"I will be silent," the man answered.
"I reckon you will, my friend."
As our readers will remember, the detective had arranged to carry out a certain plan before he pounced upon the doctor. Our hero had the knack of making little necessary articles, and he had prepared a gag, which he inserted in the man's mouth after having first bound the fellow's hands under him. After inserting the gag, the detective released the man's hands temporarily, until he had removed the prisoner's outer and upper clothing, when a second time he bound him.
Indeed, our readers have already detected the officer's plan. He had determined to assume the man's clothes, personate him, and risk the chances of an escape. It was a perilous undertaking, but the officer had been taking perilous chances all along.
The change was made, and our detective fancied he had succeeded in making a most excellent "make up" in his "transform," and when all ready he moved toward the door.
He had reached a part where the real peril commenced; but, with his hand on the butt of a cocked revolver, he ascended to the upper room. The apartment was deserted.
"So far, so good," muttered the bold man, and he peeped out of the door.
Again fortune favored him.
Two men were stretched out under the bluff asleep, and two more were down close to the shore.
"Now or never!" muttered Vance, and he stepped forth.
Had the men on the shore been close enough they might have discovered that something was wrong; but, at the distance, as they glanced at the detective, they evidently mistook him for Arbella.
The detective did not attempt to slink away—he was too cool and ready-witted. He calmly lit a pipe and wandered around, seemingly in a listless manner; but, at the proper moment, he moved away from the beach and soon disappeared behind some bushes.
"Well done!" was the glad exclamation that fell from his lips.
Once beyond sight he moved along rapidly, and made for the point where he and Taylor had landed the previous night.
Vance reached the spot in safety and stood a moment on the bluff looking for the boat, when he saw a man rowing directly across the bay.
"I hope that fellow lands here," was the detective's muttered exclamation.
The boat Taylor had left for him was gone, and he had made up his mind to appropriate the boat of the rower, in case a chance offered.
He sat intently watching the boat as it came nearer and nearer, and at length a thrill shot through his heart. The danger was passed. He recognized the oarsman—Taylor was in the boat.
The latter rowed straight to the beach and glanced around in a cautious manner, when the detective moved down and hailed him, in a low tone.
Taylor did not recognize the detective at the first glance, and settled down to his oars as though intending to pull off, when our hero called him by name, and an instant later a full recognition had taken place.
"Well;" exclaimed Taylor, "you are safe!"
"Yes, I am safe."
"What have you discovered?"
"The whole business."
"And you have not been detected?"
"Oh, yes, I was fallen on several times, but I managed to creep out of a hot spot each time; but come, we have no time to spare."
"You are a fortunate man."
"I shall count in myself a fortunate man if I reach the other side of the bay without accident."
"We will go across easy enough; but do you know the 'Nancy' is at her old anchorage?"
"Where she lay last night?"
"Yes."
Taylor was a good oarsman, and in less than an hour the detective was on the mainland.
"Have you any friends around here?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Honest people?"
"Yes."
"Take me to their house."
"Do you wish to find a hiding place?"
"No; I've other plans than seeking to hide just now."
Taylor led the detective to a friend's house; on the way our hero had partially explained his plans, and had related all the wonderful adventures that had befallen him during the past night.
"You have taken long chances."
"I am used to taking long chances, and I've often done so and gained nothing, but last night's work pays me for all the risk, and, my good friend, you will come in for a nice bit of money."
The two men reached the home of Taylor's friend, and the detective set to work and went through the operation of a deliberate transform. With the assistance of Taylor's friend he secured a complete outfit, and wrought such a marvelous change in his appearance that Taylor and his friend could hardly convince themselves that the man who came forth from the best bedroom was the same man who had entered it a few moments previously.
"You are an extraordinary man," exclaimed Taylor.
"It's all a matter of business, my friend."
"I can well see now why it is you are so willing to take long chances as you call them."
"Well, yes, I've had some experience; but now, friend Taylor, it is not necessary to request you to keep silent concerning my movements, but I want you to watch the movements of the 'Nancy.'"
"She will probably sail away to-day."
"Does she usually go away the day following her night-visit to the coast?"
"Usually, yes."
"She will not sail away to-day, and I want you to watch her and watch any of her crew that may come ashore."
"I am afraid you will get me in trouble before this affair is ended."
"This affair will be ended to-night."
The detective gave Taylor a few instructions and then proceeded to the depot.
Spencer Vance, as he appeared at the little frame station, was as perfect a specimen of a countryman as ever took train from the rural districts for New York.
Ike Denman was at the station. The master of the "Nancy" had also wrought a great change in his personal appearance. He looked little like the man who had stood on the beach across the bay a few hours previously.
It was half an hour previous to the starting of the train when the detective reached the depot, and as he stood around with his hands in his pockets, the master of the "Nancy" several times passed within a few feet of him.
Little did the smuggler captain dream, as he ran his eyes over the rustic-looking passenger, that under that clownish hat was the busy brain that had trailed him and his crew down to such a fine point.
The detective, meantime, was happy, and at the moment little dreamed of the terrible tragedy that had occurred, and which, strangely enough, but awaited his unraveling.
The half hour glided by, and at length the smuggler captain and the detective boarded the train.
The detective acted well his part, and attracted little attention from the master of the "Nancy," until the latter, for lack of something better to do, took a seat beside our hero.
"On your way to the city?"
"Yes."
"Do you go there often?"
"No."
"You live at G——-?"
"No."
"Where do you live?"
"On the island."
"You live on the island?"
"Yes."
"I often go to the island; don't remember ever having seen you."
"I've been off on a trip."
"A trip?"
"Yes."
"Where to?"
"Connecticut."
The master of the "Nancy" laughed, and said:
"Do you call that a trip?"
"Yes; I was away from the island two years."
"What's your name?"
The countryman looked the master of the "Nancy" all over, winking knowingly, and said:
"You cannot come that over me!"
"Come what over you?"
"Oh, I'm no fool! I know how you Yorkers work the trains."
"You know how we Yorkers work the trains?"
"Yes."
"What do we work them for?"
"Suckers; but I'm no fool! You can't come any of your smart games over me. I've lived a couple of years in Hartford; I'm posted!"
"So you think I'm a Yorker?"
"Of coarse I do."
"What makes you think so?"
"You look like one."
"You're a smart Alec, my friend from Connecticut."
"Do you think so?"
"I reckon you think so yourself."
"Mebbe I do; and I'm too smart for you."
"I reckon you are."
"Yes, I am, as you'll find."
"I've found it out already."
"I reckon you have."
"Do you go clean through to the city?"
"Yes, I do."
"Where do you hang out?"
"I haven't made up my mind."
The pretended countryman assumed a very knowing look.
The master of the "Nancy" was amused; he thought he had struck a character. Well, he had, but he had no idea of the real character of the man; he thought he was joking for amusement.
"Were you ever 'nipped' by a Yorker my friend?"
"No siree, and I don't mean to be."
"So you live on the island?"
"Yes."
"And you won't tell me your name?"
"No, I won't."
"What harm would there be in telling your name?"
"You're too anxious to learn my name. What's your name?"
"My name is King."
"Your name is King, eh?"
"Yes."
"You live in York?"
"No, I don't."
"You don't?"
"No."
"Where do you live?"
"On the island."
"You live on the island?"
"Yes."
"Never heard of anyone by the name of King on the island."
"You never did?"
"Never."
"That's strange."
"No, it ain't strange, because no one by the name of King ever lived there."
"Do you know a family by the name of Manuels?"
"See here, Mr. King, you can't pump me."
"I am not pumping you, I am only asking you civil questions."
"I am not answering civil questions to-day."
"Well, you are a crank."
"A what?"
"A crank."
"What's a crank?"
"A fool."
"You call me a fool?"
"Yes."
The detective rose to his feet, assumed a fierce expression and retorted:
"You're another."
The master of the "Nancy" had expected an assault when the countryman assumed such a threatening attitude, and was compelled to laugh when the danger simmered down to a mere retort.
Ike Denman was amusing himself, and so was the detective.
"I reckon I've met you before," said the disguised officer.
"You think you've met me before?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"Can't recall just now, but the faint remembrance don't bring me a pleasant feeling."
"You are a fool," exclaimed Denman, and rising from his seat beside the disguised detective he walked to the other end of the car.
At length the train ran into the depot at Brooklyn, and the few passengers went aboard the boat that was to convey them to the city.
The detective was a happy man. He had accomplished a big feat, and little dreamed of the terrible discovery he was destined to make later on.
Upon reaching the city, Denman started down town and entered a building occupied by a foreign importing horse.
The detective was at his wit's end. He was anxious to overhear what passed between the master of the "Nancy" and the members of the firm. In a moment his decision was made, and it was founded on a cunning line of reasoning.
Our hero entered the store just as the private office door closed behind Denman.
A gentleman came forward and demanded the seeming countryman's business, and the detective asked to see one of the members of the firm, calling him by name, leaving learned the same from the sign over the door.
"He is busy," was the answer.
That was just the answer the detective had expected, and it was in anticipation of such an answer that he boldly walked in and ventured the inquiry.
"When will he be at leisure?"
"It is hard to tell."
The clerk knew Denman and suspected that it was private and important business that had brought the master of the "Nancy" to New York.
"I wish to see him particularly."
"Cam I not attend to the business for Mr. M——?"
"No sir; I must see Mr. M—— personally."
"Can you call again?"
"I will wait."
"He may be engaged a long time."
"I cannot help it, I must see him to-day, and it does not make much difference; I am in no hurry, I can wait as well as not."
The clerk walked away and our hero edged toward the office situated at the rear of the store, and seated himself upon a case of goods, resting directly against the office partition.
A glass casing only separated the detective from the members of the firm and the master of the "Nancy," and he could overhear all that passed.
The clerk meantime was busy in the forward part of the store, and paid no heed to the stupid-looking countryman.
Spencer Vance was well repaid for his risks. He overheard the names of several firms, and got down facts which made it a dead open and shut case.
At length he recognized that the conference was about reaching a conclusion, and he came another sharp trick.
As our readers have discerned, the detective had no desire to see the member of the firm whom he had asked for; it had been merely a game to gain an opportunity to listen to what occurred between the capitalists and the master of the "Nancy."
When Vance saw that the conference was about terminating, he walked to the front of the store, and said:
"I will not wait; I will call in again."
"If your business is important you had better wait. He can not be engaged a much longer time."
"I will call again."
"Very well."
The detective walked out. He had "coppered" all he required for the time being. He took up his position a short distance from the store, and awaited the reappearance of Denman upon the street. He was not compelled to wait very long, as the master of the "Nancy" soon appeared, and the detective fell upon his trail.
Denman walked up town a short distance, and stopped in a well-known bar-room, and the detective again got in on a little wait. The master of the "Nancy" did not remain long in the bar-room, and soon again appeared upon the street, when the detective approached him.
"Hello, King," called Vance, "haven't you gone back yet?"
The master of the "Nancy" turned and recognized the countryman whom he had called a "crank" on the train.
"Where did you come from?"
"I saw you come out of that place, and I thought I'd like to have a few words with you."
"I have no time."
"Oh, yes; you call spare a few moments."
"Probably you know my business better than I do."
"I know you're in no hurry; you're not going out on the island to-night."
"I am not going out on the island to-night?"
"Well, you're a 'no-such-thing'!"
"Come and have a beer?"
"I have no time, I tell you."
"It will not take you a minute; and I've something to tell you."
"You've something to tell me?"
"Yes."
"What have you to say to me?"
"Something very important."
"What are you giving me now?"
"Facts. Cone along; I've a surprise for you."
The master of the "Nancy" was amused and at the same time mystified. He could not dream what the countryman could have to say to him.
"Come along," said Vance.
"You have something to tell me?"
"Yes."
"Tell me here."
"No; I want to sit down. It's a long story."
A curious look came over the smuggler's face, and, for the first time, a faint suspicion crossed his mind. "Where will we go?" he asked.
"Oh, here's a place."
The two men entered a beer saloon, the rear yard of which had been converted into a garden, over which an awning was stretched. They took a seat and Denman demanded in an impatient tone:
"Well, what have you to say to me?"
There was no one in the garden but the two men; the waiter had brought the beer and had gone away.
"You asked me what my name was on the train?"
"Yes, I did."
"I wouldn't tell you!"
"No."
"Well, do you know why?"
"No."
"You ought to know my name; you and I have met before; can't you tell where?"
The detective all the time had preserved his rustic tones and demeanor.
"You and I have met before?"
"Yes."
"When and where?"
"Several times."
"Where?"
"Ah, you must guess."
"The master of the "Nancy" studied the detective's face.
"I do not remember ever having seen you before."
"Nonsense."
"You are having some fun at my expense."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes."
"Well, I am in dead earnest."
"Where did we meet before?"
"The last time we met I promised you we would meet again."
A fierce look shot into Denman's eyes as he permitted his glance to roam around the garden.
He was studying what the chances would be under certain contingencies.
"As I don't know you, do you know me?"
"You told me your name was King."
"Is that my name?"
"No."
"What is my name?"
"Denman," came the answer in a low, firm tone. The master of the "Nancy" turned deadly pale. Ho realized that something was up, and it came to him that the seeming countryman after all, was a man as keen and resolute as himself.
"You say my name is Denman?"
"Yes."
"You are sure?"
"I am."
"What's my business?"
"You're the master of the 'Nancy'."
Denman made a certain significant motion with his hand, when the detective whispered:
"Don't!"
There was a world of significance in that little word "Don't!"
"Who are you?"
"Can't you guess?"
"I'm not guessing to-day."
"Sorry."
"What is your business with me?"
"I wanted to tell you that I knew who you were."
"Is that all?"
"No."
"What else?"
"I wanted you to know that I am a man who keeps his word."
"Is your word passed to me?"
"Yes."
"What is your promise?"
"I promised to meet you again."
"I don't recall."
"Don't you perceive?"
"Perceive what?"
"That you are in a bad hole."
Again the master of the "Nancy" made a certain movement, when the detective repeated in a peculiar warning tone:
"Don't."
"You are a revenue officer?" said Denman.
"Aha! now you begin to open up!"
"What is your business with me?"
"You are my prisoner!"
"No, no, my friend!"
"Yes, yes, Denman."
Matters were approaching a critical climax. Denman attempted to rise from his seat.
"Sit down!" commanded the detective.
"My friend," said Denman, "don't fly your kite too high, your string may be cut."
The smuggler spoke in a warning tone.
"Sit down," repeated the detective.
Denman realized that he was facing a man who was well prepared at every turn.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am your old friend Ballard!" came the reply.
Denman showed signs of great excitement and trepidation.
Our readers will remember that the smuggler had never identified Spencer Vance and Ballard as one and the same man; and, when suspicions were aroused as to the identity of the disguised detective, it never once entered Denman's head that he was sitting vis-a-vis with Ballard.
"You are Ballard?"
"I am Ballard."
"Are you man or devil?"
"I suppose you think I ought to be floating on the sea?"
"I thought you were at the bottom of the sea, and how you escaped to face me I can't tell."
"I'll tell you all about it some day, Denman, but, in the meantime, do you mean fight, or does your flag come down?"
"My flag comes down. The game is up with me."
"Well, sit down."
The smuggler sat down.
"I've got the thing down pretty fine on you, Denman."
"I should say so. You were on the island?"
"I was."
"You are the man who laid out some of the crew?"
"I am the culprit."
"You beat 'em all!"
"Well, I reckon I've run this racket pretty well."
"How did you get ashore?"
"You wouldn't believe."
"I'll take your word for anything."
"I swam ashore."
"You're a good swimmer."
"I am."
"How did you snake us out down at the island?"
"I've been picking up facts for some time."
"Spencer Vance and you were 'laying in' together?"
"Well, yes."
"Where is Vance?"
"He is here."
"Where?"
"I am Vance!"
"What!" ejaculated the smuggler.
"Ballard and Vance both wear the same hats."
"This does get me."
"Yes, I reckon I've got you."
"And now, what's your play?"
"You will go to Ludlow Street."
We will explain to our rural readers that Ludlow Street is the location of a prison where all revenue prisoners are confined.
Denman had been in Ludlow Street. He knew well enough what the detective's declaration meant.
"How about bail?"
"No bail."
"I've good bondsman."
"That's all right."
A moment Denman was silent and thoughtful, but at length said:
"Are you on the make?"
"What have you to offer?"
"You can drop to a big sum."
"How big?"
"Three or four thousand."
The detective smiled, and answered
"I'm in for more than that; remember the value of what's in your storehouse on the island."
"You have that down?"
"I've been in there; your crew know it by this time if they have rummaged around any. I was there when you decided to come on to New York and notify your principals."
The smuggler gazed at the detective with an expression of wonderment upon his face,
"You were there?"
"Yes."
"Where were you when we searched?"
"I was stowed away."
"And we missed you?"
"If you hadn't I would not be here now."
"You're right. I'm blowed if you don't get me, but you're entitled to win. Still we can come to a compromise."
"How will you manage it, Denman?"
"I will take you to the principals."
The detective mentioned the names of several of the firms.
Denman's eyes opened wider and wider,
"You tracked me well."
"Yes, I did."
"Will you open up for negotiation?"
"No."
"What is to be done?"
"You must open up."
The smuggler did not make an immediate reply,
"What have you to say?"
"I can't promise anything."
"I've got everything dead."
"I see you have."
"Then it's for you to lay in for all the favors you can get."
"There's nothing I can give away, you have it all."
"Are you ready?"
"For what!"
"To go to Ludlow Street."
"Is there no chance for a deal?"
"None whatever."
"All right, I'm passive."
"Understand me, Denman, I'll have my eye on you; if you go quietly it's all right; if you attempt any capers down you go."
"I am passive."
"It's all right then, come."
The two men rose, and any casual customer in that garden would never have imagined that a thrilling drama in real life was being enacted right then and there, and that two remarkable men had played a thrilling part.
The men reached Ludlow Street. Denman was given in charge, and the detective called a cab and started down town. Our hero was still in the garb of the countryman. He entered the United States District Attorney's office and accosted a dandy clerk.
"Where is the district attorney?"
"What do you want of him?"
"I'll tell him when I see him."
"Can't see him to-day."
"What's that?"
"Can't see him to-day."
"Is he in?"
"You've got your answer."
The detective approached the political dude and said:
"Will you answer my questions?"
"Come, my friend, you get, or—."
"Or what?"
"I'll hustle you."
"You will hustle me, eh?"
"Yes."
The detective suddenly extended his strong, powerful arm and quick as a wink caught the political exquisite by the ear and he closed his vise-like grip.
The young fellow squealed like a pig.
Vance released him and said:
"Will you answer my questions civilly?"
"Who are you?" demanded the clerk, as he vigorously rubbed his ear.
"Go and tell the district attorney I wish to see him."
"What name, sir?"
"Vance."
The clerk entered an inner office and a moment I later reappeared, and in the most obsequious manner, possible said:
"This way, sir."
"Ah, you have come to an understanding of your duty."
"I beg your pardon, if you had told me who you were I would have notified the district attorney at once."
"You would, eh?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, young man, let to-day's experience be a warning to you all your life, and from this time out treat every one with civility who treats you civilly."
A moment later, Vance the detective stood in the presence of the Government attorney.
The two men were intimate. Vance was operating directly under the orders of the attorney, and the latter was not surprised to see him appear under any guise.
"Well, Vance," exclaimed the district attorney, extending his hand, "I'm glad to see you. What news?"
"Good."
"Aha, I'm glad to hear it; you've struck a trail, eh?"
"Yes."
"A good one?"
"Pretty good," answered the detective, dryly.
"Well, let's hear all about it."
"I've collared the whole business."
"What?" ejaculated the Government attorney.
Vance repeated his declaration.
"You collared the whole business?"
"Yes."
"What do you mean?"
"All that the words imply."
"Tell me all about it."
The detective in a rapid manner related his adventures, and as he proceeded the Government attorney opened his eyes wider and wider, and when the of officer had concluded the attorney exclaimed:
"This is wonderful."
"It's a pretty good thing for us."
"I should say so. But, you must bear a charmed life!"
"No, no, I'm only a little watchful against accidents; and sudden surprises."
"And you have the master of the 'Nancy' up in Ludlow Street?"
"He's there sure."
"How does he take the thing?"
"He's all done over."
"Inclined to talk?"
"I reckon you can make him talk."
"I'll visit him at once."
"Not so soon; what you want to do is to capture the 'Nancy' and place a guard over the warehouse."
"You're right."
"You will have to secure a special train; and now when will you be ready?"
"In two hours."
"All right. I will be at the train."
The attorney went away to make all the arrangements for a grand seizure. He had the names of all the principals, who were first put under surveillance, under the "shadow" of a number of Government officers, and then all the other arrangements were completed.
It was seven o'clock in the evening when the special train ran out of the depot, carrying twenty armed men besides the United States attorney, and our hero, who was in command of the party.
Four hours later the party were ready to embark across the bay to the island.
Our hero met his friend Taylor.
"Well, old man, what have you to report?"
"The 'Nancy' weighed anchor only half an hour ago.
"Were you on the track of any of the crew to-day?"
"They were around the village."
"Did they drop anything?"
"Not a word."
The party were soon landed on the island. Taylor did not accompany them, as the detective did not desire to involve his confederate in any future trouble.
The party were marched toward the rendezvous, and had gone but a short distance when the detective, in a low tone, ordered a halt. He had discovered one of the smuggler sentinels, toward whom he advanced.
The man commanded our hero to halt.
The detective came to a halt, and said:
"What do you want?"
"Where do you go?"
"Is there a war round here, that you send out sentinels to stop quiet people?"
"Who are you and where do you go?"
"That's none of your business!"
"I give you two minutes to answer."
"Only two minutes?"
"One!" called the man.
"You're crazy!" said the detective.
"Two!" called the man.
The detective uttered a signal-whistle call, and seven or eight men sprung forward.
The sentinel stood paralyzed.
"Why don't you call three?" demanded Vance.
The man made no reply.
"I had an idea that war had been declared, so I brought my troop this way."
The man made a movement as though about to run away, whenVance said:
"Don't move, my friend, or you will be dropped."
The detective advanced toward the fellow, who saw at once that resistance was in vain.
The man was disarmed and a pair of handcuffs were slipped on his wrists.
"The jig's up," muttered the smuggler.
"Yes, my friend, the jig is up."
The party moved on and soon came in sight of the smugglers, who were running out goods to be put on board of the "Nancy."
The detective advanced straight into their midst.
The smugglers were taken all aback, and some of them started to move away, when the detective called out:
"The first man that moves will be shot down!"
The men did not move.
If there had been under a leader they might have shown fight, but as they did not know exactly what force had been brought against them, they were afraid to open a scrimmage.
The Government attorney at a signal stepped forward, andannounced that all the men were prisoners to the United StatesGovernment, and the wholesale handcuffing of the crew of the"Nancy" followed.
The men did not offer any resistance, but submitted like lambs.
A boat load of men pulled out and took possession of the "Nancy," and the work of Vance in that direction was at an end.
We will not dwell upon the mere formal movements that followed the "closing-in" on the smugglers. A guard was placed over the warehouse, a guard remained on the "Nancy," and, three hours later, the detective and the district attorney were returning to New York on a special train.
We will merely state that the whole affair was turned over to the Collector of the Port of New York. A revenue cutter was dispatched to the island; and, later on, all the goods were formally condemned, and removed to the city.
The detective had covered himself with glory, and had ascended to the first rank of Government specials; but, after all, the hardest part of his duties remained to be accomplished.
Spencer Vance was detained in New York all of the day following the seizure at the island; but, upon the following evening, he started for the fishing village down on the coast, where he had parted from the lovely Renie under such strange and startling circumstances.
Our hero had not forgotten the strangely beautiful girl, nor the thrilling and romantic incidents attending her career; and having performed his whole duty to the Government, and having practically made an immense fortune at one stroke, he felt at liberty to devote a little time to private detective work.
He was determined to find the missing box which was supposed to contain the testimonies and proofs as to the girl's parentage. It was a difficult duty, and many thrilling adventures attended its performance.
All the perils were not removed from the detective's peril because of the arrest of the master of the "Nancy" and his crew. The men actively engaged on the yacht were not all the parties interested directly or indirectly in the contraband business.
In going to the coast the detective's peril was even greater than upon former visits, as the worst passions of the remaining part of the gang were fully aroused.
The detective was to be the principal witness against the smugglers, and could he be removed the Government would be without the necessary proofs for the conviction of the principals and the condemnation of the captured contraband goods.
The interest was far reaching, and a powerful body of men were comprised, and within twenty-four hours of the public knowledge of the arrests, fully twenty ruffians were on the lookout for Spencer Vance.
The capitalists had many friends, and they possessed money, and besides some had previously borne excellent characters, and all their safety depended upon the silencing of the detective.
Our hero understood his peril, and although, as our readers know, he was a brave, fearless man, still he had requested a speedy trial of the guilty, as, after he had sworn to his evidence in open court, there would remain no such great incentive for getting him out of the way.
Millions in money, and dozens of reputations depended upon his testimony, and one of the most powerful and wealthy organizations in the United States was arrayed against him; not arrayed in open warfare, but secretly arrayed, and their purpose was to get rid of him.
As stated, our hero knew his peril and knew when he started in just what he would have to face, but he went straight ahead, and when the storm broke he was prepared.
We have stated that twenty ruffians were upon his track, and the statement was no exaggeration.
Spencer Vance went under cover—immediately assumed a role different from any under which he had appeared during any time that he was trailing down the smugglers.
Our hero was, "when unadorned," or rather when not under any sort of disguise, a really handsome and delicate-featured man, and although a man of extraordinary strength, he was not an over-sized man, but on the contrary a little under the average height; but he was a full-blooded, resolute, athletic fellow all the same, and well equal to the duties of his perilous profession.
From the very moment that the arrests were publicly known the detective was on his guard, and that same night had a genuine intimation of his danger.
The detective wanted to see a certain man in the Government employ, and went down to a Government building, situated on the Battery near South Ferry. He had gotten himself up as a night-watchman, hoping in that way to escape observation.
Vance saw his man and left the building, and was proceeding across the Battery, when he observed that he was being followed. The officer at once suspected that there was a possibility that someone of the scoundrels had "tumbled" to his identity, and he resolved to "shake" the ruffian at once. Changing his course, he walked over toward the sea, on the North River side of the park, and stood leaning over the hand-rail, when a man sauntered up alongside.
"A pleasant evening," said the new-comer.
It was still early in the evening.
The detective did not make an immediate reply, but, scanned the speaker from head to feet. He was seeking to ascertain whether or not he recognized the man.
The fellow was a foreigner—an ugly looking chap, and just such a villain as could be employed for any sort of desperate work for pay.
The detective made up his mind to feel his man; and should he discover that the fellow really did not know him, and was dogging him, he was resolved to clap the darbies on him.
"Yes, it's a pleasant evening," said the detective, slowly.
"Hard times for poor men now," remarked the stranger.
"So they tell me," answered Vance.
"You're all right," said, the man.
"How am I all right?"
"Oh, you fellows in Government employ always get your money and have a good chance for pickings."
The detective eyed the man's face and answered:
"I do not get much of a chance to pick anything."
"I thought you fellows had a good show."
"How do you know I'm in the Government employ?"
"You are, I—reckon."
"Mebbe I am."
"You're a night-watchman."
"Well, suppose I am."
"Don't you fellows get a chance for pickings?"
"Not much."
The man drew closer to the detective; the latter was fully on his guard, and had the stranger attempted any funny business just at that moment he would have been downed so quick he never would have known what struck him.
"You can make some big pickings if you want to, my friend."
"I can?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Do you want to make a few dollars?"
"Well, I don't mind if I do, honestly."
"You can honestly."
"How?"
"You are acquainted with most of the men in the Government service?"
"Mebbe I am."
"You've been a long time in the service?"
"Well, yes."
"There's a man I want to become acquainted with, and mebbe you know him."
"Mebbe I do."
The detective took to the game at once, and he was prepared to let the fellow run out his reels.
"The man can do me a service."
"Why don't you go and tell him so?"
"It won't do for me to approach him openly."
"See here, Johnny, you're on some crooked game."
"My game is straight enough."
"What are you getting at?"
"I've some valuable information for the Government."
"Why don't you take it to the collector of the port?"
"No, no; I did once, and all I got was thanks and those are all right in their place, but they don't pay me."
"What is it you are getting at?"
"I want to get paid for my information."
The detective laughed and said:
"I ain't paying anything for my information."
"That's all right, but you can put me on the right track to get paid, and I'll pay you."
"How can I help you?"
"I want to lay in with one of the Government detectives. I'm told those fellows have a chance at a secret service fund, and can give a man money where the collector can't do it."
"That's so."
"And I want to get in with one of the Government detectives."
"That is easy enough, you don't need any help for that, my man."
The little game was opening up fast.
The man drew closer to the detective, and said:
"You don't understand how the thing works."
"You want to see one of the detectives?"
"Yes."
"Well, it's easy enough; go to any of the deputy collectors or any of the inspectors, and they will give you the names of several."
"That's neither here nor there; do you want to make a few dollars?"
"Yes."
"All right, I'm going to give you a chance."
"Go ahead."
"I want to see one particular officer."
"Which particular officer?"
"Vance."
"You want to see Vance?"
"Yes."
"Go and tell the collector."
"That won't do."
"Why not?"
"I've been sold once, and this time I'm going to work my racket differently; do you know Vance by, sight?"
"Do you mean Spencer Vance?"
"Yes."
"I know him, and I'll introduce you to him if you want me to do so."
"I do not want you to introduce me."
"What do you want?"
"I want you to point him out to me."
"I haven't time to run around to point him out to you."
"I can make it worth your while."
"For how much?"
"Fifty dollars."
"I don't understand what you're getting at."
"I can't explain, but I'll give you fifty dollars to point that man out to me."
"You will give me fifty dollars?"
"Yes."
"I can earn that fifty dollars easy."
"I don't care how easy you earn it."
"But I don't understand your game."
"I've told you. I've got some valuable information—some 'tips' that Vance will pay big money to 'nip'; but I want my own way and time of opening up the subject to him, and I mean to make sure that my money is good."
"Why are you so anxious to deal with Vance?"
"I've been told he has got the inside track with theGovernment, and that he is a square man."
"That's the reason you want him?"
"Yes."
"And you will pay me fifty dollars to point him out to you?"
"I will."
"Must I wait for my money until you get your rake?"
"No."
"You will pay me right down?"
"I will pay you the money two minutes after you point the man out to me."
"Do you want an introduction?"
"No."
"Come along; I will put you on to him right away."
The two men started over toward the ferries.
"Will you stand a carriage?" asked the detective.
"What do you want of a carriage?"
"I must get back to go on duty."
"We don't want any carriage."
The man was struck with a shade of suspicion.
"Where are we to go?"
"To Ludlow Street."
The man started back and turned pale."To Ludlow Street!" he ejaculated.
"Yes."
"What do you mean?"
"Come with me to Ludlow Street, and I will point out Vance to you."
"See here, Johnny, you are up to a smart trick, you are."
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"What is it you're up to, my friend?"
The man looked around. No one was near. The detective was studying the rascal's movements.
The fellow suddenly drew a club; but he was matched.
"Hold on! What do you mean?" he demanded.
"What do you mean? Drop that club."
"Who are you?"
"I'm the man you're looking for, Johnny."
"The man I'm looking for?"
"Yes."
"Who are you?"
"I'm Vance."
"Oh, go 'long!" exclaimed the ruffian, in a derisive tone.
"I'm your man! Now, what information have you got for me?"
"You can't play me," said the fellow.
"No; nor can you play me. Listen: how much are you to get for laying me out?"
The man turned pale and made no answer; he glanced backward; it was evident he had reached the conclusion that it was time for him to leave.
"Don't think of going, Johnny, I want you to answer my question."
"You are not Vance."
"I'll play Vance for you, so sling out your game, Johnny."
The man took a step back.
"Stand where you are," came the command, "or I'll make you."
"Are you really Vance?"
"Come up to Ludlow Street, and I'll prove who I am."
"I ain't going that way."
"Oh yes, you are; you've run right into my grip, and I'm going to shut you in with the rest of them, unless—"
The detective stopped.
"Unless what?"
"Unless you open up and tell me the whole story."
The fellow had a wicked eye. He saw that he had run into a snap, and he was determined to take a desperate chance to get out of it.
"I'm in for it," he remarked.
The detective had been watching the varying changes of expression upon the man's face, and dropped to the fact that the fellow contemplated some desperate expedient.
"I reckon, old man, the best thing for you to do is to own up, make a clean breast of it."
"Are you really Vance, or have I run against some otherGovernment dandy?"
"I am Vance."
"I wish I were sure, old man, and I'd put you on the biggest lay of your life."
"You're safe to give me any information you possess."
"But if I let on to you I want to make sure of my rake in."
"About as sure as I am for the fifty dollars."
The man laughed, and said:
"Well, this is a nice joke all round."
"Yes, a nice joke," repeated the detective in a peculiarly significant tone.
"But," said the man. "I have some valuable information forVance."
"And so have I some valuable information for you, Mister Man, and now throw up your hands."
"You are not in earnest," said the man, and he approached a step nearer.
"You will find out I am in earnest."
"Do you really intend to take me to Ludlow Street?"
"I do."
"Not to-night," exclaimed the man, and he sprung upon the detective, but he might as well have leaped head first at a hornet's nest.
The detective was ready for the man, and he brought him to his knees upon the grass, and an instant later the darbies were on him.
The man squealed like a pig, but the conviction was forced upon his mind that he had met Vance.