The Washington times., 1906-09-30


no world so dark and
mysterious as that ia
which criminals live and plan their
nefariouB work. Truly. Jimmy u Is
the devils own workshop
There's no doubt of that Felix.
admitted Coleman.
"A strangely potent factor more
over. is the atmosphere OF mystery
with which a master criminal often
surrounds himself 1t both hides him
from the sleuths OF the law, Ike
yourself. Jimmie. and inspires bis con
federates with an awe and suDsefVl-
ence we'll calculated TO prevent treach-
ory. This element Of mystery always
has been recognized as a mighty pow
er, Jimmie. and It has been applied
for good or evil through centuries and
by all classes. from the supreme dig
nitary OF the church down TO the most
vicious denlzen OF the under world
Il guess that's right. Felix, but the
philosophy OF the thing is little out
OF my line" laughed the central Of
nee man, while he knocked the ashes
from his cigar.
As chronicler Of the exploits OF Mr..
Felix Boyd below the dead line. it IS
his many achievements those cases
which best exemplihed his remark
able work: and that here narrat-
ed. rather than being directly IN line
with his special duties. presents the
extraordinary circumstances under
which he encountered that master
criminal against whose superior craft
and daring his own talents were op-
posed, and who figured IN nearly every
great crime OF that strenuous period
Yet the case itself had features OF Pc
culiar interest.
"Mystery-yes, that's the word. jim
mie," repeated BOYD, smiling at Cole
mans observation. 1T has a very
practical side. moreover, when we con-
slider our futile efforts TO discover the
party responsible for the long series
OF crimes attempted IN this locality
Since that Trinity Trust affair, for
which we landed Wykofr and that man
Broger In sing Sing. have been more
than ever In the dark"
That was only two weeks ago" re-
Joined Coleman. IT'S hardly time FOR
this gang 70 begin getting IN their
work again. Or perhaps that was
body blow, and they haye decided 20
quit for a spell"
Not likely Jimmie The knave
who directed those operations is not a
gutter"
yet he may. as you once thought,
stand seriously IN fear OF you Felix
since you have queered so many OF
his projects" suggested Coleman. In
that case he may be watching for an
opportunity to turn you down"
Possibly" Boyd dryly admitted.
Have there been any further at
tempts upon your life?'
Not since the Trinity Trust aTair.
I have been a bit guarded since. and
they VIII find me loaded for bear II
they again attempt 10 throw me down.
ThslF crafty and despieable methods
t."
"Oh, I say, Mr.. Boyd, here's a queer
advertisement. Shall I read II TO you,
slr2"
The interruption came from Terry
GOwan. the lad employed IN Boyd's
office. where the three were seated
that morning. As usual. the lads oc-
CupRtion al that hour was that OF eX-
Emining the morning papers. in search
OF any curious or significant personal
or notice. which not unfrequenuy Is
made the means Of communication be-
tween professional crooks. as well as
others a little less culpable.
Boyd glanced at him, remarking in
differently:
Struck something, Terry? Yes, you
may read It."
From the want columns Of the morn
Ing Journal the lad read aloud the
following,
"WANTED-Tip for Lingerie New
ROOkery. Pass WoodcOck Gig 1O-l-l2
Last drawing Take one On black and
drop one IN brown. Ring on the Big
Finger"
What's that last7- cried Boyd
sharply
Ring on the Big Finger repeated
Terry. Elancing up.
BOyd's Indifference had vanished Ike
dew before the sun. He reached for
ward and seized the newspaper. which
he spread open upon his desk, and for
several moments lutenty studied the
curious advertisement.
Coleman also drew forward to read
IL. remarking:
IT appears 20 hit you between wind
and water, Felix. Can you make any
thing OF it?''
1T does hit me. Jimmie" muttered
Boyd, with eyes evinc,ng his Quickened
interest. "Have you forgotten what
that crook. Broger. sked me. when I
forced my way into MS shop in k
street. on the night Of the Trinity
Trust case?"
What was that7 I don't think
recall Il"
"EIe asked me il came with a
message from the Big Finger"
by Jove. thats so,'' exclaimed
Coleman. 7 now remember It. This
looks, indeed. as If this gang had
again got down % work
1T has that appearance"
Can you make anything OF that
rigmarol>?"
"Give me time" cried BOYD reach
ing for hts pipe There IS no alterna-
tive-T mUsc make something Of It, II
there Is another game afoot. I must
learn or what II consists, and a I'm
a the finish. Give me time. I say"
''Ta6C al the time YOU require.
laughed Coleman bit deTiSivelV. IF
you can make any sense Of that verbal
iohscoUse. Felix, YOU viii DO better
than I could"
THAT VIII not surprise me, Jimmie" "
retorted Boyd, with countenance light
inc s.Af least ona uroba bfIffv aDna7 rs