Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 505

Museum Catalog Note *The Private Secretary's Oath* by Captain Howard Holmes is a serialized crime story appearing in this June 27, 1888 issue of Beadle & Adams' weekly publication. The narrative follows a criminal conspiracy in New York's dock district. A mysterious man named Mr. Muggles hires two professional criminals, Kit Kline and Barry Black, to intercept and steal a package intended for the Fidelity Trust Company. The package, guarded by a young messenger, is to be stolen during daylight on Broadway at Pine Street for a payment of five hundred dollars. The story employs disguise and street-level criminality as its central plot device. Secondary character Mag Manacle, a large woman who operates the rogue meeting-house where negotiations occur, recognizes Kit Kline despite his false beard and reveals prior acquaintance with him. Holmes was a prolific contributor to the pulp weeklies, authoring numerous adventure serials featuring criminal and detective protagonists.