became
bolder; told our hero she had in the interest of her brother and the
detective beguiled one of the gang; informed him that she could
introduce him into the house where the whole gang was to meet; that she
would be able to identify every man of them. She even professed to have
fallen in love with Oscar, played the alluring siren to perfection, and
it was in her company that our hero proceeded to Hoboken to be
introduced into the house and hidden at a point where he could see and
overhear. In talking to Girard the woman had said:

"I've got him dazzled. The man believes in me as he does in his own
mother. He is like wax in my hands. I can do with him as I choose."

"Are you sure he is not fooling you?"

"Am I sure? Yes, I am sure. I will have him in that house to-night. You
will discover him and drag him forth. The plan will be carried out: At
the proper time the riot will commence and in the melee down he goes."

"I hope it is as you say. I would not chance even on your positive
assurance, but Redalli says it is all right, and he is the boss. He
takes the responsibility."

As intimated, Oscar started for Hoboken in company with the siren and
two trusty men followed his steps. Our hero was determined that there
should be no miss. He had provided against every possible contingency.
He arrived at the house. Oscar had been seemingly persuaded that the
siren's brother was to be their guide, that she had fooled him for his
own eventual good. Arrived at the house the siren signaled and a young
man, supposed to be the woman's brother, opened the door. The woman
asked:

"Have they arrived?"

"No one has arrived yet."

"Then I can secrete my friend."

"Certainly; but, sister, remember, I am trusting you and believe it is
for your and my eventual good that I consent to act in this matter."

"You can trust me."

"If not you, whom can I trust?"

"I am acting for your good."

To Oscar the woman explained after they had entered the house that she
had her brother deceived on a false "steer," but she added: "You know it
is to save him."

"Oh, certainly."

Oscar was led down the stairs, led to the basement and then to the
cellar. A lantern was produced and a door was disclosed, showing that an
excavation had been made and a room built under the yard of the house.
All the arrangements were very cunningly made. When the door was opened
our hero hesitated and the woman asked:

"What is the matter?"

In a tone o