Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 437 — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

PLA ae et Pr vig tsi Re AE tr ae ae eee ie ba -~ tac Ub 28 Deep Duke, the Silent Sleuth. -___ ——— : —— —— AS Se a a CHAPTER XXXV. JUST IN TIME! StraicutT to the nearest police-station went “Woodside and Ralph, and their story was soon ‘told. ‘‘T know Mose Acker,” said the captain. *¢ This ain’t the first crooked work he has been «angazed in, and I ho we shall get him in quod, this time. Send out an alarm, sergeant, and let every patrolman be on the alert. Acker lives down near the ferry, but I don’t think they ~would take her there.” ‘* He might,” Woodside urged. ‘*No. Mose would know that we would soon ‘run him down. He has a sister who lives some- where in Hoboken. He might give Wilberson a chance there, but I should say that the latter ‘would have some den of his own, in which to hide her.” ‘‘ Have you any theory?” ‘‘Not at present, and I see no way but to ‘take a little time. Some patrolman may notice Mose on his way and, when it is known that the fellow is wanted, give us news which will show which way they went.” ‘But, in the mean while, they have a chance ‘to get Miss Woods'de far away,” said Ralph. “That is true, but what better can we do? ‘The alarm sent out will put every officer on the alert, and will, perhaps, result in speedy victory for us, but torun about hap-hazard does not seem very promising.” They recognized the force of this argument. Wilberson had already had time enough to either secrete Claudia in some house, or drive miles away. Still, a period of inactivity would be very painful at such a crisis, The police captain “was anxious to help them—the more so because Woodside was a well-known citizen—and he “would undoubtedly do his best. They left the station, consulted, and then drove again to Dorgan’s. This visit resulted the ‘same as the first. The detective had not re- ‘turned. This was extremely vexutious, for both had a conviction that he could keep them more ‘thanany one else, By the professor’s invitation Ralph rode to “Woodside , es with him. It was clear to the -younger man on the journey that the professor’s Ser way was to stayin the house wken once there. He lay back in the cab like one utterly exhausted, and his hands trembled greatly. As they drew up at the gate they met Philip coming out. He looked excited, and at once ex- claimed: Claudia is gone!” ‘*T know it,” his father wearily answered. ‘‘T believe she has been abducted. I wasup ‘in Hoboken a little while ago, and, as I was pass- ‘ing an old house there, 1 sawa face at a window -which seemed like hers. It rather startled me for a moment, but I told myself it was absurd and went on. Nowthat I know she is gone I _ feel sure I did see her.” “Can you find that house again?” Ralph eagerly asked, remembering the captain’s state- ‘ment that Mose Acker had a sister who lived in Hoboken, ‘*T feel sure that I can.” ‘Then let us go there at once.” ‘ Yes,” the professor ad ed, ‘‘ we will get a fresh team and go immediately.” Ralph looked at him critically, ‘‘Mr. Woodside,” he said, gravely, ‘‘ you are not in condition to go; you are utterly tired out. Why not go to the house, and leave this matter to Philip and me? I assure you we will do all that men can.” : _ The professor demurred, but Philip added his “voice, and the old man was forced to admit that ‘he felt as badly as he looked, He might grow worse and be a drag on them—yes; it was better that he should not go with them. The two young men were soon in motion, Another cab was engaged, and they started for ‘Hoboken. Ralph felt reheved at the change of companions. Philip, like Claudia, was inno- cent of all comics, in that old affair, how- ever it might with the elder Woodside. ‘Philip was satisfied with his companion. Hav- ing been away from home so much, and s0 little given to observing, he had no suspicion of the startling scenes in which Ralph had figured. He saw in him only a hardy young man, and that was what was needed then. Philip was all energy. Here was some excitement to quicken his blood, and he loved his sister—no- body could be more energetic than he would be ‘for a time. The driver had been directed to go as fast as he dared drive, and he obeyed so well that several patrolmen looked scowlingly at the cab, and seemed more than half-inclined to stop it. As they neared the desired locality Philip be- to use his eyes sharply. He knew the whole place in a general way, but had never ‘noticed the house in particular, and he now had ‘to identify it. . He suddenly gave a start and extended one hand. ‘There it is!” he exclaimed. It was an old house standing somewhat back from the street. Probably it had once possessed some pretensions to style, but time had swept all away. House and yard were alike in a Bay ne! ; eee ‘ “ + ieee \ + 4a —— ss ee a. &» Oj oettenth 4 poe 2 po a4 > Slide, bie ‘ ~ demoralized condition, and it seemed a fit place for plotters to herd. The cab drew up before the gate and the young men alighted. the bolt, and swung open the door. A room | was revealed beyond, but before he had time to survey it, a revolver was thrust into his face and a big man loomed up before him. “IT wish Deep Duke was here now, Philip,” | said Ralph. ** So do I, but we wish in vain, Come on!” Philip strode impetuously into the vard and ** Hands up, or—” He did not finish the sentence. Ralph was all on the alert, and with a quick motion he sent they went tothedoor. Anold-fashioned knocker | was attached thereto, and Philp gave it an im- perious rattling. Twice was the summons repeated before any signs of life could be seen, but the door was finally opened. A masculine-looking old woman | | ing a knife before her bosom, while a third man stood before them, ‘* Well, what d’ye want?’ she curtly asked. Philip pushed into the hat], and was followed by Ralph. ‘* We want to see the young lady,” the former replied. ‘* You do, eh? Take this for a_ princess’s house, do ye? Well, yowll have to Jook further. out his clinched hand, and the man went over headlong. Ralph had struck a blow which would have delighted a: professional. Another moment, and he kad bounded into the room, followed by Philip. And this is what | they saw: - Claudia was there, and a big ruffian was hold- ' had a ¢club in his hands which looked formidable Thar ain’t no young lady here; 1 don’t have | such cattle in my house,” ‘** Nonsense! I know better. We have come on purpose to see her, and the sooner you pro- duce her the better it will be for you. Weare not in mood for fooling.” ‘* What d’ye s’pose I care what sort o’ a mood you’re in?” the old woman retorted, ‘ The long an’ short on’t is, you ain’t wanted here, an’ ef you don’t git out, Ill call a cop an’ have you put out. ‘‘One word, woman,” said Ralph, sternly. ‘We know what we're talking about, and are not to be bluffed. You have a young lady here asa prisoner, brought only a sbort time ago. We have come fcr her, and are going to have her. If youdo not submit quietly, we will call ap officer.” ‘*'You think you’re very brave ter come here an’ — a woman, don’t ye? And all fur noth- ing. ell, if you’re so red-hot, why, you can look the house over all you hanker to, but when you’re done, ef you don’t git out, it will be the worse fur you. I don’t care a rap fur yer good clothes an’ fine ways. Come on, my precious babies!” She dropped them a mocking courtesy, closed the door and again faced them grimly. ** Which way first, children?” she added. Unmoved by this marvelous wit, Ralph sug- gested that the cellar and first floor receive at- tention at once, and that Philip should guard the outer door while he went with the old woman. This was done, but neither place revealed a prisoner. Only the second floor remained, and as it was there that Ralph expected to find Claudia, if at all, he did not object to Philip’s company. A guard might be stationed over the captive, who would make a desperate resistance, They went above, and the old woman led them to room after room, of which there was a good- ly number. But not a buman being did any contain. Philip’s face was growing downcast, but Ralph believed they were on the track. There was something in the woman’s manner which indicated that she was triumphing over them and exulting over the fact. But they finally came to a halt after emerging from what the woman pronounced the last room. ‘* Well, are you satisfied, dearies?” she scoffed, **No!” Ralph sternly answered. te No?” ** That’s what I said.” ‘*'What more can I do for my little boys?” ** You can stop your clatter!” exclaimed Philip in great disgust, ‘* And more than that,” Ralph added. ‘* Wo- man, I claim to have mathematical and archi- tectural eyes, and if I am not confoundedly mistaken, there is one more room !” He was looking her directly in the face as he spoke, and he believed that a shade of annoy- ance and fear flashed over her face. ‘*There are ten rooms on this floor, countin’ the L, an’ you’ve been in ’em all,” she replied. “We have been in all the open rooms, but I have detected that there is an amount of space on this side for which I cannot account. ave you a secret room there?” Despite her brazen character, the old woman could not carry out her role of careless mockery. Sle looked worried, and her voice was sh as she tried to be as indifferent and scornful as ever. ‘** Bless its dear heart! what new crotchet has it got?” *T’ll show you.” At one side of the hall stood a wardrobe which had a very innocent look, but Ralph strode to and laid hold of it, as though to move it aside. ‘** Let that alone!” cried the old woman, spring- ing forward to stop him, but Philip caught and held her. At the same moment Ralph moved the ward- robe, and a door was revealed behind it. He tried the latch, and, finding it locked, was about to call for the key, when he saw that very arti- cle lying on the floor, as though it had been thrown under the wardrobe. He quickly fitted it to the lock, turned back Ltn Oe ee enough to be fit for a giant’s use. He who held the knife uttered an oath and flung the captive girl aside. ‘* The jig is up!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Boys, rally to it. These infernal spies must never leave here alive. Mother Bet, do your duty!” The door closed with a clang, and Ralph and Philip were shut in with the gang, the old wo- man being braced against the door, and looking as formidable as a man. ‘‘ Clean ’em out,” added the previous speaker. ‘Kill every bloody spy you can get hold of!” Ralph and Philip had drawn their revolvers, but the odds were against tuem. Another mo- ment, and the whole party would have been joined in an affray, but, suddenly, there was a new diversion, Mother Bet went flying into the middle of the room as vhough shot from a cannon, and then, in her place, a man stood by the open door, a cocked revolver in each hand. “i Hold on, all!” be cried. ‘* The first man who stirs, dies by my hand!” ‘* Duke Dorgan !” cried Claudia, joyfully. ‘“Yes, it’s 1,” coolly replied the detective, ‘fond just in time, I reckon. Jim Trask, put up your Wweapon—we won't have any fighting here. You know my way-—-put it up, J say !” The change which had come over the roughs was wonderful. They all knew the detective, aad they did know his ‘‘ way.’ They wilted at the sight, as though Dorgan bad had an army at his back, and began looking about as though to find some crevice through which they could escape. Claudia had hastened to the side of her pro- tectors, and the case seemed settled, but Duke did not lower his revolvers, He knew those men—at the least chance they would be in the ring again, ready to fight and murder. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE PROFESSORS PERIL. DORGAN coolly addressed the roughs egain, ‘* We will now break up this seance, gents, don’t believe you will object to our taking the girl away, and, in return, we’ll do something for you. You can go free.” ‘* Surely, Dorgan, you will not allow this!” cried Ralph. not?” ‘¢ These scoundrels deserve punishment.” “Don’t worry. I can find them any time I want them, can’t I, Jim Trask?’ ‘*See here,” said that person, quickly, ‘* Ill make a clean breast of it. We were jailers of the girl, and nothing more. She was taken in to shtige Mose Acker, but one Horace W ilber- son was at the back of it all.” ‘* Where is Wilberson now?” ** Gone back to Jersey City.” ‘‘ That’s all straight. Well, we won’t trouble you now; we'll go out and leave you alune,” Duke looked significantly at Ralph and, con- vinced that he had some good reason for his course, the latter objected no more. They took Claudia from the house, after epee her as- surance that, except for her brief captivity, she had been used fairly well, and as Philip walked with her to the street Ralph took occasion to speak to the detective. ‘‘How did you happen to appear on the scene?” ‘‘Tt was a mere accident. J was passing the house when a cabman called me by name, and said there were two men in the house who, just as they went in, observed that they ‘ wished Deep Duke was there.’ His description gave me the idea, and I came in. So Wilberson be- came desperate and stole Miss Woodside, eh? Vl put the screws upon that knave very soon. By the way, business will keep me here for an hour or two; take Claudia home, and I will see you this evening. I have news for you.” ** News?” ‘“‘ Yes: and news that will show you that jus- tice, though tardy, is sure. Your father shall be avenged, Mr, Hathaway. Say no more now, They had reached the street, and the detective proceeded to get rid of bis companions in the shortest time possible. His manner im; ressed Claudia as peculiar, but his words had created even a greater impression in Ralph’s mind. As the cab rolled away Claudia en’ Philip looked, acted and talke? happily, and Ralph felt that be ought to appear the same, but_his heart seemed to lie like lead in bis bosom. The detec- tive’s last words had been like a blow to him. They indicated a speedy retribution for Professor Woodside, but the mere idea of it now filled Ralph with alarm. so ae ee rey a> “eomicbooks.