Old Night-Hawk, the Crook-Shadower; or, The Tangled-Up Type-Writer

The Crook-Shadower; or, The Tangled-up Type-Writer

By William G. Patten. A Wall Street sensation in detective fiction.

The story introduces Hawkins McKnight, "the Dapper Detective," an independent private detective known as "the Hawk" and "Night Hawk," whose reputation for running down crooks extends from New York to Chicago and Denver. Seeking a prestigious case to distinguish himself from the regular police force, McKnight arrives at broker Enos Gregory's office following reports of trouble. Inside, he finds a young man shot through the head near an open safe, with Gregory present and agitated. Detective Abel Keene of the regular force is also investigating. McKnight observes a broken window and realizes the victim still lives—the bullet has grazed his skull. When questioned, Gregory first claims self-defense, then denies shooting the man, then suggests suicide. A young woman's testimony contradicts his accounts. The case becomes complicated as multiple conflicting narratives emerge.