br /> -158—Buffalo Bill’s Ghost Play<br /> -159—Buffalo Bill’s Lost Prisoner<br /> -160—Buffalo Bill and The Klan of Kau<br /> -161—Buffalo Bill’s Crow Scouts<br /> -162—Buffalo Bill’s Lassoed Spectre<br /> -163—Buffalo Bill and the Wanderers<br /> -164—Buffalo Bill and the White Queen<br /> -165—Buffalo Bill’s Yellow Guardian<br /> -166—Buffalo Bill’s Double “B” Brand<br /> -167—Buffalo Bill’s Dangerous Duty<br /> -168—Buffalo Bill and the Talking Statue<br /> -169—Buffalo Bill Between Two Fires<br /> -170—Buffalo Bill and the Giant Apache<br /> -171—Buffalo Bill’s Best Bet<br /> -172—Buffalo Bill’s Blockhouse Siege<br /> -173—Buffalo Bill’s Fight for Right<br /> -174—Buffalo Bill’s Sad Tidings<br /> -175—Buffalo Bill and “Lucky” Benson<br /> -176—Buffalo Bill Among the Sioux<br /> -177—Buffalo Bill’s Mystery Box<br /> -178—Buffalo Bill’s Worst Tangle<br /> -179—Buffalo Bill’s Clean Sweep<br /> -180—Buffalo Bill’s Texas Tangle<br /> -181—Buffalo Bill and the Nihilists<br /> -182—Buffalo Bill’s Emigrant Trail<br /> -183—Buffalo Bill at Close Quarters<br /> -184—Buffalo Bill and the Cattle Thieves<br /> -185—Buffalo Bill at Cimaroon Bar<br /> -186—Buffalo Bill’s Ingenuity<br /> -187—Buffalo Bill on a Cold Trail<br /> -188—Buffalo Bill’s Red Hot Totem<br /> -189—Buffalo Bill Under a War Cloud<br /> -190—Buffalo Bill and the Prophet<br /> -191—Buffalo Bill and the Red Renegade<br /> -192—Buffalo Bill’s Mailed Fist<br /> -193—Buffalo Bill’s Round-up<br /> -194—Buffalo Bill’s Death Message<br /> -195—Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Disguise<br /> -196—Buffalo Bill, the Whirlwind<br /> -197—Buffalo Bill in Death Valley<br /> -198—Buffalo Bill and the Magic Button<br /> -199—Buffalo Bill’s Friend in Need<br /> -200—Buffalo Bill with General Custer<br /> -201—Buffalo Bill’s Timely Meeting<br /> -202—Buffalo Bill and the Skeleton Scout<br /> -203—Buffalo Bill’s Flag of Truce<br /> -204—Buffalo Bill’s Pacific Power<br /> -205—Buffalo Bill’s Impersonator<br /> -206—Buffalo Bill and the Red Maurauders<br /> -207—Buffalo Bill’s Long Run<br /> -208—Buffalo Bill and Red Dove<br /> -209—Buffalo Bill on the Box<br /> -210—Buffalo Bill’s Bravo Partner<br /> -211—Buffalo Bill’s Strange Task<br /> -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div class="boxx"> -<p class="cb"><span class="big300">S & S <br />Novels</span><br /><br /> -Means<br /><br /> -<span class="big300sans">MONEY’S WORTH</span></p> - -<p>Clean, interesting, attractive—they afford the reader the best possible -value in the way of literature of the day. Do not accept cheap -imitations which are clearly intended to deceive the reader and are -always disappointing.</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p class="cb">BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN<br /><br /> -<span class="big200">MERRIWELL SERIES</span><br /><br /> -ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH<br /><br /> -Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell<br /><br /> -Fascinating Stories of Athletics</p> - -<p>A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures of -two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as with -the rest of the world.</p> - -<p>These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports and -athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot fail to be -of immense benefit to every boy who reads them.</p> - -<p>They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become a -good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous, -right-thinking man.</p> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> - -<tr><th colspan="2"><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></th></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td> -1—Frank Merriwell’s School Days<br /> -2—Frank Merriwell’s Chums<br /> -3—Frank Merriwell’s Foes<br /> -4—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West<br /> -5—Frank Merriwell Down South<br /> -6—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery<br /> -7—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour<br /> -8—Frank Merriwell in Europe<br /> -9—Frank Merriwell at Yale<br /> -10—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield<br /> -11—Frank Merriwell’s Races<br /> -12—Frank Merriwell’s Party<br /> -13—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour<br /> -14—Frank Merriwell’s Courage<br /> -15—Frank Merriwell’s Daring<br /> -16—Frank Merriwell’s Alarm<br /> -17—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes<br /> -18—Frank Merriwell’s Skill<br /> -19—Frank Merriwell’s Champions<br /> -20—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale<br /> -21—Frank Merriwell’s Secret<br /> -22—Frank Merriwell’s Danger<br /> -23—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty<br /> -24—Frank Merriwell in Camp<br /> -25—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation<br /> -26—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise<br /> -27—Frank Merriwell’s Chase<br /> -28—Frank Merriwell in Maine<br /> -29—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle<br /> -30—Frank Merriwell’s First Job<br /> -31—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity<br /> -32—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck<br /> -33—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé<br /> -34—Frank Merriwell on the Road<br /> -35—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company<br /> -36—Frank Merriwell’s Fame<br /> -37—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums<br /> -38—Frank Merriwell’s Problem<br /> -39—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune<br /> -40—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian<br /> -41—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity<br /> -42—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit<br /> -43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme<br /> -44—Frank Merriwell in England<br /> -45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards<br /> -40—Frank Merriwell’s Duel<br /> -47—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot<br /> -48—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories<br /> -49—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence<br /> -50—Frank Merriwell’s Auto<br /> -51—Frank Merriwell’s Fun<br /> -52—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity<br /> -53—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks<br /> -54—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation<br /> -55—Frank Merriwell on Top<br /> -56—Frank Merriwell’s Luck<br /> - -57—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot<br /> -58—Frank Merriwell’s Reward<br /> -59—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom<br /> -60—Frank Merriwell’s Faith<br /> -61—Frank Merriwell’s Victories<br /> -62—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve<br /> -63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky<br /> -64—Frank Merriwell’s Power<br /> -65—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness<br /> -66—Frank Merriwell’s Setback<br /> -67—Frank Merriwell’s Search<br /> -68—Frank Merriwell’s Club<br /> -69—Frank Merriwell’s Trust<br /> -70—Frank Merriwell’s False Friend<br /> -71—Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm<br /></td><td> -72—Frank Merriwell as Coach<br /> -73—Frank Merriwell’s Brother<br /> -74—Frank Merriwell’s Marvel<br /> -75—Frank Merriwell’s Support<br /> -76—Dick Merriwell at Fardale<br /> -77—Dick Merriwell’s Glory<br /> -78—Dick Merriwell’s Promise<br /> -79—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue<br /> -80—Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape<br /> -81—Dick Merriwell’s Racket<br /> -82—Dick Merriwell’s Revenge<br /> -83—Dick Merriwell’s Ruse<br /> -84—Dick Merriwell’s Delivery<br /> -85—Dick Merriwell’s Wonders<br /> -86—Frank Merriwell’s Honor<br /> -87—Dick Merriwell’s Diamond<br /> -88—Frank Merriwell’s Winners<br /> -89—Dick Merriwell’s Dash<br /> -90—Dick Merriwell’s Ability<br /> -91—Dick Merriwell’s Trap<br /> -92—Dick Merriwell’s Defense<br /> -93—Dick Merriwell’s Model<br /> -94—Dick Merriwell’s Mystery<br /> -95—Frank Merriwell’s Backers<br /> -96—Dick Merriwell’s Backstop<br /> -97—Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission<br /> -98—Frank Merriwell’s Rescue<br /> -99—Frank Merriwell’s Encounter<br /> -100—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money<br /> -101—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads<br /> - -102—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron<br /> -103—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise<br /> -104—Dick Merriwell’s Test<br /> -105—Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card<br /> -106—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy<br /> -107—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph<br /> -108—Dick Merriwell’s Grit<br /> -109—Dick Merriwell’s Assurance<br /> -110—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide<br /> -111—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal<br /> -112—Dick Merriwell’s Threat<br /> -113—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence<br /> -114—Dick Merriwell’s Day<br /> -115—Frank Merriwell’s Peril<br /> -116—Dick Merriwell’s Downfall<br /> -117—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit<br /> - -118—Dick Merriwell Abroad<br /> -119—Frank Merriwell in the Rockies<br /> -120—Dick Merriwell’s Pranks<br /> -121—Frank Merriwell’s Pride<br /> -122—Frank Merriwell’s Challengers<br /> -123—Frank Merriwell’s Endurance<br /> -124—Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness<br /> -125—Frank Merriwell’s Marriage<br /> -126—Dick Merriwell, the Wizard<br /> -127—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke<br /> -128—Dick Merriwell’s Return<br /> -129—Dick Merriwell’s Resource<br /> -130—Dick Merriwell’s Five<br /> -131—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers<br /> -132—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team<br /> -133—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils<br /> -134—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy<br /> -135—Dick Merriwell’s Home Run<br /> -136—Dick Merriwell’s Dare<br /> -137—Frank Merriwell’s Son<br /> -138—Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate<br /> -139—Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers<br /> -140—Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp<br /> -141—Dick Merriwell’s Influence<br /> -142—Dick Merriwell, Freshman<br /> -143—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power<br /> -</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books -listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York -City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="deprecated"> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in July, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr><td>144—Dick Merriwell’s Joke</td><td> -145—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in August, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr><td>146—Frank Merriwell’s Horse</td><td> -147—Dick Merriwell’s Regret</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in September, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr><td>148—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism</td><td> -149—Dick Merriwell’s Backers</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in October, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>150—Dick Merriwell’s Best Work<br /> -151—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust</td><td> -152—Dick Merriwell’s Debt</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in November, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr><td>153—Dick Merriwell’s Mastery</td><td> -154—Dick Merriwell Adrift</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="cpad" colspan="2">To be published in December, 1926.</td></tr> - -<tr><td>155—Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy</td><td> -156—Dick Merriwell’s Close Call</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p class="cb"><span class="big200">Western Story Library</span></p> - -<p class="cb">For Everyone Who Likes Adventure</p> - -<p>Ted Strong and his band of broncho-busters have most exciting adventures -in this line of attractive big books, and furnish the reader with an -almost unlimited number of thrills.</p> - -<p>If you like a really good Western cowboy story, then this line is made -expressly for you.</p> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><th colspan="2" class="c"> <i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></th></tr> -<tr><td> 1—Ted Strong, Cowboy</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 2—Ted Strong Among the Cattlemen</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 3—Ted Strong’s Black Mountain Ranch</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 4—Ted Strong With Rifle and Lasso</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 5—Ted Strong Lost in the Desert</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 6—Ted Strong Fighting the Rustlers</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 7—Ted Strong and the Rival Miners</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 8—Ted Strong and the Last of the Herd</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 9—Ted Strong on a Mountain Trail</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 10—Ted Strong Across the Prairie</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 11—Ted Strong Out For Big Game</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 12—Ted Strong Challenged</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 13—Ted Strong’s Close Call</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 14—Ted Strong’s Passport</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 15—Ted Strong’s Nebraska Ranch</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 16—Ted Strong’s Cattle Drive</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 17—Ted Strong’s Stampede</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 18—Ted Strong’s Prairie Trail</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 19—Ted Strong’s Surprise</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 20—Ted Strong’s Wolf Hunters</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 21—Ted Strong’s Crooked Trail</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 22—Ted Strong in Colorado</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 23—Ted Strong’s Justice</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 24—Ted Strong’s Treasure</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 25—Ted Strong’s Search</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 26—Ted Strong’s Diamond Mine</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 27—Ted Strong’s Manful Task</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 28—Ted Strong, Manager</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 29—Ted Strong’s Man Hunt</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 30—Ted Strong’s Gold Mine</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 31—Ted Strong’s Broncho Boys</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 32—Ted Strong’s Wild Horse</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 33—Ted Strong’s Tenderfoot</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 34—Ted Strong’s Stowaway</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 35—Ted Strong’s Prize Herd</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 36—Ted Strong’s Trouble</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 37—Ted Strong’s Mettle</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 38—Ted Strong’s Big Business</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 39—Ted Strong’s Treasure Cave</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 40—Ted Strong’s Vanishing Island</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 41—Ted Strong’s Motor Car</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 42—Ted Strong in Montana</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td> 43—Ted Strong’s Contract</td><td class="rt">By Edward C. Taylor</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p class="cb"><span class="big200">Insist Upon Having the</span> -<br /><br /><span class="big300">S & S NOVELS</span><br /><br /> -<span class="big200">They are IMITATED!</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="cb">RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE<br /><br /> -<span class="big300">SPORT STORIES</span><br /><br /> -Price, Fifteen Cents<br /><br /> -———<br /> -<i>Stories of the Big Outdoors</i><br /> -——</p> - -<p>There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very considerable -portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories about Jack -Lightfoot, the athlete.</p> - -<p>These stories are of interest to old and young. They are not, strictly -speaking, stories for boys, but boys everywhere will find a great deal -in them to engage their interest.</p> - -<p>The Jack Lightfoot stories deal with every branch of sport—baseball, -football, rowing, swimming, racing, tennis, and every sort of -occupation, both indoor and out, that the healthy-minded man turns to.</p> - -<p class="cb"><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<table cellpadding="1" summary="deprecated"> -<tr><td>1—Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>2—Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>3—Jack Lightfoot Trapped</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>4—Jack Lightfoot’s Rival</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>5—Jack Lightfoot in Camp</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>6—Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>7—Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>8—Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>9—Jack Lightfoot’s Decision</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>10—Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>11—Jack Lightfoot’s Blind</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>12—Jack Lightfoot’s Capture</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>13—Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td>14—Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom</td><td class="rt">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -</table> - -<div class="boxx"> -<p class="cb"><span class="big300">The Dealer</span></p> - -<p class="nind">who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS is a man worth patronizing. The -fact that he does handle our books proves that he has considered the -merits of paper-covered lines, and has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others.</p> - -<p>He has looked into the question of the morality of the paper-covered -book, for instance, and feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one -of our novels to any one, because he has our assurance that nothing -except clean, wholesome literature finds its way into our lines.</p> - -<p>Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer is a careful and wise -tradesman, and it is fair to assume selects the other articles he has -for sale with the same degree of intelligence as he does his -paper-covered books.</p> - -<p>Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer.</p> - -<p class="cb"> -STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -79 Seventh Avenue New York City<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOLLOWING A CHANCE 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. 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