A Woman at Bay; Or, A Fiend in Skirts

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26704

Title

A Woman at Bay; Or, A Fiend in Skirts

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this thrilling Nick Carter adventure, the legendary detective infiltrates a notorious gang of railroad thieves known as the Yeggmen. Tasked by a railroad president to capture the elusive mastermind, "Hobo Harry," Nick disguises himself as a tramp to penetrate the outlaw camp. The story blends action, suspense, and clever deduction as Nick navigates dangerous traps, outwits a cunning female leader named Black Madge, and exposes a vast criminal network operating along the nation's rail lines.

Summary up to 500 words

In Nicholas Carter's *A Woman at Bay; Or, A Fiend in Skirts*, the world's greatest detective, Nick Carter, accepts a fifty-thousand-dollar reward from the president of the E. & S. W. R. R. Co. to solve a baffling mystery: the existence of "Hobo Harry," the elusive King of the Yeggmen. Despite eight previous failed attempts by other agencies, this phantom leader orchestrates massive robberies across the railroad system, costing the company thousands monthly. The gang operates with terrifying efficiency, raiding freight cars, post offices, and even country banks, often leaving entire communities like Calamont gutted in a single night. Nick insists on working independently to avoid tipping off the criminals, refusing communication with other detectives to ensure his methods remain secret. He infiltrates the gang by posing as a rough tramp named "Turner," joining a camp of hoboes near a railroad. There, he quickly discovers that his companions are actually fellow detectives in disguise, including his assistants Chick, Patsy, and Ten-Ichi. The gang is ruled by the formidable Black Madge, a woman who commands an iron fist over her criminal fraternity. Nick must navigate her suspicious court, survive her scrutiny, and rescue his assistants, who were previously thrown into a quicksand pit by the gang. The narrative builds to a dramatic climax where Nick stages a daring rescue. He bursts into the gang's hideout, neutralizes the leader Mike Grinnel, and secures Black Madge. Addressing the assembled criminals, he warns them to leave New York within twenty-four hours or face arrest. He specifically names eight notorious members, including Scar-faced Johnny and "The Parson," giving them a final chance to escape justice. The story concludes with Black Madge's imprisonment for ten years and the dispersal of the gang. The novel exemplifies Carter's reputation for creating exciting, clean detective fiction where justice is always served, highlighting the triumph of order over chaos.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Mystery