next day after the occurrence just related, Frank Sydney, as was his
custom, took a leisurely stroll down the most fashionable promenade of
the metropolis--Broadway; this magnificent avenue was thronged with
elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, who had issued forth to enjoy
the genial air of a fine afternoon.

At one of the crossings of the street, our hero observed an old woman,
respectfully dressed, but nearly double with age and infirmity, and
scarcely able to crawl along, in great danger of being run over by a
carriage which was being driven at a furious rate. Frank humanely rushed
forward, and dragged the poor creature from the impending danger, just
in time to save her from being dashed beneath the wheels of the
carriage. She faintly thanked her deliverer, but declared her inability
to proceed without assistance. On inquiring where she resided, he
learned that it was in Reade street, which was but a short distance from
where they then stood; and he generously offered her the support of his
arm, saying that he would conduct her home, an offer which was
thankfully accepted. They soon reached her place of abode, which was a
house of genteel appearance, and at the invitation of the old lady,
Frank entered, to rest a few moments after his walk.

He had scarcely seated himself in the back parlor, when he was horrified
and astounded at what he saw.

The old woman, throwing off her cloak, bonnet and mask, stood before
him, erect and threatening; and our hero saw that he had been made the
dupe of the _Dead Man_!

'Welcome, Sydney, welcome!' cried the miscreant, his features lighted up
with a demon's triumph--'at last thou art in my power. Did I not play my
part well? Who so likely to excite thy compassion as an old lady in
distress; 'twas ably planned and executed. Thou hast fallen into the
trap, and shall never escape. But there are others who will be gratified
to see thee, Frank. Nero--Julia--the bird is caught at last!'

These last words were uttered in a loud tone; and were immediately
responded to by the entrance of Julia and the black. The woman's eyes
flashed fire when she beheld the object of her hate; she advanced
towards him and spat in his face, saying--

'May the fires of hell consume thee, heart and soul, detested
wretch--thou didst cast me from thee, friendless and unprotected, when a
kind reproof might have worked my reformation. Through thee I have
become the victim of a ruffian's lust, the object