The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand

"The Hidden Hand" by Jackson Knox This serialized detective story, authored by Jackson Knox (credited as "Old Hawk"), concerns a murder mystery unfolding in 1887 New York. George Evelyn, a young paper-box manufacturer, narrowly escapes assassination on a snowy March evening on the Five Points. A mysterious young woman, Waifa Target, foils the knife-wielding attacker. Soon after, George's father, Eliphalet Evelyn, is murdered in his office—stabbed in the neck while seated before his fire. A gilt button torn from the assassin's clothing is discovered clutched in the dead man's hand. The victim's office safe has been forced open, and a valuable package entrusted to their safekeeping by Waifa is stolen, providing the crime's apparent motive. Both George and Waifa swear vengeance. Waifa hints at a mysterious past as a detective, offering to aid George's investigation despite police involvement. Two weeks later, the murder remains unsolved despite newspaper coverage, inquests, and a ten-thousand-dollar reward.