"STAR" TALES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10198, 6 July 1911, Page 4

"STAR" TALES.

THE LUCKY THIRTEEN

. (By PHIL CUMMIXG.) '.Author of "A Disputed • l'ortune. " The Skipper's Daughter." etc.

[ALL RI<;HTS llkseuvkd.] . CHAPTER 1. THE- KXHST CO! !'. Captain Jack Borimartit!. debonair, handsome, and finely groomed, was sit-; ting in the smoking-room of his large, well-appointed house in Forty-Second Street, New York. A finely flavoured cigar was between his teeth, and at ids elbow, on the table, stood a small . glass filled,'. with brandy. Thnt this voung iriftu of fashion was satisfied with the state of' affaire was evident, for he rubbed his fingers together, laughed softly to himself, and mused. "Bv Jove! lam the leader of the boldest- and most successful band of men and 'women who live by their wits "that the modern world has seen. The police or many nations would give much to have us laid i>v the heels; but ' The Lucky Thirteen ' have always managed to give them the slip, and now we are on the eve of our greatest . ayploit. Tlie boys and the girls are all coming to-night, and 1 am to tell them how we are to capture and hold for ransom sis millionaires. By Jove! .what a netful! Six million pounds if a--penny! Whew ! it's amazing." And the young man took a sip of the brandy, and laughed again. hour later nine men and four women sat round the Bon martin table. The dinner was excellent, and the fact that the number was thirteen did not appear to trouble those fashionable young people. The laugh and'the joke passed freely, and not till the servants retired was there any word of the business that had called " The Lucky Thirteen " together. With a flush upon Ills handsome face, Captain Jack rose at the head of the • table, and be talked long in a low yet distinct voice. Detail ""after detail of Ms great plan he unfolded, and man and woman each got their in-i etructions. In issuing them Jack said : "'Slavin, Dempster, Howell and Bax-! ter, you four will proceed at once to j England, and t.-.xe up your residence Mi the York _estate of Mr Rocker, the Chicago in.illionE;.re, and have everytbingin readiness for our arrival. Miss Malcolm and Miss Howard," he went on. addressing two of the ladies, "you will accompany them and instnl yourT es 83 a^es i:: charge of the house, and _ make your own arrangements .about servants, iou are preparing the fray for Mr and Mrs Rocker, and I .will keQp you informed as to the r.ou-f» • »f events with us.

i- ", Y ? U » Tfareman. will go straight pack to Chicago, and carry out your instructions as regards the millionaire s train. The main point hangs on Aliss 'Parsons becoming Mrs Rocker, mvseif 'Mr Rocker, and my wife- (Miss \VinRocker's companion. ~,.0 1l F e £m ' tile train as the millionaire's pan;:. and they off to the house provided i'-cr their reception, the rest wall be plainer sniling." -?H? e H. morn " :n K c: *Ptßin Jaek, his wife, Miss Parscns. ,< nd t wo of the gentlemen went to Crawford, a sma'i town fife miles nearer Chicago than Red Creek siding, the place fixed upon for capturing til© millionaire .« train, the first coup of the gigantic scheme.' The five were together in a hotel room »ome days later when a code telegram *ras handed to Jack which read: ""All as known, look out for rocket at twelve." That afternoon Urn party left Crawford in a covered v.'aggoif, and once Well clear of the settlement drove towards Red. Creek, and when darkness came down they were in the vicinity of the siding. Here they were joined bv three other members of the band. All was going wellj and the hour was approaching. "Now then, time is up," said Captain Jack, who had struck s. match now and again and looked at his watch.

" Everyone to yoi.it- posts. Come along. Johnson,'' and followed by iho man he J had named. Captain Jack led the way i toward the line. Black masks covered all their laces, and the women. as well as the men carried revolvers. Fifty yards or .so from the signalbox. Captain J.'ick and John-son stood watching the sky to the westward. "Ha! there it goes! Well dene. Wa reman !" breathed Jack, as the sbi miner my; lights of a rocket showed clearly in a falling shower against the dark sky. k Tlie two men ran towards the .signalbox. and just as Captain Jack reached the bottom of the stairs, he cried, " For heaven's sake put up tlie dangersignal! A tree has been placed across the line in order to wreck ilr Rocker's express. Quick, for heaven's sake!" The signalman's head had appeared at the window; now it was withdrawn, and there came the sound of a lever being pulled; the next moment Captain Jack sprang into the box. His revolver covered the signalman, and .-while that individual stood transfixed with terror. Johnson promptly bound and gagged him.

'• That'* number oik*.'' said .Tack, and the two darted off to the train. x\.s they ran along the line tliey could hear the brakes tearing on ihe v. heels, and see the sparks of tire flying from the rails. When the train came 1o a standstill tho engine-driver and firemen were peering over the side, their sweat-begriirted facos lighted up by the blaze from the open lurnace dooi'. Like a flash Captain .Tack was oil the .foot-plate, and at sight of a revolver in each of his hands the two men backed. " Stopl a move or a cry and you are dead men. Our business is not with you," Captain .Jack warned sternly. Quickly both men More trussed up and' gagged ; Captain Jack switched a brass handle, and immediately there came a noi.se of escaping steam. " That," he said, " will deaden any other sounds that may be made. Come!" Springing from the engine, he rushed along the train. Entering it, he and Johnson passed into a gorgeous saloon, in which Mrs Rocker and her lady companion, both pale and trembling-, were disrobing, assisted by two ladies of the band, while Mrs Bonmartin, Captain Jack's wife, stood by enforcing obedience, with revolver in hand. "All well?" said Captain Jack in a gruff voice. A nod from his wife, and the smile on her lips—the upper part of her face was hidden by a mask—assured him, and he passed on. Mr Rocker, the millionaire, was in tho next compartment, also busily divesting himself of his clothing, all the time in a state of fear at Wareman's revolver, and the black mask above the firmly-set lips. The moment Captain Jack appeared in the doorway Warernan lowered his weapon, and without! a word left the compartment with Johnson to do other work.

Evidently realising that this newcomer was the leader of the robber band, Mr Rocker made an appeal. " I wiU give you," he, said, " a. cheque for five thousand dollars if you withdraw your men from my train." " And wire to have it stopped and bearer arrested the moment you are free. Make it cash down/'' snapped Jack fiercely. " 1 have not the. amount with me. In that box there are a few hundreds in gold; you may take it. and likewise I'll give, you my word of honour that f will allow you to draw the cheque." "Quick, then!" exclaimed Jack. " but make the cheque out for fifty thousand when you are at it." " In a few seconds the cheque was duly signed and passed over to Captain Jack, who said: "I must keep you till this is cashed; 1 accept no man's word of honour. Hurry! Off with that waistcoat and these trousers. It's all a bit infra dig, but in tho circumstances absolutely necessary." Mr Rocker hesitated. "Quick!" snarled Jack. "Why. man alive, do you want me to bore holes in you?"

" What am I to wear!"'' a.sked the millionaire. " You will find suitable clothing in this," was the retort, and Ca.p_ta.in Jack tossed over a bundle which AVarema 11 had brought to the saloon with him for the purpose. I3y this time the other members of "The Lucky Thirteen" had the train well in hand. The two men-servant* were, like their master, divesting themselves ot : their livery and donning clothes supplied to them, and the guard was trussed up in his -van. Johnson appeared in the saloon where Captain Jack and the millionaire were changing identities. "Bind.him," ordered Jack, pointing to Mr Rocker, who was arrayed in a rough tweed suit and cap. All Captain Jack's assistants were adepts, and in a twinkling the millionaire's hands were bound behind his back. " Step forth," commanded Captain Jack, addressing Mr Rocker, and the same order was being given all along the line, so perfect was the planning and the carrying out. A few r minutes later. Mr Rocker, his wife, Miss Winnings, her companion, and the two men-servants wero in the waggon, and it rattled away to a secluded house some twenty miles away from the seen/, of the daring raid, where all arrangements had been made for keeping the prisoners in safe yet comfortable custody for a month or two. The moment Captain Jack br.nded over the millionaire to Johnson he started to array himself in the discarded .clothing, and he had almost' completed his quick toilet when Johnson and Wa reman came in on him. both clad in th** llverv stripped from the millionaire's men-servants'.

" It is done, your orders, sir." said Johnson, stiffening himself in the way peculiar to a. flunkey. Captain Jack laughed and said, " Look mo round and see if I am all right," and as he turned about ho pulled off his mask. By Jove! you're the very picture of him, and I was also observing that we are not bad likenesses of the bodyguard,'' said Wareman, laughing. "I chose you two for this owing to your similarity to thp men-servants jn appearance, but you will have to bo careful with the guard; lie may ha.vo been in close touch with the men/' " I saw to that. Why, as one of Mr Rocker's men, I chatted with him in the van most of the way. In hut, he helped me to fix up tiie rocket, 1 telling him some surprising fibs concerning my object, of course," said Wo rem an. A smile flickered on Jack's lips. "Good." he said; "now come and square things." The sham millionaire, with his two servants, went first: to the guard, undid his bonds, and removed the gag from his mouth. Then Captain Jack explained in an excited manner that be had succeeded in buying off the robbers, and ended by declaring that there must be a move made by telegraph to catch the villains. The guard rubbed his eyes and began to swear volubly, but Captain Jack pulled him up sharply. '• "'his is no time for indulging in strong language ; let us act so that the train may go ahead," he said. " You are right, sir," answered the guard, "though there is little fear of us being ruu into. Why, we are hard up at the signal, and it is still .at danger ; the signalman must be held up as well. I'll run to the bos, and you " —indicating the men-servants " miirlttsee after the driver and his ma to; they have likely been trussed up too." " f shall accompany you to the box to give orders what to wire. I hope the scoundrels have not killed any of the men; it wa.s a near shave with myself," said Captain .lack, and lie hurried along with the guard. The signalman was released, pot hi* instructions and a sovereign, lor himself. along with a few words of condolence, over the dastardly attack that had been mado on him. Tho men on

the footplate were also sympathised with, and their hands gripped the uoid pieces of the millionaire. The train attain rushed on. The first art In the capture of the millionaires by " The Lucky Thirteen " hml been a. groat success. CH APT Kit !I. thf. sv.rosn i nrr, Pittsburg was reached, and when the millionaires trr.in drew up it was Hoarder! by detective?. m:l journalists., nil anxious to hear lull particulars of' the during attack that had been made on the express. Captain .Jack", poking as .Mr Rocker, was very I rank over tilt* matter, and related his own version of the attack. ano how in ice end ho had bought the villains r.ff for all the gold and ueies iii> bud wit-h him. which he put dm\ 11 a* about iiit.r thousand dollars. •' ft seeinn to Iv->vi> been a smartly executed a {Fair.'' said i:i» officer of the Pittsburg staff. "'lt, looks very much like the work of • The Lucky Thirteen. 5 By-tho-by. I wi'di to sneak with Mrs Rocker and the lady who is with her.'" "Certainly." responded Jack, who had given hi> "conic this way. Tlie detective, Dan Sherbroke, vas ini reduced to hoik ladies, and the first question lie pi;t was: "Did either ul yon sec the robbers? I .' "One -of the men." answered Miss Parsons. the shorn Mrs Rocker. " looked into our saloon with his black mask on. lie appeared to be the leader, as he warned the others not to interfere with us. We heard the awful threats hurled at my husband, and I was really terrified. Miss "Winnings was bolder : she peeped along the corridor." "And what did you see, -Miss Win. uings?"

" Three .men leave the train, and disappear in the darkness. Then .Mr .Rocker came along ;ir,d informed us that the robbers had gone." The detective was regarding the sham Miss "Winnings closely. Excuse me.'' he said, " but i think we have previously met. A year ago 1 was over at Cleveland, and a Iric-nd of mine, George Westbourne, introduced me to you: and further, if I mistake not, he told me you were to be his wife some day. Am I right?" _ " Is this sharp-eyed detective setting a trap for my wire? Does he suspect anything?'' thought Captain Jack ; but though he was considerably perturbed inwardly, lie. in order to give his wiie a lend, hastily said : " I believe you aio correct:. MiV. innings is a Cleveland lady, but ihatmarriage with Mr Westbourne has net yet come oil' ; it is to take place when we return from this trip, I. understand.'" "Air Rocker is right, and T—-I hope you will forgive me for not remembering you," said the sham Miss Winnings. with a deep blush on her cheeks caused by the start she had ajot. "Nothing to forgive, Miss Winnings: nothing, I. assure yon. I'll wire your George right, away, and teli him I saw you. All! now J think of it I shall acquaint him -svith the- whole affair. He is a smart Pinkerton chap, and being interested, through you and AJr and Mrs Rocker " —the detective bowed to the millionaire and his lady —lie may give this matter his attention. Good morning. Miss Winnings: very pleased io have met you again. Good morning, Mr and Mrs Rocker. lie assured we will do what we can to bring the villains to I have men already on the spot." and uith that the detective Jeft them staring at one another. The train arrived at Philadelphia, and there a railway oilicial asked permission to allow the saloon carriage of Air Waller, one of the millionaires who was on the same ship as the other live, to be attached to the train. Mr Rocker had no objections, and with the extra carriage the journey was resumed.

j Several milea had been covered, and I then one oi Mr Waller's men-servants j came with a message to Captain Jack, : saying that his master wished to express his sympathy with Mr Rocker and his ladies over the attack on their i tvam. I The permission was granted, and Mr j Waller, a tall, lanky, foppish-looking ; young fellow, wearing eye-glasses, came stalking into Captain Jack's saloon, i " Aw—aw—glad to meet you, Mr ! Rocker; heard of you often. Guess : you've had an er—er exciting time. Pity you had not had a six-shooter with you. and given them a dose of er —or lead," said Mr Waller, shaking Jack's j hand effusively. | " How on earth should a blithering ! numb-skull like this man be a millionaire?" was Captain Jack's inward comment. Aloud he said, "Thanks very much for looking us up. Allow me," and Jack turned to the ladies who were at the far end of the saioon: "Mrs Rocker and Miss Winnings—Mr Waller, our mutual friend, who is travelling to England along with us." Mr Waller bowed low, and said. '' Aw-—how do? Jolly proud to meet ,\ou both, Rough nigat, vou have had. Pity yer—or—-carriage had not been tacked on earlier; then no offence. Mr Rocker, but two---or—-er—gentle-men ;ire better than otic. You had only —er —er- servants to depend upon, ami one cannot—er—or—rely on thorn.'' For some time the conversation went on. and Jack, seeing that the ladies wished it ended, struck in. "What do you say. Air Wallet-, to a cigar, some ii/K and a quiet chat in niy private saloon? Both Mrs Rocker and Miss Winnings arc a bit oil colour ov, Jug to this affair. Conic along."' Bowing: to the ladies, and assuring them that he would see them soon. Mr Waller le-lt with Captain .)'<•; rfc; and he startled t-hc latter terribly as ho lay back 011 the cushions, and. while holding, a match to a ciavir, said. " By Jovo Air Rocker. I like that gir) Miss V,'innings. Love at iirst sight. Have I your permission lo cr-- er - bit suit?" Vou "re joking. Mt Waller, surely."' vouchsafed Captain Jack, considerably nonplussed. 1 hough ho did not show it. " .No, i am in dear! earnest. What is the ol being an- er—or—millionaire il one- cannot have what one fancies? That's the- er-er nail hit on the head. eh. Mi 1 Rocker? A-.'d by Jove! t.<» shoiv yon that I mean it, why. I woukl have been—-er—er gcrne to marry her at New York, hut the;*-? is not time. .Yever mind; j'l! court her on the -or- or ship. it n bargain. Mr Rocker?" " 1 have no ohjpefion," laufj'-cd Cantain .Jack. Hore was the very tr-an .im-k w.i nt"d. He would influence tin- en Iter 111 i!li■.:ilirwJ. and might help to lota I some of them into the i 1 ';:;) th:"- being for ; o.ein in K;><da>id by ilio of " The '.i?ei-.y Thirteen " who w>»v :ilr«-ad;v on the water. Thinking + Jms. Ca.ptaiii Jack threw out bints of enter- i taininir vnem nil on Ins Yorkshire es- j ;,i e. where t! '.ore was good sh.iotingj and (id)iug | " Yes. in- Jove! I'll m.'ilve one. 1 "N on re very kind, Mr Rocker: and I'm j tlie. man ;:o how) your or or •■birds ! over, and I can spoon with Mi-.s Win- | nines at the same < ime. T.ovely ! What ! an—-er -er- glorious prosper! !'' cried i Mr Waller en Li iusia.-4i::a i!y. Tn the evening ihey reached New | York, and at once went on hoard the. j Blue Star liner Yiviiania. where they | found everything -prepared in most ( magnificent, style. The dinner was a j feast worthy oi six millionaires, ail i

of whom were on hoard, several Laving their wives with thoni. When dinner was over Mr Waller went strolling with Miss 'Winnings, ami after the two parted the Philadelphia millionaire, ever a cigar and a glass of champagne, confided to Captain .Jack that Miss "Winnings was " tho —or —er —liveliest-, the handsomest and tlie best girl be—-er--er—talked with lor a lolltime. And, by Jove:"' he added, " she shall be mine.' .lack laughed, and Mr V* idler went on : " She's struck ber---<-n- —«>r —arrow right into my heart—and, by Jove! will you otiiio?" ""Where, and what are. you driving at now, .Mr Waller':'" asked Jack. " [ must givo her an—er - er--pre-sent—a diamond necklace. my Low t know wher-e [ can get; the lin.ug. By Jove: we'll folcii old " he mentioned the name of a prominent- New '/or!: jeweller—from his house • along to the-- or • er—shop. What's ihe <rood of being a miil.ionain? if one don't have an-- er --cv --dance now and again? I'll order a motor. YoivJl come. Rocker, like a good chapl"" Tho motor rushed away from the ship's sklo, and wont fearing tiu'augh the streets ui New York. The laik of a diamond necklace had caused Captain Jack's eyes to sparkle, and he sat alongside Mr Waller in i'.e car. " Here's hi* place," said Mr Waller, w hen the motor .•slopped. " Come abng up the—or-—er-—walk, and I'll introduce you to the—cr r i-.- old siuuev. Stay "here; we'll be buck soon/' he cried to tho chauffeur. Mr Wfiller rang the hell; a man,servant opened the door and took them to a 'arge, luxuriously-furnished room. After the two had entered tho manservant shut the dour and stood np against- it inside- l-lio room. Cap* ain Jack looked at, him. and then he turned to "Waller for an explanation. " It's a trap!'' he exclaimed. " er. Captain Jack Bmmarlm, yotrre trapped as neatly as yon trapped Mr Kock"r and bis party. And your I rapper is ('-forgo Tfes! bourne. n-iio is '■l marry the real Miss Winnings. Jf-iriL; ::p or 1 .'.hoot'" Tlkt" va# HO hrw-hrswing in .Mr Waller's tone now ; it was hard, keen and incisive. ".-.lines, Lake Mr Hon martin's revolver from his hip-pocket. will you?" be said to the man-servant, who obeyed, and .stood by with tlx? weapon in bis band. " f would light if there had been r chance.'' said Captain .Tack. but ! there isn't, so 1 give in. What are you zouig to do with me?

' " Let tom oil, if you uis]t It. io bt> : *-«'). I'm not a regular detective. who i must :trrost or g>-t into trouble. I've followed this up because I wanted to. The Mr Wa lier ->.v;»s in the train all the time, l>ut ho. allowed me to impersonate him, or rather to play the fool, hooanse, being eugaged to ZM i:-s Winnings, I know your .Miss Winnings was a sham, ami I was not long villi you before 1 found out you were all shams. T know your game ; you want, eel to get nil the millionaires to your --no to Mr Koc-kor's Yorkshire estat-:*: there you were to fix them up and bleed them. The'!, when you had got your pile, yon and your twelve were to disappear. It's a near squeak with j 'The Lucky Thirteen ' this time, and | a word from rue to Dan iSherhroke j would mean the changing of your title. ' Now, then, burst it out. Say where ! Mr Hooker and his party were driven J to. and stay lie re. in this-Mr 'Worker's | New York house, as a prisoner, of I oiiuise- till I realeaso the party. I I know Mr Hooker will not. care to have it noised abroad now neatly lie was , trapped and impersonated; so thai if yoii keep quiet 1 uill." | "You have the trump mrd : 1 r.'V" in'."' ' .ihl Cnptaiji Jaek. ' The till! tIHU' fl'*ei|« t.l?e lliattflf—-

and next day tho Vivitania sailed without any of the members of " The Lucky Thirteen ' on hoard, and there was no suspicion of anything having been wrong, it being given out- that at the last moment Mr Itoeker and his party were prevented, through illness of one of the members, from sailing. The next Blue Star liner to cross the ocean took the real Mr Rocker and his wife and Miss Winnings, and in the interval tho latter's marriage with George \\ ostbouriie was fixed to take place when she returned from England, and Mr Hooker gave tho young man fifty thousand dollars to get things ready. " it's nothing at all," .said Mr Tiocker. when George remonstrated about faking so largo a cheque. " It's the one that, fellow Captain Jack had to give up to you, so I'm not a penny poorer than I was before."