beat the world on false signatures."

"That is what they have been told."

"I've long wanted a chance like this."

"I know it."

"I can make my own terms when they learn what I can do."

"I know it."

Our readers can readily imagine the feelings of Dudie Dunne as he
listened to this wonderful revelation. He realized that he and Cad Metti
had made the hit of their lives, or rather had a chance to do so. It
seemed wonderful that he had in this most astonishing manner gotten
right on to the whole scheme, was peering, as it were, into the very
heart of the terrible organization. It was not wholly skill that had
brought him to this point; there was a large element of luck in it. Was
it not more? Was there not fate in it, that through his ingenious
strategy and Cad's suggestion he had followed the man of all men who
under circumstances the most marvelous would bring him in contact with
the king of the great criminal confederacy?

Oscar just reveled in his success. His face was actually radiant. The
great special, Wise, had told him the best detectives in the land had
been baffled. Wise himself had failed, and he had selected Oscar, and
the young man was delighted at the prospect of maintaining the great
special's confidence in his ability. Meantime the conversation
continued.

"When are you to meet these people?"

"I don't know exactly. The king-pin is out West. He is liable to return
any day."

"And then?"

"You are to give an exhibition of your skill."

The woman clasped her hands and casting her eyes to the floor exclaimed:

"Oh, how I have longed for a chance like this, Tom! I love luxury. I
would be a handsome, yes, a splendid woman if I only had money. This is
the best chance we ever had in our lives."

"Yes, Sarah, and I will be proud to see you dressed like a queen."

"Give me the money and I will dress like a queen; I know how to dress.
But who is with you in securing this great chance?"

"I will tell you all about it later on, Sarah. You can be hopeful, and
now I will go to meet one or two of the boys. I will not be home again
until early in the morning. We have a little job on hand. It may yield a
few, bits for us; I can't tell."

"Tom, with the great chance we have, be careful. Do not get nipped just
as our fortune is made."

CHAPTER IV.

OSCAR ENCOUNTERS A SERIES OF ADVENTURES IN FOLLOWING A PROMISING
TRAIL AND MEETS WITH A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

Oscar slid down the stairs. His tri