Beadle's New York Dime Library, Vol. XVIII, No. 232 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

-— 14 — ‘‘T cannot tell; I may be back here before sunset.” ‘* Suppose I have some message to leave ot ou?” **Do it in the shape of the cipher I gave you yesterday. In the mean time, be very care- ful: you are maneuvering against two desper- ate men and one desperate woman; all are cunning and the chances are ten to one you will be outwitted.” With some other words of advice, Orson Oxx bade his friend good-by, and, a few min- utes later was speeding toward the metropolis, behind the engine of the local train. He bad used some slight but justifiable de- ception toward Donald Marvin. He did not expect to go to New York. One reason was, he was confident that the two ladies for whom he was hunting were not there. He did not believe Jake Calkins had gone thither. But he was anxious to leave the impression that he had started for the metropolis, and con- sequently was not likely to be seen among the Pines again for a considerable time. He more than suspected that spies were watching his movements while in this secluded section. Besides he could not bunt well in company. He wished to attack this problem untram- meled by the presence of any one. His move, therefore, it will be understood was intended to place him on fighting-ground in his ‘“‘ war-paint and feathers.” That is, be intended to take up the task ina form and manner which would not handicap bim in the least. While sitting in the car, be quietly made some changes in his persona! appearance, which would prevent his being recognized by any one whom he had encountered in Farmingdale, lt required some skill to do this, but he ef- fected ib, There was more to do, but he could afford to defer that. At Freehold, he left the cars and went down the main street. His first proceeding was to dispatch his letter to the Register of Wills in Philadelphia, con- cluding that this town was preferable to Farm- ingdale for that purpose. Then he entered a large stere, where he pur- chased a flapping straw hat. From another he procured a long linen duster and finally he completed his outfit. He then tied bis extra clothing in a red- cotton handkerchief, which he carried in his hand, He had on a pair of cheap spectacles and sauntered toward the depot. Just before he reached it, he came face to face with Jake Calkins, CHAPTER XXI. A SECLUDED HOME. From what has been told, the readers have traced the course of Cora and Eva Hildreth for a considerable distance. As we have intimated, they left New York, in the manner named, and with scarcely any interruption, proceeded straight to the village ef Farmingdale, New Jersey. They parted with Mr. Ward Hildreth at Monmouth Janction, which, as many know, is the station where the change is made by those who desire to leave the main line and go toward the sea-shore. The cuauivg Cora Hildreth understood the situation very clearly. She ku+w the exceedingly high stakes for which toey were playing, and she was deter- mined t« win, ‘My wort,” she reflected, “is to keep Eva out of tne way for a few days or weeks, Ill do that »ven if I have to kill her.” Ther+ was a flash in the cold gray eyes, as she muttered this terrible resolution, such as might «ve lit up the baleful countenance of the Marquise de Brinvilliers, when she looked upon ibe appalling effects of her ‘‘ Succession Powowers.” Cor» knew that Swank and Wagsnaff were hove ‘ug on the outer walls, so to speak, of this vie molival couspiracy, and would render all the heip they could, Bui she understood also that Orson Oxx, the Ma vi Lron, was supposed to be taking a band in! Sne aed never seen him to her knowledge, bu. -» ad beard wonderful stories of his skill ho wigaty strength, Orson © a The latter she dreaded less than his mental acumen, which it was stated was not less phenomenal. Little did she dream that the bandsome young man who was leaning against the mail- box on the lamp-post which stands at the junc- tion of Broadway and Courtlandt street, was the identical detective whom she held in such dread. The encounter between him and the two pickpockets had made known to the latter the identity of their terrific conqueror. They gave the hint to Ward Hildreth, who in turn made it known to Cora. ‘‘ There is no doubt we shall have to outwit him in order to succeed,’ was the conclusion of this remarkable woman, as she left the cars at Farmingdale, accompanied by Eva Hil- dreth, Had she been alone, the bad woman would have taken measures to hide ber footprints from the moment she left New York. But she was aware that could scarcely be done, when both wore deep mourning, and could be traced so easily. At the point where they left the cars, her knowledge of character enabled her to select Jake Calkins as the one most likely to meet her requirements. He proved a ductile tool indeed. She passed bim a liberal fee, and gave him to understand that she and her companion depended upon him to prevent any one else discovering where they were. Eva Hildreth listened to the cunning plans arranged between the two while riding through the Pines, and her frank, truthful nature re- volted. She protested more than once, but Cora assured her that the safety of her uncle de- pended on what she termed this justifiable de- ception. “Tt is only for a short time,” said the con- spirator; ‘“‘ only a day or two at the most.” Thereupon Eva bit her lips and held her peace. Calkins first took the two ladies to his own house, where his wife, a vinegary, hard-work- ing helpmeet, was the only one whom they en- countered. There they staid the remainder of the day and night, but the active brain of the con- spirator led her to decide upon another change. She was pleased to find Jake Calkins a reprobate after her own beart in business of this sort. His wife was equally tractable when money was the motive power applied to ber convic- tions, Jake Calkins had an older brother living some three or more miles in the direction of Freehold. He also possessed a keen-witted, sharp, un- scrupulous wife, though her husband Mart was slow and heavy of movement and intellect. But he was completely subjugated by his wife Peggy. Money, in her case, never failed to make wrong appear right. The next day, when Jake Calkins rode into Farmingdale, he was directed to stay there all day watching fur any suspicious characters. If any such appeared, Jake was to mislead them, and then hasten to give warning to Cora, We have shown how well he performed his part of the contract, Juke knew that more than one person bad seen him leave the village with the trunk and two passengers. Sam Turner bad kept bearders on one or two occasions, though the attractions of bis house, in the centre of the pine region, were being gradually overshadowed by those of the new seaside resorts rapidly opening along the coast, When Jake rode into Farmingdale on the day succeeding the arrival of the ladies he carried a telegram directed to Ward Hildreth, Philadelpbia, and to this effect: * Work night and day, Losenot anhour or minute. We cannot iemain here long.”’ This having been transmitted, Jake Calkins, in accordance with instructions, went back home and removed the ladies and their luggage to the home of Mr. Martin Calkins, a consider- able distance away. This was quite a task, and it consumed the better part of the day. The afternoon was well gone when Jake drove into Farmingdale again, tied his horse, and waited and watched. As directed, he inquired at the telegraph of- DEX, the Man of Iron. fice, where a reply was received from the dis- patch he had forwarded. This he placed in his pocket, and then, im the most innocent manner imaginable, agreed to take Orson Oxx and Donald Marvin out to the house where he had taken the ladies the pre- vious day. While the storm was raging, he hastened back to his own home, and remained until next morning. He ought to have seen Cora, who vend." anxiously expecting him, but the storm was too violent for him to attempt to drive such a distance at night. On the morrow, however, he went to bis brother’s very early, before indeed any of the folks were up, excepting his brother. Jake hurriedly made known the situation, and agreed on his plan of action. The sealed telegram was given to Mart who promised to hand it to the ladies at Lreakfast time. Immediately after meal time, Mart was to drive to Freebold, with the team of Jake. Jake bimself was to proceed to that point in the cars, where he would leave them, while Mart, who had some business to look after, would go on to New York, with the ticket which his brother would hand over to him. Jake would drive his own team back to his. brother’s house, where he would hold a long intervfew with Miss Cora Hildreth. This necessitated quite a long walk by Jake at the beginning, but he was able to tramp much further if necessary. From what bas been sai¢, it will be seen that Jake Calkins projected quite an elaborate and lengthy scheme for the purpose of throw- ing his enemies off the scent. “They’ll be back in Farmingdale this morn- ing looking for me,” was his conclusion, ‘‘and I jedge that’ll be a healthy time for me to lo- cate in some other latitude.” He was certainly wise in tbat respect. Jake carried out his own programme as ori- ginally fixed in bis mind. When he reached Freehold, his brother was. at the depot, awaiting him. The ticket was passed over and Mart notified him he would find bis team awaiting bim at the hotel. ‘Did you hand that lady her telegraph dis- patch?’ ‘*Great thunder!” exclaimed Mart; “I'll be darned if I ever thought about it!” ‘ Let me have it and I'll give it to her.” Mart began hurriedly searching for it, while the train was waiting, and finally said: ‘Why it’s in my other coat of course; Peggy’ll give it to you—Thunderation ag'iu.” Just then the engine whistled and Mart nearly dislocated his neck in getting into the car Jake had no hesitation in holding this inter- view with his brother on the platform of the station, because he knew that neitber of tbe two men whom he feared was present. A few minutes later Jake lourged off to the principal hotel, where ha spent more time than he should bave done, While on his way down the street, he met Orson Oxx, the Man of Iron. CHAPTER XXII. WHAT BEFELL DONALD MARVIN, In the mean time Donald Marvin became absorbed in “ business.” He was at a Joss to perceive a suit:ble mo- tive for the detective leaving him to go to New York. ‘‘There is no reason to suspect any one has gone in that direction besides this awkward country huik, Jake Calkins, and what bas Or- son Oxx to do with him ? ‘There must be scme other cause.” Aud just there Donald Marvin hit it, But the lover could not hope to gain any- thing by sitting idly on the porch of the hotel while the hours slipped by. And yet he did accomplish something very important, indeed. A rough, honest-looking old fellow en- sconced himself beside him, and seemed dis- posed to be sociable, If ever there was an honest countenance, Marvin was satisfied this old fellow possesscd it. With po little skill the young lawyer cross- examined him on the matter which was close to his heart, He knew Jake Calkins very well, and had known him for years, (El oVoxe) <€om “S (E(0)