Bob Younger's fate

Front matter

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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CHAPTER I. A woman’s suspicions

“ y The bank has been robbed, sir!”

This was the alarming intelligence which came to the ears of Henry Ferry, President of the Fidelity Bank, Minneapolis, as he set foot on his own stoop after a six months’ sojourn abroad.

His wife and daughter, who had been with him in Europe, also heard the startling intelligence, and Myra, the daughter, reeled against the railing, for the words had a peculiar significance to her.

The cashier of the bank, as she well knew, was Theo Howard, a young man of twenty-three, in whom she felt an ardent interest. In fact, he was her accepted lover.

“The bank robbed !” exclaimed Mr. Ferry; “when — how?”

“Last week,” answered John, the footman. “But the worst is yet to be told.”

“Great Heaven ! what do you mean?”

“Murder has been committed. Theo Howard was murdered on the night of the robbery.”

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE.

A shriek of agony came from the lips of Myra Ferry, and she fell into the arms of her father in a dead faint.

*******

Early the next morning the inspector of police was seated at his desk writing busily, when a knock was heard at his door.

“A lady to see you, sir,” said the servant, who ushered in a closely veiled young woman.

“Good-morning, miss,” said the inspector, politely, a little curious as to the identity of his visitor.

“I have called to make inquiries concerning the robbery of the Fidelity Bank.”

“Any information we may have regarding that unfortunate affair is at your disposal, except, of course, certain points that must be kept secret.”

“All I wish,” replied the lady, in the sweetest of tones, yet with absolute decision of utterance, “is to have a few minutes’ conversation with the detective who was detailed upon the case. Is such a thing allowable?”

“Certainly. He is not engaged just now, and will doubtless be pleased to accommodate you.”

“Newspaper descriptions are not always reliable, and as I wished to obtain the exact facts in the case, I thought it best to apply to you.”

“You did right, I will now call Mr. Belton, the detective to whom you refer.”

A few moments later the young lady found herself seated in a private office with a remarkable looking man.

The absence of a beard showed every lineament of his powerful countenance, and the stranger felt in a moment that he was a person who could be trusted.

BOB YOUNGEK’S FATE.

“I wish to make some inquiries of you concerning the bank trouble of last week.”

“I am at your service, miss.”

“I only desire the circumstances attending the robbery.”

“Very well, miss. That information I can give you in very few words. The robbery was committed somewhere between the hours of ten and twelve. It is supposed that young Howard— he was the cashier, you understand — was engaged in finishing up some accounts, and was last seen by the janitor something after nine. At half -past ten two men pounced upon the janitor while in the basement, gagged and bound him, then went up-stairs. A few minutes later the unfortunate servant could hear sounds of a struggle going on above him without being able to give a word of warning to the outside world as to the tragedy that was being acted in earnest within the four walls of the building. These sounds shortly ceased, and in a half hour he heard the retreating footsteps of the robbers.”

‘Ts the janitor a man to be trusted?” interrupted the listener.

“Such seems to be the general opinion of those who know him. His countenance is likewise an excellent recommendation, being both honest and open. He could not have been an accomplice.”

“Did no one else see Mr. — Mr. Howard on that evening?” in faltering tones.

“Yes, several passers-by testified to seeing him before the safe and in various parts of the front room ; but the mystery of the robbery was increased when it was discovered the next morning that the cashier had disappeared, and notwithstanding the evident marks of a terrific struggle, the presence of

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE.

blood, and the confusion of the furniture in the office, it was believed that Howard had been in collusion with the burglars.”

The fair young visitor seemed much moved by this statement, but Belton apparently paid no attention to the fact.

“That suspicion was dispelled, however, in the saddest possible manner, and the young man’s character cleared by the proof that he died while defending the bank from loss.”

Although the visitor’s face was partially concealed by the veil, it could be easily seen that she was under the influence of a great grief. The detective courteously refrained from noticing anything unusual, and went on with his story.

“Two days afterward the body of a man was discovered in the opening of a sewer not two squares from the Fidelity Bank.”

“Did you see it?” eagerly.

“I did.”

“Was it — was it Mr. Howard’s body?”

“It undoubtedly was.”

“Did you know the young man?”

“By sight only. The proof of identity did not rest with me. Persons who were intimate with the gentleman were well satisfied that it was he.”

“And yet I understood that his body was in a mutilated condition when found.”

“So it was, the face being almost unrecognizable, but it bore the same clothes Mr. Howard wore that evening, and more than that, it carried one of the most indubitable proofs that could exist.”

“Please explain,” breathlessly.

“There was a scar on the back of the head of

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such a peculiar shape that his friends at once recognized it.”

“Then you are satisfied,” with a weary sigh, “that the proof was clear and undoubted?”

“As far as human knowledge goes I would answer yes. Stranger things than these have happened, however, and another man may be occupying the grave intended for Theo Howard.”

“Has any clew been found?”

Belton smiled mysteriously.

“I must now claim the privilege, miss, of refusing to answer your question, unless, of course, you can satisfy me as to the cause of your curiosity. It would not be politic in us to surrender any of our scerets to a stranger, and even if you were closely connected with the officials of the bank, we might find it inexpedient to give you the desired information.”

The lady hesitated in agitation for a few moments, but apparently coming to a sudden determination, she threw aside her veil and stood revealed to the admiring gaze of the officer.

“I am Myra Ferry, daughter of Mr. Ferry, the president of the bank. It may seem a hasty as well as an imprudent step for me to come here, especially since there are other means of obtaining the information I have sought from you, but something has impelled me to act thus, a feeling that I shall make a discovery that could not be made without my aid.”

“I can see nothing improper in your visit, Miss Ferry, particularly if you can give us any clew that will be of advantage. Often the faintest hint serves us the best.”

“You will realize my motive in visiting you when

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I tell you that I was engaged to marry Theo Howard.”

The detective nodded.

“So I have been told.”

“I wish, then, to satisfy myself that it was really his body that was found.”

“Are you not satisfied?”

Belton started.

“What is the cause of your doubt?”

“I have no tangible reason for doubting; it is merely a feeling, or perhaps a suspicion.”

The detective looked disgusted.

“Merely a whim, I should say. I was in hopes that you had some disclosure to make.”

“Perhaps I have.”

Belton gazed at her admiringly.

“I see you are possessed of not a little acumen, but don’t you know the very fact of his being alive would throw suspicion upon him?”

“Possibly, but his being alive is the important thing to me now. His innocence can be established afterward.”

“Then you have no doubt of his innocence, should he be alive at this moment?”

“Certainly not. Theo Howard was the soul of honor.”

“I have found that he drank some.”

“With his friends occasionally.”

“Gambled, even.”

Myra flushed.

“I am sorry to acknowledge that he did what many in his set do.”

“A dangerous pastime for any young man who has charge of other people’s money,”

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“I know it, yet he was innocent, for all that.’’

“You mean to insinuate that he has been the victim of foul play?”

“Exactly.”

“Now we are getting at the root of the matter, Miss Ferry. Have you any suspicion as to the guilty party?”

“I have. Do you know Julian Stark?”

The detective smiled.

“He is the man, then?”

“He is. Previous to my departure for Europe, six months ago, I warned Theo Howard to beware of him. I have a strong suspicion that he is the guilty man.”

“Most people would laugh at such a charge.”

“And you smile.”

“I certainly do. The idea is absurd.”

“Yet you are a detective.”

Belton colored.

“Of course one may be mistaken. You may be in a position to know something of Stark’s history and character. I am speaking only from hearsay when I assert that your suspicion is an absurd one. He is widely respected. How do you know he has done anything criminal?”

“I don’t know, for direct proof is wanting, yet my woman’s instinct tells me he is guilty.”

“Unfortunately, instinct doesn’t go far in a court of justice.”

“I am aware of that, but it is a guide that often leads to conviction or acquittal.”

“Enlighten me in regard to the matter.”

“My woman’s wit tells me that he is an unprincipled man. He was Theo Howard’s most intimate friend. The former is a suspicion, the latter a fact.

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If the suspicion becomes a fact also, what would be your opinion?”

Belton smiled admiringly again.

“You have an ingenious way of coming to a conclusion, though I can’t just yet see the connection between Stark’s wickedness and the robbery of the bank. Now, tell me whether you have any more than a mere presentiment that Howard still lives.”

“I have a test.”

“A test?”

“Yes, and an infallible one.”

Chapter II. On The Verge Of A Solution

Belton’s countenance lighted.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“I had a reason.”

“I shall soon begin to think you a most remarkable woman.”

“I have no desire to be considered remarkable,” answered Myra, with simple dignity; “so I am willing to enlighten you at once. I have led you on to talk, so that I might take an inventory of your character and abilities.”

“Are you satisfied?”

Belton asked this in a somewhat piqued tone.

“I am. I felt I could trust you when I first looked upon your countenance, and now I believe you can do for me more than any other man, and I shall at once intrust to you the work of ferreting out what I believe to be a horrible crime, committed by one who stands high in society.”

Belton simply inclined his head.

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“Whether Theo Howard be dead or alive, I believe this man to be the criminal, and I feel certain you will prove him so. I spoke a moment ago of a test that would determine once for all whether or not there is a mystery connected with him who was my intended husband. One day he told me — in fact, he has mentioned it on various occasions — that in a spirit of fun he had had his initials tattooed on his left shoulder, so that, to use his own words, if he were lost it would be an easy matter for his friends to find him, little realizing how true and yet how sad a statement he was making,” the poor girl concluded in a fit of sobbing.

“You mean to have this test applied?”

“I cannot rest until I am satisfied one way or the other. Did no one speak of the initials?”

“The matter was not mentioned.”

“Then I . shall depend on you to help me investigate it. You must go with me to the cemetery to-night.”

Belton looked at her curiously.

“Oh, I am perfectly sane,” she replied quickly, interpreting his look. “I have no fear in undertaking the affair, with you as my protector, but it must be conducted secretly and to-night. Will you aid me?”

“I shall, most heartily. Be ready at nine o’clock to make the journey, and you will find a cab in waiting for you at the corner. Enter it without hesitation, and trust to the future for your after guidance.”

That evening Myra gave her parents a plausible excuse for retiring early, and just as the clock was striking the hour of nine, she quietly stepped from a side door, and walked quickly to the corner,

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where, as the detective had told her, she espied a cab apparently waiting for some one.

As she arrived at the curbstone a man, heavily bearded, alighted from the seat occupied by the driver, and without a word opened the door of the cab.

Myra entered fearlessly, for there was nothing of the coward about her, and besides she had trusted Belton implicitly.

In passing the next corner a stranger stepped from the pavement, and swung himself up beside the driver. Till this time not a word had passed between Myra and her companion, but as the girl noticed this sudden accession to the party without a sign of the presence of the detective she became somewhat alarmed.

“Where is Mr. Belton ?” she finally inquired.

“Having some particular business on hand, he sent me in his stead.”

“He has something more important than this, then?” asked the poor girl, ready to cry with disappointment.

“Well, he didn’t say so, but seeing that he isn’t here to-night, I should imagine that such was the case.”

“I am sorry that Mr. Belton has so little regard for his word,” said Myra, in quiet but decided tones. “I shall be greatly obliged if you will stop the cab and let me out, sir.”

“Couldn’t think of it, miss,” said the other, insolently. “Such good-looking damsels as you don’t escape so easily.”

“If you refuse to allow me to alight, I shall call for help,” was the quiet reply, as she prepared to carry out her threat.

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE.

“In that case,” said her companion, rather hastily, “I shall be obliged to show my hand,” and with a quick motion of that member, he tore the huge beard away, thereby revealng the features of Belton, the detective.

Myra sank back into her seat with flushed cheeks.

“I must now return a compliment you paid me, by saying that you are a most remarkable man,” she said, with mingled chagrin and admiration.

“Not remarkable, simply expert. It’s a part of our business, Miss Ferry, to assume disguises that our best friends cannot penetrate, so you needn’t feel put out because you could not detect an almost perfect stranger. I really believe you’d make a first-class detective yourself.”

“Do you know what was in my mind,” remarked the girl, with a smile, forgetful of her sad errand for the moment; “if I had not secured you to-day, I should have made an attempt to ferret out the mystery myself.”

“The only imprudent thing I have heard you utter yet,” replied Belton, warmly. “A daintily nurtured woman like yourself, in fact, a woman of any kind or extraction, would fare but badly, at the best, in such a role. Better drop the whole affair than engage in it alone.”

The rest of the drive was made in comparative silence, both busy with their thoughts, Myra meditating upon the sad bereavement that had made this journey necessary, and Belton revolving the great possibilities that would arise in case the girl’s suspicions should prove to be correct.

At last the cab stopped, and the detective, after assisting Myra to alight, addressed a few words to the cabman, who immediately drove off.

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE.

The man who had ridden beside the driver stood near, and when Belton offered his arm to Myra and started off, the stranger followed at such a distance as would give no indication that he formed one of the party.

“Is this the cemetery ?” asked Myra, with a shudder, as she glanced at the wall beside them.

“Yes. We will soon reach a place free from ob- . servation, where we can make an entrance. In the meantime, keep up your courage, and fear nothing. ”

A few minutes later they were all inside the inclosure unseen, as they thought, by any one. A short walk in the darkness brought them to a mound of fresh earth, and here they paused.

“Courage !” whispered Belton, as Myra began to tremble and sob violently. “This terrible suspense will soon be over. Jones, let me have the shovel.”

The silent stranger produced a pick and a shovel from the bundle he carried, and the pair at once fell to work, digging and shoveling rapidly, yet noiselessly, while Myra stood by stifling her grief as best she could.

Down deeper they went, every stroke they made jarring heavily upon her wrought-up nerves.

At last the sudden, dull sound showed that they had reached the abode of the dead, and Myra gave utterance to a cry of pain as she realized she was on the verge of a solution to the mystery that had been harassing her since the return from Europe.

“Heaven support me!” she murmured, in pitiable agony, turning her face to the sky.

A few more shovelfuls, and the workmen, producing ropes, soon had the coffin raised to the surface., of the ground,

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE.

Expeditiously the cover was removed, and the dead body exposed in all its hideous ghastliness.

Belton now beckoned the trembling girl to approach, and as she stood beside the coffin, the rays of the dark lantern fell upon the face of the dead.

Myra drew back in horror as she beheld the mutilated, unrecognizable countenance.

“This is an awful ordeal,” murmured Belton, “but a very necessary one. Remember, it was your wish ; therefore be courageous.”

By a deft movement the body was turned on its side. A quick flash of a knife, and the clothing about the left shoulder was cut away, leaving the bare flesh exposed.

The detective turned aside the rays of his lantern for a moment.

“Once more, Miss Ferry, I beseech you, calm yourself, and prepare for even a disappointment, should it occur.”

“I will be calm,” said Myra, though trembling in every limb.

“Good! Now, Jones, turn the body over a little more.”

The next moment, as the light again fell upon the corpse, with a cry of agony that went to both men’s hearts, Myra fell backward in a dead faint.

There in bold outlines stood the initials “T, H!”

Chapter III. The Detective Receives A Letter

“The young lady takes it hard,” remarked Jones, as Belton busied himself in resuscitating Myra. “Yes, it has been a hard blow on her. She got the

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idea into her head that the wrong man was in this grave, and it so grew upon her that she wouldn’t believe in anything else. I might as well say that she almost impressed me with the same belief; anyhow, she influenced me sufficiently to make an investigation, and I wouldn’t have been at all surprised had the affair turned out as she expected.”

“She ought to be convinced by this time,” said Jones, dryly, with an utter disbelief in such stuff as instinct. In his hard knocks against the world he had found common sense the best guide for man or woman.

“The proof was too strong for the poor girl,” replied Belton, in pitying tones. “We must not be so hard on her, for she has suffered too much already. Here, hold her head while I place this coat under it, then let her lie until she recovers consciousness. We must get the body out of her sight just as soon as possible.”

As Belton began to readjust the corpse, he glanced carelessly again at the fatal initials, but something in their appearance caught his eye.

“Hold a moment until I examine this tattooing, Jones,” he said, holding the light so that he could get the best view of it.

“Doesn’t look like tattooing at all,” said Jones, who had also come closer.

“You’re right, Bill; but I’ll go further, and say that it isn’t tattooing; nothing more or less than paint.”

“Correct you are, partner,” said Bill. “Wasn’t it a lucky last look you give the corpus? Darned if I won’t believe in instinct hereafter, when such a condemned pretty girl says so.”

“But we must not make any mistake/’ said Bel-

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ton, hurriedly. “It would never do to raise hope in her breast again without we are absolutely certain that she was correct in her surmise.’ ’

“Well, didn’t she say the initials were tattooed?”

“Yes.”

“And these ain’t.”

“It looks so, but we must make certain. Have you any turpentine about you?”

“My luck exactly. Just one chance in a million, but I got that chance, and the turpentine, too. Bought it this afternoon for croup in the family, and, like the luny I am, left it in my pocket. Here it is.”

Belton, with more trepidation than he would have been willing to confess, applied a few drops of the liquid to the supposed tattooing, and, as he expected, a little rubbing dissolved the letters, leaving the clean flesh underneath.

“By George!” cried Bill, with enthusiasm, “that girl is a brick, and nO mistake. Wouldn’t make a bad stagger at the detective business herself, would she?”

“We must think of something else now. Every moment spent here increases our chances of detection. Let us get through with this business and depart.”

Myra by this time gave signs of returning consciousness, and was shortly able to stand on her feet.

“Oh, what shall I do?” she moaned, in grief. “Now that I know he is dead, how shall I pass the remainder of my life? I had so built upon his being alive that I know this terrible blow will kill me.”

‘ 'Don’t be despondent, Miss Ferry. Things may turn out better than you imagine.”

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“How can they when I know that poor Theo is dead,” said the girl, drearily.

“But you don’t know that for a certainty.”

“What do you mean?” she cried, seizing him by the arm in her sudden excitement. “Is this horrible scene I have just witnessed a dream?”

“It is unfortunately no dream, Miss Ferry; but while you were unconscious we made a discovery.”

“Oh, tell me what it is.”

“I must first ask you a question.”

“A dozen, but be quick.”

“Are you satisfied that the initials were made by means of tattooing?”

“Certainly. There is no doubt on that point. Theo described the operation so well that I remember all the circumstances distinctly.”

“This tattooing, so-called, was done with paint.”

“What! Am I dreaming?” cried Myra, wildly.

“1ST o, you are as wide awake as you ever were in your life. Behold for yourself. I have removed one of the letters with turpentine ; now watch the other go.”

Myra calmed herself sufficiently to observe the process, and at the end she knelt in thanks to Heaven for the discovery.

“How,” she remarked, in quiet dignity, “now that we have solved one problem, and that the most important before us, I feel strong enough for any trial. Any sacrifice you may call upon me to make will be met most willingly.”

“We hope that your sacrifices will be few, indeed, Miss Ferry,” said Belton, gently; “but we shall be glad to enroll you as an ally, and feel certain that you can aid us materially. How, Jones, let us finish our work and be gone.”

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A very few minutes sufficed to place the grave in the same order as that in which they found it, and when this was done Bill picked up his bundle preparatory to starting.

At that moment the absolute stillness of the night was broken by the loud report of a pistol, and the lantern that the detective held was shattered into a hundred pieces.

Myra, barely repressing a scream, clung to her companion, who was glad to find herself uninjured, while Bill dropped his bundle and gave chase to the miscreant whose footsteps could be heard in hasty retreat.

A few minutes later he returned out of breath, and not a little chagrined.

“That feller, whoever he is, must have long legs. He's a sprinter, anyhow, f6r he left me far enough behind, and I’m no slouch, either,” and the disappointed fellow went on grumbling in an undertone until they had once more reached the highway, where they were glad to find the cab in waiting for them.

“It is evident,” said Belton, as they were again in motion, “that our journey as well as its object has been discovered by a foe who wished to do away with one or more of us. Now the question is, who is the man?”

“The answer is plain to my mind,” said Myra, calmly. “Stark, and no other, is at the head of this gigantic conspiracy.”

“You were so correct in one suspicion that I am now inclined to agree with you in this; consequently Stark will be shadowed from this time forth, and under the constant surveillance of a shrewd detective, he will be an exceedingly remarkable man

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if he fails to betray himself in the long run. To some it would seem the height of absurdity to subject such a respectable man to espionage; it would have seemed so to me twenty-four hours ago, but it shall be done. Fo stone shall be left unturned to ferret out the mystery, made doubly mysterious by tonight’s discovery. And that brings to mind the question of Howard’s whereabouts. It will be our duty also to look after every possible clew that will give us any indication of his fate.”

“I have no doubt that your surveillance of Stark will put you on the track of poor Theo.”

“It certainly will should that person be the guilty party.”

“Do you suppose I was recognized?”

“It is possible, though you were so closely veiled that, unless you were shadowed from home, the chances are greatly in your favor. At all events, we must be careful. I will let you out some distance from your home, and you can reach the house in a roundabout way so as to throw off any suspicion. In the meantime, be exceedingly cautious in all your actions. Don’t leave the house except with ai\ escort, for if your enemies — I take it that Mr. Howard’s enemies are your enemies — were to have their suspicions aroused concerning you, they would not hesitate to remove you from their path. Above all, I wish you to observe one thing.”

“What is that?”

“I am afraid you will find this the hardest of all to do, but I have such faith in your ability and good sense that I am sure you will be highly successful in the role I am about to assign you.”

“You may be sure I will undertake it if you think it will help on with the good work.”

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“It will certainly prove the most profitable occupation you have ever undertaken. Now, listen : How have you been accustomed to treat Stark during his calls upon you?”

“As a passing acquaintance merely.”

“Have you ever shown your dislike to him?”

“I have always tried to conceal it as much as possible, but I never succeeded in being what I would call cordial toward him.”

“Then, are you actress enough to maintain the same attitude toward him, making it a trifle warmer if anything, and allow him to make you his confidante if he is inclined to do so?”

“I think I am,” Myra replied, with a smile. “I could do anything not dishonorable in such a cause.”

“By not rejecting his advances, if he has any to make, you will probably discover if he has any motive outside of the robbery and the disappearance of Theo Howard. In the meantime, I shall be in constant communication with you, so that immediate advantage can be taken of any misstep he may make.”

Belton now stopped the coach, and assisted Myra to alight, keeping up a sharp lookout for a shadow, but as nothing suspicious was seen he bade her good-night, feeling assured that he had good grounds for supposing that the enemy had not as yet made much progress in divining his plans.

“But,” thought he to himself as he made his way to the office of his superior, “how is it to he regarding this young man Howard? His disappearance is strange, to say the least ; but I didn’t dare to intimate such a thing, though whatever I might say to Miss Ferry in that respect would not shake her faith in him a particle, She isn’t one of that kind, who,

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like weathercocks, are liable to change off in their opinions at the first little puff of evidence that may come flying around. She’ll believe in his guilt when she sees it with her own eyes ; hut I am one who hopes and believes that she will never see it. The man who wins the love of such a woman as Myra Ferry certainly must be made of sterling stuff. The fact that she has undergone so much, and is likely to endure many an untold trial for him yet, speaks loudly in his favor.”