by Hugh Lloyd
“But—but——”
“And that isn’t all,” the Inspector went on relentlessly. “Buck Flinthas been giving you a free hand and staying away, but he’s hadaccountants working on your books and he’s got plenty of evidence as tohow you’ve ben cheating him and how you cheated the old man.”
“No jury will ever convict me on evidence like that.” Skinner seemed tohave regained his composure. “Beasell was only a cheap crook anyway andhe’s dead, too. Stealing money isn’t murder.”
“Guess you’re right on those points,” the Inspector mused and Skinnerstarted to lower his hands.
“Not so fast, not so fast there! Keep ’em up! There’s one bet youoverlooked, Skinner, and I’m going to call it right now.” Still keepingSkinner covered the Inspector moved closer and pulled the gun out of theman’s shoulder holster. “I’ve got a hunch that our ballistic expert willfind a groove in the barrel of your gun which will prove the bulletwhich killed old Flint was fired by you. The gun never was found, youremember, but the bullet with a peculiar mark was and it’s still rightdown at headquarters.”
Skinner slumped into a chair at that, but Skippy looked quickly from hisdejected figure as he heard a familiar bark. He turned to the door andthere in the arms of a policeman was his beloved Mugs.
“Mugs! Mugs!” he cried out overjoyed. And then, as if in afterthought,“See anythin’ of Big Joe, officer? Gee, if he’d only come along now,’cause I know my Pop’s gonna be free soon, everythin’d be just grand.Gee, but I’m happy. I’m....”
He stopped suddenly frightened at something he saw in the policeman’sface. “What—what—what’s wrong? Tell me,” he demanded.
“I’m in a tough spot, kid, but I know you got plenty guts, so here goespoint blank. Big Joe went back to your barge figgering you might havefound your way back there. We see him and tell him you’re safe. Then hehears the dog barkin’, goes into the flames after him and saves him.” Hepaused, gulped, then went on: “He was burned bad, Big Joe was. Fullasmoke, too. Well, anyways ... he kicked off.”
There was a silence, which was finally broken by Skippy’s sobs. At amotion from Inspector Jones the policeman, who had brought Mugs and thesad news about Big Joe, handcuffed Skinner and took him out of thecabin, softly closing the door.
It was far in the night before Inspector Jones had Skippy sufficientlycomforted so that the boy fell asleep. Then the Inspector bundled himup, carried him to the police launch and that night Skippy and Mugsslept at the Inspector’s home.
CHAPTER XXXIV THE GREAT ADVENTURE
Skippy had two things to show his delighted father when they met at therailroad station a few weeks later, by which time Skinner had confessedmurdering Josiah Flint when mad with rage at having been caughtstealing, and Skippy’s grief over Big Joe’s death had become lesspoignant. One was the gawky Mugs and the other a little satchel which hecarried under his arm with the greatest care.
“What’s in there, Skippy son?” Toby asked after their outstretched armshad clung in an awkward embrace.
Skippy winked at his father mysteriously.
“I waited to tell you now, Pop—sort of as a surprise. It’s what BuckFlint calls redress money—money that Old Flint should have paid you anddidn’t. And he says it’s for the price of the _Minnie M. Baxter_ too.Altogether he said he figured Old Flint owed you a thousand dollars withinterest—see Pop?”
Toby was overwhelmed.
“What we a-goin’ ter do with it, son?” he wanted to know.
“Whatever you say, Pop. There’s enough to buy another _Minnie M. Baxter_and more besides, huh? An’ there’s enough to buy a nice hot dog standsomewheres up in the mountains where the doctor said I wouldn’t have nomore bad throats. So what do you say, Pop?”
“Mountains, Skippy boy,” said Toby with shining eyes. “We’ll call ourstand the _Minnie Baxter_ jest the same, hey? ’Cause didn’t she sort uvbring us luck in the end, after all? How’d we got all this money if shehadn’t uv burned up and that helped ter show up Skinner and made BuckFlint feel sorry and that he ought ter make good. Yessir we’ll call herthat.”
A train announcer sauntered out of the big iron gates and in hissonorous voice called out, “Mountain Express on Track Number Four ...Cold Glen ... Pine Ridge ... Baxter....”
“Did yer hear that, Skippy?” asked Toby excitedly. “There’s a place inthem mountains what’s called _Baxter_! Seems like as if it was Fate orsomethin’! S’pose we jest try her fer luck. What do you say?”
“I’m on, Pop,” Skippy cried joyfully. “Baxter for luck!”
And arm in arm, Skippy and Toby, with Mugs sniffing at their heels,darted through the big iron gates on their Great Adventure.
END
FOOTNOTES
[1]Stolen goods.
HAL KEEN MYSTERY STORIES By HUGH LLOYD
Boys! Meet Hal Keen, that lanky, nonchalant, red-headed youth whoseguiding star is the star that points to adventure, excitement andmystery. Follow him in his hunts for clues and criminals. There areplenty of thrills and shivers in these stories to keep you on your toes.
THE SMUGGLER’S SECRET
Hal Keen sets out to get to the bottom of a mystery that threatens thesafety of a whole community.
THE MYSTERIOUS ARAB
Mystery, excitement, murder in a scientist’s camp in the jungles ofAfrica, where hate, revenge, and suspicion lead to tragedy.
THE HERMIT OF GORDON’S CREEK
The disappearance of two airmail pilots leads to a mystery that centersabout an abandoned mine and a strange old man.
KIDNAPPED IN THE JUNGLE
A hint of buried treasure in the ruins of an old French mission leadsHal deep into the Central American jungle.
THE COPPERHEAD TRAIL MYSTERY
Baffling and blood-curdling events center about the ranch where Hal Keenand his friends had gone in search of gold.
THE LONESOME SWAMP MYSTERY
The lonely and mysterious swamp gave up its secret only after a seriesof terrifying events taxed Hal’s courage and ability.
THE CLUE AT SKELETON ROCKS
In this new thriller Hal Keen finds mystery and adventure in and about alonely lighthouse on Skeleton Rocks, off the Maine coast.
THE DOOM OF STARK HOUSE
Mystery and terror in an old house in the wilderness above Quebec whereHal Keen is the guest of a strange family.
THE JUDY BOLTON MYSTERY STORIES By MARGARET SUTTON
Here is a new series of mystery stories for girls by an author who knowsthe kind of stories every girl wants to read—mystery of the “shivery”sort, adventure that makes the nerves tingle, clever “detecting” and anew lovable heroine, Judy Bolton, whom all girls will take to theirhearts at once.
THE VANISHING SHADOW
Judy’s safety is threatened by a gang of crooks who think she knows toomuch about their latest “deal.” She is constantly pursued by amysterious shadow which vanishes before she can get a glimpse of itsowner.
THE HAUNTED ATTIC
The Boltons move into a large rambling house reputed to be haunted. Eventhe brave Judy who has looked forward to “spooky” goings on isthoroughly frightened at the strange scrapings and rappings and the eery“crying ghost.”
THE INVISIBLE CHIMES
Through an automobile accident a strange girl is taken into the Boltonhousehold—the whole family becomes attached to her and interested in herstory. Judy tracks down many clues before she finally uncovers the realidentity of “Honey.”
SEVEN STRANGE CLUES
Judy
gets to the bottom of a mystery that centers around a prize postercontest and a fire in the school building—through seven baffling cluesthat hold the key to the answer.
THE NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES By CAROLYN KEENE
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Here is a thrilling series of mystery stories for girls. Nancy Drew,ingenious, alert, is the daughter of a famous criminal lawyer and sheherself is deeply interested in his mystery cases. Her interest involvesher often in some very dangerous and exciting situations.
THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK
Nancy, unaided, seeks to locate a missing will and finds herself in themidst of adventure.
THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE
Mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion lead to an investigationby Nancy.
THE BUNGALOW MYSTERY
Nancy has some perilous experiences around a deserted bungalow.
THE MYSTERY AT LILAC INN
Quick thinking and quick action were needed for Nancy to extricateherself from a dangerous situation.
THE SECRET AT SHADOW RANCH
On a vacation in Arizona Nancy uncovers an old mystery and solves it.
THE SECRET OF RED GATE FARM
Nancy exposes the doings of a secret society on an isolated farm.
THE CLUE IN THE DIARY
A fascinating and exciting story of a search for a clue to a surprisingmystery.
NANCY’S MYSTERIOUS LETTER
Nancy receives a letter informing her that she is heir to a fortune.This story tells of her search for another Nancy Drew.
FLYING STORIES FOR BOYS IN THE AIR WITH ANDY LANE By EUSTACE L. ADAMS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Mr. Adams, the author of this flying series for boys is an experiencedaviator and has had many thrilling adventures in the air—both as amember of the famous Lafayette Escadrille in the World War and in theUnited States Naval Aviation Service flying with the squadronspatrolling the Atlantic Coast. His stories reveal not only his abilityto tell daring and exciting air episodes but also his first handknowledge of modern aeroplanes and the marvelous technical improvementswhich have been made in the past few years. Andy Lane flies the latestand most highly developed machines in the field of aviation.
FIFTEEN DAYS IN THE AIR OVER THE POLAR ICE RACING ROUND THE WORLD THE RUNAWAY AIRSHIP PIRATES OF THE AIR ON THE WINGS OF FLAME THE MYSTERIOUS MONOPLANE THE FLYING WINDMILL THE PLANE WITHOUT A PILOT WINGS OF ADVENTURE ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD PRISONERS OF THE CLOUDS
THE REX LEE FLYING STORIES By THOMSON BURTIS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
The author of this series of exciting flying stories is an experiencedaviator. He says, “During my five years in the army I performed nearlyevery sort of flying duty—instructor, test pilot, bombing, photographingpilot, etc., in every variety of ship, from tiny scout planes to thegigantic three-motored Italian Caproni.”
Not only has this author had many experiences as a flyer; a list of hisactivities while knocking around the country includes postal clerk,hobo, actor, writer, mutton chop salesman, preacher, roughneck in theoil fields, newspaper man, flyer, scenario writer in Hollywood andsynthetic clown with the Sells Floto Circus. Having lived an active,daring life, and possessing a gift for good story telling, he is wellqualified to write these adventures of a red-blooded dare-devil youngAmerican who became one of the country’s greatest flyers.
REX LEE; GYPSY FLYER REX LEE; ON THE BORDER PATROL REX LEE; RANGER OF THE SKY REX LEE; SKY TRAILER REX LEE; ACE OF THE AIR MAIL REX LEE; NIGHT FLYER REX LEE’S MYSTERIOUS FLIGHT REX LEE; ROUGH RIDER OF THE AIR REX LEE; AERIAL ACROBAT REX LEE; TRAILING AIR BANDITS REX LEE; FLYING DETECTIVE
THE HARDY BOYS SERIES By FRANKLIN W. DIXON
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
The Hardy Boys are sons of a celebrated American detective, and duringvacations and their off time from school they help their father byhunting down clues themselves.
THE TOWER TREASURE—A dying criminal confessed that his loot had been secreted “in the tower.” It remained for the Hardy Boys to clear up the mystery.
THE HOUSE ON THE CLIFF—Mr. Hardy started to investigate—and disappeared! An odd tale, with plenty of excitement.
THE SECRET OF THE OLD MILL—Counterfeit money was in circulation, and the limit was reached when Mrs. Hardy took some from a stranger. A tale full of thrills.
THE MISSING CHUMS—Two of the Hardy Boys’ chums disappear and are almost rescued by their friends when all are captured. A thrilling story of adventure.
HUNTING FOR HIDDEN GOLD—In tracing some stolen gold the trail leads the boys to an abandoned mine, and there things start to happen.
THE SHORE ROAD MYSTERY—Automobiles were disappearing most mysteriously from the Shore Road. It remained for the Hardy Boys to solve the mystery.
THE SECRET OF THE CAVES—When the boys reached the caves they came unexpectedly upon a queer old hermit.
THE MYSTERY OF CABIN ISLAND—A story of queer adventures on a rockbound island.
THE GREAT AIRPORT MYSTERY—The Hardy Boys solve the mystery of the disappearance of some valuable mail.
WHAT HAPPENED AT MIDNIGHT—The boys follow a trail that ends in a strange and exciting situation.
WHILE THE CLOCK TICKED—The Hardy Boys aid in vindicating a man who has been wrongly accused of a crime.
FOOTPRINTS UNDER THE WINDOW—The Smuggling of Chinese into this country is the basis of this story in which the boys find thrills and excitement aplenty.
WESTERN STORIES FOR BOYS By JAMES CODY FERRIS
Each Volume Complete in Itself.
Thrilling tales of the great west, told primarily for boys but whichwill be read by all who love mystery, rapid action, and adventures inthe great open spaces.
The Manly boys, Roy and Teddy, are the sons of an old ranchman, theowner of many thousands of heads of cattle. The lads know how to ride,how to shoot, and how to take care of themselves under any and allcircumstances.
The cowboys of the X Bar X Ranch are real cowboys, on the job whenrequired, but full of fun and daring—a bunch any reader will bedelighted to know.
THE X BAR X BOYS ON THE RANCH THE X BAR X BOYS IN THUNDER CANYON THE X BAR X BOYS ON WHIRLPOOL RIVER THE X BAR X BOYS ON BIG BISON TRAIL THE X BAR X BOYS AT THE ROUND-UP THE X BAR X BOYS AT NUGGET CAMP THE X BAR X BOYS AT RUSTLER’S GAP THE X BAR X BOYS AT GRIZZLY PASS THE X BAR X BOYS LOST IN THE ROCKIES THE X BAR X BOYS RIDING FOR LIFE THE X BAR X BOYS IN SMOKY VALLEY
BOOKS BY LEO EDWARDS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Hundreds of thousands of boys have laughed until their sides ached overthe weird and wonderful adventures of Jerry Todd, Poppy Ott, TriggerBerg and their friends. Mr. Edwards’ boy characters are all real. Theydo the things other boys like. Pirates! Mystery! Detectives! Adventure!Ghosts! Buried Treasure! Achievement! Stories of boys making things,doing things, going places—always on the jump and always having fun. Hisstories are for boys and girls of all ages.
THE JERRY TODD BOOKS
JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE COLORED CAT JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE JERRY TODD, PIRATE JERRY TODD AND THE BOB-TAILED ELEPHANT JERRY TODD, EDITOR-IN-GRIEF J
ERRY TODD, CAVEMAN
THE POPPY OTT BOOKS
POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL POPPY OTT’S PEDIGREED PICKLES POPPY OTT AND THE FRECKLED GOLDFISH POPPY OTT AND THE TITTERING TOTEM POPPY OTT AND THE PRANCING PANCAKE POPPY OTT HITS THE TRAIL
THE TRIGGER BERG BOOKS
TRIGGER BERG AND THE TREASURE TREE TRIGGER BERG AND 700 MOUSETRAPS TRIGGER BERG AND THE SACRED PIG
THE TUFFY BEAN BOOKS
TUFFY BEAN’S PUPPY DAYS TUFFY BEAN’S ONE RING CIRCUS TUFFY BEAN AT FUNNY-BONE FARM TUFFY BEAN AND THE LOST FORTUNE
GARRY GRAYSON FOOTBALL STORIES By ELMER A. DAWSON
Illustrated. Each Volume Complete in Itself.
Garry Grayson is a football fan, first, last, and all the time. But morethan that, he is a wideawake American boy with a “gang” of chums almostas wideawake as himself.
How Garry organized the first football eleven his grammar school had,how he later played on the High School team, and what he did on the PrepSchool gridiron and elsewhere, is told in a manner to please all readersand especially those interested in watching a rapid forward pass, aplucky tackle, or a hot run for a touchdown.