Beadle's New York Dime Library, Vol. XVIII, No. 232 — page 3: what you’re looking at

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

= ——O, f ee a me a + ee ferry -boat was to leave in the course of several minutes. Orson Oxx learned, this without the loss of a gecond’s time. No sum of money would have induced him to miss the boat on which they intended to go back. Although he had beena “shadow” only a short time, he had recognized before thir, the necessity of carrying with him the means of making an almost instantaneous change in his personal appearance; and it had served him so well in many cases, that he was always pre- pared to adopt the artifice without delay. After leaving the ferry-boat, he vanished from general view for several minutes—not more than three at the most, but when he reap- ared, his own mother would not have owned im. The handsome Derby hat had been remorse- lessily thrown away and was replaced by a brown soft felt whose brim was turned up all the way around. His hands were pushed deep down in his trowsers pockets, like a country- man, visiting the metropolis for the first time. His coat and vest were the same, but the diamond, gold watch and chain were securely hidden about his per:on. Whereas his face was smoothly shaven before, he now wore a luxuri- ant mustache, rather scraggly at the ends and of a decided yellowish color. The clear pene- trating eyes looked forth through a pair of spec- tacles mounted on silver, Toa skillful anatomist, it would have been impossible for Orson Oxx to conceal his magni- ficent figure and development, but an ordinary observer, in the night time, would not have sus- that he was such a matchless athlete. The ferry-boat was in the act of leaving the slip an? it required some active work on the part of Orson Oxx to reach it before the lat tico- work gates were closed. It took but a minute or two to discover that his three men were standing closa together at tha front of the boat and were doubtless ex- changing confidences. As there were other ngers around, it was easy for Orson to place himself at the elbow of the group, without awakening re cion, but the three seemed to have finished their con- sultations and they had not a great deal to say that tie eavesdropper could catch. That little, however, was extremely important. ‘*T cuess this is about the spot,” muttered the old man. when they had reached a point near the middle of the stream. ‘She did it well,” said Swank, who was doubtless on the lookout for the leap at the time it was made. ** She’s a daisy,” was the characteristic com- ment of Wagsnaff, both of whom were so close to the man in disguise that in the faint light he distinctly recogn their faces. The conspirators now ceased conversing and Swank turned his head and looked in the coun- tenance of the bandsome detective. He gazed intently for a full minute, as though he was studying his features. The ordeal was a trying one to any person, but Orson Oxx bore it perfectly. He continued ee ee oe a em we ee + eee es SS rr a ee ee Ce ee C— | ' — sume because he has some good reason for pre- ferring this.” The detective showed a dangerous confidence in his disguise, by actually following the old — in the ’bus and taking a seat nearly oppo- site, More than that, he took his dime and passed it up to the driver, with his own fare. It was a perilous thing to do, but brazen ef- frontery and downright cheek often succeed, where merit fails. Orson was convinced that the old rzan held no suspicion that he was pipiog him. In order to carry out his plan success:"ly, it Orson Oxx, the Man of Iron. was all-important that the detective shu«' di- | vert suspicion from himself. If he should fol- low the other out of the stage, he would be like- ly to suspect him; so that risk was too great. If Orson should keep his seat in the ’bus after the other bad left, in all probability he would lose his game; therefore the only safe course was to depart first. And yet, as will be seen, that wculd have been equally liable to prove a fatal error, for, if the vehicle continued several blocks Orson might lose sigbt of his man. The true course was to go just before the elder passenger did, but, how to determine the preci-e Moment was the question. Orson began studying bim attentively, and gcon saw him turn and peer out of the ’»us win- dow, in a way which showed he was looking for landmarks that would tell him how far he had gone up Broadway. ‘* He is close to the placa where he means to leave,” was the instant conclusion of the shad- w. ‘It’s just the time for me to withdraw; I can keep the stage in sight for several blocks, with- out attracting undue attention to myself.” S80 the Man of Iron reached up and pulled the strap. The old gentleman partly rose as if he meant to get out also, but glancing hurriedly through the windows at the side, he concluded to ride a little further. Orson hoped he would follow, for, inasmuch as the detective had taken the initiative, he could not be suspected of shadowing the other; but the latter kept his seat. ‘‘He isn’t going far,” was the correct con- clusion of the detective, who hurried to the ll mines and immediately struck into a brisk walk. Just one block ahead—at the corner of Pear! —(the detective having left at Duane.) the old fellow stepped out, walked to the side of the street, turned down Pearl, in the direction of the East River, at a lively pace, Orson not far bebind bim. The singular contest continued until Chatham street was reached. Down this the old chap swung along, until he had passed several cross streets and alleys. Into one of the latter be turned, now walking slowly. ‘‘There’s where he is staying,” muttered Orsov, hanging back as far as was prudent. He saw his game stop under a lamp- post, look around, and then continue his walk at a deliber- 3 —_-———2. and began swimming with the assurance of Captain Webb or Boyton. Indeed it was extraordinary that, incom- bered as she was with her clothing, she should make such progress through the water. The New Brunswick was moving so rapidly that, before it could come to a halt, she was be- yond sight in the darkness, ‘‘Where is Tom Tit?’ she muttered, after swimming a bundred feet or more. She ceased her efforts. and, supporting her self motionless peered around yer io the gloom, “i+ promised to follow the ferry-boat closely and tu he on the lookout—ab !” At that moment she caught the sound of care on her right. ony she begen swimming in that sree tion. ‘* Heigho! where are you?” The exclamation and inquiry came ‘rom the boat and were uttered in a guarded onder- tone. ‘‘ Here! this way, blockhead!” cal'ed back the young woman. A moment later a small boat came to view through tue gloom and rapidly approached the swimmer. It contained two persons, one only of whom was using the oars. a “ that you, Tom Tit?’ asked the woman. ** It ia, “Who is with you?’ ‘* Bilkens, my pard.” The answer seemed to satisfy the young wo- man, who, with a skillful sweep of her arms, placed herself beside the boat which was near- ing her. The other occupant seemed to feel as thouvh there was no special call for his services just then, and he continued to maintain a motioniess position in the stern of the smal! craft. He allowed his companion Tom Tit to luy down his oars and act the part of rescuer. Tom Tit was a man of such small stature as really to be a dwarf, but he was very broad across the shoulders and had long arms of pro- digious strength. here was ne better boatman around the har- bor of New York. Indeed it was necessary that he should be un- usually skillful with the oars, for he was one of the most desperate river ; irates that infest the waters about the met lis. His companion was another river pirate, fully as skillful, daring and more powerful than be. He was a huge negro, who had been obliged to flee for his life from New Orleans, when but a mere boy. He was fully six feet high, active as a panther, strong as a borse and afraid to take norisk. He bore the characteristic name of Riseup Bilkens. Tom Tit Tompkins reached down his hand and, catching bold of the small gloved palm of the lady. lifted ber into the boat, as though she was an infant. ** Miss Hildreth, — look wet,” remarked the dwarf, with a gige e as he gave her a seat. ‘*T don’t feel very comfortable,” she an- swered. ‘*There’s your cloak.” looking steadily in the direction of the metro- | ate gait. He yointed to a bundle, which the negro polis, as though entirely oblivious of everything ‘‘He didn’t see me; the eld hawk is close to | handed her. else. his perch.” ‘‘Thank you,” said the young woman to the : He was convinced that Swank did not know bim, and was indulging in the scrutiny withcut really suspecting his identity. By and by the scoundrel turned back and said with alaugh: teen wouldn't mind taking a bath myself to- ght. “Here's a good place—right in front of the wh<el,” suggested his pal with a laugh. ‘ Ron they were silent, all three smoking ard. In the gloom of the alley it was necessary to proceed with the utmost caution. Here and there figures were stealing along, but they were few in number, In a few moments the old man stopped in front of a low frame house, of good exterior, and which stood a few feet back from the narrow walk. He pulled a handle, and the jingle of the bel! was plainly beard by Orson where he stood. Immediately an upper blind was pushed open, i li CI A CL A EL African. Hastily unrolling the garment, she flung it : about her shoulders and said: ‘* This is an improvement; you were late.” ** Not much.” ‘* More than you ought to have been.” “We started out right behind the boat, but it went faster than I calculated on.” “T thought you were a good waterman.” “Pll give you my bloomin’ eyes if you show me a better.” ‘ . hae ) wc cCOMICHDOOKsS.com i et No doubt they had reached a full understand- | and a lady looked out. “Then you ought to have been quicker; bow- ty ing and there was no cause for any further re- ‘Ts that you, father?” ever, never mind about that; it isn’t worth dis- a ference to the drama in which it was des- ‘“ Yes,” was uttered in the same guarded | cussing. | suppose you mean to rest on your 7 tined they should all be actors. voice. oars until the ferry-boat comes back and picks ‘*T’ll pipe them,” was the conclusion of Orson “Mrs, Johnson will let you in.” me up.” | Oxx. As the lady at the window drew back her} The New Brunswick at this moment was 2 | head, Orson caught a glimpse of the interior of | standing still and the twinkling of its lights 3 CHAPTER IIL. the room. ee eu be mn through the darkness. * That glimpse revealed two important fac min e) uty, Tom Tit To S | THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. Phers wee 4 couple of young ladies there. | dipped his oars and began rowing seabnne: 6 WHEN the trio of conspirators stepped off the Both were beautiful. 6 boat was headed toward the New York i boat the Man of Iron was close behind them. The one who drew aside the curtain and | side and spun through the water at a rai» fost They spoke several times, but in the noise and | Jooked out was the identical young woman who | which — to surpass that made by one cf he confusion the detective could not catch a word. | jeaped off the ferry -boat but a short time before. | the steam ferry-boats in crossing. bgp fom oe West street, te - aad dd — — — pe ne pe was sitting in prise of the officer, the three separa withou e stern, gloom ooking on and listening. | a word or the least halt. is CHAPTER IV. He did not Semerent any original obverention Me Luff Swank turned to the left, Hank Wag- A REMARKABLE EXPLOIT. | of his own. He was not invited to favor the eC ae snaff to the the right, while Ward Hildret Orson Oxx had acted npon a well-grounded | others with his views and until that was done, a ty walked rapidly in the direction of Broadway. suspicion, with the receult of proving that | like most of his race, be knew enough to holt 5 ‘Tl take the old gentleman,” was the con- | the lady who leaped from the ferry-boat New | his peace. ’ clusion of Oxx. Brunswick was not drowned at all. lt was a strange situation for a defenseless OE Several times Ward Hildreth glanced behind What stronger proof could there be than the | young lady. | Sere him while hurryivg along. , sight of the woman berself alive and well? | She was on the Hudson, late at night, in a ae ‘‘He is a sly fox,” thought Orson: “he is It requires no ordinary courage to spring | row-boat with two river pirates, both of whose te afraid of being shadowed and he doesn’t mean | from a ferry-boat at night, in the middle of the | hands had been stained with blood. \ vive to be caught napping. I believe he is satisfied | North River; but that remarkable exploit was But if she felt any misgivings she did not Sh) the coast is clear.” accomplished by the person of whom we are | show it. Nah ae At the corner of Broadway, the other hailed | speaking, who was not only an expert swimmer, | These men were the servants of others. Bee an omnibus and entered. but a woman of daring courage. They had been liberally paid to do their worl. % a “Why didn’t he take the elevated railway?’ | Striking the water, she went scarcely below | Both thecriminals knew that a big fee awnited Fs ‘> Oxx asked himself and then answered, ‘‘ I pre- | the surface, when she immediately reappeared ‘ them as soon as their strange task was finished, BA 3 : 3 3