A Woman at Bay; Or, A Fiend in Skirts

"A Woman at Bay; Or, A Fiend in Skirts" by Nicholas Carter is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Nick Carter, a renowned detective who is tasked with infiltrating a criminal syndicate led by a mysterious figure known as Hobo Harry. As he takes on the guise of a hobo himself, the narrative explores themes of deception, identity, and the complexities of crime. At the start of the narrative, we meet Nick Carter and his three assistants, who have decided to become hoboes to track down Hobo Harry, the so-called King of the Yeggmen, responsible for orchestrating an extensive network of robberies. In a strategic move, they plan to integrate themselves into the hobo community to gather information. The opening scenes set the tone with a blend of tension and intrigue, as the group discusses their mission and prepares for the dangers that lie ahead, culminating in the revelation that the notorious Hobo Harry is actually a woman known as Black Madge. This sets the stage for a gripping adventure filled with clever twists and hazardous encounters in the criminal underworld.