Diamonds, Dirt, and Duty, by Johnston McCulley (ePub/pdf)

After a failed holdup, a lowly sneak thief is rescued by a notorious lone-wolf criminal who sees potential in him. Forming an unlikely partnership, they pull off a string of daring crimes that baffle the police and draw the envy of the underworld. But when a powerful crime boss demands their allegiance, they refuse—triggering a ruthless campaign to tear them apart.

Using his own daughter as bait, the boss sets a trap of jealousy and desire. Can their friendship survive the ultimate test of loyalty, or will greed and ambition shatter their bond? Meanwhile, a relentless detective closes in, and the duo must stay one step ahead of the law while navigating a treacherous world of double-crosses and secrets. With their future on the line, one misstep could mean the end of their criminal empire—and maybe even their lives!

Ripped from the pages of the September 24, 1929 issue of the famous pulp Detective Story Magazine, this thrilling novelet packs is a noir crime tales from the creator of the masked hero Zorro!