K WIN AGAINST SCHEMES AND CUNNING.

Our hero finally decided upon a plan. He determined to convert an
impending tragedy into a farce.

The detective smiled when the lackey volunteered to "do him up," and
said:

"I see you wish a little amusement, you fellows. You shall have it. Get
the swords. I am a gentleman and I will enjoy slaughtering this
ambitious cocky-doodle-doo. He wishes to become mincemeat; I will
gratify him. Yes, gentleman, get the swords and the fun shall begin."

The men stared. This was a turn in the affair they had not anticipated,
but they were evidently prepared to meet the emergency.

"Who will act as this fellow's second?" asked Girard.

"You need not trouble yourselves, gentlemen."

"Oh, no, you must have a second. Although you are not entitled to any
consideration this affair shall be conducted as though you were really a
gentleman. Thatford, will you act as the fellow's second?"

"I must respectfully decline," said Thatford. "I am not acting as second
in an affair of honor for a low-bred spy and sneak."

The lackey meantime had prepared himself for the affray, and Girard had
produced two dueling swords. It looked serious indeed, but there was
also an element of farce in the whole affair.

"I will excuse Mr. Thatford from acting as my second."

"Will you accept me?" demanded Girard.

"No, I will not accept you. I anticipated that you fellows might be
part of a gang of thieves and I prepared to meet you. No, no, gentlemen,
you have not got this all your own way. I do not propose to be murdered
like a caged rat, I assure you."

The men glared. There had come a complete change over our hero, and
indeed Oscar had laid out his whole campaign.

"You fellows are thieves," he said, "thieves and murderers. I believe
you are the parties who murdered a young man who has been missing for
some months, and I further believe he was made a victim in some such way
as you planned to make a victim of me; but, my dear rascals, I won't
have it."

The men began to assume menacing attitudes, while exchanging glances.

It was evident they were surprised, but a greater surprise was in store
for them as our hero exclaimed:

"The opening act is over. We will now bring on the tragedy."

Oscar stamped his foot, the door opened, and to the surprise of the men
a boyish-looking youth stepped in the room. Indeed they did stare, and
Oscar said:

"See, I anticipated your moves. Here is my second; this youn