Beadle's Dime Library No. 698

Tracing the "L" Clew: A Story of Remarkable Detective Work in the Great City by Harold Payne features Detective Thad Burr investigating a mysterious conspiracy. The plot begins when Burr observes a veiled woman stencil the letter "L" in a circle on a Madison Square bench, then hide a tin case containing coded instructions. A well-dressed man retrieves the case hours later. Burr deciphers the code as coordinates for meetings at Broadway-23rd Street at 7:30 p.m. and Sixth Avenue-23rd Street at 8:30 p.m. Inspector Byrnes receives cryptic letters signed "A Young Girl" requesting detective services, with references to "L" and a $10,000 fee. Burr shadows the veiled woman and the man at their 7:30 meeting, overhearing fragmented dialogue suggesting they arrange some work involving a doctor, requiring two months and a significant fee. The woman demands $1,000 in advance. The narrative continues unresolved as Burr pursues further investigation.