Cad Metti, The Female Detective Strategist | Page 3

a great reputation. Some of our readers have read an account of his previous exploits and know what a smart chap he is. Those who have not read about Dudie Dunne we advise to do so. As stated in our previous account, Oscar had no particular history. He had simply graduated to the detective force, and had made a great success; and as also stated, he was a young man of singularly effeminate appearance, with muscles like a whipcord and powers of endurance that were seemingly tireless. He was not only a great athlete but a wonderful boxer, and it was a favorite role with him to assume the character of a dude, and many a surprise he had given to various smart Alecs during his career on the force, and with the surprise he generally administered when required a good sound drubbing to some fellow who had set him down as an exquisite. His looks when in the "dude cover" were very deceiving, and when he started in to throw off his mask he became a terror to evil-doers, and at the time when we introduce him a second time to our readers he had won a great reputation as a singularly successful detective officer.
Shortly after parting with Wise, the great government special, Oscar went on to the street, and proceeding up town entered a very respectable-looking house which he entered with a night key. It was his home. He had made considerable money and had provided a home for himself. The house outside was very unpretentious, but inside it was as luxurious as the home of a rich bachelor. We will here state for the information of our readers who are making their first acquaintance with Oscar Dunne that in a great case in which he had been engaged he met a beautiful Italian girl who aided him very materially. The girl earned a good reward and when Oscar asked her what she proposed to do her answer was:
"I shall become a detective," and then and there a partnership was formed between Oscar Dunne and Caroline Metti. The latter lived with a countrywoman who had kept boarders, but who was only too glad to give up her general boarding business to become a housekeeper for Cad Metti, the latter having rescued and adopted two Italian children from the street, a boy and girl, whom she had determined to educate and advance in life in case both proved worthy.
Cad Metti's home was not far from the residence of her male professional partner, and the pair were in constant communication. Oscar was an adept at disguises, and he had found in Cad Metti a ready scholar, and between them they had studied the art of disguise as a science and both had become very versatile and proficient.
As stated, Oscar went direct to his rooms after parting from Wise, the government special, and a few moments later a veiled lady appeared at his door and was shown into his sitting-room. Oscar's housekeeper was a sister of his mother, a motherly old lady, to whom the detective had given a home. The veiled lady entered the house in a manner that might have suggested to a countryman that she was one of the family. She entered the sitting-room, as indicated, and throwing aside her veil stood revealed in all her magnificent youthful beauty.
"Cad," said our hero, "I am glad you have come."
The female detective, who had removed her veil, smiled a dazzling smile and said:
"I thought you might wish to see me."
"I always wish to see you, but this time it is on business."
"Then let's follow the advice you have often given: spare compliments and talk business."
Oscar proceeded and related to his lady pal word for word all that had passed between the government special and himself. The female detective listened with deep attention, and when the narrative was concluded said:
"I think we can locate this man."
"I think we can; but how shall we start in?"
Cad was thoughtful a moment and then said:
"In our old way."
"How is that?"
"Chum for them."
This criminal "chumming" has yielded good returns, as a rule. It is the best card in the detective profession.
"Where shall we chum?"
"Everywhere."
"I'll put it straight. Where shall we start in?"
Again the beautiful Cad Metti pondered, and after an interval said:
"Criminals as a rule are fond of race betting."
"That's so."
"We've picked up many a clue down at the race track."
"We have."
"Let's try a little chumming down there. Good races are on, and if ever our bluefish show up at the track they will do so this present week."
"And we'll lure them as they swim, eh?"
"That's it."
"How will we make up?"
"You are to became Dudie Dunne. I will become Silly Sal."
"And we'll bet on the races?"
"We will."
"It's a go, Cad. To-morrow we will take in