Hidden Hand

"Hidden Hand" by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a serial novel that features Capitola Black, a tomboyish protagonist who finds herself in a myriad of adventures. At the start of the novel, she is living on the streets of New York, working as a newsboy. The wealthy Major Warfield adopts her and brings her to his home, Hurricane Hall. Through his protection, Capitola is able to outwit Colonel Le Noir, her cousin, who wishes to have her murdered by Black Donald to keep her from inheriting his fortune.