Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 130 — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

/ * ee ~.- ee ee ee me me ee now to hold his e. He waited in silence tho next question of the lawyer. “Do you know the prisoner at the bar?"’ “Know Mr. Spencer? ReckonIdo. He's jist the bab Four f sage eas ever ool wife 1¢ jury what you know concerning eounterfeit notes found ra house.”’ “TI know it’s a blamed fraud.” “That is not a proper answer. I wish you to state any definite facts Jing may know about them.”’ *Bout who? 6 counterfeiters?” “Do you know anything about them?” asked the er, quickly. *Nouzh to hang them, if it was a hangin’ bizness."" “Do I understand you that you know the names of my of these forgers?”’ here was considerable interest manifested as Dice addressed himself to reply. “That's "bout what I’m tryin’ to make you under- stand,” he said. “Ilknow the names of the whole gang. I kin pint you out where all the queer stuff manufactured. And what’s wuss, I kin tell where the whole durned tribe of them are this minute.” The judge himself started on his seat in surprise at this announcement. A murmur of excitement ran round the circle of auditors. “That is just what we are all anxious to know,” declared the lawyer. ‘* Where are they.” ““S’pose the judge knows,” suggested Dick. “No, sir; but I should be very glad to know,” was the udge’s reply. “Thought it mought have worked out by this time. The whole rascally caboodle of them are in Moyamensin’!” 6 boy’s manner was dramatically impressive as he gave this answer. But the unlooked-for state- ment needed nothing to mxke it impressive, “But this is impossidl3!"’ cried the prosecuting at- torney, inasharptone. ‘* What does the boy mean by such an astounding statement?” “Wait till I git inter yovr hands,” said Dick, sar- eastically. ‘‘Maybe you kin twist me inter a He. I know you'll a your hardest: you wouldn’t bea law- rae ou didn't try to make a witness both a fool a liar. **Does any one here know if what the boy says is true!" demanded th» judge. “It is true,’ replied Jack Bounce, locked up within the last hour.” “But how is this? I eippone’ the operations were stilla mystery. When an by whom wore they dis- eovered and captured? Who are they?” ‘fhe witness can answer as well as I—better for that matter,’’ responded Jack. “What do you know about this important cap- wure?'’ demanded the lawyer, of Dick. “T war there!”’ “You saw them captured?” “Rockon I took a hand in it.” “Relate to the court the whole circumstances,” The audience in the court-room crowded densely around the railing, mouths and ears open, eager to swallow the exciting particulars of this astounding statement, But Dick’s modesty stood in the way of any direct et oe to this question, and he evaded the subject y suying: = taint them that’s on trial now. It’s Mr. Spen- eer. Ax what you please "bout him, and I’m on hand. Ain’t ready to go outside of the case.” * But who are these men that are captured?” **There's a set of third-class rogues and one first- elass rascal,’ responded Dick, impressively. ‘*‘ Guess the first-classer isthe only chap that’s got anything to do with this bizness before the court. He’s tho one that’s down on Harry Spenc>r, and that hired old Sol Sly to stuff hisdrawers with counterfei.s,”’ ** Will you give his name?”’ “It’s Andy Williamson, the lawyer.” The exclamations this time were confined to the lawyers, but they were deep and Jonge ntinued. Or not entirely confined to the lawyers, for there was one low, distressed cry of that incisive character that makes itself heard above all other sounds. I* seemed to come from the vailed lady who sat on one ‘*They were _ ide of the room, and whose hands were clasped in nervous agitation. “This is an outrage!’ cried the prosecuting at- torney, excitedly rising. ‘* Mr. Williamson is in hon- orable standing in this court. Itis not right to let this boy run on with such ridiculous per] uries.”’ **Reckon I swore to it!” averred Dick. *‘ Somehow the truth is allers ridic’lous to ee lawyers. You don’t want truth. A good sound lie pourrelly suits you better’n any thing else but a big fee. That's caer lay every time. But you’ve got ter swaller th now, whether yer likes it or not. Andy Wil- liamson’s in quod, whether it gives you the tooth- ache or no.”’ ‘When were these men captured, and by whom?” asked Spencer's counsel “We sprung the trap on them last night,” an- nounced Dick. ‘“* Three detectives, your humble servant, and a lot of fillin’-in folks, e burst open their den, got all their tools, and snatched the rascals ie tune of half a dozen little rogues and one big ** Where was this den?” “Ain't this kinder sailin’ in outside waters?” asked Dick. ‘‘There’s Mr. Spencer in a place where he aim’t got noright. Jest put through his job first. These other trifles kin wait.”’ “Trifles, then, you think them?” “They’re not to the Pn nohow. You can b back Sol Sly now. reckon he won’t be ‘fe now te tell what his papers was, and who hired him to put them where he did. When that’s done you fve our lied-on friend a boost out of that box. And Jack Beunce here kin tell you the whole ” | keen ee em i RR Detective Dick. ee Harry Spencer*s eyes lit up with a new light at this ade sition from his young friend, for he felt y the disgrace of his position. During the whole day he had kept his eyes persistently from that part of the court-room where sat the vailed lady. He seemed to know instinctively what face yp ~ 4g close — -- ee ter some busy whispering among the lawyers, Dick’s advice was taken, and Solomon Sly recalled, This individual was quite crestfallen at the turn events had taken, and well disposed to turn State's evidence. He acknowledged now that he had re- ceived the package from Williamson, and that he believed it contained counterfeit notes, After asking the protection of the court, he pro- ceeded to make a clean breast of his connection with the forgers,and how he had been engaged by them as one of the distributors of their counterfeit money. He knew nothing further of their operations, and knew none of the gang except Williamson, who had kept himseJf well supplied. it this juncture, without taking further evidence the attorney for the defense rested his case, and gave it in a short but peat - speech to the jury. The latter body did not leave their box, and need- ed but a minute’s consultation to pronounce the prisoner “ not guilty.” There was a moment of excited whispering in the room, and faces and hands of warm sympathy were extended to Har Spencer as he left the dock a free man, after his most perilous struggle witha dark conspiracy against him. He proceeded as rapidly as sympathizing friends woul rmit to the place occupied by the vailed lady. Here he seated himself, taking her hand in an earnest clasp, and whispering a few words in her ear, which she seemed to return with equal earnest- ness. But a new turn was now given to the attention of the court by the voice of the judge, who asked: ‘**And now that the court stands adjourned from this trial, will Mr. Bounce—to whom we have been referred by our youthful witness—satisfy the curios- ity of us allin giving an account of how these mys- terious forgers were captured?”’ “TI shall be happy to do so as far as lies in m wer,” answel ack. ‘* Our young friend, Dic arling, knows more about the case than any other rson, as he has all the credit of having detected he rogues. But I can give you an idea of the affair.”’ All eyes were turned with new interest upon Dick, who occupied a rather prominent position, having coolly seated himself immediately upon the adjourn- ment of the court. Looks were wasted upon our in- dependent youth, however. With his chin in his two hands and elbows on knees, he listened with a sort of careless interest to the account given by the de- tective. Jack made a long but very interesting story of it and wound up with a warm tribute of complimen to Dick. ‘**S’pose we drop all that,’’ said this latter person- age, impatiently. ‘*l’ve got a bit more of work cut out for you, Mr. Bounce, afore this thing gits out.” “* What is that?’’ demanded Jack, quickly. * We've only got the makers of this queer money. Now, there’s half a dozen pushers of it in this here town, ‘sides SolSly. I kin put my fingers on four of them in a minit’s warnin’, Git a force of four or five perlice at wunst, and come with me. There ain'ta ae to be lost. Ifthe newspapers git it once, the rg up." ick sprung from his seat as Jack came promptly forward in response to his summons. On passing from the court he stopped a moment beside Harry Spencer, taking his hand, and saying in a lowered voice: ‘* Meet me at the lady's entrance to the Conti- nental, say "bout three o’clock this afternoon. Don’t miss. There's bizuess afloat.”’ Harry had not got over his surprise at ths ap- pointment ere Dick and his confrere were gone. Their raid was successful, Within two hours afterward four others were added to the list of prisoners under arrest. CHAPTER XXV. LOVE WAITS NO MORE. Harry Spsncer has somehow found favor in the captious eyes of Mrs. Andrews, It may be because her dau rhter has communicated certain discoveries, or beliefs, PaRBPCENS the mystery of his birth which have changed her opinion. At all events, she has discovered that business demands her presence else- ee and hopes that the young people will excuse er. They excuse her very readily, and seem quite capable of passing an hour pleasantly by their own two sweet selves. , “To think of that man having visited me! And of his even daring to make love to me!” she said, with some fierceness of tone. “* And of his double-dealing with me; so fair to my face, and yet so treacherous.” “But is it not too dreadful to think of” she cried, nif ia mf ‘**T cannot but pity the man, despite his crimi actions. That any one I have known should be the inmate of a prisou!”’ “I very narrowly escaped being one,” and Harry edged still nearer. “You did that,” she replied, her warm, young face turning with earnest emotion to him. ‘“ But that would have been different!” ‘“‘In what way different?’’ he demanded, his eyes meeting hers with «n entranced glance. “What a queer vein of talk we have drifted into. I scarcely know how. Let us change the subject. Play some , Mr. Speneer.”” And starting up she opened the piano, turning a very reay face away from his eyes, a a a re A mm te ae oe et eee “What shall it be?” he asked. **Oh, what you will.” “Then we will go back to our old lesson of ‘Love Waits.’ And you shall sing it with me this time."’ * Always that old lesson,’’ poutingly. **Do you not like it?" “Oh, one gets tired of old lessons, you know. However, I will try it. Just this once.’ He smiled, and struck the piano, playing a soft prelude to the air. He sung the first verse over, she remaining silent. ‘* But I thought you were going to join me?” “IT wanted to catch the air, shall try the next verse with you.”’ His voice rung out with a full melody, now softene:! and enriched by her sweet tones, till the whole rooin thrilled with music. ** She is as winsome as the summer rose, Ah! false was he that painted love’s eyes blind! The _ are paled when those bright orbs un- close, Love waits no more when love's soft heart grows kind, “Love waits no more!’* The room rung and vibrated with the soft refrain. His eyes met hers Mey a look that seemed to say that love no more waa nd. He rose suddenly, took her hand, and led her to the sofa. ‘* Love waits no more,”’ he repeated, his voice full ‘f a thrilling earnestness that was instinct with music to her ears. ‘‘It has waited till tha clouds should pass away and the sun should rise. One cloud still remains, dear Helen, but my love can wait no longer the dear assurance that it is not given in vain.”’ “There is no cloud between you and me," she said, laying her soft hand confid nely in his. - at shall I understand by this?’ he cried pas- sionately, their faces so near that her flo\ ing hair brushed his cheek. ‘I have not hoped and trusted in vain? My love has met its true response in your heart?” ‘Love need wait no more,’ was her smiling an- ener as she turned her face half away to hide a rosy ush, ‘Ah! that divine old lesson!’ he exclaimed warmly, his arm gliding around her waist, and draw- ing her closer to his side. ‘‘ Helen, de: Helen! you have made me so supremely happy to-day. Look et me, dear! I cannot to have your eyes turned away.’ She turned her face, blushes and all, to his, so sweet and warm with love that filled its every line, that it was more by unconscious attraction than by volition that their lips touched and pressed ea: }y other, in young leve’s first, long, clinging kiss, | And sti they sat, tender words, warm looks, an’? soft kisses eking out that sweet conversing of affev- tion so stupid to the world at large, so full of divine meaning to the happy couple interested. And thus we leave them, having at last four words to speak what they had long since told ear other in looks and tones—the very happiest leve’s under that day’s sun, CHAPTER XXVI., MOTHER AND SON, At the appointed hour Harry Spencer was at the spot designated by Dick, the ladies’ entrance to the ontinental Hotel. He had not long to wait. His youthful friend soon hove in sight, accompanied by the detective, Jacek Pounce. ‘Tam glad to see you,"’ declared the latter, heart- ily. “Ihave not had an opportunity to congratu- late you on your fortunate escape.” “Wor which I have ym y to thank you and our bee ae young friend here,” answered Har- ry, gra ‘ * You did haven narrer squeak,” admitted Dick. ‘*But bless you, I was bound to pull you through. But this ain't to the p'int; s’pose we h’ist ourselves up-stairs.”” “What are we todo there?’ asked Harry, euri- ously. - Goin’ to callon a lady friend, who's sorter anxi- ous ow vou.” In a few minutes more they were ushered into the presence of Mrs. Milton, who sat expecting them, Harry turned his eyes with astartof warm inter- est upon the sad, sweet face of the lady before him. ” I not see the in court yesterday?” he asked. “Yes. I would have been there to-day had I beew able. This gentleman has informed me of your fortunate escape from the conspiracy against you.” Her voice seemed to stir new chords of feelin; within his breast. He , ag ntly pale as he has- tily “ aig his eyes fixed with an eager intensity upon her face. She seemed no less affected by his presence. eyes turned inquiringly to Dick. ‘Got the medal I guv ye?’’ he asked. **'Yes,”’ she replied, producing it. ““Why, that is my medal!"’ exclaimed Harry, im surprise. ‘* Where did you get it?” **That’s too long a story to be gone through now,’” answered Dick. “I gotit. That's enough to begin on.” ‘**May I not repeat your question?” came in trem- howe: 2% Seg from the lady. an Where did you get this m ’ “It has always been mine,” confessed Harry, with kindling eyes. “‘I do not remember the time inp. which I have not had it. I elung to it through all of a hard life.” **'Your life has been a hard one, then?” “Yes. M optty ears were passed in the hands of a dreadtul ol Npanime: who used me brutally EOMME OOO KS (Eo) Her