Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 561: Deadwood Dick — page 2: what you’re looking at

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

and -cordin .2) oJ the stranger with the grip paid no attention to them. He was a fine-looking fellow, not far past four- and-twenty, round faced, particularly keen- eyed, and his hair and mustache were of dark- brown hue, He possessed a imost graceful physique, and was evidently a man of strength and agility. He was elegantly dressed, wore a _ sealskin coat, silk hat, and carried a massive gold-headed cane, Evidently he was a person who had ample means, if, indeed, he was not rich. Not until the majority of the passengers had left the vicinity did this gentleman move away. Hailing a cab, he entered it, and directed the driver to take him to No. — Beacon street, which was done. | Paying his fare, the gentleman entered the narrow hallway of what was a tenement-house, and ascended to the fourth floor, where, after traversing several narrow, dimly-lighted hall- ways, he knocked at the door of a room, The invitation to ‘‘Comein,”’ was promptly accepted, and the stranger found himself ina meagerly-furnished room, where an elderly gen- tleman of rather gruff aspect was seated at a writing-desk, engaged in smoking a grimy pipe. He was past fifty years of age, and not over repossessing in appearance, although his high orehead denoted that he wasa man of intellect, and bis sharp gray eyes bespoke subtle cunning wer of penetration. ‘*T have the honor of meeting Mr, William Donovan, I believe?” the stranger said, inviting himself to a seat. ‘* That’s my name, sir!” was the reply. ‘‘ And ours—” ** fs Richard Bristol. Iam a detective.” “Ah!” and Mr, Donovan surveyed his visitor more sharply. ‘*Not of the Boston squad, are you? ‘*Oh! no—of the United States. you are a lawyer, sir?” ‘* Exactly!” and the respondent brightened up, in evident anticipation of a fee. ‘‘ Is there anything I can do for you, sir?” ‘‘T am of the opinion that there is, As I un- derstand it, you were, some six years ago, clerk in the city recorder’s office of this city.” ‘“ Exactly.” ** Did you have ary thing to do with the re- of marriages ?” ‘““T did, That was in my department,” $6 ng er Are you g at remembering names, Mr. Donovan—that is peculiar names?” ‘‘T have a remarkably retentive memory, I flatter myself,” **Do you remember of ever having heard of the name of Clarice Cool in connection with = ap at hace tne: during your term of clerk- ship Mr. Donovan reflected a moment. **T think I recall the name,” he replied, ‘‘I can soon find out, if it is important you should know.” ! ‘*Tt is of the utmost importance!” Bristol de- clared, ‘‘ and I will pay you for any inforination you can furnish me! This seemed to be an all-important incentive to the lawyer, for he immediately reached for a large book, at the same time adding: ‘‘ During my clerkship I always made it a point to keep a private memorandum of all li- censes granted, as I proposed eventually to enter the legal profession, and this memorandum might be of great value to me, as a matter of reference, you see,” He then referred to the big alphabetized vol- I .believe ume, After some research, he said: “ Yes, here is tbe name of Clarice Cool. The ‘license was granted on the tenth day of January just five years ago, I remember the circum- -stances perfectly well, now L come to think of it, uainted with the bride- as [ was intimately a ave since done business oom-applicant, and or him.” ‘‘ What was his name?” Donovan hesitated, and looked his dandifiel “visitor over, from head to foot. ‘*] do not know that I am inclined to answer ‘that = ay pl he replied, *‘ until I know your motive in asking. The family is a very aristo- ‘cratic one, and don’t naturally want detectives ‘nosing into their business,” ‘**That matters not. There are many aristo- ‘cratic families’ secrets that should be nosed out. I should judge by your dress, and the condition ‘of your quarters e, that your professional receipts will not make yourich. If you see fit ‘to stand in with me in working up a very inter- esting and complicated case, I see that you ‘receive eno in a shert time to keep you Deadwood Dick in Boston. comfortably for a year without raising your finger.” Donovan's eyes glistened greedily, but he made no immediate reply. So Bristol, (tbe far-famed Deadwood Dick, Junior) continued: ‘On tbe other hand, it will be very easy for me to consult the recorder’s archives, and find out that which I wish to know ” ‘* How did you find out that I was ever re- corder’s clerk?’ Donovan cautiously inquired. ‘*From a gentleman I met on the cars, en route from New York,” was the reply. ‘From your remarks, [ should infer that your arrival in Boston was quite recently?” ‘** Less than two hours ago.” ‘* And your business here is of considerable magnitude?” ‘* Well, yes, somewhat.” ** Then, what will you giva me to fully enter into your service and plans, and assist you in every way in my power. I am, of course, better posted than you about town, and if I can make more money out of you than out of my business here, [am your man!” Deadwood Dick reflected. ‘Pll give you twenty-five dollars a week at first,” he said, finally, ‘‘and when we have won the case, one thousand—-half of my own profits!” ‘* It?s a bargain,” Donovan said, smiting the desk with his fist, **Sail ahead now, and tell me what you want to know and what racket you are up to.” ‘The first question is—who married Clarive Cool?” ‘*George Glenroy.” ‘*Do you know any of the circumstances of their meeting and subsequent marriage?” ‘** None to speak of. I believe their first meet- ing was at Martha’s Vineyard, where Glenroy was @ hotel clerk.” ‘*Then how comes the title of Honorable, which he now affixes to his name?” ‘That was acquired since the marriage, through the prominent office he has held.” ‘* You said the family was aristocatic?” ‘*' Yes. They move amid the upper-tens of society,” . ** Glenroy is rich, I suppose?” “ aint ‘bey. L understand.” ‘*In what kind of business did he acquire his wealth?” * Well, his wifgybrought him a fortune, as I was informed, and he’s been a stock ulator on the strength of this, That’s all I know about it,” ‘** Where do the Glenroys live?” ** Number — Shawmut avenue,” ** Any children?” ‘*Mrs, Glenroy, by a first marriage, has a daughter, now eighteen, Her name is Gertie. Mr. Glenroy, by his first marriage, has two sons, aged twenty and twenty-three, Their names are Gil and Jake, Jake, the younger of the two, is an imbecile; but [ll give you a tip that he’s smarter than they think he is. And now, sir, ’ve told you all I know, and would like to hear from you, Thén, perhaps, I can post you further.” CHAPTER II. THE COOL CASE. WELL, Mr. Donovan,” Dick replied, ‘I am hardly prepared to state the real nature of m errand in Boston, until I am _ better ; Suffice it to say, for the present, that it concerns a great robbery, and possibly the sacrifice of a buman life, As for the present, rest assured that I will give you all necessary information as soon as I am sure I’m on the right trail. Iam. as you know, yet unfamiliar with Boston, and must myself investigate before making any de- cided moves, In the mean time, keep to your- self what I have told you, for it will be to your advantage todoso, Here are ten dollars, and more will follow when I see you next, ‘* By the way, do you know of any party with whom Mr. Glenroy has extensive business trans- actions?” ‘* No, Ido not. I know but very little of his affairs, except as I have stated.” ‘* Very well; [ will see you to-morrow, very likely, so I will now bid you good-day.” The detective took his departure, and hailing a cab, was driven to the Revere House, where he registered, and then vequasted to be shown to Room 206, in which, he stated, he had a friend stopping. | Linching tiipapertment, the fouyd hirnself in the presence of a plainly, rather poorly dressed young lady, whose ty, however, both of face and figure, was beyond question. She had a fair, round face, blonde complex- ion and hazel eyes, combined with a figure of sylph-like grace. She arose with a smile, and expectant ex- pression, when Deadwood Dick entered. ‘* Your face tells me you have some news, Mr. Bristol,” she said, “I hope it is good news?” “Well, in fact, I have not bad time to colleet much of any sort,” was the reply. ‘ But I have established the fact that your mother is married again, t» one George Cage & Further than that T cannot positively say. But, having struck the trail, do not fear but what I will pur- sue the matter to the end. You enlisted me, a stranger, in your cause, and I am just the man to see that the wrong is righted, regardless of consequences to myself. Of covrse the way is dark, as yet, but, don’t let that discourage you. Light always follows darkness!” **Oh! [hopeso! To find ny dear old father, I would go to the furthest corner of the world, had I the means, But, as you know, I am poor, and, out of my very helplessness have accepted of your charitable kindness. I have grave fears,~ however, that ill bas befallen my poor father, else he would have communicated with me long ago,’ ‘* Take hope, Miss Cool. We are yet young on the war-path, in this particular instance, but, ere long, we will know more, perhaps of an encouraging nature, I am so interested in the case that I will prosecute the search vigor- ously, until I get at the facts. Do you know how much money your father had with him when be left Leadville, en route for Boston?” ‘* I think he must have had fully ten thousand dollars. He left me two bundred, to get along with until his return.” Yes, Now, let’s see. You say the amount absconded with, was nearly baif a million?” “Yes. What with my father’s money. that which he held in trust for other pe total would amount to fully half a Deadwood Dick reflected. 6 ee ‘*Do you know of any persons in Boston, with whom your father wag acquainted, out- side of his wife?” m “Only one. His name was’ Moses Mumb, a Jew. He used to be a peddler in the West, but acquired considerable wealth, came Kast and started into brokerage business, I believe—that is as a pawnbroker. He was a very nice gen- tleman, and often stopped witb us. My father and he were great friends; and often spent pleasant hours together, Mr. Mumb was of the better class of Hebrews, well educated, and shrewd. When he left us, we felt we bad lost a friend, becuse he was so lively and entertain- ing.” mr I should like to meet this man,” Dick said, ‘‘ Do vou know his address?” ‘‘ Not his business address, but when he came | East, he intended to put up at the Adams House, Perhaps you could find out there.” “Very likely; Boston is not as big as New York, and I got around —_ pretty fairly. If. ou will kindly give me a letter of introduction him, perhaps that will facilitate matters in our inve.tigation—I hope so, at any rate.” _ ** You shall have it, certainly,” Cora replied, ‘“My name to a letter of introduction will in- sure youa hearty welcome, as Mr, Mumb seemed to like me very mucb.” She went to her traveling-trunk and took out a small writing-case, and within a few minutes Deadwood Dick was in possession of the follow- ing: ‘“M . Mocrs Mums:— ‘* Dear Srr:—This introduces to you Mr. Richard Bristol, in whom you can place perfect confidence, and I hope you will give bim all information pos- sible e are in search of my father, who has very mysteriously disappeared. * Yours truly, ** Cora Coon, “Formerly of Leadville, Col.” ‘‘That’s O. K.!” Dick said, after reading the note. ‘I will visit Mr. Mumb, immediately. After that, Mrs. Glenroy.” ‘‘ Where does mamma live, Mr. Bristol? I would like to see her.” ‘Not for the world, Miss Cool. 1f you wish me to go on with this case, it must not be known that you are in Boston, otherwise, harm might come to you. I wish to have entire charge of the investigation.” vel ou arrange it that ‘‘ Very well. But cannot I can see my sister, Gertie? I would dearly like to see her.” ‘‘That would be ruinous, at present. she was foolish enough to run away with her mother, she is not worthy of your pen 4 affection. Leave all to me, Miss Cool, and I will fetch things around, ship-shape s : ~ COMIEDOOKS