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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="A Young Inventor's Pluck" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Arthur M. Winfield" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1901" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="42142" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-02-20" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="A Young Inventor's Pluck or The Mystery of the Willington Legacy" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="A Young Inventor's Pluck or The Mystery of the Willington Legacy" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="young.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-02-20T18:58:04.994338+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42142" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Arthur M. Winfield" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2013-02-20" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="a-young-inventor-s-pluck"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: A Young Inventor's Pluck -<br /> or The Mystery of the Willington Legacy -<br /> -<br />Author: Arthur M. Winfield -<br /> -<br />Release Date: February 20, 2013 [EBook #42142] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 55%" id="figure-100"> -<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-101"> -<span id="i-ll-try-my-best-replied-jack-taking-up-his-kit-of-tools"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""I'LL TRY MY BEST," REPLIED JACK, TAKING UP HIS KIT OF TOOLS." src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"I'LL TRY MY BEST," REPLIED JACK, TAKING UP HIS KIT OF TOOLS.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">A Young -<br />Inventor's Pluck</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">OR</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">THE MYSTERY OF THE -<br />WILLINGTON LEGACY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />Arthur M. Winfield,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Author of "THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL," -<br />"THE MISSING TIN BOX," "SCHOOLDAYS OF -<br />FRED HARLEY," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">NEW YORK -- AKRON, O. -- CHICAGO -<br />THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING CO. -<br />1901</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1901, -<br />BY -<br />THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING CO.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">INTRODUCTION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">My Dear Boys and Girls:</em><span>--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK" relates the -adventures of a wide-awake American lad of a -mechanical turn of mind, who suddenly finds -himself thrown upon his own resources and compelled -to support not only himself, but likewise his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack Willington's path is no easy one to tread. -The bank in which the sister and brother have their -little store of money deposited fails, and with this -comes the shutting down of the tool works in -which our hero is employed. To add to the lad's -troubles, there is a large fire in the town and the -youth is accused of incendiarism.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Jack and his sister Deb are not without -friends, and the fact that the boy is an inventor and -has almost ready the model of a useful and valuable -invention, aids him to secure his release, and then -he goes forth to run down his enemies and to solve -the mystery connected with a rich family legacy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Generally speaking, life in a factory town is -thought to be dull and monotonous, whereas the -truth is, that it is usually full of interest and not -devoid of excitement of a peculiar kind. In this -tale I have tried to picture life in such a place -truthfully, with all of its lights and its shadows, -and I hope that my story will prove more or less -instructive in consequence.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>Affectionately your friend,</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><span>ARTHUR M. WINFIELD.</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CONTENTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER I.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-shut-down">THE SHUT DOWN</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER II.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#for-the-sake-of-home">FOR THE SAKE OF HOME</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER III.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-result-of-a-fire">A RESULT OF A FIRE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER IV.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#bad-news-for-deb">BAD NEWS FOR DEB</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER V.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#finding-bail">FINDING BAIL</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER VI.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#home-once-more">HOME ONCE MORE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER VII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#into-the-river">INTO THE RIVER</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER VIII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#something-about-the-model">SOMETHING ABOUT THE MODEL</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER IX.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#mr-benton-makes-trouble">MR. BENTON MAKES TROUBLE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER X.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#driven-from-home">DRIVEN FROM HOME</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XI.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#on-the-river-road">ON THE RIVER ROAD</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#jack-s-dangerous-position">JACK'S DANGEROUS POSITION</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XIII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#over-the-falls">OVER THE FALLS</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XIV.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#max-pooler-s-meg">MAX POOLER'S MEG</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XV.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-miser-of-the-island">THE MISER OF THE ISLAND</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XVI.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#on-board-the-kitty">ON BOARD THE "KITTY"</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XVII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#meg-to-the-rescue">MEG TO THE RESCUE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XVIII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#deb-at-the-mill">DEB AT THE MILL</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XIX.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-corrigan-s-power">IN CORRIGAN'S POWER</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XX.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#mont-tells-his-story">MONT TELLS HIS STORY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXI.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#corrigan-makes-a-move">CORRIGAN MAKES A MOVE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#heaps-of-money">HEAPS OF MONEY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXIII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-miser-s-treasure">THE MISER'S TREASURE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXIV.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-glimpse-of-the-past">A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXV.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chasing-andy-mosey">CHASING ANDY MOSEY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXVI.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#papers-of-great-value">PAPERS OF GREAT VALUE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>CHAPTER XXVII.</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#love-your-enemies-conclusion">"LOVE YOUR ENEMIES"--CONCLUSION</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">ILLUSTRATIONS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#i-ll-try-my-best-replied-jack-taking-up-his-kit-of-tools">"I'll try my best," replied Jack taking up his -kit of tools</a><span> . . . Frontispiece</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#well-sir-what-is-it-he-asked-hardly-looking-up">"Well, sir, what is it?" he asked, hardly looking up</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#jack-was-soon-as-busy-as-a-bee-putting-the-machines-in-running-order-and-overhauling-other-farming-implements">Jack was soon as busy as a bee, putting the machines -in running order and overhauling -other farming implements</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#been-tellin-sthories-about-me-he-exclaimed-sayin-i-sthole-yer-match-box-an-set-foire-to-old-gray-s-house-oi-ll-fix-ye">"Been tellin' sthories about me!" he exclaimed. -"Sayin' I sthole yer match-box an' set foire -to old gray's house! Oi'll fix ye!"</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#with-a-quick-spring-he-gave-the-young-man-a-push-that-sent-him-spinning-over-backward">With a quick spring he gave the young man a -push that sent him spinning over backward</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-body-came-within-his-reach-and-leaning-over-he-stayed-its-progress">The body came within his reach, and leaning -over, he stayed its progress</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#did-you-really-go-over-them-falls-she-continued-jerking-her-thumb-in-the-direction">"Did you really go over them falls?" she -continued, jerking her thumb in the direction</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-miser-of-the-island-had-lost-his-balance-and-after-vainly-clutching-the-air-to-save-himself-had-floundered-into-the-water-and-mud-below">The miser of the island had lost his balance, -and after vainly clutching the air to save -himself, had floundered into the water and mud below</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#i-mean-just-this-replied-corrigan-catching-her-by-the-arm-you-are-my-prisoner-and-must-do-as-i-say">"I mean just this," replied Corrigan, catching -her by the arm, "you are my prisoner and -must do as I say"</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#with-a-strong-push-of-his-powerful-arm-he-sent-the-man-flying-into-a-corner">With a strong push of his powerful arm, he -sent the man flying into a corner</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-shut-down"><span class="x-large">A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CHAPTER I.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SHUT DOWN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Oh Jack! how blue you look!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I feel blue, Deb," answered Jack -Willington, as he entered the door of his -modest home and gave his sister the brotherly kiss he -knew she was expecting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is there something the matter up at the tool -works, Jack?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Deb. The works are going to shut down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To shut down?" repeated the girl, her eyes -wide open in affright, for she knew only too well -what such a calamity meant. "When will they close?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To-morrow. In fact we have quit on the regular -work already."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how long will the shut-down last?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nobody knows. I asked Mr. Johnson--he's -the foreman, you know--and he said he thought a -month or six weeks, but he wasn't sure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A month! Oh, Jack, it's an awfully long time!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Deb Willington's face grew very grave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it is--longer than I care to remain -idle, even if I could afford to, which I can't. But -that's not the worst of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; they didn't pay us for the last two weeks' work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Johnson said that they wanted to pay off every -man in full, and that the figuring would take -several days."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you won't get any money till then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a cent. My private opinion is that the -company is in some sort of a financial difficulty, -and only want to gain time. Mont didn't have a -word to say about it when I asked him, and, I -imagine he knows a good deal about his uncle's affairs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb cast down her eyes in a meditative way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To-morrow is rent day," she said, after a pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it. I've been thinking of it all the -way home. How much have we got toward -paying the six dollars?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three dollars and a half." And Deb brought -forth the amount from her small purse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph! I don't see what's to be done," mused -Jack, as he removed his hat and sat down. -"Mr. Hammerby will have to wait for his money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't see what else he can do. But, aside -from that, three dollars and a half won't keep us a -month. I'll have to look elsewhere for work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deborah and John Willington were orphans. -Their father had died some ten years before. He -had been a strong, industrious and ingenious -machinist, of a quiet nature, and at his demise left his -wife and two children with a small property, -which, however, was subject to a mortgage of -several hundred dollars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His widow found it no easy matter to get along. -Jack was but seven years of age and Deb five, and, -of course, could do little or nothing, except -occasionally to "help mamma."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Willington in her reduced circumstances -had taken in sewing, and also opened a school for -little children, and by these means had earned a -scanty living for her family.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But it was not long before the strain began to -tell upon the brave woman. She was naturally -delicate, and grew weaker slowly but surely, until, -eight years later, she quietly let slip the garment -she was making, folded her hands, and peacefully -went to join her husband in the Great Beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb and Jack were terribly startled when the sad -event occurred. They were utterly alone in the -world. It was true that there were distant -relatives upon their mother's side, but they had always -been too proud to notice the Willington family, -and now made no attempt to help the orphans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shortly after the mother's funeral, the mortgage -on the homestead fell due, and as it could not be -met, the place went under the auctioneer's hammer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Realty in Corney, as the factory town was called, -was not booming at the time, and, as a consequence, -when all the costs were paid, only one -hundred dollars and the furniture remained as a start in -life for the two children.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had no home, no place to go. What was -to be done?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A kind neighbor spoke of adopting Deb, and -another obtained for Jack a job in the Tool -Company's works.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the two would not separate. When Jack -mentioned it, Deb sobbed and clung to him, until -he declared that she should remain with him no -matter what happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this time Jack earned eight dollars a week, -and had the prospect of a raise. With this -amount they rented three rooms for six dollars a -month, and Deb, young as she was, took upon -herself the important duties of housekeeping.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Things moved crudely at first, but it was so nice -to be together, to work for one another, that, -excepting for their recent bereavement, which still -hung as a heavy cloud over their lives, they lived -as happily as "two bugs in a rug."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack thought the world of his sister Deb. He -was a rather silent fellow, with a practical turn of -mind, not given overmuch to fun making, and his -sister's bright and cheerful way was just what was -needed to lift his mind out of the drudge-rut into -which it was wont to run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spent all his evenings in her company, either -at home or, when the weather was fine, in strolling -around Corney, or in attendance upon some -entertainment that did not cost much money, and which -gave Deb keen enjoyment. Sometimes, when he -got the chance, he would do odd jobs at his bench -on the sly, and then, with the extra money thus -earned, would surprise Deb by buying her -something which he knew she desired, but which their -regular means would not afford.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was now earning twelve dollars a week and -they lived much more comfortably than before. -During the past three years they had saved quite a -neat sum, but a month of severe illness for Deb had -now reduced them to their original capital of one -hundred dollars, which was deposited in the -Mechanics' Savings Bank of Corney--a sum that -both had decided should not be touched unless it -became absolutely necessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Young as he was, Jack understood the machinist's -trade thoroughly. He took a lively interest in -his work, and the doing of jobs on his own account -had led him to erect a small workbench at home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here he often experimented upon various -improvements in machinery, hoping at some time to -invent that which might bring him in a substantial -return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of his models--a planing machine -attachment--was nearly completed, and this had been -considerably praised by Mr. Benton, a shrewd -speculator in inventions of various kinds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm afraid we'll have to draw part of that -hundred dollars from the bank," observed Jack as the -two were eating the neat supper Deb had prepared. -"I hate to do it, but I don't see any way out of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It does seem a shame, after we've kept it so -long," returned his sister. "But do as you think -best. Only, Jack, dear, please don't worry. It -will all come out right in the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her brother had laid down his knife and fork -and was resting his chin on his hand in deep meditation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're right, Deb," he exclaimed starting up, -"and I ought to be thankful for what we have got, -especially for having such a good little sister to -ease things up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, Jack," suddenly began Deb, struck with -an idea, "you are so handy with the tools, why -don't you open a little shop of your own? -Wouldn't it pay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's face brightened more than it had for -many a day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm glad you said that," he replied. "I've -often thought of it. But I hated to give up a -certainty like my wages for----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but now----" began Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One misfortune gives me a chance to tempt -another." He gave a sorry little laugh. "Is that -what you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll get along--never fear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There ought to be a chance, true enough. I -could sharpen tools, repair lawn mowers and -bicycles, and mend all sorts of things. There is no -such shop in Corney as yet, and it ought to pay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How much would it cost to start?" asked Deb, -with great interest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think fifty or sixty dollars would put me into -shape to do small work. I have most of the tools, -and would only need a lathe and one or two other -things--that I could get second-hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you what to do then," was Deb's -conclusion; "to-morrow morning, go down to the -bank and draw out seventy-five dollars. Then -we'll pay the rent, and you can take the rest and -try your luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No buts, Jack; I'm willing to put up with -whatever comes--bad luck as well as good. I'm -sure you'll succeed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If your good wishes count for anything, I -certainly shall," exclaimed Jack, earnestly. "I think -I can rent a shop for ten dollars a month, or, -maybe, if I pay a little more, I can get one with -living rooms attached, which would be cheaper -than hiring two places."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And nicer, too," returned Deb; "you wouldn't -have to go so far for dinner, and I could attend to -customers while you were away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pair talked in this strain for over an hour. -His sister's sanguine way of looking at the matter -made the young machinist feel as if perhaps the -shut-down was not such a bad thing, after all, and -might prove the turning point to something better -than they had ever before known.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next morning, for the first time in several -years, Jack had breakfast late. It was soon over, -and then he put on his good clothes and started for -the bank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The streets were thronged with idle men. The -Corney Tool Company employed nearly a thousand -persons--in fact, it was by far the principal -factory in the place--and to have all these employes -thrown out of work was a calamity discussed by -everyone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Mechanics' Savings Bank had been -organized by Mr. Felix Gray, the owner of the tool -works, who presided over both places. He was a -man of fifty, with an unusually sharp and irritable -disposition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Jack approached the bank he noticed a large -crowd collected in and around the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose, as they can't get their pay, they -want to withdraw some of their savings," was his -thought as he drew nearer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An instant later a queer cry came from the -interior of the bank, and it was quickly taken up by -those outside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?" asked the young machinist, of a -bystander.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They've suspended payment," was the short reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" gasped Jack, in horror. "You don't mean it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But at the same time the crowd cried out loudly, -in angry tones:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The bank's burst! She's gone up for good! -No money for the poor man! We can all starve!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="for-the-sake-of-home"><span class="large">CHAPTER II.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">FOR THE SAKE OF HOME</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Can this be possible? Has the bank really burst?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Over and over Jack asked himself the question. -Then the words of the crowd echoed and re-echoed -through his ears. Yes, the bank had suspended -payment. There was no money for him--no -money for anyone!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's too bad!" he groaned. "What will Deb say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The thought of his sister gave him another pang. -Without money and without work, how could he -continue to take care of her?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! Jack, me b'y, not wan pinny av me two -hundred dollars will they give me at all," exclaimed -Andy Mosey, a fellow-workman, bitterly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How did it happen?" asked the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No wan knows. Oi guess old Gray is in a -toight hole, an' is usin' the bank's money to get -him out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Andy Mosey was a heavy-set Irishman, with a -bloated, red face and fiery hair and beard. His -work brought him into daily contact with the -young machinist, but Jack did not like the man, -first on account of his drinking habit, and secondly, -because he suspected the Irishman of having stolen -from the pocket of his jumper a silver match -safe--a highly-valued Willington heirloom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a bad business, and no mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speaker was Dennis Corrigan, a pattern -maker. He was a brother-in-law to Mosey, but -much more educated, and somewhat refined in -appearance as well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed," returned Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How do they expect us to live if they don't pay -us our wages or let us draw our savings either?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Old Gray will pay dearly fer this," put in -Andy Mosey, with a wicked look in his eye; -"oi'll vow he'll be moighty sorry for this day's -worruk ere long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack elbowed his way up the bank steps and -into the building. The cashier's window was -closed, and behind the glass this notice was -pasted up:</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Depositors are hereby notified that owing to the -unexpected run upon this bank, no further payments -will be made until the more available assets are -converted into cash.</em><span>"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The crowd were all talking loudly and excitedly, -and Jack tried in vain to obtain definite -information concerning the cause for the suspension.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length, sick at heart, he returned to the -sidewalk, where Andy Mosey, the worse for several -glasses of liquor, again addressed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not wan pinny av me two hundred dollars, -Jack, me b'y!" he repeated in a heavy voice; "an' -they call it a free counthry! Sure it's only free fer -rich people to rob the poor!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's rough," replied Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Old Gray will pay dearly fer it, mark me wurruds!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What will you do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never moind, Jack, me b'y! Thrust Andy -Mosey to get square wid the ould villian!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack retraced his steps homeward with slow and -unwilling steps. All his bright hopes of the past -hour had been dashed to naught. No money meant -no start in business, and with a thousand men idle -what chances were there of finding employment?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I had a few dollars in my pocket I might -try some other town," he thought. "But without -some money, it's hard lines, sure enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack would not have felt it so much had he been -alone, but with Deb depending upon him, his -responsibility seemed more than doubled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their home was on the second floor of a large -apartment house standing upon one of the side -streets of Corney. As Jack ascended the stairs he -heard talking in the kitchen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder who is here? Visitors of some kind," -he thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Entering, the young machinist found Mr. Hammerby, -the house-agent, in earnest conversation with Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Hammerby was a short, dapper business -man, small in form, and a person of few words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I never allow a rent day to go by," he -was saying. "People who hire from me must -expect to pay promptly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But sometimes people fall ill, and get behind----" -began Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, but that's not my fault, and I never--ah, -here is your brother at last. Good morning, -Mr. Willington."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good morning, Mr. Hammerby," returned -Jack, soberly, and with a sinking heart. "You -came for the rent, I suppose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir, always prompt, you know," replied -the agent, rubbing his hands together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I told him you had just gone to get the money," -put in Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I--I'm sorry, but I can't pay you today," said -Jack, as calmly as he could, but with a worried -glance at his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Jack, what has happened?" burst out -Deb, growing pale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The bank has stopped payment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you expected to get your money from -that place?" asked Mr. Hammerby.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your sister told me you had gone out for it, -but did not tell me where."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't you get any money, Jack?" asked Deb, -catching his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a cent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tears started in the girl's eyes. Here was -indeed a blow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm sorry, but I must have the rent," -said Mr. Hammerby, firmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't pay it," replied Jack. "If I had the -money, nothing would please me more. But I -haven't got any pay for the past two weeks' work, -and I have but three dollars and a half, and that -we must keep for living purposes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph! When do you propose to pay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In a few days. Just as soon as I get my money -from the factory."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That won't suit me. If I don't have my money -by to-night I'll serve you a three-days' notice to -quit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It may seem strange that Mr. Hammerby should -be so hard upon his tenants, but the truth was, he -understood more of the factory and the bank affairs -than was generally known.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was well aware that it would be a long time -before cash could be had at either place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But surely you wouldn't turn us out for being -behind just this once!" exclaimed Jack. "We -have paid promptly for three years."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't make any allowance. It's pay or leave. -I might have got more than you pay for these -rooms, but I let you have them at a low figure -because I thought you would be prompt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But Mr. Gray owns this building," put in Deb, -eagerly; "surely he will not allow his own -workmen, to whom money is due, to be put out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He doesn't bother his head about it," returned -Mr. Hammerby, with assumed dignity. "He -expects me to obey orders, and those orders are to -collect or give notice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I haven't the money," repeated Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll step in in the morning," went on the agent, -"and then it's money or notice. Good day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And without further words Mr. Hammerby left -the apartment. The minute the door was closed -Deb burst into tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They will set us into the street!" she sobbed. -"Was ever a person so cruel before! Oh, Jack, -what shall we do? What shall we do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack sank into a chair without replying. His -mind was busy trying to devise some means of -averting the blow that appeared so imminent. -Though it cut him to the heart to see his sister so -distressed, he could offer her no comforting hope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going up to see Mr. Gray," he said, -finally, "I'll tell him just how the matter stands. -I don't believe if he knew the particulars that he -would let Mr. Hammerby put us out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he did he'd be the hardest-hearted man in -Corney," declared Deb, between her sobs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For Jack to think, was to act, and in a few -seconds he was ready to depart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I go along?" asked his sister, hesitatingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess not. You can meet me at the corner if -you like," replied Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Gray's residence was situated in the -fashionable part of the town. It was an elegant -establishment throughout, and Jack was not a little awed -by the sumptuous surroundings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was ushered into the hall, and found himself -among half a dozen others, all awaiting an -interview with the manufacturer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fully half an hour before he was told to -enter the library. He found Mr. Felix Gray seated -at a desk which was deep with letters and documents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The manufacturer was a stout man of fifty, with -a certain sullen, bull-dog cast of countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, sir, what is it?" he asked, hardly looking up.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 60%" id="figure-102"> -<span id="well-sir-what-is-it-he-asked-hardly-looking-up"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""WELL, SIR, WHAT IS IT?" HE ASKED, HARDLY LOOKING UP." src="images/img-024.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"WELL, SIR, WHAT IS IT?" HE ASKED, HARDLY LOOKING UP.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a brief but clear manner Jack stated his case. -Mr. Gray hardly heard him out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Willington," he said sharply, "I never -interfere with my agents' doings. They have entire -charge. Besides, it would be folly for me to make -your case an exception. If I did so, any other -tenant might ask the same privilege."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but if you would only give me an order -for some of the money due me, or for my -savings----" began the young machinist, growing -desperate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Gray drew himself up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must get that in the regular way," he -returned coolly. "I never make exceptions to my -rules. Good morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And before he could realize it, Jack was out on -the street again with bitter defeat written in every -line of his handsome face.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-result-of-a-fire"><span class="large">CHAPTER III.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A RESULT OF A FIRE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At the corner Jack met Deb, whose anxiety had -caused her to follow him close to the Gray mansion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My! how long you've been!" she exclaimed, -and then with a keen glance into his face: "Did -he---- Did he----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He said he couldn't do a thing, that it was all -in the agent's hands," burst out Jack, "He is -meaner than mean. He will let that man put us -out even when he owes us more than the amount of -the rent. Well, it may be law, but it isn't justice -and he shall not do it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And the young machinist shut his teeth in grim -determination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you can't get the money from the bank, I -suppose you can't go into business for yourself," -said Deb, when they reached home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's true enough. Before the shut-down I -might have borrowed money, but now I guess all -our friends need every cent they have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't we raise some?" Deb's eyes wandered -around the apartment. Jack gave a dry little laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not on this stuff," he replied. "But we're -not reduced to that yet." He walked over to -where the model he was working on stood. "Wish -this was finished. I believe I can make a neat sum -out of this invention."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long will it take to complete it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't tell. It depends on one's ideas. But I'm -going out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To look for work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment Jack had descended to the -sidewalk. He found the streets swarming with -people, and as he had before thought, with a -thousand men idle, what chance was there of getting -work? Finding that every place in Corney was -full he determined to try Redrock, another -manufacturing town, situated on the Camel Falls river, -several miles below the present place. The road -between the two places followed the river bank. -As Jack trudged along close to the water, he heard -a sudden cry for help.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking ahead he saw that one of the rear -wheels of a wagon had come off, and the driver, -horses and vehicle were all in danger of being -dumped into the stream. It was but a moment's -work for the young machinist to rush up, and by -catching the horses' heads, to turn them in such a -way that the turnout righted itself in the center of -the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, young man!" exclaimed the aged -farmer, who was driving, as he sprang to the -ground. "That was a narrow escape, and no mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your wagon is pretty well damaged," observed -Jack as he examined the shattered axle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, troubles never come singly." replied -Farmer Farrell, for such was his name. "This -morning something got into the patent rake so it -wouldn't work; then the grindstone got cranky, -and now this. But thanks to Providence, I'm safe. -I reckon I'll have to go back for the other rig, -though. Going my way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir. I'm bound for Redrock to look for work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the two walked along, Jack related what had -happened in Corney.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I declare! I'm lucky any way," declared -Farmer Farrell, "I got my money out of the bank -a month ago. It's too bad, though, for you. What -did you say you were?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm a machinist," replied Jack, and then -suddenly: "Perhaps I can fix up your patent rake -and your grindstone. I'll do a good job and won't -overcharge you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this Farmer Farrell, who was taken by Jack's -appearance, agreed, and a few minutes later led -the way up a lane to a well-stocked farm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Down in the barn the young machinist found -the things that needed repairing. He looked -everything over carefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll bring my tools to-morrow and fix them up," -he said. "If I get work in Redrock I'll do the -work early in the morning or after I quit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the cost?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About five or six dollars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cheap enough. Go ahead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will. I'll be on hand early in the morning -and do a good job," replied Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist met with no success at -Redrock, and returned in an hour to Corney. Deb -was pleased to hear that some work, at least, had -been procured.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will pay the rent anyway," said Jack, "and -that's something. Perhaps, too, it may get me -some more jobs like it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's so," replied Deb, her face brightening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the evening Jack worked on his model. But -he went to bed at ten o'clock, so as to be up early -the next morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack! Jack! Wake up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was Deb's voice from the next room that -aroused him in the middle of the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is a big fire over on the hill," she -continued, "just look out of the window."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Jack was already up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're right!" he replied. "It's a whopper, -too!" he continued, as the flames shot skyward, -making all as bright as day. "I'll have to go," -he added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, it's my duty to serve."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For Jack was a duly enlisted member of the -Corney Volunteer Fire Department.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He hurried into his clothing as rapidly as possible, -and jumped down the stairs three at a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't get hurt!" called Deb after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The engine house was but a few blocks away. -When Jack arrived there, he found that the -machine had been dragged out into the street but no -further.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why don't you catch hold?" he called to a -crowd of men who stood on the sidewalk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's old Gray's house!" exclaimed one man, -"and it can burn to the ground for all I care."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He don't help us; now let him help himself," -put in another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, pshaw! It won't do any good to act that -way!" said Jack. "Come, catch hold like men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was naturally a leader, and when he grasped -the rope three other young fellows followed, and -in a moment the engine was on its way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's too bad it's Mr. Gray's house," thought -the machinist. "It will make him harder-hearted -than ever."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave no thought as to how the conflagration -had originated, and did his best to get the engine -to the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, as has been stated, the place was up hill, -and by the time they had made their way along the -unpaved road, the fire had gained such headway -that it was useless to pour water on the burning -building, and all attention was directed to saving -the adjoining property.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The heat was intense, and Jack, who was often -at the nozzle of the hose, suffered greatly from this -and the smoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In an hour the fire was declared under control, -and a little later the order came to take up the hose -and go home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack worked with a will. He had done his duty, -and now he was anxious to return, tell Deb all -about it, and get to bed again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While helping to wind the hose upon its -carriage, he was suddenly approached by Mr. Gray, -accompanied by a stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There he is!" were Mr. Gray's first words, -addressed to the stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man laid his hand upon Jack's shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I want you," he said, quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What for?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I arrest you for setting fire to Mr. Gray's -house," was the startling reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Arrest me!" exclaimed the young machinist. -"What do you mean? I never set fire to any one's -house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes, you did," put in the manufacturer. -"Only you didn't expect to be caught."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's false, I----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's true. You shall suffer heavily for this -night's work," went on Mr. Gray, bitterly. -"We'll see if the law allows tenants who won't -pay their rents to set their landlords' houses on -fire! Watch him Parker, don't let him escape you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Gray, I never----" began Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along," broke in the officer, roughly. -"You can do your talking in the morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And without further words Jack was marched -off to the Corney jail.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="bad-news-for-deb"><span class="large">CHAPTER IV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">BAD NEWS FOR DEB</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After her brother Jack had gone, Deb stood -by the window a long time, watching the -progress of the fire. She beheld the flames shoot -up, heard the shrill whistle of the engines, and the -shouts of the firemen, and finally saw the light subside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She opened the window, and from the conversation -of the passers-by she learned that it was -Mr. Felix Gray's mansion that had been burned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little bronze clock upon the kitchen shelf -struck four.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack will be returning soon," she thought, -"and he'll be awfully tired, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour passed. She had put on a loose wrapper -and sat in the rocker, moving gently forward -and backward. Presently the curly head began to -nod, and after one or two feeble attempts to rouse -up, Deb sank calmly into the land of dreams.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When she awoke, she found it was broad -daylight, and the tread of many feet upon the -pavement outside told that work had already begun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eight o'clock!" exclaimed the girl. "What -can keep Jack so long?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the thought struck her that her brother -had returned and retired without waking her, but -a glance revealed the empty bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb's face blanched a trifle as the idea crossed -her mind that maybe something had happened, -after all. Fires were such dreadful things, with -falling chimneys and half-burned staircases, and -Jack was so daring, and so ready to risk his life -for the benefit of others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll go down to Mrs. Snitzer's and find out -about it," was her conclusion, and locking the -door she descended the stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Snitzer was a German woman, who, with -her husband and three stalwart sons, occupied the -floor below. She was a stout, kindly-faced woman -of about fifty, had been Deb's neighbor for a year, -and took a genuine interest in the girl and her -brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your brudder no got home yet from der fire?" -she said, after Deb had stated the object of her -morning call; "I thought der fire vas out long ago. -Mine boys come home, and vent to ped again, -aput five o'clock. Da don't work now, so da say: -'Mudder, ve take a goot sleep for vonce in our -lifes;'" she added, with a broad smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack's out of work, too," said Deb, soberly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yah? Vat a shame! Nefer mind, it don't -last forefer. Come, have some coffee mit me. My -man ist gone out for the baber. He come back soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The good woman set out one of her low chairs, -and knowing that Mrs. Snitzer's invitations were -genuine, the girl sat down, and allowed herself to -be helped to a bowl of the steaming beverage, -accompanied by several slices of sugared zweibach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as the two were finishing Mr. Snitzer came -in, paper in hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His face grew troubled upon seeing Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vas sorry for you," he said, approaching her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry for me?" repeated the girl, with a -puzzled look. "Why, Mr. Snitzer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gracious! Didn't you hear?" returned the -man, dropping his paper in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hear what?" faltered Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Snitzer spoke in German to his wife, who -jumped to her feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nein! nein!" exclaimed the woman, vehemently. -"He nefer done dot--nefer in his whole life!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then as gently as possible Mrs. Snitzer -related how Jack had been accused by Mr. Felix -Gray of setting fire to the mansion, and was now -languishing in the town jail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb's outburst was dreadful to behold. She -threw herself upon the old German woman's breast -and sobbed as if her heart would break. Her -Jack--her own dear brother, in prison! The only one -she had in the wide world taken away from her, -and sent to a criminal's cell! It was too horrible -to realize.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How cruel of them to do it!" she moaned. -"And he is innocent, too. He was home when -the fire broke out;" and she shook her head in -despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course he didn't do it," said Mr. Snitzer. -"All der men say so. Jack vas as steady as -anypody. I dink it vas some of der hot-headed men -vas guilty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So don't cry, my dear girl," added Mrs. Snitzer, -sympathetically. "It vill come out all -right by der end;" and she took one corner of her -clean gingham apron and wiped the tear-stained -cheeks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is the--the jail?" asked Deb presently, -in a low voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Snitzer described its location.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't vas going there!" exclaimed the -German woman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I am," declared the girl, resolutely, with -a sudden, strong look in her beautiful eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it vas a terrible bad blace," Mrs. Snitzer -ventured to remark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't care," replied Deb. "I won't mind -going where Jack is. I must see if I can't do -something for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb ran up stairs. Her heart was full of fear, -and beat wildly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She exchanged her wrapper for a suitable dress, -and arranged her hair. As she was adjusting her -hat, there was a knock on the door, and thinking -Mrs. Snitzer had come up, she bid the person enter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, just in time, I see!" was the exclamation, -made in Mr. Hammerby's voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb's face clouded even more than before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, dear, you here?" she ejaculated in vexed tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; on hand, as I always am," replied the -agent, removing his hat. "I suppose you are -ready with the rent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I haven't the money," replied Deb. Somehow -it was all she could manage to say.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your brother was unable to raise the amount?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He hasn't had time to try."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm sorry, but as I said before 'business is -business,' and I'll have to serve the notice," and -drawing a paper from his pocket, Mr. Hammerby -handed it over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a regular notice drawn up in due form, -demanding that in three days they quit the place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb read it, but in her excitement did not notice -that the avaricious agent had dated it one day back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And must we leave in three days?" she faltered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most assuredly--unless you raise the cash."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But where will we go?" continued the girl -hopelessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's for you to decide," was the answer. -Mr. Hammerby had gone through so many "scenes," -as he termed them, that the evident suffering of the -person he addressed did not affect him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we haven't got anywhere to go," burst out Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, that's not my fault, is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, but----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then it's pay or leave," was the cold reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up now, Mr. Hammerby?" asked a -quiet voice from the hallway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the nephew of the tool manufacturer who -had come. His name was Monteray Gray--the -Monteray being generally shortened to Mont. He -was a young man of twenty, and kept the books -for the shipping department of the tool works.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What, Mr. Gray, is that you?" exclaimed the -agent, taken back at the sudden interruption. -"Oh, it's only the same old story of no money for -the landlord," he added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont looked at Deb. He knew both her and -Jack very well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry to hear it," he said, with a pained face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all because of the shut-down at the factory," -explained Deb, who, for a purely womanly reason -wanted to set herself right with the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few short words she made him acquainted -with the situation. Involuntarily Mont's hand -went down in his pocket, and then he suddenly -remembered that he had no money with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See here, Mr. Hammerby," he said, "you had -better take this notice back. There is no doubt -that you will get your money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't do it," replied the agent, with a decided -shake of the head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But my uncle would never consent to having -them put out," persisted the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Gray's orders are to give notice to any -one who doesn't pay," returned Mr. Hammerby, -grimly; "I'm only doing as directed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But this is an outrage!" exclaimed Mont. -"My uncle virtually owes Mr. Willington twenty -odd dollars, and here you intend to put him out for -a few dollars rent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can see your uncle about it, if you wish. -I shall stick to my orders."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you won't stop this notice?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," replied Mont, quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm hired to do certain things, and I'm going -to do them," continued the agent. "Besides, I -just heard this morning that this fellow is locked -up for setting fire to your uncle's house. I should -not think that you would care to stick up for him," -he went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I do care," returned the young man, -with a sudden show of spirit. "He is a friend of -mine, and I don't believe him guilty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph! Well, maybe. It's none of my -business; all I want is the rent, and if they can't -pay they must leave," said Mr. Hammerby, bluntly. -"Good morning," he continued to Deb, and -without waiting for more words, turned and left the -apartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry that my uncle has such a hard-hearted -man for his agent," observed Mont to Deb -with a look of chagrin on his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So am I," she replied, and then suddenly; "Oh, -Mont, Jack is----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know all about it," he interrupted. "I've -just been down to see him. He gave me this note -for you," and Mont handed the note to Deb.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="finding-bail"><span class="large">CHAPTER V.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">FINDING BAIL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack hardly realized what arrest meant until he -heard the iron door clang shut, and found -himself in a stone cell, scarcely six feet square, -with nothing but a rough board upon which to rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sat down with a heart that was heavier than -ever before. The various misfortunes of the day -had piled themselves up until he thought they had -surely reached the end, and now, as if to cap the -climax, here he was arrested for the burning of a -place that he had worked like a beaver for two -hours to save.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He wondered how Mr. Felix Gray had come to -make the charge against him. He could think of no -reason that could excite suspicion, saving, perhaps, -his rather hasty words in the tool manufacturer's -library the afternoon previous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose he thinks I did it out of revenge," -thought the young machinist; "but then there are -men--like Andy Mosey, for instance--who have -threatened far more than I. Guess I can clear -myself--by an alibi, or some such evidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nevertheless, he chafed under the thought of -being a prisoner, and felt decidedly blue when Deb -entered his mind. What would his sister think of -his absence, and what would she say when told -what had happened?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe I can send her word," he said to -himself, and knocked loudly upon the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The watchman was just asleep on a sofa in an -adjoining room and did not hear him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Failing to attract attention in this way, Jack -began to kick, and so vigorously did he apply his -heels that he awoke the sleeper with such a start -that he came running to the spot instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can I send a message home?" asked the young -machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not till morning," was the surly reply; "is -that all you want?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Isn't there any way at all?" persisted -Jack. "I have a sister who will worry over my -absence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man gaped and opened his eyes meditatively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You might if you was willing to pay for it," -he replied, slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no money with me," replied Jack, feeling -in his pockets to make sure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have to wait till morning then," was the short -reply, and the young machinist was once more left -alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was utterly tired out, and in the course of -half an hour fell into a troubled slumber, from -which he did not awaken until called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some one to see you," were the watchman's -words, and the door opened to admit Mont Gray.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont was a tall, thin young man. He had a -large brow, deep, dark eyes, and a strangely earnest -face. He was quiet in his way, attended -punctually to his office duties, and was on much better -terms with the hands at the tool works than his -uncle had ever been. He was the only son of -Mr. Felix Gray's youngest brother, who had died a -widower some twelve years before--died, some -said, and put out of the way, others whispered. -That there was some mystery connected with those -times was certain. Rumor had it that Felix Gray -had crowded his brother out of the business in -which he originally owned a half share. This -transaction was followed by Monterey Gray's -sudden disappearance. Felix Gray gave it as his -opinion that his brother had departed for Australia, a -place of which he had often spoken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Young Mont--he was named after his father--had -been taken to live with his uncle, who kept -bachelor's hall in fine style.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy got along as best he could under the -sharp guardianship of Mr. Felix Gray, who, as -soon as he could, placed Mont at one of the desks, -where he was now allowed to earn his board and -four dollars a week.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His position at the tool works brought him into -daily contact with Jack; and, during the past two -years, a warm friendship had sprung up between -them. He knew all about the young machinist's -ambition, and had spent many an evening at the -Willingtons' apartments watching Jack work, and -chatting to Deb, with whom, as is known, he was -on good terms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Mont!" exclaimed Jack, "what brings -you here? Did your uncle send you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send me!" said the young man. "No, indeed! he -doesn't even suspect I'm here; if he did -he would raise a row, sure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you don't believe I'm guilty?" began -Jack, somewhat relieved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph! Nonsense! I only wonder uncle -Felix thinks so," returned Mont. "It seems to me -that the evidence of a match safe is a mighty slim one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was news to the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, what about a match safe?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't you hear?" was Mont's question, in -surprise. "They found a match safe with your -last name on it, in the basement."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack sprang up in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was it a small silver safe, with a bear's head -on one side, and a lion's on the other?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; then it is yours?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, it's mine. But I haven't seen it for -nearly a month," burst out the young machinist. -"I missed it out of my pocket, and suspected -Andy Mosey of having taken it, though I could -not prove it. But I see it all now. Mosey was -speaking of revenge up at the bank yesterday -morning, and he has done the deed, and used my -property to throw suspicion on me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he wouldn't do such a mean thing unless -he had a grudge against you," remarked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He has several of them. More than once, -when he was drunk, and came interfering around -my work, I threatened to report him. Besides, I -have the job he always thought his son Mike should have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see. But can you prove that he had the safe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think I can. But I believe I can prove -that I lost it, and was home when the fire started?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does Deb know you are here?" asked Mont, suddenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not unless some one else has let her know. -Will you take her a note?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly; I was going to suggest that very -thing. I intended to call on her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack took the sheet of paper that Mont supplied -and wrote a few words of cheer to his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell her the particulars," said the young -man, as he pocketed the letter. "Is there anything -else you want done?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing now. Maybe there will be later on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll do what I can for you," continued Mont, -"even if my uncle doesn't like it;" and he stepped -out of the cell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later Jack was brought out for -examination. The court room was crowded with the -now idle men, and many were the expressions of -sympathy for the young machinist, and denunciation -for Mr. Felix Gray's hasty action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tool manufacturer himself did not appear. -The officer who made the arrest said that the -excitement of the past two days had made the -plaintiff quite ill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hearing was a brief one. The match safe -was the only evidence produced against Jack, and -as he had no means of proving his innocence then -and there, it was decided to hold him to wait the -action of the grand jury, three weeks later. Bail -was fixed at one thousand dollars--a sum that -was thought amply sufficient to keep any one from -becoming his bondsman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, Mont had delivered the note, as -already recorded, and while being led out of the -court room, Jack recognized the young man in -the crowd, and an instant later found Deb at his -side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Jack!" was all the poor girl could say, -and clinging to his arms, she began to sob outright.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To see Deb cry made the young machinist feel -worse than did his incarceration. He drew his -sister to one side--away from the public gaze, and -comforted her the best he could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the thought of going to prison was too -terrifying to be subdued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three weeks before they will hear what you -have to say!" she exclaimed. "If you could only -find that Mosey!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he has left," put in Mont; "I tried everywhere -to find him. Maybe you can get bail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't get it while I'm in prison," returned -Jack, gloomily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll take you anywhere you wish to go," said -the under-sheriff, who had him in charge. He was -a married man, had daughters of his own, and Deb's -anguish went straight to his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack thought a moment. "Perhaps I might get -Mr. Benton to go on my bond," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man he referred to was the wealthy speculator -who had examined the model and praised the -invention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he would want security. Perhaps I'd have -to sign over my rights to him," he continued with -a sigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would be a shame to do that," said Mont. -"You expect so much from the patent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you wouldn't lose it unless you ran away," -put in Deb; "and of course you're not going to do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack gave another sigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll go and see him anyway," he said.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="home-once-more"><span class="large">CHAPTER VI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">HOME ONCE MORE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A little later Jack and Mont separated, and in -company with the constable, the young -machinist called on Mr. Benton at the Coney House.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speculator listened attentively to Jack's -story. He was shrewd, a close reader of human -nature, and thought he saw a chance of securing a -bargain or of placing the embryo inventor under -obligation to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell you what I'll do," he said. "Give me a -paper securing to me your invention if you don't -turn up at the proper time, and I'll go your bond, -providing----" and here Mr. Benton paused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?" asked Jack eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Providing you give me a half interest in it now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack staggered back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A half interest?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what I said."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You haven't got to accept my offer if you -don't wish to," was the apparent indifferent reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had he thought only of himself Jack would have -refused. To give up that for which he had -worked for years was terribly hard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Deb, dear Deb, what would become of her -if he did not accept?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll do it," he said, shortly. And then, with a -sudden thought: "But you must give me a money -consideration."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How much?" asked the man of means.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One hundred dollars." Jack knew Mr. Benton -would offer less.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too much! I'll give you twenty-five."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; a hundred."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Make it fifty. I can't spare a cent more. -Besides, the thing may not be worth a dollar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or several thousand," put in Jack. "But I -accept the offer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. I'll pay you the money to-morrow. -I'm short to-day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Knowing that with all his sharp business practice -Mr. Benton was a man of his word, the young -machinist did not object to waiting for his cash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his excitement he forgot all about Mr. Hammerby -and the rent that must be paid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fully an hour before the necessary papers -were drawn up and signed, and then with hasty -steps Jack made his way home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb met him at the door, and at once he had to -give her the particulars of what had been done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, anything is better than having -you in prison," she said when he had finished. -"And it may be just as well to have Mr. Benton -for a partner now as to give him the chance of -getting the whole thing later on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb was delighted to learn that they were to -receive fifty dollars in cash the next day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll be so glad to get rid of that horrid agent," -she declared, and showed Jack the notice to quit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In looking it over he discovered that it had been -dated the day before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The mean fellow!" he exclaimed. "He thinks -to get us out one day sooner than the law allows. -Won't he be astonished when I pull out the roll of -bills and pay him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In anticipation of the money soon to be received, -and in honor of Jack's release, Deb prepared quite -an elaborate dinner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It nearly took her breath away when she discovered -that the outlay footed up to nearly a dollar--a -large sum for them. But then her brother did -delight in cutlets, with potatoes and green corn, -and somehow the table wouldn't have looked -complete without some stewed prunes and a -pudding-dessert--the latter just fixed to tickle Jack's -palate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the meal Mont slipped in, and was -compelled to sit down with them. He was delighted -to see the young machinist free, but shook his head -over the price that had been paid for liberty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you intend to do now?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Find Andy Mosey, if I can, and have him -arrested," replied Jack. "It is the only way, I -believe, that I can clear myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It isn't likely you will find him," remarked the -young man. "He will no doubt keep shady for a -while."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shan't look for him to-day, excepting to strike -a clue," was the young machinist's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After the meal was finished, and Mont had gone, -Jack announced his intention to do the repairs that -he had promised Farmer Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I might as well do them at once," he said to -Deb, "it will be several dollars in pocket, and we -need all the money we can get now. If this case -goes to trial I'll have to hire a lawyer, and they -charge heavily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So, I've heard," replied Deb, "but I wouldn't -mind that if only you get free."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll try my best," replied Jack taking up his kit -of tools.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When will you be back?" she asked as he -started to go.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't say. It depends on the job. Don't -worry if it is late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right; I'll keep the supper warm till you come."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So young, and yet a perfect housekeeper!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She'll make some fellow a good wife one of -these days," said Jack to himself as he strode along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a fine day, and the walk by the river side -was a delightful one, but the young machinist -scarcely noticed the surroundings. His mind was -busy with the numerous difficulties that had risen -round him, and he endeavored to lay out a definite -plan of action by which to extricate himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he arrived at the farm, he found his -acquaintance of the previous day hard at work on the -patent rake, which he had taken almost entirely -apart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just in time, young man!" exclaimed farmer -Farrell, wiping the perspiration from his brow; -"I thought, seeing as how you didn't come this -morning, I'd see what I could do myself. But the -job's a leetle too much for me. I've got the pesky -thing apart and can't put two pieces together -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's because you don't understand machinery -and haven't the tools," replied the young machinist, -and taking off his coat, he set to work at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He picked out the worn screws and bolts and -substituted the new ones which he had brought. -Then he sorted out the various parts in their proper -order, and examined each critically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This bit of iron that guides the pressure spring -is warped," he remarked. "Did the rake pull -hard when the left side was lower than the right?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, and squeaked, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, that's the cause of it, and all the oil in -the world wouldn't help it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can you fix it?" asked the farmer, anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can if I can get a hot fire," replied Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll start it up at once," returned farmer -Farrell, and he disappeared into the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he had the fire well under way, Jack -heated the part, and gave it the proper shape. -Then he put the machine together, adjusted it -carefully, and oiled the parts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess it's all right now," he said, lifting it over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll soon see," returned the farmer. Going -to the barn he brought out one of the horses and -hitched him to the machine. Then he mounted -the seat and drove up and down the field several -times.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Works like a charm!" he declared. "You -understand your trade and no mistake. How much -for the job?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This question was a stickler to Jack. He did -not wish to ask too much, and he could not afford -to ask too little.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They would charge you three dollars at the -machine shops," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I suppose that's what it's worth," -continued the farmer. He was a whole-souled man, -and was taken by Jack's outspoken manner. "But -there's the other things to do yet," he continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it; so we'll put this job at two -dollars," said the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, I'm satisfied to pay three," -laughed farmer Farrell. "Come into the barn; -I've found quite a lot of stuff that needs doctoring, -and I want you to put everything in first-class -shape."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll do my best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Farmer Farrell led the way, and Jack was soon -as busy as a bee, putting the machines in -running order and overhauling other farming -implements.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 65%" id="figure-103"> -<span id="jack-was-soon-as-busy-as-a-bee-putting-the-machines-in-running-order-and-overhauling-other-farming-implements"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="JACK WAS SOON AS BUSY AS A BEE, PUTTING THE MACHINES IN RUNNING ORDER AND OVERHAULING OTHER FARMING IMPLEMENTS." src="images/img-058.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">JACK WAS SOON AS BUSY AS A BEE, PUTTING THE MACHINES IN RUNNING ORDER AND OVERHAULING OTHER FARMING IMPLEMENTS.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why didn't you stop this morning?" asked -the farmer, presently. He had intended going -reaping, but Jack's handy use of tools interested -him and made him linger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In an easy manner that did not interfere with -his work, the young machinist narrated the -particulars of what had occurred to detain him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, now, that beats all! Trouble piling -right up on top of ye! Wonder if I don't know -this Mosey," continued the farmer, reflectively. -"Is he a short man with a red beard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't he use to work over to Redrock?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe he did."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I reckon I do. He's a bad egg. I used -to sell the company he worked for hay for packing, -and Mosey used to weigh it. Several times, when -I was sure it was correct, he reported short, and -when I spoke to him about it, he said it would -never be right until I made it right with him, or, -in other words, paid him for his good will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How did it turn out?" asked Jack, interested -in the story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I spoke of it to the owners, but they believed -his side of the story, and I lost their trade. -But, all the same, he was discharged a month later -for being drunk. If I ain't mistaken, I saw him -pass early yesterday morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I just wish I could lay hands on him," returned -the young machinist; "I don't believe he would -keep out of the way if he wasn't guilty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe I'll see him," said the farmer. "If I -do I'll watch him, and let you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was close on to six o'clock when Jack finished -the work. During the afternoon he had done jobs -for which he asked five dollars, and farmer Farrell, -who knew that he would have been charged twice -as much in the town, paid the bill without a murmur.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes later, with his kit under his arm, -and the new five-dollar bill tucked safely in his -vest pocket, the young machinist started for home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun was setting, and the road, shaded for its -greater part by large trees, was growing dark -rapidly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About midway of the distance to Corney stood -an old mill, abandoned several years before, whose -disused water-wheel still hung idly over the swiftly -flowing river beneath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a ghostly looking structure, and having -the reputation of being haunted, was seldom visited, -except by adventurous tourists and by amateur -photographers, who remained at a safe distance to -take views of the really picturesque locality.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Jack passed the mill, he saw a man approach -from the opposite direction. Judge of his -astonishment when he recognized the individual as -Andy Mosey!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had seen the young machinist at the same -instant, and turning rapidly from the road, he -darted to one side of the mill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a second Jack stood still, hardly able to -move. But he quickly recovered, and dropping -his kit, which was heavy, he started in pursuit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He shall not escape me," he resolved. "He -is larger than I, but I am not afraid to meet him -face to face."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a large shed attached to the mill, and -entering this, the young machinist looked carefully -around to see if he could find any trace of the man. -But a brief search assured him that the place had -not been disturbed for months.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Passing through the partly open door, he entered -the lower floor of the mill, and found himself in the -presence of Dennis Corrigan, Mosey's brother-in-law.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you want here?" demanded Corrigan, -springing up from the bench upon which he had -been seated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack could hardly form a proper reply. With -two men against him, he realized that he was in a -bad fix.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, I didn't know that you were here, -Corrigan," he began. "I thought----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack never finished the sentence. He heard a -noise behind him, but before he could turn to see -what it was, he received a cruel blow on the head, -and then all became a dark, terrible blank.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="into-the-river"><span class="large">CHAPTER VII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">INTO THE RIVER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Slowly and painfully, with a dull ache in his -head, and an uncertain look in his eyes, Jack -returned to his senses. A thin stream of blood -trickled down his neck, and putting up his hand he -felt a large lump under the hair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It must have been Mosey who struck me," was -his first thought as he gathered his scattered -faculties together. "Well, thank God, he didn't kill me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was some time before he felt any desire to -rise, and when he finally did so, he found himself -weaker than he had anticipated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The coward!" was the young machinist's -comment. "To strike me unawares. I knew he -disliked me, but hasn't he wronged me enough -already?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack did not know--nor, indeed, could he have -understood--the bitter hatred the Irishman bore him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The only pride of Andy Mosey's life was his bull -pup and his son Mike, and to have the young -machinist occupying a position he thought his son -should have, had always been more than this -hot-tempered fellow was inclined to bear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The place in which Jack found himself was -totally dark, whether because it had no windows, -or because it was night, he could not tell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He groped around, and seeing a ray of light -coming up from beneath, applied his eye to what -proved to be a knot-hole in the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was surprised to find the river flowing -directly below, and knew at once that he was in the -lowest part of the old mill, opposite the ancient -wheel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They must have carried me here," he said to -himself. "I wonder how long ago?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He felt his way along the walls, and at last -reached the door. He was on the point of lifting -the latch, when it was thrown open, and by the -the rays of a lantern that at first dazzled him, he -saw himself confronted by Dennis Corrigan and -Andy Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So ye'v cum to yer sinses at last, have ye?" -was Mosey's greeting, as he set down the lantern. -"Ye wint down moighty easy, so ye did."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd like to know what right you have to treat -me in this shameful manner," demanded Jack, -indignantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never moind," returned the Irishman; "it -will teach ye a lesson not to tell lying stories about me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't said anything but what I believe to -be true," replied Jack, pointedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, now, is that raly so? Well, ye can suffer -for thinking wrong," continued Mosey. "Oi -niver----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, stop your everlasting jaw!" broke in -Corrigan, who was more practical in his way than his -brother-in-law. "Never mind what you've done, -and what you haven't done. The question is, what -are we to do with the boy, now he's here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Irishman scratched his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It won't do to let him go," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose we search his pockets," suggested Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack uttered an exclamation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" he demanded; "you wouldn't dare?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan laughed. The young machinist did not -yet know that this man was at heart a thorough -villain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait and see," he remarked, coolly. "Put -your back to the door, Andy, and don't let him -escape."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan was a heavily built and powerful man, -and in his present condition Jack knew that he was -no match for such an opponent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you want?" asked the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Want to see what you have with you. Come, show up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's head still ached from the rough treatment -it had received. He did not wish to court another -such blow, and so did as demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A knife, ten cents, the five-dollar bill farmer -Farrell had given him, and a copy of his agreement -with Mr. Benton were all the articles of value that -he carried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's something for you, Andy," observed -Corrigan, tossing over the ten-cent piece. "The -price of a drink."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan quietly slipped the five-dollar bill into -his own clothes. Then opening the agreement, he -held it near the lantern and read it carefully. It -seemed to interest him greatly, and muttering -something to himself, he shoved it into the inside -pocket of his coat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you intend to rob me outright?" exclaimed -Jack, whose blood boiled at such treatment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If that's what you call it, I suppose we do," -was Corrigan's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist was now becoming more -used to the situation, and he determined to submit -no longer. He noticed that Mosey had unconsciously -moved to one side, and watching his -chance, he sprang for the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Corrigan was too quick for him, and with a -reach of his long arm he caught the young machinist -by the collar, and held him until Mosey had -again reached the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's grit was up and he wrestled with all his -strength. He caught his antagonist by the waist, -and literally threw him to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hit him. Andy, hit him!" screamed -Corrigan, trying to regain his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey approached Jack with the same stick he -had used in the first encounter. The young -machinist caught the blow upon the left arm, and -retaliated by landing one square from the shoulder on -the Irishman's nasal organ. He did not believe in -pugilism, but knew something of the art of -self-defense; and used his knowledge to good advantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He followed up the first blow by another, and -had just gained the door for the second time, when -Corrigan, with a vile exclamation, seized the heavy -brass lantern, and swinging it over his head, -brought it down with all force upon Jack's neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The blow half stunned the young machinist, and -before he could recover he was on his back, with -Corrigan on top of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phat shall we do?" asked Mosey in bewilderment. -Jack's unexpected attack had surprised and -dismayed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get that rope upstairs," gasped Corrigan, -who was well-nigh winded; "we'll bind him so -tight that he won't give us any more trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Irishman disappeared for a few moments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he returned he held a stout cord in his -hand, with which the two bound the young -machinist securely, hands and feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll leave him here for the present," said -Corrigan, when they had finished their work. -"Come on," and taking up the lantern, which in -spite of its rough usage still remained lit, he led the -way up stairs followed by Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm in a pretty fix, and no mistake," -was Jack's mental decision when alone. "So far, -my exertions to gain freedom haven't amounted to -anything. But if they think that I'm going to give -up already, they are mistaken."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tugged at the cords, and by a strong effort -managed, though not without painful squeezing, to -pull his feet free.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His hands, however, were placed altogether too -closely to allow of a similar proceeding, and he -endeavored to find some means of cutting the -fastening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He remembered that the latch of the door was a -rusty one, and rough on its lower side. Walking -over to this, he began to rub the cord along the -edge in the hope of severing it, but the improvised -saw--if it might be called such--was not a handy -tool, and half an hour passed before he made any -material progress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's mighty slow work," he said to himself: -"but it's bound to wear away sooner or later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a heavy step sounded outside on the -stairs, and a moment later Andy Mosey pitched -into the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was in a sad state of intoxication, and his -face was red with anger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Been tellin' foine sthories about me!" he -exclaimed. "Saying I sthole yer match-box an' set -foire to old Gray's house! Oi'll fix ye!"</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 96%" id="figure-104"> -<span id="been-tellin-sthories-about-me-he-exclaimed-sayin-i-sthole-yer-match-box-an-set-foire-to-old-gray-s-house-oi-ll-fix-ye"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""BEEN TELLIN' FOINE STHORIES ABOUT ME!" HE EXCLAIMED. "SAYIN' I STHOLE YER MATCH-BOX AN' SET FOIRE TO OLD GRAY'S HOUSE! OI'LL FIX YE!"" src="images/img-068.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"BEEN TELLIN' FOINE STHORIES ABOUT ME!" HE EXCLAIMED. "SAYIN' I STHOLE YER MATCH-BOX AN' SET FOIRE TO OLD GRAY'S HOUSE! OI'LL FIX YE!"</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>He held a heavy stick in his hand, and as he -spoke he brought it down with full force on Jack's -head. The young machinist went down like a shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tellin' loies about me!" continued Mosey, as -he dragged the half senseless body to the water's edge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help! Help!" cried Jack, in a feeble voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But his cries were of no avail, and the next -instant the young machinist was being swept by the -rushing tide down the stream, to the roaring falls -below.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="something-about-the-model"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">SOMETHING ABOUT THE MODEL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Deb grew anxious when seven o'clock came and -Jack did not put in an appearance. Under -ordinary circumstances, she would not have minded -it, but the events of the past two days combined to -make her worry more than usual. She sat by the -window, watching the stream of people returning -from work, and then, when it was half after the -hour, put on her hat and descended to the street below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She walked slowly in the direction of the -Redrock road, in hope of meeting her brother. At -the end of three blocks, she came face to face with -Mont Gray, who had just been finishing up some -accounts at the tool works.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are you going, may I ask?" he said, -with a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To meet Jack," replied Deb. "He ought to -be home by this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps the work took longer than he -expected," observed the young man. "You know -he hates to leave a job until it's done."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I know that. But I wish he would come, -anyway; I can't bear to have him away now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Depend upon it, he can take good care of -himself," added Mont. "Come, shall I walk home -with you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose I might as well go," returned the -girl, slowly, and turned back. "Oh, I'm so -awfully nervous," she added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your troubles have been too much for you," -he answered, kindly. "They would have been for -almost any one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Though Mont's capital was, as we know, rather -limited, he was anxious to help Deb and Jack all -he could. Yet he hardly knew how to broach the -subject.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you--did Mr. Hammerby call again?" -he asked, hesitatingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, and gave us a three days' notice to quit," -replied the girl. "He----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He shall not put you out!" exclaimed the -young man, vehemently. "It's an outrage! It's -bad enough for my uncle to believe your brother -guilty, but to put you out----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we are not going," continued Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't blame you. If I can help you----?" -he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you don't understand," returned Deb, -quickly. "It's real good of you to offer help, but -we don't need it," and she told him of the money -Mr. Benton was to pay over on the following -morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm glad to hear you're going to get some cash -out of that man," remarked Mont. "Although even -so, he made a sharp bargain with Jack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few minutes later they reached the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you come up?" asked Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't time," he replied. "I've got to do -an errand for my uncle. Maybe afterward, if I -have a chance I'll take a look for Jack, and come up -with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I wish you would," she returned, "I -know it's dreadfully silly for me to be so easily -worried, but I can't help it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it's all right, I suppose. If I was in his -place maybe I'd like to be worried about, too," and -away went Mont, whistling quite a merry air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young girl entered the kitchen and lit the -lamp. It was now half-past eight, and as the -people of the neighborhood were hard workers. -who retired early, the streets were comparatively quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She left the supper dishes upon the table, and -putting some extra coal into the stove, set the tea -and other things so that they might keep warm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a dreary evening for her. She did not -care much to read--actual life interested her far -more than books--and now all her thoughts were -centered on Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a pretty long walk from that farmer's -place," she kept saying to herself. "But he will -come soon, oh, he must come soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her reflections were broken by hearing an -unknown step upon the stairs, followed by a sharp -rap at the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly knowing whom to expect at this hour of -the night, she bade the person enter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The newcomer was Dennis Corrigan!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb did not know the man. She had seen him -on the streets, but though he was fairly well -dressed, she was not taken by his general appearance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does Jack Willington live here?" asked Corrigan, -with a hasty glance around the kitchen, to see -who might be present.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Deb, and then realizing that -the man might have news for her, she continued -quickly: "Did he send you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Miss. He said I was to get a model that -he had here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This assertion surprised the girl. What in the -world could Jack want with his model this time of -night?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is my brother?" she asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan was not prepared to answer this question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is--down the street," he stammered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why--down in McGlory's saloon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This reply was a fatal blunder for Corrigan, who -by a little scheme of his own, had proposed to get -the model into his possession without any difficulty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In McGlory's saloon!" repeated Deb, in -amazement. "Why, Jack doesn't drink."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes, he does--once in a while," replied -Corrigan, glibly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're mistaken!" returned Deb, sharply. -"What does he want the model for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was growing a trifle suspicious. The article -in question was valuable, and just now doubly so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know what he's going to do with it. -Got it handy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Involuntarily Deb glanced over to where the -model stood covered with a cloth. She regretted -the action an instant after, for Corrigan's eyes -watched her closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How far is that saloon from here?" she asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only a few blocks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Queer he didn't come for it himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He was too busy. He asked me to go for him, -and sent this paper as an order. He said you'd -know all about it," replied Corrigan, and he handed -out the agreement he had stolen from Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb recognized the paper at once. Jack must -certainly have given it to the man, and yet, for a -reason she could not explain, she felt that all was -not right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One thing she remembered; her brother had repeatedly -cautioned her not to let outsiders examine -the model under any plea. To place it, therefore, -in a stranger's hands seemed a risk she did not care -to assume.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter?" asked Corrigan, as Deb -still hesitated. "Ain't it all right?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was growing uneasy, fearful of being -interrupted just at the moment when the prize was -almost within his grasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would rather have my brother come for it -himself," said the girl finally.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He can't come; he's too busy," persisted the -intruder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It wouldn't take long to get it if he is only a -few blocks away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but he doesn't want to leave. He has a -chance of selling it to a man for big money, and -he's afraid the man may back out if he leaves him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb was sorely perplexed. The man might be -speaking the truth, in which case she did not for -the world wish Jack to lose the chance of striking -a bargain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I'll take it right along at once," continued -Corrigan, stepping over to where the model stood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, at this instant, a bright idea came into the -girl's head. She knew that she could trust -Mr. Snitzer, or one of his sons, and was sure that any -one of them would do her a favor willingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You need not take so much trouble," she -exclaimed, stepping between the man and the model. -"Just leave the address of the place, and I will -send it up at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a staggerer for Corrigan, and he knew -not how to answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I'll take it myself," he replied, roughly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His words sent a dreadful chill to Deb's heart. -In an instant she realized the man's true object, -and her own helpless condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" she cried in terror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I mean that if you won't give me the model -I'll take it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The words had hardly been uttered before Deb -gave a terrible scream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop your noise!" hissed Corrigan, jumping -to her side, and clapping his hand over her mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl struggled to escape, but she was as a -feather in this powerful fellow's arms, and half -fainting, she felt herself borne into the next room, -and the door locked upon her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then she heard Corrigan pick up the model, and -hurry down the stairs and out of the house.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="mr-benton-makes-trouble"><span class="large">CHAPTER IX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">MR. BENTON MAKES TROUBLE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Help! Help!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vas is dot?" exclaimed Mrs. Snitzer, -who had been dozing in the rocking chair awaiting -her son's return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sounds like some von vas in troubles," replied -her husband, from the sofa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both sprang to their feet and hurried to the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Snitzer had scarcely opened it when a man -rushed past her and out of the front hall-way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help! Help!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It vas Deb, for sure!" cried the German -woman, and she ascended the stairs as fast as her -portly form would permit, closely followed by her -husband.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It took but a moment to pass through the kitchen -and unlock the door of the adjoining chamber. -They found Deb half dead from fright, and vainly -endeavoring to escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Mrs. Snitzer, a man has just stolen Jack's -model!" gasped the poor girl. "He ran down -stairs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ve saw him," put in Mr. Snitzer. "I go me -after him," he continued, hurrying off as rapidly -as his legs would move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, what will Jack say when he hears that it's -gone!" moaned Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me apout it," said the kindly German woman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She took the excited girl in her arms, and stroking -the soft, curly hair, tried to calm Deb as best -she could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a nervous voice the girl told her story. She -was on the verge of hysterics, and it was only -Mrs. Snitzer's quick sense of comprehension that -enabled her fully to understand the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In about ten minutes Mr. Snitzer returned. The -look upon his face told plainly that he had failed -in the pursuit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It vas no use," he said, "I couldn't see nodding -of him;" and he dropped into a chair exhausted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb's grief was hard to witness. It was bad -enough to have Jack away, but to have some one -steal his precious model, the idea of his life, was -too dreadful to contemplate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall never get over it," she sobbed; "I ought -to have been more careful!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Snitzer let her cry it out. Experience had -taught her that it would do no good to check the -flow of tears. She motioned her husband to leave, -while she herself made preparations to stay all night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the hours wore on Deb for a while forgot -the model in her anxiety concerning Jack's -welfare. As long as she could remember, her brother -had never remained away over night, and whether -by premonition or otherwise, she was positive -something dreadful had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With the first break of day she was on the -watch. She prepared no breakfast, nor did she -touch that which the German woman generously -offered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb wandered up and down the street for two hours.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still no Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She visited the neighbors. Had this one seen -him? No. Perhaps that one had? Not since -yesterday morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly she grew very pale, and with faltering -steps approached the jail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The doorkeeper greeted her with evident surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What brings you here this morning?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My brother has been missing since last night," -replied Deb, in a choking voice, "and I thought -that perhaps you had--had locked him up again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, no. Haven't seen him since he left," -replied the man. "Missing, eh!" He gave a -low whistle, "Hope he hasn't jumped his bail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run away to escape trial."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack wouldn't do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't tell. Fellows do unexpected things -sometimes. So you don't know where he's gone?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The doorkeeper reflected for a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't he accuse somebody else of being the -cause of the fire?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir; he was almost certain it was done by -a man named Mosey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I believe this Mosey couldn't be found?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then maybe your brother has a clue, and is on -the man's track."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This put the affair in a new light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps you are right," said Deb, slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess I am. Hope so, anyway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl breathed more freely when she got to -the street. There was a good deal of consolation -in what the doorkeeper had said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She walked over toward the tool works, and saw -Mont at one of the windows. A second later the -young man came out with a packet of letters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've just finished what remained of the work," -he said. "Now I won't have hardly anything to -do until we start up again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was surprised to learn that Jack had not yet -put in his appearance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The doorkeeper must be right," he observed -reflectively. "Who it was though, that stole the -model, I can't imagine. Tell you what I'll do. -I'll post these letters, and then walk out to that -farmer's place and find out what I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Deb returned home she found a man and -a boy in the hall, waiting for her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you Miss Willington?" asked the man, politely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'm sorry, but unless you are able to pay -the rent that is due, I have orders to put you out of -the house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb shrunk back in horror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Out of the house?" she repeated!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, ma'am, Mr. Hammerby served you with -a three days' notice to quit, I believe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He did--two days ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three days----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, only two."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you please let me see the paper?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He dated it a day back," explained Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man shrugged his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he did, you should have complained of it at -the time. I am a constable, and we people always -go by the paper. I'm sorry to disturb you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where will you--you put us?" faltered the -girl, with a white face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Set your goods in the street," was the -matter-of-fact reply. The constable was old in the -service, and many cruel scenes had hardened his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Into the street!" wailed the poor girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what I said, unless, of course, you can -raise the eight dollars that's due."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't it now. But my brother expected to -get fifty dollars from a man for an interest in an -invention of his."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To-day. But my brother is away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't you get it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps I can," replied Deb, hesitatingly. -"I'll try, anyway. Will you wait till I come back?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied the constable, and he took -a chair, and began to read the morning paper that -he had brought with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Deb was getting ready for her urgent -errand, there was a noise outside, and Mr. Benton -himself appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is your brother?" he demanded, without -any preliminary salutation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know, sir," replied the girl, her breath -almost taken away by the suddenness of the question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They told me he was missing," continued the -speculator. "I suppose that you have the model safe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir. It was stolen last evening."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb began to cry again. Mr. Benton caught -her arm roughly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't believe a word you say!" he -exclaimed, in harsh tones. "It's only a plot to do -me out of my rights! But it won't work, -understand that, it won't work. Either you must -produce the model, or else I'll have you arrested for -fraud!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="driven-from-home"><span class="large">CHAPTER X.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">DRIVEN FROM HOME</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Deb looked at Mr. Benton in horror. It was -only after several seconds that she fully -realized the terrible accusation which he had -brought against her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A plot!" she faltered. "What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only this," continued Mr. Benton, "your -brother has run away to escape trial, and he has -taken the model with him. You have helped him -to do this. But it won't work. I pay my way, -and a bargain's a bargain. If I have to pay the -thousand dollars, I'll have the model or I'll know -the reason why."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how do you know Jack has run away?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he hasn't, where is he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He went to a job in the country yesterday -morning and hasn't returned yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you expect me to believe that story?" -sneered the speculator.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the truth," replied Deb, bursting into -tears. "I'm sure Jack will come back. The -model was stolen by a man who said my brother -had sent him for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And are you positive that your brother did not -send him for it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Almost, sir, because the man ran away with it -when I promised to send it by some one else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph! Well, we'll see; I'll let the matter -rest until to-morrow, and then we'll have a settlement."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these words Mr. Benton pulled his hat -more tightly than usual over his small, round head, -and tripped down the stairs and out of the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb's heart sank like a clod. Her last hope was -gone. She had counted on getting help from the -speculator, and the result had been directly -the opposite.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rec'on you won't get anything out of him," -was the constable's grim comment. He had -listened in silence to the brief interview, and now -arose to continue his disagreeable but necessary -duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't there any way at all of having this thing -stopped?" asked the girl, bitterly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; unless you get the money," was the -man's reply, and pulling off his coat, he took up a -couple of chairs, and marched down stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb jumped up and followed him. Her heart -beat wildly, and something in her throat nearly -choked her. What could she do? Her thoughts -ran to Mrs. Snitzer. She knew the kind German -woman needed money as much as any of the tool -works people did, but perhaps she could give some -help, or offer some advice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She flew to the door of her neighbor's -apartments, and knocked eagerly. No answer came, -and then she knocked more loudly than ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly she remembered that Mrs. Snitzer had -signified her intention of taking her whole family -to her brother's farm for a few days, and possibly -until the end of the shut-down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no use, they're all gone!" she sighed. -"There is no help to be had!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the constable worked rapidly. In -his time he had been in situations where the -neighbors had interfered with him, and he wished to get -away as soon as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon there was quite a respectable stock of -furniture and other household effects piled upon the -sidewalk. Deb packed up the smaller stuff as fast -as she could--the china and crockery in baskets, -and the clothing and linen in the two old family -trunks. Truth to admit, the constable did not -hurry her a bit more than he could help.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Deb went below to see that no one -should walk away with some of their belongings. -Her eyes were red and swollen, and a more -wretched girl could not have been found in all -Corney.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she sat down on one of the upturned wash -tubs she wondered what she was to do. She had -no neighbors, and with the exception of the -Snitzers they were all strangers to her--they on their -part deeming her "stuck up," and perhaps rejoicing -to see her placed in her present humiliating position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wild hope of Jack's return came constantly -to her mind, and twice she ran down to the corner -vainly straining her eyes to catch sight of his -well-known form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I had only accepted Mont's aid," she -thought, "I wonder where I could find him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the constable brought down the very -last of the goods, and locking up the rooms, went -away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, Deb, I declare, I didn't know you were -going to move. You didn't say anything of it last -Sunday. How lucky I came before you were gone! or, -perhaps, how unlucky to come when you are -all upside down. Never mind, go right ahead, and -don't pay any attention to me. It's an awful job, -isn't it? I haven't experienced moving in ten -years, but I remember well that I didn't get -straightened out for two months, and then it took -twice that long to get accustomed to the new place. -Where did you say you were moving to?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And having thus delivered herself in one breath, -the speaker, a middle-aged lady, who wore blue -glasses, and was slightly deaf, took Deb's hand in -a quick, nervous grasp, and peered into the care-worn face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Miss Parks, we are not moving at all!" -cried out the girl, laying her head on her -Sunday-school teacher's shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Glad I called?" queried Miss Parks, misunderstanding -her. "Well, now, seeing things as they -are, I didn't expect it. But, maybe I can help -you. I'm not overdressed, so just tell me what to -do, and I'll go right to work. Hasn't the -truck-man come yet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We--are--not--moving," repeated Deb, -putting her mouth close to Miss Parks's ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No? Why--why--then something dreadful -has happened, all your furniture out here on the -sidewalk, with the dust a-blowing on 'em. What -is it--fire? That's a dreadful thing. Even if -things are not burned up, the smoke gets in 'em, -and you can't get it out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It isn't fire," returned the unhappy girl, "it's -because we can't pay the rent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, dear!" Miss Parks was all sympathy at -once. "I thought your brother was doing pretty -well now," she added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So he was. But the tool works have shut -down, and we can't get a cent from the bank."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The elderly maiden caught at the words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The bank! Isn't it awful. They wouldn't -give me mine, yesterday, and I wanted it the -worst way, too. But tell me about your trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few words, spoken as plainly as possible, -Deb poured her tale into the lady's ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard about your brother being arrested for -the fire," remarked Miss Parks. "But I didn't -believe it. Mr. Long says Jack is such a good -fellow, and such an excellent scholar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm glad you think so," burst out the girl. -"Oh, Miss Parks, if people only knew Jack as -well as I do, they wouldn't say such horrid things -about him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, dear, we all have our trials, and must -ask Him to help us bear them," replied the elderly -maiden, with sincere piety. "But about the rent. -How much is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Six dollars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much, truly. But it's more than I have, -or I'd pay it in a minute. Have you any money at -all?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not over three dollars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Parks drew out her pocketbook, and -examined the contents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just a dollar," she exclaimed. "I declare we -are both poor, with money in the bank, too." She -paused a moment in deep thought. "I'll tell you -what you might do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?" asked Deb, eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Move your things down to my house. I'll let -you have the back bedroom and attic, and when -you're settled we'll see what is to be done. Jack -will be back before a great while, I'm certain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Parks was entirely alone in the world. The -house that she occupied was her own, left her by an -invalid uncle, whom she had nursed constantly -during the last four years of his life. She was a -dress-maker, and a lady's companion, and earned a fair -living--a goodly portion of which found its way -to charity and the church--for she was a devout -Christian, and an earnest worker in the cause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, thank you!" cried Deb, a heavy weight -taken from her mind. "But won't it be -inconvenient for you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit. In fact I think I'll enjoy company."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll accept your offer," continued the -girl, "And I think it is real good of you to let -me come."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Parks bent down and kissed the tired cheeks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a good girl, Deb," she said. "You -don't deserve such a trial as this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little later a truckman was engaged who -speedily transferred the household goods to Deb's -new home.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="on-the-river-road"><span class="large">CHAPTER XI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">ON THE RIVER ROAD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Mont Gray hastened to the Corney postoffice -with all possible speed. For his own sake, -as well as for Deb's he wished to dispatch his -business as quickly as possible, so as to devote the -remainder of the day to hunting up Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was afraid that something out of the ordinary -had befallen his friend. He had not wished to add -to Deb's already deep anxiety, but he knew Jack -too well to imagine that the young machinist would -willfully keep his sister in ignorance of his whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This feeling upon the young man's part might -not have been so strong had all other surroundings -been more tranquil. But since the shut-down at -the tool works the air had been filled with murmurs -of dissatisfaction--augmented largely by the -suspension of the bank, and everywhere there -prevailed a vague feeling that something was about -to happen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One thing was certain. Not a single one of his -employes were satisfied with Mr. Felix Gray's -management, and there were plenty of hot-headed -men who wished him joy over his burnt mansion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It did not take Mont long to post the letters, and -then he struck out at once for the Farrell place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a glorious morning, bright and clear, and -when he reached the Redrock road he found the -birds singing as merrily as could be.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of the unpleasant things that had -happened, Mont felt wonderfully light-hearted, the -secret of which was that he was doing something -for Deb--a service which he knew she would -appreciate, and one which, therefore, he was more -than willing to do.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the young man walked along the river bank -whistling cheerily to himself he espied a man -coming toward him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later he recognized the individual as -Andy Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder what he is doing out here," said -Mont to himself. "Perhaps the prison keeper was -right, and Jack is on his track--may be watching -his chance to get evidence to convict him." When -the discovery took place Mont was at a spot where -the road ran close to the bank, and here he waited -for the Irishman to come up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Mosey approached, it was easy to see that he -had been drinking heavily. In truth it was but the -continuance of his potations of the previous day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He had better take care, or he'll go over the -bank, sure," was the young man's mental observation, -as he watched the reeling form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Mosey drew nearer Mont noticed that his -eyes were deeply sunken, and that despite the -drink, his face looked pale and haggard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Possibly he is worried over his wrongdoings," -thought Mont, hitting more truth than he imagined. -"It's a pity such a strong fellow can't keep -from liquor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Irishman shuffled directly toward Mont, -without apparently noticing him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello," exclaimed the young man, sharply. -"Where bound?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Irishman started up in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where you--hic--goin'?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm looking for Jack Willington. Have you seen him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey gave a shudder. The remembrance of that -awful scene in the old mill still hung in his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No--hic--no," he answered hastily. "Oi -haven't see the b'y for two days," and he gave a -lurch outward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take care!" exclaimed Mont. "If you tumble -over that bank you'll never get out again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Irishman drew as far away as possible from -the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're roight, Mont, me b'y," he mumbled. -"It's sure death, and no--hic--foolin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you're certain that you haven't seen Jack?" -continued Mont. "He has been out here I know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The effect of his last words was a truly -astonishing one. With a cry of drunken rage, Mosey -sprang toward him, his eyes blazing with fury.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye can't come it over--hic--me!" he shouted. -"Ye think ye're schmart, but yo're left this--hic--toime."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" ejaculated Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The extraordinary change in the Irishman's -manner nearly dumbfounded him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye know well enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you have seen him?" exclaimed the young -man. "Oh, I see. He knows a thing or two -about you, and----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He don't know--hic--nothin',--now," -hiccoughed the Irishman. The liquor had muddled -his brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" gasped Mont, with a sudden sense of -horror. "You--you----" he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was standing with his heels against a small -rock that overhung the bank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye can foind out fer--hic--yerself!" snarled -Mosey, and with a quick spring he gave the young -man a push that sent him spinning over backward. -Mont tried to catch hold of the rock, but the smooth -surface slipped from under his hands. He grasped -the small bushes--they came out by the roots. He -felt himself going down--down;--the glint of -the sunshine upon the water sparkled in his face -and then?</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 70%" id="figure-105"> -<span id="with-a-quick-spring-he-gave-the-young-man-a-push-that-sent-him-spinning-over-backward"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="WITH A QUICK SPRING HE GAVE THE YOUNG MAN A PUSH THAT SENT HIM SPINNING OVER BACKWARD." src="images/img-097.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">WITH A QUICK SPRING HE GAVE THE YOUNG MAN A PUSH THAT SENT HIM SPINNING OVER BACKWARD.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey got down flat on the rocks and crawling -to the edge, peered over the bank. He saw Mont's -hat rise to the surface, and float swiftly along with -the bounding stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's gone!" he muttered, hoarsely, after waiting -for further signs of his victim. "Gone to the -bottom!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He crawled back to the middle of the road, and -arose to his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The awful occurrence had for the time sobered -him, and he moved forward without a stagger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bad worruk Oi'm doin'!" he muttered to himself. -"Phat will Dennis say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The thought of his brother-in-law's possible -condemnation of his actions made him shiver. He -turned and slowly retraced his steps from whence -he had come. He had not quite reached the spot -when Corrigan's voice sounded in his ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where have you been?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi thought Oi'd go to Corney, but Oi changed -me moind," was Mosey's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good thing you did. They want you up there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phat for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey had stopped at the door, and now looked -at his brother-in-law sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, for setting fire to Gray's house," said -Corrigan, with a laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Oi thought----" the Irishman suddenly -checked himself. "Say, Oi didn't see ye on the -road," he continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I came up by the back way," replied Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan made no reply. To tell the truth, he -did not wish Mosey to know that he had stolen -Jack's model, and that precious article was now -safely hidden in the loft of the mill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phy don't ye answer me question?" continued -Andy Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I thought I'd try the other way for a -change," said Corrigan, as lightly as possible. -"How is the young fellow?" he continued, changing -the subject.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's--he's gone," faltered Mosey. "He--he -had a mishap, and fell into the wather."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Drowned?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan gave a whistle of surprise. He was on -the point of asking the particulars, but suddenly -changed his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm glad he's out of the way," he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey walked into the mill, and sat down on a -bench, the picture of fear and misery. Corrigan -did not pay any further attention to him, but went -upstairs and examined the model he had stolen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a beautiful piece of work!" was his -mental comment, "and if I only work it right I'll -make a neat stake out of it!" he added as he hid -it away again.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="jack-s-dangerous-position"><span class="large">CHAPTER XII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">JACK'S DANGEROUS POSITION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Meanwhile how had Jack fared?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His last cry for help had been cut short by -his plunge into the river. With his hands still -bound tightly behind him, he felt himself sink -many feet, and then a few seconds later he regained -the surface, and shook the water from his face. He -found that the swiftly flowing tide had carried him -several rods from the old mill, and well out toward -mid-stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm surely lost!" he said to himself with a -shudder. "The falls are not more than a quarter -of a mile below, and when I reach there----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shiver finished the sentence. In time past he -had heard of several persons being carried over, -and not one had lived to tell the story. What hope -was there then for him?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He remembered that half way to the falls the -stream narrowed considerably where the tide rushed -with a roar that was deafening, and there were -several huge rocks. Perhaps, if he could gain one of -these, when morning came he might devise some -means of escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried his best to slip off the cord from his -wrists, which was the same cord that had been -fastened to his feet, and which now dragged a -considerable distance behind him. But the hemp was -water soaked, and cut into his flesh until it bled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On and on he was carried. It seemed that every -instant the speed increased. It was useless to cry -out--no one was near, even if indeed, his voice -should reach the shore. His mind was filled with -countless anxious thoughts. What would his -friends think of his absence? What would Mont -say? What would Deb do if he was lost?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thinking of his dear sister was more painful than -aught else, and he uttered a sincere prayer that his -life might be spared, for her sake, if not for his -own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently, through the gloom came the noise of -the water as it washed over and around the rocks -below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He lifted his head as high as possible, and -strained his eyes to get a view of the situation, but -water and foam were alone in sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearer and nearer he was now drawing. The -water bubbled all around. Then like a flash a black -object loomed to the right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He struggled with all his power to gain it. -Kicking and plunging, his side struck a rock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried to grasp it, but it slipped. Another -and still another passed. The water surged on all -sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly his feet touched bottom. He threw -himself with all his force against the current.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now or never!" were his thoughts. "For -home and Deb!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He flung his body to one side where a sharp rock -stuck out of the water but a few inches, and, half -turning, he threw his arm partly over it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His feet were swept from under him, and as -the cord upon his wrists still refused to part, his -shoulder was nearly dislocated by the strain that -was thus brought to bear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beside the sharp rock was another, and drawing -a long breath, he gradually worked his way until -he lay flat upon its surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This new resting place was not more than seven -feet in length by three in width, yet to Jack it -seemed a perfect island, so much more preferable -was it to the cold water of the stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist lay quiet for a long time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was utterly exhausted, and it was no easy -task to recover the wind that had been knocked -out of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a while, he turned over and sat up. He -was afraid to try standing, fearful of losing his -footing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the semi-darkness he calculated that the rocks -leading to either shore were fully fifteen or twenty -feet away--a distance which, in such a place as -this, was as bad as a mile, so far as reaching them -was concerned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it was only a little lighter I might throw -out the rope and catch fast somewhere," he said to -himself. "As it is, I suppose I'll have to wait till -morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But waiting was far from agreeable. Had he -been sure of eventually escaping, it would have -been different, but the doubt of this rendered his -mind extremely uneasy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearly an hour passed. It grew darker, and one -by one the stars came out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ceaselessly the water tumbled and roared, as if -it knew not the meaning of rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As we know, he had had but little sleep the night -before, and now he was fagged out. Several times -his eyes closed and his head nodded, but he always -came to his senses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will never do to go to sleep here?" he -exclaimed. "Guess I'll try shouting. It will keep -me awake, if nothing else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He used his lungs to their full capacity, yet his -voice was no stronger than the bleating of a lamb -in a hurricane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No one will ever hear me," was his dismal -comment, and then he stopped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another hour slowly passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Jack it seemed like an age. He was getting -benumbed by the cold water, and his limbs were -stiff and sore. How long would it last? How -long could it last?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another hour!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It must surely be morning soon--he had been -there certainly a full night already. Why didn't it -grow light?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His eyes closed for a moment--more from -exhaustion than sleep--and then they closed again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Why, what was this?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here he was safe at home! There was the -supper table waiting, and Deb, in her neat, white -apron, pouring out the tea! Now they sat down -together and began to eat, when, hold up--there -was a fire somewhere. Was it in their home? -Yes, it must be for the fireman was at the window -with a hose--and it was Mr. Gray! The water -struck Jack in the ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help! help! I----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist awoke in horror. He had -slipped from the rock, and was again being madly -whirled down the stream!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Oh! the agony of that moment! Why had he -allowed himself to fall asleep?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing but certain death now stared him in the face!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the dim dawn he looked ahead and saw the -line of white that marked the last of the -breakwater above the awful descent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm gone, sure!" he sighed. "Good-by to -home and Deb!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On he swept with ever-increasing speed. The -lofty brink was only a hundred feet away--now it -was seventy-five--now fifty!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a terrible cry he flung himself back, as if to -ward off that which was inevitable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stop--what was this? The cord that was -dragging behind him tightened; it grew tighter -still--it stopped his progress!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it only holds!" was his one thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He waited, and looked back to see how the hemp -had become fastened, but the surface of the water -was without a break.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It held, and as it gradually tightened more and -more, there slowly arose to the top, the limb of a -huge tree that had probably been carried down the -stream by the spring freshet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The knot at the end of the rope had dragged -itself fast in a notch between two of the smaller -branches, and before it could loose itself, Jack -caught the larger branch, and locked his feet tightly -around it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His weight threw the tree still more on its side, -and this placed him high and dry several feet above -the surface, and about a rod above the falls!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The position was a terrifying one. It made him -dizzy to look at the boiling water as it fell, and the -vortex below was awful to contemplate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose this tree won't stick fast forever," he -thought, "and even if it does, how can I ever hope -to reach shore from here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How long he remained in this trying position, -with life on one side, and death on the other, Jack -never knew. He clung fast as never before, and -to secure himself still further, tied the rope fast to -the tree and to his own body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now broad daylight. Surely some one -passing on either shore would see and assist him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But hour after hour dragged along, and no one -came. It was getting toward noon, and the sun -sent a glare all over the sparkling water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What was this dark object that was floating so -rapidly toward him?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A man!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist uttered an exclamation. -The body came within his reach, and leaning over, -he stayed its progress.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 71%" id="figure-106"> -<span id="the-body-came-within-his-reach-and-leaning-over-he-stayed-its-progress"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="THE BODY CAME WITHIN HIS REACH, AND LEANING OVER, HE STAYED ITS PROGRESS" src="images/img-107.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">THE BODY CAME WITHIN HIS REACH, AND LEANING OVER, HE STAYED ITS PROGRESS</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The form was limp and motionless, the eyes closed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack turned it over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mont Gray!" he shrieked. "Oh, Mont, Mont, -are you dead?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="over-the-falls"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">OVER THE FALLS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack was never so amazed in his life as when he -discovered that the pale, senseless form that -he had dragged upon the tree beside him was no -less a person than his friend, Mont Gray. But at -that moment, he did not stop to question how the -young man had gotten into a position similar to his -own. His one thought was whether or not his -friend was alive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He placed the body as comfortably as possible on -the fork of the tree, and then watched eagerly for -some sign of life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a cut upon Mont's brow, and presently -a few drops of blood oozed from the wound, -and trickled down his cheek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack took this as a good sign, and he was not -mistaken, for a few seconds later the young man -gave a deep sigh, and slowly opened his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where am I?" he asked, faintly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here with me, Mont," replied the young -machinist, bending over him. "Don't you know me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack!" was the low response. "Oh, how -my head hurts! Where are we?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the river."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are?" Mont attempted to rise, but Jack -pushed him back. "Oh, I remember now!" he -continued, shuddering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Remember what?" asked the young machinist, eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The push Mosey gave me over the bank. My -head struck a rock, and I don't know what -happened after that. Where did you say we are?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the middle of the river, just above the -falls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How in the world did we get here? Oh, I -see! You came out to rescue me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I didn't. Mosey pitched me from the old -mill last night, and I've been in the water ever -since. I saw your body floating along, and -without knowing who it was, caught hold and landed -you here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've saved my life," exclaimed Mont, fervently. -"I'll never forget that, Jack!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know whether I've saved your life or -not," returned the young machinist, seriously. "It -depends on whether we can reach shore or not; we -are close to the falls, and liable to go over at any -minute."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont pulled himself to a sitting position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better take care!" cried Jack, "or you'll fall -off. I am tied fast, and you are not. Here, take -this end of the rope and bind yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind. I'm all right now," replied the -young man, as he viewed the situation. "It is a -tight scrape, and no mistake," he added. "Wonder -how this tree is wedged fast? Must be between -the rocks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, and it won't hold fast forever," returned Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must reach shore, if possible, without delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easier said than done. Now if we had a rope----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will this do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; it isn't long enough. Hello! something's -giving way already!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that instant the trunk of the tree quivered, -and moved a foot or so nearer the falls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold fast for your life!" Jack called; "perhaps -it has broken loose!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had hardly uttered the words before the tree -snapped its fastenings and swept toward the falls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me your hand, Mont," continued Jack, in -a loud voice, seeing that his friend could not secure -a good hold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But before the young man could comply the -tree turned over, and both were immersed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In another instant, the willow, for such it was, -had reached the brink. Here it hesitated for a -moment, and then with a sharp sound it dove over -the madly boiling mass into the maelstrom below!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The noise was terrific. Jack held on, closing -his eyes, and forgetting everything.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He felt himself go down, down--and still further. -The water rang in his ears, and many colors -flickered in his mind's eye. The pressure from -above was tremendous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten seconds passed. He felt his senses leaving -him. Mont's body bumped against him, and -unconsciously he threw his own body partly around -that of his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then all became a dim, dark uncertainty. The -willow did not remain under the falls long. The -rush of water soon forced it out into the stream -below, and once there, it shot along, bearing upon its -topmost branches two human bodies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It drifted in mid-stream, gradually diminishing -its speed, until an island stopped its further progress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It struck upon a sandy shore, and the upper end -swung gently around, catching fast in some -overhanging bushes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bright sun shone down upon the scene as -tranquilly as ever. Its warm rays apparently -revived Jack, for, with a deep shudder--like one -awakening from a horrible dream--the young -machinist opened his eyes and endeavored to take in -the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He felt as if he had been pulled and beaten until -not a spot was left in his body that did not ache. -The rope was gone from his wrists, hands and face -were cut, and his clothing was torn in a dozen -places.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet he did not mind all this. He had a certain -sense of security--a knowledge that he had passed -through a great peril in safety--that more than -outbalanced his present sufferings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he thought of Mont. He started up to -discover his friend lying near, his face deadly white, -and his head hanging over the branch like a lump -of lead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack saw that they were close to shore--where, -he did not know nor care, and gathering all his -remaining strength, he clasped Mont in his arms, and -made a leap for solid ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He reached the shore, deposited his friend's body -on the grass, and then, unable longer to stand, -sank down beside the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moments dragged wearily along. Jack felt -himself growing stronger, and by pure grit he arose -and turned all his attention to Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Looks as if he was dead!" was the young -machinist's awful thought. "I never saw a drowned -man, but he is fearfully quiet. Yet, if there's a -spark of life left in him, I'll fan it up if I kill -myself doing it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He knelt down, and taking off Mont's coat, -unloosened his collar. Then he rolled him on his -back, raising the lower part of the body as high as -possible, which caused the water to run from -Mont's mouth in a stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this he moved his friend's arms backward -and forward to induce respiration, and was rewarded -presently by seeing the young man give a gulp and -a gasp for breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank heaven for that!" ejaculated Jack. -"It's a good sign," and with strengthened hopes he -continued his efforts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fully half an hour before Mont came to -himself and sat up. He, too, was bewildered at -the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are we?" he asked, after a long -silence, in which both sought to regain their strength.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think we are on Blackbird Island," replied -Jack, slowly. "That is just below the falls, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did we drift here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose so. I don't know any more than -you. I came to my senses on the tree only a little -while ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont rolled over on his back and drew a long breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm tremendously tired," he explained. "Do -you know anything of this place?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have often heard of it, but was never here -before. I wonder if anyone lives here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know. It looks rather wild."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell you what we'll do," said Jack. "We'll -rest here in the sun for a while and let our clothes -dry, and then explore the place and see what means -we can find of reaching the mainland."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont agreed, and making themselves as comfortable -as possible, the two boys rested for over an -hour, each in the meantime relating to the other -his experience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mosey is a bad egg," was Mont's conclusion; -"I suppose he thinks that he has sent us both to -our death," and then he told Jack about the stolen -model.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist was much worried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It must have been Corrigan," he said, as he -arose, and put on his coat. "I wonder what he -expects to do with such booty?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sell it if he can," replied the young man. -"Hello!" he exclaimed, as he happened to glance -up. "Here comes some one. A girl, I declare! -What is she doing in this wilderness?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="max-pooler-s-meg"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">MAX POOLER'S MEG.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The girl who approached was a tall, gaunt -creature, certainly not over ten years of age, -yet with a knowing look of worldly experience in -her pinched face and furtive black eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was sparingly dressed in an ill-fitting calico -gown of ancient pattern. Her feet were bare and -on her head rested a dilapidated sunbonnet. She -carried a large pail on one arm, and made her way -to a gushing spring but a few feet away from -where Jack and Mont were reclining.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She started back in surprise upon seeing the pair, -and as they sprang to their feet she made a hasty -move as if to retreat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't run away, please," called out Jack. -"We won't hurt you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus reassured, the overgrown child--for she -was naught else--stopped short, shyly swinging -the empty pail from one hand to the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who're you?" she asked abruptly, as the young -machinist came up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm Jack Willington, and this is my friend, -Mont Gray."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How'd you come here?" was the second -question, asked as abruptly as the first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We had the misfortune to be carried over the -falls," replied Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl tossed her pretty, but by no means clean -nose, in the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Them falls?" she asked, pointing her long, thin -finger to the mighty volume of water up the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She gave a contemptuous snicker.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can't stuff no such stories down me!" she -ejaculated. "Them falls! You couldn't live a -minnit in 'em! Think I believe such lies?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the truth, whether you believe it or not," -put in Mont, "We were on that tree"--he -pointed it out--"and that saved us. See, our -clothes are still wet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl was silent, more convinced by their -genteel appearance, than by what was said, that -she was being told the truth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is your name?" asked Jack, curiously. -He had never met such a unique character before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Meg," was the laconic reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Meg? Meg what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, not Meg what; only Meg."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what is your other name?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hain't got none."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, but you must have," put in Mont. He, -too, was becoming interested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never did--leastwise, never knowed it, anyway," -and Meg grew sober for a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you live here?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Alone?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nope. I live with Mr. Pooler."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl eyed the young machinist in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, I thought everybody knew him," she -said. "He's the man who owns this island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What, the whole of it?" exclaimed Mont, in -astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you live here with him?" continued Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep. Have always."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any one else here besides you and him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not now. His wife used to, but she died last -winter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose you keep house for him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A faint smile accompanied the monosyllable this time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's rather hard work for a girl like you," -Jack remarked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg tossed back her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hard! 'Tain't nothing; cookin' and cleanin' -ain't. It's garden work that's tough. Look at -them hands." She dropped the pail and held -them up. "Been blistered lots of times hoein' and -diggin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's too bad," cried the young machinist, -indignantly. "It ain't fair to make you work like a -slave."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What would you do if you was me?" asked -the girl, with a hungry, searching look in her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment Jack was nonplused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know," he replied, slowly; "I might, -though, if I thought over it. Are you a relative of -his?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not's I know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long have you been here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ever since I can remember. I didn't mind it -so much when Mrs. Pooler was alive, but since she -died I hate it;" and Meg grated her teeth tightly -together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is the house?" asked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Over yonder, through the trees."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think you can get us something to -eat?" continued the young man. "We have been -out since yesterday, and I'm as hungry as a stray dog."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will pay you for it," Mont went on, feeling -for his purse, which, luckily, still remained in -his pocket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess I can," said Meg, finally. "Pooler -ain't home; he went to the mainland this morning. -Did you really go over them falls?" she continued, -jerking her thumb in the direction.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 97%" id="figure-107"> -<span id="did-you-really-go-over-them-falls-she-continued-jerking-her-thumb-in-the-direction"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""DID YOU REALLY GO OVER THEM FALLS?" SHE CONTINUED, JERKING HER THUMB IN THE DIRECTION." src="images/img-120.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"DID YOU REALLY GO OVER THEM FALLS?" SHE CONTINUED, JERKING HER THUMB IN THE DIRECTION.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed we did. It was a terrible -experience," replied the young man with a shudder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must be. Never heard of 'em comin' out -alive--'em as goes over, I mean."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are not anxious to try it again," Jack put in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "house" consisted of a dilapidated cottage -of two rooms and an attic, almost wholly covered -by grape vines. Meg led the way around to the back, -and motioned them to a bench under a big tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better stay out here. It's cooler and nicer," -she said. "I'll fetch a table;" and in a few seconds -she had done so, and placed it before them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't take too much trouble," said Mont; "we -are hungry enough to tackle almost anything."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tain't no trouble--leastwise, not if there's -money in it. Pooler worships money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he rich?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't ask me!" replied Meg. "I've often -heard the men say he was rich, but I never see any -money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Doesn't he give you any?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a cent. Say, how will coffee and bread, -with some pickerel do? I can get them ready in -a few minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"First-rate," replied Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then just wait;" and Meg disappeared within -the cottage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite a smart lass," remarked Jack when they -were alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awfully wild, though," returned Mont; "I -would like to see this Pooler. Something runs in -my mind concerning him--I can't exactly tell what."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shouldn't wonder but what he misuses that girl -awfully," added Jack, with a shake of his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not long before Meg returned with quite a -substantial meal for both. She set the things before -them, and then stood by, ready for further orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What does Mr. Pooler do for a living?" asked -Mont, while eating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothin' 'cept run his farm here," replied the -girl. "He's gettin' kinder old."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is a farmer, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep. That is, now. He used to work in the -tool works at Corney."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He did?" exclaimed Mont, with interest. "I -work there. How long ago was this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know exactly. I heard Mosey and him -talkin' 'bout it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack dropped his knife and fork in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whom did you say?" he ejaculated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mosey," repeated Meg. "Do you know him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think I do. Is his first name Andy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm stumped!" declared the young machinist. -"Yes, I know him," he continued bitterly. -"And he'll know me, too, when we meet again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack meant all his manner implied. His blood -boiled at the thought of the Irishman, and the -cowardly treatment he had received at the mill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does Mosey come here often?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not lately. He used to, him and two or -three more. But I oughten to tell you all this! -Pooler'll beat me if he finds it out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not if I'm around!" replied Jack, stoutly. -"But we will not mention what you have told us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wish you wouldn't. But I don't care anyhow; -I'm gettin' tired, and sha'n't stay much longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What will you do?" asked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run away," was the quick reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where to?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know, and I don't care, either. Any -place is as good as this, I reckon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps you can find some sort of a home in -Corney," suggested the young machinist. "You -seem to be quite handy. I will help you if I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so will I," put in Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I could do better if I had half a chance," -asserted Meg, tapping the ground with her foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May I ask what other men visit Mr. Pooler?" -inquired the young man, after a pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A man by the name of Corrigan sometimes -comes with Mosey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Corrigan!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack and Mont uttered the name together. Here -was certainly news. Yet they never dreamt of -what was coming.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any one else?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A man used to come sometimes at night. Pooler -thought I never saw him, but I did--and heard -who he was, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What was his name?" asked Mont, with just -the slightest tremor in his voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Gray--Felix, Pooler called him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont looked at Jack in deep perplexity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is surely a mystery here," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right," returned the young machinist; -"and who knows but what it may concern both -of us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture Meg uttered an exclamation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a boat comin' over!" she cried. "I -guess it's Pooler gettin' back!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-miser-of-the-island"><span class="large">CHAPTER XV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE MISER OF THE ISLAND</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Meg's conjecture was correct. It was Mr. Max -Pooler who was the sole occupant of the -rowboat that was fast approaching the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He pulled a quick stroke, and two minutes brought -him to the shore, where, beaching his craft, he -jumped out, and walked rapidly toward the cottage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a thin, sallow-complexioned man, with -a low forehead and sunken gray eyes. The -expression upon his face, especially around his mouth, -was a pinched and hard one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He viewed Jack and Mont in surprise, not -unmixed with disapproval, and turned to the girl for -an explanation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is this, Meg?" he asked, in a shrill, -disagreeable tone of voice. "Whom have you here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two young men that drifted over the falls," -replied the girl, who was somewhat startled by his -sudden coming. "I found 'em down by the spring, -all tuckered out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Over the falls!" Max Pooler's face showed -his incredulity. "Never heard of it afore! When -did it happen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can't tell exactly," replied Jack. "We -became unconscious, and came to about an hour or -so ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph!" The master of the island glanced at -the table, where a good portion of the food still -remained. "Pretty good dinner you're givin' 'em, -Meg," he continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl was silent. She evidently did not like -Max Pooler's remark, and stood biting her finger -nails in vexation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are willing to pay for what we've had," -broke in Mont. "We were so hungry that we -couldn't wait till we got back to town, and so -persuaded this--this young lady to provide something -for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler looked relieved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that's all right then," he said, rubbing his -hands together in satisfaction. "Pay for what you -get and owe no man, has always been my motto, -and I find it a very excellent one, too. Tell me -something of your adventures. And, by the way, is -there anything else you wish?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I'm done," replied the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was thoroughly disgusted with the man's mean -manner, though he did not object to paying for -what they had had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Mont entered readily into conversation. He -had eyed Max Pooler keenly from his arrival, and -noticed every action of the man. He briefly related -the particulars of what had happened on the river. -For obvious reasons he did not mention how either -Jack or he had fallen into such a position, nor did -he mention any names.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awful! terrible! truly remarkable!" were -Max Pooler's comments. "But did you see 'em?" -he continued, in a tragic whisper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See whom?" asked Jack, who was somewhat -taken back by this sudden change in the man's -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, the ghost in the falls," replied Max -Pooler, earnestly, "It is the spirit of a man who -went over one night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We did not see it," he replied. "Besides, I -don't believe in them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, but this is a ghost sure, I've seen him -myself many a time in the moonlight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe you saw the man go over, and imagined -the rest," suggested Mont. "Did you know him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no!" replied Max Pooler, starting. "No, -indeed, I only heard it was so. But the ghost is -there. Sometimes it comes on the island!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man must be a little off on this subject," -thought Jack, as he watched Max Pooler's manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess there is too much water here to allow -of any spirits," said Mont, by way of a joke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, I know what I know," replied -Max Pooler, with a shake of his head. "You were -mighty lucky to get through safely."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll admit that," returned Jack, rising from the -table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont also arose, and looked first at the man and -then at the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you tell me what we owe you, I'll pay it," -he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg was silent. Had she had her own way she -would have charged nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Everything considered, I guess it's worth a -quarter apiece," said Max Pooler. "Provisions -are frightfully high."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm well satisfied," replied Mont; and taking -out his purse, he withdrew a half dollar, and -handed it over. "I am very much obliged to you," -he added to Meg.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler's eyes sparkled as they rested upon -the shining silver. He grasped the coin eagerly, -and after examining it, stowed it carefully away in -his bosom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a pause. Now that he had their -money, the owner of the island was evidently -anxious to have them take their departure. Both Jack -and Mont wished to see more of this old man, but -neither could frame a plausible excuse for remaining.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose your friends will be anxious 'bout -you," remarked Max Pooler, by way of helping -them off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's thoughts instantly reverted to Deb, and -he said no doubt they would.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we have no boat," he added, suddenly. -"Can you lend us one?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only got the one I use," replied the old man, -shortly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can take 'em over," put in Meg, eagerly. -"'T won't take long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will pay you for the use of the boat," -added Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mention of pay immediately altered the -matter in Max Pooler's eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll do it for another quarter," he said. "Times -are hard and one must make his living."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack made no reply. The closeness of the man -disgusted him, and he paid the amount without a -word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg led the way toward the beach. Their backs -were scarcely turned before Max Pooler disappeared -in the cottage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The mean miser," burst out the girl, when they -were beyond hearing, "He's itchin' to put that -seventy-five cents along with the rest of his money! -Hope you don't blame me for what he's done. -Wouldn't have cost you a cent if I'd have had my way!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We were very thankful to get something," said -Mont, "and were perfectly willing to pay for it, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was silent. He half wished that Meg, -interesting as she was, was not present. He wished -to talk with his friend over the odd news that the -last half hour had brought them. He was half -inclined to question the young girl further, but did not -wish to excite her suspicion, and was diplomatic -enough not to get at it excepting in the direct way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of one thing he was certain; there was a good -deal below the surface that did not yet show, and -he determined that he would not drop the matter -until he had learned what it was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you ever hear of a wrecked yacht around -here?" suddenly asked Mont of Meg.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nope--that is," she hesitated. "What makes -you ask that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I only wanted to know," replied the young -man, apparently unconcerned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pooler said I was never to speak of it," returned -Meg. "He thinks I don't know where it is, but I do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Show it to us, will you?" asked Mont, eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg shrank back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's haunted!" she exclaimed. "Besides, -Pooler would kill me if he found it out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll never tell him, will we, Jack?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly not," replied the young machinist, -to whom this new move was only another mystery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Besides, we intend to be your friends, you -know," continued Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, come on," replied Meg, finally. -"I don't care if he likes it or not. 'Taint a very -nice place though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind. We can't find any worse or -more dangerous places than we have already gone -through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg picked her way along one bank of the -island for nearly a quarter of a mile. Jack and -Mont followed closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The ground was covered with a rank growth of -reeds and rushes, and in many places was damp -and slippery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last they reached a deep cave that ran directly -between a cluster of twisted and bending willows. -The spot was at the upper end of the island, and -in full view of the falls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, half hidden by the tall, undergrowth, -rested the hull of a dismantled yacht, bearing upon -her weather-beaten stern the half-obliterated name:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"KITTY."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="on-board-the-kitty"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">ON BOARD THE "KITTY"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Hello!" exclaimed Jack, in astonishment. -"I never knew such large craft came here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's really haunted," replied Meg. "Mustn't -go near it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seems to me everything is haunted around -here," he said, "Were you ever on board?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nope, Pooler would kill me if I went. He's -terrible when he's mad;" and Meg shook her head -as the memory of past trials arose in her mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Mont had gone on ahead, and now, -not without some difficulty, reached the deck of -the stranded vessel. Jack followed him, leaving -the girl behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be long, please," called out Meg; "I -don't like to stay here, and besides, I've got to get -back, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will stay only a few minutes," replied the -young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont had walked aft, and picking his way over -the odds and ends that littered the deck, Jack -joined him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack, do you know what I believe?" asked -the young man, when they were out of Meg's hearing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe that this yacht was once my father's," -replied Mont, earnestly. "His was named the -Kitty, and was last seen on this river, above -Corney. He used it to cruise around the lakes in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but that was above the falls," returned -Jack. "You don't mean----" he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I do. The water was higher years ago, -and I'm convinced that his boat was caught in the -stream and went over the falls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack stepped back in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he could never live through it," he cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He was never seen after that," returned the -young man, gravely, "Yet we came out alive," he -added. "If he was on the boat he might have escaped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont led the way carefully down the half-rotten -companion way into the cabin below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There the air was foul and stifling. It was -totally dark, but Jack stumbled around until he -found a small window and threw open a shutter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A curious sight met their gaze. The place -looked as if it had been left immediately after -a struggle, although this might have been caused -by a violent movement of the craft. A big -armchair lay upset in one corner, with a pile of books -in another. On the table lay a pile of written and -printed papers, some of which had been swept to -the floor, and were covered with the ink from an -upturned bottle, which, however, had dried years -before. Dust, mold and cobwebs were everywhere.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack picked up some of the written matter and -brushing off the dust tried to read it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It seems to be an agreement," he said to Mont, -who was looking over his shoulder. "An agreement -about an invention, that----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is my father's handwriting!" exclaimed the -young man, in an unnatural voice; "I could tell it -in a thousand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack turned the document over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you're right," he said. "It seems to -relate to some improvement in making tools." He -looked at the title. "Gracious me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?" cried Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is drawn up between the Gray Brothers of -the first part, and Martin Willington of the second!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And Martin Willington----" began the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Martin Willington was my father!" ejaculated -the young machinist, in great surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that instant both heard Meg's voice calling -loudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better clear out. Here comes Pooler, and that -Andy Mosey is with him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack and Mont were startled by the unexpected -cry from Meg. Both were thoroughly absorbed in -the document which the former had picked up from -the floor, and for an instant neither caught the full -meaning of the girl's announcement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Andy Mosey!" repeated the young machinist, -looking up from the agitated reading of that faded -manuscript. "How in the world did he get here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heaven only knows!" ejaculated Mont. "Affairs -seem to be all mixed, and I give it up. One -thing is certain: he and Pooler are close friends."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or else have a mutual interest at stake," was -Jack's comment. "Just as we two seem to have -here," he continued, folding up the paper and -putting it in an inside pocket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're right. But what brings Mosey up to -this end of the island?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps he thinks to find one or both of our -bodies," suggested the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you hear me?" called out Meg again. -"Pooler and Mosey are comin', and they've both -got guns! Better skip out!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg's language was forcible even if not well -chosen. In her anxiety to do her two friends a -good turn, she had overcome her dread of the -so-styled haunted craft, and approached to within a -few feet of the side, so that her shrill voice sounded -plainly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a shame to leave these things here," said -Mont, as he too, stuffed several papers in his -pockets. "This boat was undoubtedly my father's -property, and I believe I'm entitled to whatever is -here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly you are," replied Jack. "As it is, -I intend to come back myself. But we can't do -much, now, and if those two men see us they may -make it very unpleasant, to say the least."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wish we were armed. This is the first chance -I have ever had of learning the true state of my -father's affairs, and how he died, and I don't -want to leave until I have sifted the matter thoroughly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont was already on the companionway, and -Jack quickly followed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's queer that Pooler should know that this -stranded boat is here, and yet not touch a thing on -board," remarked the young machinist. "He seems -to be so close, it's a wonder he hasn't carried all -the stuff away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't remember that he thinks this is -haunted," replied Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you believe that yarn?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not altogether; yet the man is certainly a -strange fellow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg was eagerly awaiting them on the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't see Mosey and Pooler," said Jack, as -he stepped to the rail and looked over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're comin' through the woods," explained -the young girl, hurriedly; "I just saw 'em through -the clearing ahead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What brings them here?" asked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know. Pooler comes only once in a -great while, and I never knew that Mosey to go -anywhere but to the cottage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what shall we do?" asked the young -man, turning to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better get out of his way," suggested Meg. -"He's a wicked man when he's mad, and he'll be -the maddest man in the district if he catches you -two on this boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose we go below and hide," replied the -young machinist. "It ought to be an easy thing -to do so on such a craft as this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just the idea!" exclaimed Mont. "How slow -of me not to think of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how about the girl?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ain't you goin'?" asked Meg impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; we intend to hide on board," replied -Jack. "We were just thinking about you. I -hope you won't tell Mr. Pooler where we are?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not unless you want me to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Which we certainly do not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose you go back to the boat, and get it -ready," replied the young machinist after a moment's -thought. "We may wish to leave in a hurry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can trust you?" he added, with a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Trust me? Just you try me, that's all!" and -with a toss of her head, Meg darted away into the -bushes, and was lost to sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same instant Mont caught hold of Jack -and dragged him behind the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I just saw Mosey and this Pooler through those -trees yonder!" he exclaimed. "They'll be here in -another moment!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's go below at once. We want to get the -'lay of the land,' and secure the best place we -can," returned the young machinist, leading the -way back to the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found several staterooms, all but one of -which were locked. The open one seemed to be as -inviting a place as any, and this they entered, -closing the door carefully behind them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were none too soon, for hardly had they -settled in the place before they heard the two men -clamber on board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The newcomers were evidently having a spirited -confab, but as the deck was thick, not a word -could be heard below. Their heavy boots sounded -up and down the planking several times, and then -the two in hiding heard them come down into the -cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must have been mistaken," Max Pooler -was saying; "I know they were on the island, but -the girl rowed 'em to the mainland half an hour ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi say no," replied Mosey. "Oi seen them -coming over here from me boat. But why should -they be on the island at all?" he continued with -apparent indifference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They fell in the river and went over the falls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And lived? Come now, Max----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They say so, anyway. Of course I didn't -believe the story. I guess they're only a couple of -young tramps," said the master of the island. "But -if they are still hanging around I want to know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tramps!" burst out the Irishman. "Phat are -ye talkin' about? Do ye mane to say ye don't -know who they are?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why no," replied Max Pooler in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had tried the doors of two of the staterooms, -and was now walking toward the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, thin, let me tell ye, one was Jack -Willington, whose father got up that machinery years -ago----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the other wan was Monteray Gray's son."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser of the island uttered a loud cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are fooling!" he said, excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I ain't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, I thought his son was dead, that he--he -died here," continued Max Pooler, with a white face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey laughed, a cold, hard laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Max, me b'y, ye can't kill that lad. If ye'd -go out into the worruld more ye'd larn more. Now -his father----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser of the island grasped the Irishman -fiercely by the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop there!" he commanded; "I won't have -it--remember that--I won't have it!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="meg-to-the-rescue"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">MEG TO THE RESCUE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The last part of Mosey and Max Pooler's -conversation would no doubt have greatly -interested Jack and Mont had they heard it, but -the truth was that as soon as they saw the two -men preparing to search the place, they -immediately sought for some means to escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In one corner of the stateroom they found a -small door leading by a narrow passage to what, -for the want of a better name, may be termed the -forecastle. Why it had been put there was not -apparent--except, perhaps, to allow a direct -communication between the captain and the men, but -nevertheless, they used it, and when Max Pooler -spoke so sharply to Mosey, the two in hiding -had again regained the deck, and did not hear the -short quarrel that followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where to now?" asked Mont, "We can't -stay here, that's certain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is Meg with the boat!" exclaimed Jack, -pointing down the shore. "Wonder if we can -get her to come alongside without them finding it out?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can try," replied the young man, and -taking out his handkerchief, he waved it vigorously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In an instant the young girl caught the signal, -and came rowing up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are they?" she asked, anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down below," replied Jack in a whisper. -"Don't make a noise or they will hear you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right. Jump in, both of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont and Jack were not slow in taking her -advice. Both scrambled over the rotten rail, -and into the boat, which fortunately was rather -roomy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I take the oars?" asked the young -machinist, who, though not an expert, could still -handle the oars fairly well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nope. I can row better'n either of you. Off -we go!" And with one quick stroke this slender -girl sent the craft far out on the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before she had time to take a dozen strokes Max -Pooler appeared upon the deck closely followed by -Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The surprise was great on both sides, and for an -instant nothing was said or done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come back, Meg!" called out Max Pooler, -rushing to the rail as soon as he had recovered from -his astonishment. "Come back, or it will be the -worse for you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm goin' to row 'em over to the shore," replied -the young girl. "It's just what I started to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The master of the island stamped his foot in rage. -"You little good for nothing! Bring that boat -back without another word!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg continued to row without replying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you intend to mind me?" screamed Max -Pooler. "If you don't, as sure as I live I'll shoot -you!" and he drew up his gun as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold up!" shouted Mont, fearful of harm -coming to the girl. "We'll come aboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No we won't!" put in Meg, with a strong -show of spirit, "I said I'd take you to the -mainland, and I'll keep my word, shootin' or no -shootin'!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler pulled back the hammer of the gun -he carried. Seeing the action Jack jumped up and -placed himself directly in front of the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks," said Meg. "It's mighty good of -you to try to save me, but I don't want you to run -such a risk. I've got to have it out with him -sooner or later, and now is as good a time as any," -and she placed herself again in range.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you hear what I said?" called Max Pooler, -leaning over to make himself heard: "I'll give you -just five seconds to turn that----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crack!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As I have stated, the guardrail on the yacht was -rotten, and under the unusual weight, it gave way -with a crash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Splash!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser of the island had lost his balance, and -after vainly clutching the air to save himself, had -floundered into the water and mud below!</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 97%" id="figure-108"> -<span id="the-miser-of-the-island-had-lost-his-balance-and-after-vainly-clutching-the-air-to-save-himself-had-floundered-into-the-water-and-mud-below"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="THE MISER OF THE ISLAND HAD LOST HIS BALANCE, AND AFTER VAINLY CLUTCHING THE AIR TO SAVE HIMSELF, HAD FLOUNDERED INTO THE WATER AND MUD BELOW." src="images/img-146.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">THE MISER OF THE ISLAND HAD LOST HIS BALANCE, AND AFTER VAINLY CLUTCHING THE AIR TO SAVE HIMSELF, HAD FLOUNDERED INTO THE WATER AND MUD BELOW.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello!" exclaimed Jack. "There's an -accident that's lucky for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He'll have all he can do to take care of -himself," remarked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Serves him right," put in Meg, with a laugh. -She had not taken the whole affair very seriously. -"Maybe it'll cool his blood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three saw Mosey rush to Max Pooler's assistance, -and then, without waiting to see the outcome -of the mishap, the girl again bent to the oars, and -sent the boat flying onward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you intend to do?" asked Jack of -Meg, as they neared the shore. "You can't very -well go back. I'll help you if I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know," replied the young girl, in -perplexity. "I've had enough of life over there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose you go over to Farmer Farrell's with -us, I think he will board you for a few days -anyway, and in the meantime you can find out what's -best to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I ain't got no money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll make that all right," replied the young -machinist. "But didn't Pooler ever pay you anything?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pay me? Don't catch him giving out a cent -if he can help it. All I got was these duds--'em -as was left when his wife died."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much, certainly," put in Mont, surveying -the tattered and patched dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Other folks earn money, and I guess I can, -too, if I try," continued Meg, as she ran the boat -up the accustomed beaching place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly you can," declared Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And have a better living than you had at the -island," added the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was growing dusk when they stepped ashore. -Meg tied the boat fast and left the oars on the -seats, certain that the craft would not remain -uncalled for long.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was but a short walk to Farmer Farrell's place. -They found him driving home the cows, and on -the doorstep, joined by his wife, the two honest -people listened to what Jack and Mont had to say -about themselves and Meg.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl stood in the background, much of her -former shyness having returned. At the conclusion -of the tale, Mrs. Farrell took her hand warmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor child! you've had a hard time of it, -truly!" she said, "But you sha'n't have any -more trouble--at least, not for the present, eh, -father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, we can keep her easily enough," replied -her husband. "You want help, Martha, summer -coming on, with all the extra work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And we'll pay you, too," continued Mrs. Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, thank you!" exclaimed Meg. "You 're -real kind. Maybe I can't do things just right, but -I guess I can learn, and you needn't give me a cent -till I do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, that's settled," said Jack, somewhat -pleased at having the matter so easily arranged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If only Pooler don't make me go back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You say you're no relation of his?" asked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not's I know. He always called me a picked-up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then just let him try it," put in Farmer Farrell, -grimly. "I know the man well. He pretends -to own Blackbird Island, but he hain't got no more -title 'n I have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And maybe I can get you a few dresses from -my sister, and----" began Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, there, by Jinks!" exclaimed Farmer -Farrell, jumping up from the step upon which he had -been sitting. "I almost forgot it, being so -interested in your story. Your sister was here looking -for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Deb!" Jack was indeed astonished, and so was -Mont. "What did she want here? Looking for me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; she's had a terrible time. Your model's -stolen, and she's been put out of the house for -not paying the rent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The news startled the young machinist. In the -excitement he had forgotten all about Mr. Hammerby -and the quit notice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did she say where she had moved to?" he -asked anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, she was in too much of a hurry. She was -frightened half to death on account of your being -missing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt of it. Poor Deb! Her troubles are -as bad as ours," remarked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Which way did she go?" was the young -machinist's question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Toward home again," said Farrell; "I wanted -her to stay the worst way when I found out who -she was, but she wouldn't think of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe we can overtake her," suggested Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll try, anyway," returned Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was much worried over the fact that Deb -had been compelled to vacate the old home; and -then he suddenly remembered that all of his money -had been stolen by Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Without a home and without money," he -thought dismally. "Well, thank God, my life has -been spared, and, as Deb said, 'maybe it will all -come out right in the end.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet his heart was by no means light, as Mont -and he set out for Corney.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="deb-at-the-mill"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">DEB AT THE MILL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The apartments which the kind-hearted Miss -Parks allowed Deb to have were small but -pleasant, and the bright sunshine that strolled in -the back windows did much toward brightening -up Deb's naturally lively disposition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the aid of the energetic elderly maiden the -furniture from the former Willington rooms was -quickly set to rights, a good part of it being stored -in the garret until--when?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb asked herself that question many times as -she sat on the edge of the bed, after Miss Parks -had gone below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Jack was only here," she sighed. "Where -can he have gone? I will never, never believe -he has run away, no matter what Mr. Benton or -the others say. Something has surely happened to -him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not long before she decided to start on -a regular search for her brother, and going down -stairs she told Miss Parks of her intention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, dear, do just as you think best," was -that lady's reply. "Where do you intend to go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall visit that farmer's place first," replied -the girl. "Perhaps they can give me some information."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope so. But have a cup of tea before you leave?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you; I really don't care for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, but you must," insisted the good lady. -"It will do you a heap of good. Just the thing -to quiet your nerves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rather than displease her friend, Deb finally -consented; and spent ten minutes in the back -parlor, sipping the elderly maiden's favorite Young -Hyson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl was soon on her way. Farmer Farrell -was well known throughout the district, and it did -not take her long to reach his place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was thoroughly dismayed to learn that Jack -had started for home at sundown the day before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not knowing where to go or what to do next, -she retraced her steps toward Corney. She was in -no hurry, and wandered in deep and painful -contemplation, to one side of the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Near the old mill she stumbled over a bundle -that lay in the grass near a tree. Without -thinking, she was about to step over it, when something -about the cloth covering attracted her attention, -and picking it up, she was amazed to find that it -was Jack's kit, wrapped in his overalls!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How in the world did that get here!" she -exclaimed, and then turned deathly white, as a -horrible suspicion crossed her mind: "Oh, it could -never be! no, no, no, no!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She dropped the bundle and ran down to the -water's edge. The spot was just below the mill, -and in a little cove, where the river was -comparatively quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing was to be seen--nothing but the -sparkle of the sun, and the waving shadows cast -by the trees overhead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's awfully lonely here," she said to herself. -"If Jack came here----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was startled to see the shadow of a man -close beside her. Looking up she gave a slight -scream as she recognized the tall form of Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She did not know that the man had been watching -her for some time, revolving in his mind what -he should say about Jack if asked any questions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He advanced to her with a smiling face, ignoring -entirely the way he had treated her the previous -evening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got tired of waiting for Jack to get back?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb was too much alarmed to offer a reply at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes--I am," she stammered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought you would be. He ought to have -sent you word," continued Corrigan. "He sold -the model I took, just as I told you he would," he -added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is he?" asked the girl, thrown off her -guard by the villain's cool manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Around here somewhere. He's been here and -over to Redrock twice since yesterday. He got -the contract to fix up the machinery in this old -mill. The man who bought it wants the job done -as soon as possible, so he went right to work. I'm -helping him on the drawing. I'm a draughtsman, -you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb did not know, nor was she aware that -Corrigan's statement was purely fictitious.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is Jack now?" she asked, turning over -the plausibility of the story in her mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just went up the stream a ways, to catch the -true drift of the tide," replied Corrigan. "He -thinks they will get more power if the wheel is -shifted around. Better come in the place and wait -for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb hesitated. In spite of all the man was -saying, she hated to trust him. Yet, if he was -speaking the truth, certainly her treatment of him the -previous evening had not been right at all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are some benches inside," continued the -fellow; "you are tired, I can see, and the rest will -do you good. Jack will land at the bottom room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rather reluctantly Deb followed the man into -the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here you are," he said, pulling a bench from -the wall, and motioning her to a seat. "You -mustn't think I bear you a grudge for what you -did last night," he continued, pleasantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl sat down without replying. The spot -was near an open window, and she strained her -eyes to catch sight of any craft that might be -coming toward the mill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps after all, it's all right, and I'm a silly -goose to be so worried," she thought; "it's just -like Jack to take hold of the first job that comes to -hand. For all I know his silence may be caused -by his good luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet when she remembered about being locked in -and, later, turned out of their home, she concluded -it was a serious matter, and wondered what her -brother would say to that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fast turning to twilight, and the evening -sun cast long flickering rays across the rapid stream. -Had her mind been tranquil, Deb would have -enjoyed the scene greatly, but now her one thought -was upon the boat she hoped would speedily appear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Object to smoking?" asked Corrigan, after a -brief spell of silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no, smoke as much as you please," replied -the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan filled his pipe, and lighting it, sat -down. He was by no means a dull man, and to -carry out his hastily formed deception, he began -making a few apparent calculations on a bit of -paper which he held upon his knee.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was waiting for Mosey to return from Blackbird -Island. He expected that his brother-in-law -would see Max Pooler, and transact some private -business that interested the three, and from which -he expected to receive a neat sum of money. -Several times Deb turned to watch Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He seems sincere enough," she kept saying to -herself, yet at the bottom of her heart her -uneasiness increased. The man hardly knew what to do. -On the impulse of the moment he had detained -Deb, thinking that he might in some way make her -shield him from the punishment he knew he richly -deserved, yet now he was not sure he could manage her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A quarter of an hour, a very long quarter to -Deb, passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My brother ought to be in sight," she said. -"He ought to stop working. It is getting late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe he's struck a new idea," replied -Corrigan. "You know he hates to give up unless a -point is settled."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb knew that this was true of Jack. But -might not her brother go straight home, without -returning to the mill?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess I'll go up the road to meet him," she -said, rising.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan stepped over to the door. "No, you -must stay here," he replied, decidedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why--why, what do you mean!" exclaimed -Deb, turning pale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I mean just this," replied Corrigan, catching -her by the arm, "you are my prisoner, and must -do as I say."</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 98%" id="figure-109"> -<span id="i-mean-just-this-replied-corrigan-catching-her-by-the-arm-you-are-my-prisoner-and-must-do-as-i-say"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""I MEAN JUST THIS," REPLIED CORRIGAN, CATCHING HER BY THE ARM, "YOU ARE MY PRISONER AND MUST DO AS I SAY."" src="images/img-157.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"I MEAN JUST THIS," REPLIED CORRIGAN, CATCHING HER BY THE ARM, "YOU ARE MY PRISONER AND MUST DO AS I SAY."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-corrigan-s-power"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">IN CORRIGAN'S POWER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For the moment after Corrigan made his -assertion that Deb must do as he said, the -terrified girl could not speak. She stared at the -man in terror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wha--what do you mean?" she gasped at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You heard what I said," he answered coolly. -"I want no nonsense from you either."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But--but--what are you treating me so for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's my business, Miss Willington."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I must consider myself your prisoner?" -she added, growing more pale than ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have no right to keep me here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not, but you must remember that -might makes right in some cases."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is my brother Jack? I do not believe -that you have told the truth about him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you don't believe me, why do you want -me to answer your questions?" he returned with -a wicked grin on his unshaven face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have harmed Jack in some way--I am -sure of it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no! To tell you honestly I haven't the -least idea where he is," said Corrigan hastily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under no circumstances did he wish to stand -for the crimes which his brother-in-law had -committed. As it was, he felt that he had -enough to answer for on his own account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was an awkward pause after this. Then -of a sudden Deb started to scream, but he quickly -clapped his hand over her mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None of that!" he said, roughly. "If you -won't be quiet, do you know what I'll have to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you are mean enough to do almost -anything!" burst out poor Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll have to gag you, that's what. I won't -have you yelling for help, remember that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I do not wish to remain here!" insisted -Deb, desperately.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, pshaw! I won't hurt you. Sit down -and keep quiet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the girl could not compose herself and -began to walk up and down the mill floor. She -wished to get to the door and edged in that -direction, but Corrigan quickly headed her off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You come with me," he said, presently. "I -ain't going to trust you down here any more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shan't go a step with you," she answered, -vehemently. "O, Mr. Corrigan, please let me -go! Please do!" And she clasped her hands -and held them out toward him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't cut up so, Miss Willington. As I -said before, I shan't harm a hair of your head. -But I must make you stay here for a while. Now -come with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But where do you wish me to go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is a loft overhead. I must lock you -up there, but only for a little while."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why are you doing this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As I said before, that must remain my business. -Come."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She shook her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I--I cannot!" she cried, and began to weep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Muttering something under his breath the -villain caught her by the arms, just as he had -caught her when he had come for the model, -and in a trice he was carrying her up to the -loft. She struggled as best she could but this -availed her nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now you keep quiet, or I'll surely gag -you," he said, as he set her down on the dusty -floor. "If you start up any kind of a racket it -will be the worse for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having thus delivered himself, Corrigan went -below again, closing the door to the loft behind -him and fastened one of the bolts which was -there to hold it in place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Left to herself, Deb stood dazed for a -moment in the center of the floor. Then she -tottered to an empty box standing near and sank -upon this, the picture of misery and despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What should she do? What could she do?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Over and over she asked herself the questions, -but without reaching a satisfying answer. She -was the prisoner of a wicked man, and to get -away from him appeared impossible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The loft was very dusty, and from overhead -hung huge cobwebs full of dirt and spiders. It -was quite dark, for the only window was a -little affair overlooking the river and the four tiny -panes of this were thick with grime, the -accumulation of years.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last she arose, and with a long-drawn sigh -made her way toward the window. It was -nailed fast and could not be raised, so she had -to content herself with scraping some of the -dirt from the glass and looking through the spots -thus afforded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She could see but little, and nothing which -gave her satisfaction. Below her was the broad -and swift-flowing river, and beyond was a grassy -bank, backed up by brush and tall trees. No -boat was in sight, nor any human being.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She listened attentively, and not hearing -Corrigan began to wonder if he had left the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he has I must escape somehow," she -told herself. "I wonder if I can't pry open -that door?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She knelt over the door and tried it with her -bare hands. But this was not sufficient, and -getting up she looked around for something which -might prove useful to her. In a corner of the loft -rested a rusty iron bar, somewhat sharpened at -one end. She brought this forth and after -inspecting it felt certain that it would prove just -what was needed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Approaching the trapdoor she called out softly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Corrigan! Mr. Corrigan, are you down -there?" And then, receiving no answer, she -went on: "Mr. Corrigan, I must speak to you. -Won't you please listen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still the silence continued, and now her heart -arose within her. He must certainly have gone -away, and if that was so, now was her time to -escape!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Trembling with anxiety, Deb began to work -away on the door with the iron bar. At last -she got the end of the bar in the crack of the -door, and then she began to pry the door -upwards. At first it refused to budge, but -suddenly the bolt gave way and then the door -came open with ease.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was at liberty, or at least liberty was -within her grasp, and with her heart thumping -madly in her breast, she began to descend to the -floor below, bar in hand. Once she thought she -heard a noise outside and stopped short. What -if that awful man should be coming back! But -the noise ceased and was not repeated, and she -went on and soon stood at the spot where he had -first made her a prisoner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door to the roadway was open, and poor -Deb could hardly resist the temptation to fly -forth at the top of her speed. But then she -remembered that Corrigan might be within easy -distance of the mill. If that was so, and he -caught sight of her, he would surely make after her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must watch my chance, and if he is around, -I must get away on the sly," was what she told -herself. Curiously enough, while up in the loft, -she had not discovered Jack's model, which was -tucked away out of her sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With bated breath she tiptoed her way to the -open doorway and peered forth. No one was in -sight on the road, nor at the water's edge near -the mill. All was as silent as a tomb, save for -the distant rushing of the water over the rocks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Waiting no longer, Debt left the mill and -started for the road. She was still terribly -frightened and ran on as if some great demon was -after her trying to clutch her shoulder. In her -agitation she did not notice a tree root growing -in her pathway, and catching her foot in this, -she pitched headlong on the stones and grass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a cruel fall, and as she fell she could -not keep back a cry of alarm, followed by one -of pain, for her elbow was hurt not a little.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the cry there was a crashing in the bushes -overlooking the river at a point above the mill, -and a moment later Corrigan appeared. He had -gone out on a point of land to see if he could -catch sight anywhere of Andy Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! did you get away?" he roared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me go!" screamed Deb. "Oh, my -elbow! Let me go!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let you go nothing!" he answered, and -caught hold of her once more. "Come back -with me! Come back this minute!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no!" she moaned. "I--I don't want -to go back!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you shall go back," he answered. And -despite her struggles he lifted her into his arms -once more and returned with her to the mill.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="mont-tells-his-story"><span class="large">CHAPTER XX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">MONT TELLS His STORY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As Jack and Mont journeyed on the way to -Corney, the young machinist noticed that -the young man was rather silent, and when spoken -to replied only in monosyllables.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose he's speculating about those papers -and the stranded yacht," thought Jack. "Perhaps -they will be valuable to him when he comes to -settle up with his uncle. I'd just like to know -what interest father had in that tool machinery. -Perhaps the patent is still ours, or a royalty on it. -As soon as I find Deb, and things are settled a bit, -I'm going to investigate the whole subject."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's surmise concerning Mont was correct.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you think of my uncle?" asked the -young man, after a long period of silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do I think of him?" asked the young -machinist in turn. "In what way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, as to his dealings with people in general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I--I really, Mont, I don't want to say -anything that will hurt your feelings," -stammered Jack, not wishing to be harsh with so -dear a friend, and yet determined to speak only -the truth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind my feelings. Just speak your mind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was silent a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think he's outrageously mean and close!" he -burst out. "He doesn't treat you, nor any one else -in the tool works fairly! He's the hardest master -to work for in the town!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist could be blunt when the -occasion demanded, and he did not mince matters -now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you are right," replied Mont, shaking -his head affirmatively. "And yet----" he hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hardly dare say what is in my mind, Jack. -But I want a friend's advice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I'll give it willingly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And keep the matter to yourself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, if you wish it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I've got this to say about my uncle, Felix -Gray," declared Mont. "He is either treating me -first-rate--which I don't believe--or else he is the -worst scoundrel in Corney!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was dumfounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The worst scoundrel in Corney?" he repeated -almost breathlessly. "You surely don't mean it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I do," replied the young man, decidedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't think I say so hastily. I've thought -over the matter a long time. Things can't go -on as they have much longer, and when the break -comes, I want somebody to know my side of the story."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, go on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the first place, you must remember that -Mr. Gray is not my full uncle. He and my father were -only half brothers, so we are not so closely -connected as people imagine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's so," replied Jack, trying to catch a -glimpse of what his friend was driving at.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My father was ten years younger than his -step-brother," continued Mont, slowly. "He was -quite well off, having been left considerable money -by an old aunt, who always took a great interest in -him. My uncle Felix induced him, shortly after -receiving his inheritance, to locate at Corney, and -both became equal partners in the tool works."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On your father's capital?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I imagined; his brother putting his experience -and command of trade against my father's money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you really own a half interest in the -works!" exclaimed Jack, in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I always believed. But listen. My father -died suddenly, it was said. I returned home in -time to hear his will read. In this, his property, -without being specified, was left to me as the only -surviving member of the family, with Felix Gray -as the sole executor and my guardian."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was a good deal to trust in his hands."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose my father had unlimited confidence -in his brother. I trusted him, too, and continued -at school for three years longer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When seventeen years old I returned home, -and asked him if I was not old enough to take an -active position at the works, and then he offered -me my present clerkship, and astonished me by -asserting that my father had squandered most of his -wealth by extravagant living, and that several -hundred dollars was all there was remaining of my -share."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you think?" began the young machinist, -who was beginning to see through the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What would you think, Jack?" asked the -young man, earnestly. "My father lived -well--owned the yacht we just left, and all that--but -was on the whole, I've been told, a prudent man. -Now you know my uncle, what do you make of -the matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did Mr. Gray ever offer to let you examine the -accounts?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only those at the tool works, but not the -private ones at home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, to say the least, he is certainly not -acting as a guardian should," declared Jack. "And -I think you would be perfectly justified in -demanding an examination."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's your honest opinion?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is, Mont. If he is acting right he won't -mind it, and if he isn't, why the sooner you find it -out the better. From my own experience I am -sure he would stoop pretty low to increase his -wealth or position."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but that--that----" hesitated the young -man, his face flushing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know what you mean," replied Jack quickly. -"To deprive you of what's yours is a crime punishable -by imprisonment, and you hate to have such a -thing connected with any one in your family. But -it's not your fault, and you ought to have your rights."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but the publicity?" faltered Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, pshaw! you don't owe the public anything!" -exclaimed the young machinist, somewhat -impatiently, so anxious was he to see Mont get his -rights. "Perhaps the affair can be settled privately."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish it could," returned the young man -eagerly. "I would sacrifice a good deal to have it -done in that way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont's nature was a shrinking one. Had he -been less diffident it is probable that he would have -demanded an account from Mr. Felix Gray long -before this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How will you approach your uncle?" asked -Jack. "Have you any proofs to show that all is -not right?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think I have. During the fire I helped carry -out a desk from the library, and the other fellow -let his end fall, and burst open one of the drawers. -The contents rolled out on the ground, and in -putting the papers back I came across a bundle marked -with my father's name. I was at first going to put -it with the rest, but as matters stand, changed my -mind, and pocketed it. I took it down to the office, -but haven't been able to examine it, except in a -general way. And then those documents from the -yacht----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here they are," replied Jack, producing them. -"You have some, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, quite a bundle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont undid them, and tried to read some of the -faded manuscript.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's too dark to see much," he observed. "If -I'm not mistaken, my father wrote everything that -is here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's queer that Pooler should leave all those -things on the yacht undisturbed," returned the -young machinist. "One would think that such a -man as he would have ransacked the boat from -stem to stern."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He certainly must have a reason,", said the -young man. "Or else--I've been thinking--he -may be a little off in his mind. Did you notice -what a restless look his eyes had?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, as if he expected to be nabbed by some one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What Mosey and Corrigan and my uncle do -there beats me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And then the yacht. Was your father on -board when he died?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know. I always supposed he was at -home, and never asked about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both felt that for the present at least, the solution -of this question was beyond their power to reach, -and they lapsed into silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were now near the old mill, and remembering -the kit he had dropped when he discovered -Mosey, Jack made a search for it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you looking for?" asked Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My tools I dropped--gracious, listen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shrill, girlish voice penetrated the air, and -fairly struck him to the heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help! Jack! Help!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's Deb!" he ejaculated. "She's in trouble!" -and he ran toward the old building, closely -followed by Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It took but a few seconds to reach the place. -The door was tightly closed, but with one heavy -kick the young machinist burst it open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were astonished at the sight within.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was Corrigan--his red face redder than -ever with rage--and in his arms, her hair flying, -and her dress plainly showing the effects of her -terrible struggle for liberty, was poor Deb!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="corrigan-makes-a-move"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CORRIGAN MAKES A MOVE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Both Jack and Mont had had surprising -adventures in plenty, but both of them agreed that -none of them equaled the present one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The noise in the room prevented Corrigan from -hearing their entrance, and it was not until Jack's -strong hand grasped his arm that he realized the -sudden intrusion, and let go his hold upon Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As for the poor girl, she was too exhausted to -speak, but with a glad look of recognition, sank -back in a faint, supported by Mont, who sprang -forward to prevent her from falling to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You miserable coward!" exclaimed the young -machinist, his blood boiling at a fever heat. -"What do you mean by holding my sister in this way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a strong push of his powerful arm he sent -the man flying into a corner. It was lucky that -he had no weapon in his hands, or Corrigan's career -might have received a severe set back.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 99%" id="figure-110"> -<span id="with-a-strong-push-of-his-powerful-arm-he-sent-the-man-flying-into-a-corner"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="WITH A STRONG PUSH OF HIS POWERFUL ARM, HE SENT THE MAN FLYING INTO A CORNER." src="images/img-174.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">WITH A STRONG PUSH OF HIS POWERFUL ARM, HE SENT THE MAN FLYING INTO A CORNER.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you hurt?" asked Mont of Deb, as the -girl presently opened her eyes, and gave a little -gasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I--I think not," she replied, slowly. "Oh, -how glad I am that both of you came when you did!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What brought you here?" asked the young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was looking for Jack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Corrigan had risen to his feet, and -stood in a corner, his chagrin at being caught -showing itself plainly upon his face. Jack faced -him, his hand clenched, ready to strike instantly, if -necessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what have you got to say for yourself?" -demanded the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan offered no reply. The sudden turn in -affairs was something he could not understand. -He bit his lip and tried to put on a bold and -careless front, but the effort was a failure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He stole your model, Jack!" cried Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I heard," replied her brother. "What -have you done with my property?" he added to -Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't anything of yours," was Corrigan's -cool reply. "It's all a mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, it isn't, Jack; it's the truth," reiterated -the girl earnestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You went into my house and took that model -by force," continued the young machinist. "You -see, I know all about it, so you might as well give -up the thing at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While speaking, Jack had unconsciously stepped -to one side. With a sudden movement Corrigan -slipped past him, and made for the open door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the young machinist was on the alert, and -before the man could realize it, he was sprawling -on the floor, with Jack on top of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By intuition, he appeared to feel that it would -be useless to struggle, and so lay perfectly still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a good mind to bind you, hands and feet," -said Jack. "Close that door, will you, Mont?" -he added to his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you let me go if I give up the model?" -panted Corrigan, who began to feel the weight of -Jack's heavy body upon his chest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know. But you've got to give it up, -anyway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose it's hidden here," put in Mont. -"That's probably the reason he's hanging around -the place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wherever it is you will never find it without -being told," broke in Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For well-known reasons he was anxious to get away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, let him go, Jack!" exclaimed Deb. "I -don't care, now I've got you--and Mont"--the -last words with a grateful look at the young -man, that caused him to blush. Jack thought the -matter over carefully. He was not of a vindictive -nature, and bore no personal ill-will against Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you think of it?" he whispered to Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might as well let him go if he gives up your -property," replied the young man. "It would be -rather hard for us to manage him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then give up the model and you can leave," -said the young machinist to Corrigan. "But I -never want you to come around me again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me your word on letting me go if I give -it up?" asked the man, with an eager look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, then."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan led the way to the upper room of the -mill. The little party of three entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There it is," said the man, pointing to a corner; -"you will find it up there, back of that large -beam," and he pointed to an angle in the roof, -about eight feet from the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me a boost up, Mont," exclaimed Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man caught him by the hips, and -held him up as best he could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's here, sure enough!" cried the young -machinist, and from out of a dim recess he brought -forth the model, covered with dust and cobwebs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So interested were the two that they did not -notice Corrigan back out from the room and close -the door behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm glad it's safe!" exclaimed Jack, as he -placed the precious burden upon the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was afraid--Hello--what's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The creak of a bolt not used before sounded -in his ears, and in an instant he noticed the closed -door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's gone!" ejaculated Mont, in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist sprang to the door and -shook it vainly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Trapped, by Jinks!" he exclaimed. "Here, -quick! we'll break it down!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With all force both threw themselves against the -wooden barrier.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfortunately the door was an old-fashioned one, -thick and solid, and it stood firm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're caged and no mistake!" cried the young -man, nearly breathless from his repeated exertions. -"Hist! Listen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pale as a sheet, Jack did as bidden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a struggle going on below. They -heard Deb shriek several times.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great heavens, what is he doing?" continued Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must get out," exclaimed Jack determinedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now! One, two, three!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bang!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door groaned. It bent out at the bottom, -but still held its own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Try it again! Now!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bang! Crash!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A thin split through one of the panels, but that -was all. Jack jumped over to the model.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you going to do?" asked Mont, perplexed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cut our way out," was the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Taking a small screwdriver from his pocket, the -young machinist loosened one of the sharp knives -of the miniature planer. As he did so there came a -scream from beyond the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was again back to the door. How rapidly -the chips flew! Hurrah! he had made a hole -through!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He put in his finger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can you reach the bolt?" asked the young -man anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not quite!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the chips flew. The hole grew larger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, Mont, try your hand. It's smaller than -mine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man did so. With a painful squeeze -he pushed through the opening, and catching the -bolt by his thumb, drew it back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack then opened the door, and rushing out, -jumped down the steps four at a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on!" he called back to Mont, who was -vainly endeavoring to release his hand. "I think -he's gone down the road."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist was not long in reaching -the outside. But once there he came to a full stop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neither his sister nor Corrigan were anywhere -to be seen!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few seconds Mont appeared, the back of his -hand bleeding from the scratch it had received.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are they?" he gasped, tying his -handkerchief over the wound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blessed if I know!" exclaimed Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ran to a bend in the road, and then back -again. Not a soul to be seen anywhere!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, the young man examined the river -bank. All was quiet and undisturbed. The sun -had set fully an hour before, and the twilight, -especially under the trees, was fast deepening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can't trace them in the dark," remarked -Mont, as they stopped for consideration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've got to do it," declared the young -machinist; "I'm going to find Deb if it takes a -week."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'm with you, Jack. Come on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It runs in my mind that they must have taken -that road," said Jack, as he pointed to the one that -led down the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we might as well take that as any other," -returned Mont. "He must certainly have carried -her in his arms, and--well, I declare! Isn't that -her hair ribbon?" and he picked up a streamer of -brown from the road-side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack examined it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're right," he replied, "We are on the -direct way to overtake them. Come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both started on a run. They soon passed the -falls, and came to a clear spot on the bank of the -river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont uttered a cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look! Look!" he exclaimed, pointing out in -mid-stream. "There they are in a boat; Corrigan -is making for Blackbird Island!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="heaps-of-money"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">HEAPS OF MONEY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Mont was right. Far out on the fast-darkening -waters of the stream was a small rowboat, -with Corrigan at the oars, and poor Deb -huddled up on the stern seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's heart sank within him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's out of reach," he groaned. "Oh, what -fools we were to let him dupe us at the mill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose he was afraid to trust us to let him -go," said the young man. "Can't we do something?" -he asked, disconsolately, as he stepped to -the top of a rock to get a better view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come down!" cried Jack, pulling him by the -coat. "It's no use letting him know that we have -tracked him so far, or he'll do his best to mislead us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is so," returned the young man, and he -hurried into shelter. "I suppose he intends to -join Mosey and Pooler."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a good thing he didn't know we had been -to the island," said Jack. "Suppose we take Meg's -boat and follow?" he added, suddenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We would never be able to cope with those -three men. If we had arms it might be different. -But we haven't as much as a toy pistol."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, I'm going," was Jack's reply, -and he made for the cove where the craft had been -left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'm with you," Mont returned, and he followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the water's edge both gave a cry of disappointment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat was gone!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, Corrigan took it," said the young -machinist. "He knew this was the place to look -for Pooler's boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont shook his head dubiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you're right. What's to be done -now?" he asked, slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack cudgeled his brain for an instant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll look around. There must be other boats. -Of course we haven't any right to take them, but -we can't stand on ceremony in a case like this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ran down the beach and soon came to a tiny -craft tied to a fallen tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just the thing," he exclaimed, untying the -boat and jumping in. "Tell you what to do, -Mont. I'll row out and keep them in sight, while -you run over to Farmer Farrell's for assistance. -Get him to come, and other help, too, if you can, -and row directly for the landing. If you don't -find me there, fire a pistol shot, and I'll come as -soon as I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This hurried arrangement was agreed upon, and -Mont made for the lane that led to the farmer's -homestead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack shipped the oars, and tired as he was, pulled -manfully out into the stream. The other boat was -no longer in view, but he had carefully noted the -direction it had taken, and now headed exactly the -same way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He pulled for five minutes or more, and then -looked ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was chagrined to find that the other craft -was still out of sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Resuming his seat, he redoubled his efforts, -sending the spray flying in all directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the island loomed up before him, and -straining his eyes, he sought for some signs of his -sister and her abductor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But though he looked in all directions, and even -rowed a considerable distance up and down the -irregular shore, not a thing was revealed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm stumped!" was his rather slangy -but forcible exclamation. "I'm positive they're -not far off, and how I can be slipped in this -fashion gets me! Wonder if he has gone up to the -cottage?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack ran the boat up the beach and landed. It -was now very dark, and he had no little difficulty -in finding the right direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally he struck the path, and three minutes' -walk brought him to the clearing. A bright light -was burning in the cottage living-room, and -cautiously approaching one of the side windows, he -peeped in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the table, his head nodding sleepily, sat -Mosey, with a glass and bottle close at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He must be alone," thought the young machinist. -"Wonder where Pooler is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his disappointment, he was about to return to -the shore, when the door leading to the garret -stairway opened, and Corrigan appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did not utter a word, but closing the door -behind him, he locked it carefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was pleased to see him. He instantly -surmised that Deb had been brought to the place, and -was at the present instant probably locked up in -the room above.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was bound to rescue her at all hazards, and -looked around for some available weapon with -which to defend himself if the occasion required.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A small axe lay near the doorstep, and he picked -it up. It was ah ugly looking thing, and he felt -better when he had it where it could be brought -into instant use. Both of the men were desperate -characters--one of them had tried to take his -life--and he was resolved to run no more risks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi suppose we can't go back to Corney any -more," remarked Mosey, as he took the bottle and -helped himself freely. "Ye'll be up fer stealin' -and----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll be up for something worse," finished -Corrigan, with a forced laugh. "You're right, -Andy. The place is getting too hot to hold -us. We'll have to clear out soon, I'm afraid. -Where is Max?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gone to the cave."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi don't know, leastwise he thinks Oi don't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Which means that you do," remarked Corrigan, -suggestively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey unclosed one eye with great deliberation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi do that," he replied slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think it's money, Andy?" asked the -other, as he seated himself on the edge of the table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's not anything else, Dennis, me b'y," was -the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How much do you expect to get from him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not one cint. Oh, but he's a close-fisted -miser. Oi know him!" and the Irishman rubbed -his chin savagely. "He owes me many a dollar, -so he does!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose we take what we ought to have by -force," whispered Corrigan. He was slightly pale -and his lips twitched nervously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi'm wid ye," replied Mosey, rising to his -feet. "Oi was thinkin' of the same thing myself. -Max is no good any more. Come on!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With an uncertain step the Irishman moved -toward the door. In an instant Jack stepped -behind the opposite side of the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan followed his brother-in-law out, and -both walked toward the woods on the right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young machinist watched them out of sight -and then ran into the cottage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unlocking the stairway door, he mounted the -steps hastily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Deb! Deb!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Jack! is that you?" came a voice from the -darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Where are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, over here, this way!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Groping his way along the rafters, the young -machinist soon held his sister in his arms. In a -trice he cut the straps with which Corrigan had -bound her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you hurt?" he asked tenderly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no, but I was awfully frightened!" -declared the girl. She was trembling like a -frightened fawn, and clung to him closely as he carried -her down the ladder and into the open air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll go over to the shore," said Jack; "I -think Mont is there. He was to follow me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they reached the edge of the water, they -found that the young man had just landed. He -was accompanied by Farmer Farrell, one of the -hired men, and Meg, who had insisted upon coming -along to show the way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few words Jack introduced Deb, and related -what had occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now I believe these men mean harm to -this Max Pooler," he said in conclusion. "If I -knew the way to the cave I'd follow them at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know the way," put in Meg. "Pooler -thinks I don't, but I found it out one rainy night -by followin' him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And will you show us?" asked Jack, eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yep, if you want me to," replied the young -girl. "Come on. 'Taint far."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry up, then. I have a feeling that every -minute is valuable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg led off at once, Jack and Mont following -first, with Farmer Farrell close behind, and Deb -helped along by the hired man, who lagged -considerably, having no desire to expose himself to -possible harm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Taint very pleasant," said Meg, as they -journeyed over rocks and stumps, and through a -copse of thick undergrowth, and then over a -shallow stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quarter of a mile brought them to a ravine, near -the center of the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are!" exclaimed the young girl. -"There's the mouth of the cave."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She pointed to a huge rock, split directly in the -center. Without an instant's hesitation, Jack -entered, followed by the rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bang!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A pistol shot rang out ahead!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They've shot him, sure?" exclaimed the young -machinist, darting forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A turn in the passage brought him to a small -square chamber hollowed out of the rock, and -furnished with a table and two chairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was utterly bewildered by the scene before him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On either side of the small opening stood Mosey -and Corrigan, the former with a smoking pistol in -his hand. Between them lay Max Pooler, a wound -in his shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the scene upon the floor of the cave was -what riveted Jack's attention. There, scattered in -every direction, were gold and silver coins, -amounting to many thousands of dollars.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-miser-s-treasure"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE MISER'S TREASURE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As he stood in the cave on Blackbird Island, -Jack thought he must be dreaming--the -smoke and shining gold and silver all dancing -before his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mechanically he moved forward and grasped -hold of the pistol in Mosey's hand. The Irishman -was so astonished that he relinquished the weapon -without an effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stand right where you are!" commanded -Jack, and he pointed the pistol so that it was -nearly in range of both men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cornered!" cried Corrigan, as he looked -toward the cave entrance, now blocked by Farmer -Farrell and his hired man, "and at the last minute, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, Mont had gone down on his knees, -and was bending over the prostrate form of Max -Pooler, who was bleeding profusely from the -wound in his shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Picking up one of the heavy cloth bags that had -contained a part of the scattered coin, the young -man clapped it hastily over the bleeding spot, tying -it in position with his handkerchief--an action -which checked the flow considerably.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My gold! My precious gold and silver," -shrieked Pooler, never deigning to notice the effect -of Mosey's hasty shot. "Put it back; put it back -in the bags! Oh, don't let them take it! It's -mine! All mine!" he whined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind," put in Jack. "Don't worry. -What's yours shall remain yours. Guess we have -them safe, eh, Mr. Farrell?" he continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Looks so," replied the sturdy farmer. "Anyway, -I reckon I can keep 'em from going through -this door--the pesky critters!" and, with his gun -ready for use, the farmer stationed himself in the -middle of the passageway, with Deb, Meg and the -hired man behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the cause of this row?" asked Jack, -hardly knowing how to proceed, the whole affair -having happened so unexpectedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked at Corrigan and then at Mosey, but -both of these discomfited individuals remained -silent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They were trying to rob me of my gold and -silver," cried Pooler, "But they sha'n't do it!" -he added, vehemently. "It's mine, all mine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With his restless eyes rolling wildly, the miser--for -Max Pooler was naught else--reached out his -uninjured arm, and clutching the pieces of money -within reach, stowed them away in his bosom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better keep quiet," suggested Mont, placing -his hand on the bandaged shoulder. "Your wound -may be more serious than you think."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you--you think so?" he asked in a hoarse -whisper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not being a doctor, I can't say anything certain. -It depends on what direction the bullet took."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can I do anything?" put in Deb at this -juncture. She had pushed her way past the farmer, -and now stood by the young man's side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess not, Deb," Mont replied. "We -haven't much at hand in the shape of hospital -supplies," he added, soberly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose we try to get him up to the house," -suggested Farmer Farrell, without removing his -eyes from the two who had caused all the mischief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I won't leave my gold and silver!" howled -the miser. "Leave me here. Never mind my -arm; it will soon get well. Only take those two -men away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler struggled to his feet. The movement -caused him intense pain, and he uttered a -sharp groan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can't do as he wishes," said Jack to Mont. -"He might die, and we would never forgive ourselves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it," replied the other. "But it will -be a hard matter to separate him from his money. -Besides what shall we do with Mosey and Corrigan?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a sticker. If we had a rope I 'd bind -them tighter than they ever bound me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a rope in that chest," put in the miser, -who overheard the last remark. "Tie 'em up--don't -let 'em get away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's sorry ye'll be for sayin' that," exclaimed -Mosey. "Oi'll tell--hic--all----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan caught him by the arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shut up!" he whispered in his ear. "Can't -you see Max is excited? Let him cool down. -You will be getting us into a heap of trouble -presently."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rope in the chest was long and heavy, and -Jack picked it up with considerable satisfaction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You first, Mosey," he said, "and none of your -fooling, mind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all roight, Jack, me b'y. Oi'll not run -a shtep. Never--hic--moind the rope," returned -the Irishman in his oiliest tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I won't trust you, Mosey," returned the young -machinist firmly; and, assisted by Mont, he tied -the man's hands behind him, and his feet in such -a manner that he could barely take a walking step.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now your turn," said Jack to Corrigan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you going to tie me for?" asked that -individual in pretended surprise. "I didn't shoot him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not, but you were perfectly willing to -have him shot. Come, quick. I'm not going to -argue all night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan saw that Jack's patience was exhausted, -and that the young machinist was not to be trifled -with. He submitted without another word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what's to do now," asked Farmer Farrell, -when the job was finished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose we row them over to the mainland -and march them to Corney," suggested Jack. -"It's half-past eight now. We can reach there by ten."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll get my wagon, and we can drive over," -returned the farmer. "But what of this man here? -We can't leave him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carry him up to the cottage," put in Meg, -who had thus far been a silent spectator of what -was passing. "There's medicine there, lots of it. -It came from----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler glared at the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shut up, will you?" he snarled. "How -many times have I got to tell you to make you mind?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can say what you please," replied the girl -boldly, "and I will, too. I've left the island for -good, and don't care what you do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser turned pale with rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" he cried, harshly. "Leave me! Why, -you good for nothin'----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his anger he raised his wounded arm as if to -strike. Jack sprang forward to defend the young girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But his caution was unnecessary, for at the same -instant Max Pooler gave a sharp gasp of pain, and -wavering backward and forward for a second, fell -heavily to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb and Meg both gave a shriek, Jack and Mont -turned the wounded man over on his back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he--he dead?" asked Deb. She was -white, and trembled all over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, only exhausted," replied Mont, after -applying his ear to the miser's breast. "His passions -hold him completely under control."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then he is to be more pitied than blamed," -said the girl, sympathetically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wound had again commenced to bleed. Mont -adjusted the bandage that had become displaced, -but this seemed to do little good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will run to the cottage, and get anything you -want," put in Meg, gazing with softened features -at the unconscious form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," replied Mont, and he named several -things which he thought might be used to -advantage. "And don't forget plenty of linen, and -some cotton if you have it," he added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young girl started off at once, and soon -disappeared in the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the two prisoners were growing restless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess me and the man can march the pesky -critters down to the boat," said Farmer Farrell, -who was weary of watching the pair. "That is, -if you don't mind going through the woods with -us," he continued to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, I'll go," answered the young -machinist. "Will you stay here, Deb?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I may be needed," replied the girl. -"We'll have to dress the shoulder when Meg returns."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later the party started off, Mosey and -Corrigan in the center, with the hired man behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had they left ere Max Pooler returned to -his senses, and sitting up, suddenly looked around.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gone?" he ejaculated. "Did they leave my -money? Did they leave me my shining gold and -silver?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, it's all there, so don't worry," replied -Mont gently. "You must keep quiet; it is bad for -your shoulder when you move."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler lay back, and eyed the young man -suspiciously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You talk as if you meant well," he said, "but -no one can be trusted nowadays. Who are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, never mind that," replied the young man, -"just keep quiet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I want to know your name," persisted the -wounded man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My name is Monterey Gray."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser leaped to his feet, his teeth clenched, -and his eyes rolling frightfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a lie!" he shrieked. "Monterey Gray is -dead!--died years ago! He died on the yacht! -I saw him. Oh, you can't fool me! His ghost is -in the falls, but he is dead; and his gold and -silver--oh, you can't fool me! This ain't his; it's mine, -all mine!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-glimpse-of-the-past"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The miser's wild and unexpected revelation was -certainly a most astonishing thing to Mont -Gray. As we know, he had surmised that this -strange man knew much of the history of the past, -and he had already decided to put several questions -to Max Pooler on the first available opportunity. -But such a statement as he had just heard took -away his breath, and he stared at the prostrate -man, scarcely able to move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb, too, was astonished, but, woman-like, paid -more attention to the effect upon the young man -than to what was said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Mont, isn't it awful?" she exclaimed, -catching him by the arm. "What makes you so -pale? What is that man talking about?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't say, exactly," he replied, in an oddly -unnatural voice. "My father's death is a mystery -to me. This man can unravel it, I suppose, if he -will," he added, as he knelt down, and turned -Pooler once more on his back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The face of the wounded man had lost all color, -and his heart seemed to have stopped beating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If we only had some water it might help -him," said Mont. "Although I can't make -anything out of a case like this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a brook just outside," returned Deb. -"Wonder if there is a cup anywhere around?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In one corner he found a can, such as is used in -preserving vegetables. It was empty, and, taking -it outside, she washed it thoroughly, and returned -with it full of pure, cold water, with which they -bathed the wounded man's head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is suffering more from the excitement than -from the pistol shot," observed the young man, as -he worked away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose being surprised by those two men -was the start of it," replied Deb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The miser was rapidly regaining his color, and -his forehead felt like fire. Soaking the handkerchief -in the can, the girl bound it over his temples.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Pooler grew restless. He did not -open his eyes, but moved his body from side to side -uneasily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is coming to," whispered Mont. "Perhaps -you had better go outside. He may become violent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind if he does," replied the girl; "I -think I ought to stay, and I won't care so long as -you are here," and then, as Mont gave her a -grateful smile, Deb suddenly blushed and turned away -her face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My gold and silver! It's mine, all mine!" -muttered Pooler to himself. "Monterey Gray is -dead, and it belongs to me, all, all, all!" He -gnashed his teeth. "Oh, why did I go on that -accursed yacht--evil is always sure to follow! -My gold and silver! All mine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A long silence followed, broken only by the -irregular breathing of the exhausted man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He has passed into a stupor," said Mont. -"How long it will last I cannot tell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Meg returned, carrying a number of -bottles and bandages.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brought all I could carry," she declared. -"Hope there's what you want there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb looked over the list and fixed up a dose -which Mont poured down the wounded man's -throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, Meg picked up the scattered coins -and tied them up in the various bags that lay upon -the table. How much there was they could form -no estimate, but it would certainly run up to -thousands of dollars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently, Max Pooler had not dreamed of being -surprised while counting over his hoarded wealth, -and the demands of Mosey and Corrigan, who -probably had some hold upon the miser, had led to an -immediate quarrel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Meg was still at work, Jack returned, -somewhat flushed from hurrying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We don't know what to do with those two -men," he said, after taking a look at Pooler, who -still rested quietly. "That hired man is afraid of -his own shadow, and Mr. Farrell hardly thinks he -can manage them alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose you go with them," suggested Mont. -"I can get along here alone, and when you come -back you can bring a doctor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man's idea was thought by all to be a -good one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what will you do?" asked the young -machinist of his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll do whatever you say, Jack," was Deb's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll stay here, if it's best," put in Meg. "I -ain't afraid of anything on this island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps you had better remain, too, Deb," -said Jack. "I'll be back with the doctor just as -soon as I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder if we can't get this man up to the -cottage," put in Mont. "He'd be much better off -in his own bed than here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can, but carrying may make his wound -worse," returned the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It isn't that which worries him the most. It's -his money and his conscience," declared the young -man, as he eyed Pooler meditatively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then come; we'll lock hands and make an -armchair for him to ride in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not without considerable difficulty they raised -the man between them. He now uttered no sound, -and his weight was that of a dead body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg led the way, carrying the lantern which she -had taken from the cave. Deb brought up the -rear, her overskirt weighted down by as many of -the bags of the coin as she could carry, which Jack -advised should be taken along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a long and tedious walk, for the greater -part in the dark. They rested twice, and both -Mont and Jack gave a sigh of relief when they -deposited their burden upon a temporary bed in the -front room of the cottage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There, now you'll have to get along the best -you can," said the young machinist. "I suppose -Mr. Farrell is wondering what keeps me so long. -Good night all;" and off he went toward the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg brought some extra blankets from the other -beds, and Mont prepared a resting place for the -unconscious man, placing the wounded shoulder in -as comfortable a position as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You had both better try to secure a little -sleep," he said to the two girls. "I can get along -alone. If I need help I will call you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After some discussion both Deb and Meg retired -to what had for many years been the latter's -resting place, a small chamber at one end of the -garret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont kept a constant eye upon his strange -patient, frequently rearranging the pillow, and -watching that the bandage did not slip from the -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was an anxious look in the young man's -face as he moved about, and it soon vented itself in -a brief soliloquy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This man knows all about the past," he -whispered to himself. "He knew my father, and he -knows uncle Felix, I must help him to recover and, -there----" he rubbed his hand over his forehead; -"If I only knew the truth!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He noticed that the brow of the miser gradually -grew hotter, and that the man's restlessness -increased every moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know of anything else I can do," said -Mont to himself. "I hope Jack will hurry back -with the doctor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not long before Max Pooler was tossing -from side to side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My gold and silver," murmured the feverish -miser. "My shining gold and silver! You shan't -take it away! It's mine. Ask Felix Gray if it -ain't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did you say?" he asked bending low -over the tossing form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Water, water!" moaned Pooler, paying no -attention to the question. "Give me a drink of -water, I'm burning up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont took up the pitcher which Meg had filled -at the spring, and held it to his lips. The miser -took one sip, and then pushed it from him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha! ha! you can't fool me!" he screamed. -"You're in the water--the same old face! -Haven't I looked at it many a time from the deck -of the Kitty? But you're dead, yes dead, and you -can't tell anything!" and he fell back on the bed -with a groan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must keep quiet," said Mont, who, to tell -the truth, was highly excited himself; "you are -wounded in the shoulder, and will fare badly if you -don't take things easy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Pooler either could or would not pay any -attention to Mont's advice. He kept muttering to -himself--at one moment apparently in his right -mind and at the next talking at random.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who did you say you were?" he asked during -a lucid interval.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man did not reply. He knew that -under the circumstances to do so would only excite -the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I know--Monterey Gray. But you're -not. Monterey Gray is dead," and the miser -chuckled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are thinking of my father," said Mont -finally.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Max Pooler glared at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tain't so!" he cried, and then, after a pause: -"Who was that other young man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My friend, Jack Willington."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Willington!" gasped Pooler, rising up. "Both -of them; and they have come to take away the -money! But Monterey Gray and Martin Willington -are both dead, and the gold and silver is mine! -Didn't I tell you so before? It is all mine!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chasing-andy-mosey"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CHASING ANDY MOSEY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack's thoughts were busy as he hurried toward -the shore, where he expected to meet farmer -Farrell and the two prisoners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pooler acts mighty queer to say the least," -he told himself. "I can't make it out at all, -excepting that I think we are on the edge of some -discovery of importance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was dark under the trees, and he had to -pick his way along as best he could. Once he -lost the path and came close to running into a -small brook flowing halfway across the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never for a moment did he imagine that either -of the two prisoners could get away from the -farmer and his hired man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in this he was mistaken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan was too tightly bound to help himself, -but not so Andy Mosey. The Irishman had -been so near complete intoxication that it had -not been deemed necessary to make his bonds -extra strong.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But finding himself a close prisoner had sobered -Mosey a good deal and long before the shore -was gained he made up his mind to escape if -he possibly could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a cunning that he had heretofore failed -to exhibit he began to act as if he was more -intoxicated than usual.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look out, or you'll go down!" was the -warning of the farmer. "And if you do go -down you can pick yourself up, for I shan't -help you, excepting with a kick."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi know me way," was Mosey's unsteady -reply. "Oi'm comin'. Don't ye worry about me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as the vicinity of the shore was gained -Mosey slipped the bonds from first one hand and -then the other, taking care that not even his -brother-in-law should see him, for he was now -thinking of saving himself only.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, don't drag," came from farmer Farrell. -"I am not going to stay here all night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, an' Oi sthepped in a hole, the ould -b'y take the luck!" spluttered Mosey. "Oi'm -comin' jhust as fast as Oi can!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The farmer moved on and so did Corrigan -and the hired man. Farmer Farrell had cautioned -the hired man to keep an eye on Mosey, but the -job was not at all to the fellow's taste and he -was thinking of nothing but to get back home, -where he had left a comfortable bed in the barn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last Mosey thought he saw his opportunity -and dropped further behind than ever, acting as -if he had lamed his foot. Then of a sudden he -darted behind some trees and crashed away -through some bushes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi! stop!" roared farmer Farrell. "Stop, -or I'll fire on you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this Andy Mosey made no reply, but -increased his speed, so that he was soon quite a -distance from the island shore. The farmer -gazed around in dismay, first at Corrigan and -then at his hired man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go after him, you dunce!" he cried to the -hired man. "I must watch this rascal. Didn't -I tell you to keep an eye on the other fellow?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I did, sir," was the weak answer. "He -ran off before I knew it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, after him, I say! Don't stand there -like a block of wood!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He--he may take it into his head to shoot -me," faltered the hired man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He hasn't any pistol, we disarmed him," -returned the farmer, frantically. "Are you -going after him or not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll go, sir," said the hired man, and hurried -off as far as the bushes into which Mosey had -first disappeared. But by that time the -Irishman was a good hundred yards away, and -running as rapidly as his limbs would carry him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the bushes the hired man came to a halt. -He pretended to look around, but he did not -venture a step further.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you see him?" called out farmer Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why don't you follow him up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know where he went to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He went up the shore. Quick, follow him, -or I'll discharge you to-morrow morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus threatened the hired man started up the -shore and then moved in the direction of the -cottage, having a notion that Mosey might move -in that direction, although he might have known -better. A minute later he heard footsteps and -came to a halt with his heart in his throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he attacks me I'm a goner!" he groaned, -and then saw that it was Jack and not Mosey -who was approaching.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, sir, he's got away!" he cried, with a -feeling of relief when he recognized the young -machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got away? Who?" questioned Jack, quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The rascal named Mosey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just a few minutes ago, sir--when we were -almost to the boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What of Corrigan?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Farrell is watching him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But Mosey was bound?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it, sir. But he got away anyhow, -and ran like a deer up the shore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then he can't be far off," exclaimed Jack. -"Were you after him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But if he went up the shore----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was a-thinking he might turn toward the -cottage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, he didn't come this way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then he must have gone that way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must catch him," cried Jack, earnestly. -"He has done too many wrong deeds to be -allowed to escape in this fashion. Come on, -follow me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young inventor pushed forward and the -hired man came after him, but at what he -considered a safe distance in the rear. Soon Jack -was running up the shore at a point where there -was a wide open field, which Pooler had once -used for growing wheat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the young machinist came out on the edge -of the field he saw a dark form just leaving the -open space at the opposite side. The form was -that of Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, Mosey!" he cried, loudly. "Stop, it -will be best for you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cry from Jack alarmed Andy Mosey more -than ever, and he tried to run with increased -speed. But his first burst had been almost too -much for him, and he was panting loudly for breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure an' Oi can't make it afther all," he -panted. "Bad cess to Jack Willington fer -followin' me! Oi wisht Oi had me pistol. Oi'd -soon be afther sthopin' his game!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Mosey had nothing more than a sharp stone, -which he had picked up in the field, and at -present he saw no way of using this, for Jack -was too far off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Feeling that he could not run much further, -he looked around for some place where he might -hide. A gnarled tree with low-spreading branches -was not far away and to this he went and began -to climb the trunk with all possible speed. Soon -he was some distance from the ground and then -he stretched himself on a limb and remained quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crossing the field at his best speed, Jack -darted in among the trees and peered around -sharply. Of course he could see nothing of -Mosey, and he moved on for a distance of a -hundred feet or more. Then he came back and -stood directly under the tree in which the -Irishman was hiding. In the meantime the farmer's -hired man came to a halt in the middle of the -field, ready to run at the first sign of danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mosey!" called Jack. "Mosey, you might -as well give yourself up. You are bound to be -caught sooner or later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He listened, but no reply came back. Then -Jack walked around the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now had the Irishman kept quiet he might -have escaped the young inventor, but his -success at getting away made him extra bold, and -not knowing that the farm hand was near he -resolved to do Jack a great injury. Bringing -the sharp stone from his pocket, he took careful -aim at Jack's head and let drive with all the -force he could command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had the stone landed as intended the young -inventor might have been killed, but as it was, -on the instant that Mosey threw the missile Jack -took a step forward, thinking to go on another -hunt for the Irishman. Consequently the stone -merely grazed his shoulder, doing hardly any -damage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much startled, Jack leaped forward and then -turned around. He did not know exactly where -Mosey was, but resolved to put on a bold front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So that is where you are!" he cried. "Do -you want me to put a bullet through you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bad luck to yez!" growled Mosey, much -crestfallen. "No, don't shoot me, Jack, me b'y. -It--it was all a mistake. I thought ye was the -farmer, upon me wurrud."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you surrender?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yis, yis!" Andy Mosey had a wholesome -fear of being shot, and he could not see whether -Jack had a pistol or not.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How many more rocks have you up there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nary a wan, Jack, Oi only had the wan, -upon me honor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then jump down here, and hold your hands -over your head. If you try to play me another -trick I'll shoot you sure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a groan Andy Mosey descended to the -ground, and then held his hands over his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now turn around and march the way you -came. And don't you dare to look back," -continued the young inventor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Jack, me dear b'y----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not your dear boy, Mosey, and I won't -stop to parley with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Jack, I didn't----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop it I say, and march. Or do you want -to be in the fix Pooler is in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no! I'll march, Jack; don't shoot!" And -without further ado Andy Mosey set off -for the shore, with Jack behind him, and the -farm hand bringing up at a safe distance to one -side. Presently the farm hand ran ahead, to tell -farmer Farrell of how matters now stood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the hired man had disappeared -Andy Mosey tried to argue again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's Corrigan's doin's----" he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mosey, we won't talk now," said Jack at -last, for he saw that the Irishman's head was -not as clear as it might have been. "If you -want to argue you can do it when we are in -the boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you'll be afther listenin' to me Jack, -me b'y?" pleaded Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I want to be friends wid ye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have a strange way of showing it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the liquor, Jack, me b'y--bad cess to it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why don't you leave liquor alone then, Andy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, an' it would be a good job done if I -had niver touched a drap."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've spoken the truth there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Oi iver git out av this hole Oi'll soign -the pledge, so Oi will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You might do worse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say the wurrud, Jack, me b'y, an' Oi'll -soign it to-morrow," went on Mosey, thinking -he was winning the young inventor over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll say nothing more at present, Andy, -excepting that I want you to get along to the -shore, without further delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But Jack, if Oi----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not another word. March!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then the march to the boat was resumed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="papers-of-great-value"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">PAPERS OF GREAT VALUE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It did not take Jack and Mosey very long to -reach the shore. They found Farmer Farrell, -gun in hand, stalking up and down impatiently. -He had ordered Corrigan into the row-boat, and -was lecturing him and the hired man at the same time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've been a mighty long while coming," he -remarked, as the dim rays of the smoky lantern fell -upon the young machinist's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I couldn't help it," replied Jack, and he briefly -related what had occurred to detain him so long.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They embarked at once. The young machinist -set out to do the rowing, but was stopped by the -farmer, who directed Tim, the hired man to take -the oars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're tired enough," said Farmer Farrell. -"Besides, we must keep a close eye on these two, -or they'll be up to their pesky tricks afore we -know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tim pulled a good stroke. He was anxious to -get out of such dangerous company and be safe in -his bed in the barn loft once more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't there some way we can fix this matter -up?" asked Corrigan, after a long period of -thoughtful silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, buy ourselves off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir, not a bit of it," returned the young -machinist, decidedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan winced. The prospect of going to -prison was not a particularly inviting one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi say, Jack, me b'y, if we give up yer model -will ye be easy on us?" put in Mosey, who did -not know that that precious bit of property had -already been recovered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have it already," replied Jack; "I don't -intend to be any harder on you than you deserve," -he continued. "You tried to take my friend's life -as well as mine, and also to set fire to Mr. Gray's -house, and by using the match-safe which belonged -to me, cast suspicion on my character, which has -not yet been cleared away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who can prove I set foire to Felix Gray's -place?" demanded the Irishman, blusteringly. His -tongue was clearer than it had been, but his head -was as muddled as ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye can't, no how."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we'll see, and it will go hard with you -unless you can prove otherwise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi didn't do it. It was Dennis's work," -howled Mosey, breaking down completely. "Oi -found the box and gave it ter him, and he kept it. -Didn't he stale the model, too, and run away wid -yer sister? Oi niver harmed a soul, save when I -was in liquor," he whined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a lie!" shouted Corrigan, in a rage. Had he -been free he would have struck down his confederate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It ain't, it's true, every worrud of it," responded -Mosey, doggedly. "Ye always got me to do yer -dirty worruk, and now yer want me to stand all -der blame. But Oi won't do it. Oi'll turn Queen's -evidence first."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you turn state's evidence you may save -yourself a heap of trouble," put in Farmer Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Oi'll do it, just mind me, if Oi don't," -replied the Irishman, quickly. He was thoroughly -cowed, and his one thought was how to best evade -the clutches of the law.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean dog!" interrupted Corrigan, bitterly. -"You shall pay dearly for this;" and he grated -his teeth together in rancor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think you will be able to harm him for -a good while," sagely remarked Farmer Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan became silent at once, and as each one -was busy with his own thoughts, the rest of the -trip was accomplished without further words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On reaching the shore the party repaired at once -to Farmer Farrell's place where Tim, glad to be home -again, hitched up the team to the old family wagon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is there a doctor anywhere near?" asked Jack; -"I promised to send one over to the island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dr. Melvin lives just up the road," replied the -farmer. "We'll stop and tell him, and Tim can -row him over. Do you hear, Tim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied the farm hand. "To-morrow -morning will do, I suppose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To-morrow morning!" repeated the farmer, in -surprise. "No, indeed, right away. And if you -can't get Dr. Melvin, go over to Dr. Dell's and -take him straight to Pooler's cottage. Tell him -that the man has a bullet in his shoulder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much as he disliked the job, the hired man did not -dare to complain; so with a heavy sigh he set off -on his errand, traveling through the dark as fast -as his heavy boots would permit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The family wagon contained two seats. Farmer -Farrell took the front one, with Mosey beside him, -while Jack, with Corrigan, sat in the rear, and then -the horses were started on the road to Corney.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will stop at the old mill and get my -model," said Jack, on the way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the old structure everything was dark and deserted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, Oi'll go along wid ye," said Mosey, as -the young machinist dismounted from his seat. -"There's something there Oi want to show ye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrigan wished to interfere, but Jack, who -believed that the Irishman was now really inclined to -render assistance, would not let him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are some papers that belong to -Mr. Gray. Dennis stole them when the house was -burning," said Mosey, when he and Jack were -alone. "Oi can't read, but Dennis said they'd be -worth money to us some day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are they?" asked Jack, with interest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you be aisy on me if Oi tell ye?" asked -Mosey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps I will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi'll trust ye," replied Mosey. "They're up -stairs, under the flure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They ascended the stairs, and taking up a board -that Mosey pointed out, Jack drew out a small, -oblong packet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't read it now," said the young machinist. -"Come along. If the contents are valuable I'll see -that you get full credit for giving it up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He put the packet in his pocket, and taking up -the model, made the Irishman precede him down -to the wagon. They were soon on the way again, -the precious model safely stowed away in the front -of the vehicle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess Mr. Benton will be rather surprised -when he learns the true state of affairs," thought -Jack to himself. "But his treatment of Deb was -shameful, and I shall tell him so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they passed an old barn near the outskirts of -the town all heard a loud cry, the scuffle of many -feet, and then the door of the place burst open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, what's all this?" exclaimed Jack. -"Some one in trouble!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the open doorway sprang a tall man. -He was but partly dressed, and one side of his face -bore a thick coating of black. He ran directly -toward the road, and was followed by a dozen or -more men wearing masks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing the wagon he made for it as fast as his -legs would carry him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Save me, save me!" he gasped. "Get me -away from these villains, and I will pay you well!" -and in frantic haste he clambered over the wheel -and into the front of the vehicle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the trouble!" asked Farmer Farrell in -astonishment, while Jack took up the gun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They want to tar and feather me!" was the -panting reply. "See they made a beginning;" -and the excited individual held his face up to view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Gray!" ejaculated the young machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had not time to say more, for at that instant -Corrigan, taking advantage of the excitement, hit -Jack under the chin with his head, and then leaped -to the ground. In doing so he fell, but picked -himself up quickly, and hopped as fast as he could -down the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A second later the wagon was surrounded by the -masked men, all armed and gesticulating wildly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give him up, Willington!" they yelled. "Give -up Gray, or we'll tar and feather the lot of you!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="love-your-enemies-conclusion"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">"LOVE YOUR ENEMIES"--CONCLUSION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was a thrilling scene, the brawny men, their -intended victim, the would-be rescuers, all in -confusion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the masked men attempted to pull -Mr. Felix Gray to the ground, but the tool -manufacturer held fast to the front seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop that!" roared Farmer Farrell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We want that man!" called out a person in -the mob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no! Save me! save me!" cried Mr. Gray, -frantically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will not give him up," exclaimed Jack. -"It's a shame to treat a dog in this fashion!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He threw us out of work. He won't give us -our money. He wants to starve us and our -families," called out several.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen!" yelled Jack, as loud as he could. -"Some of you know me. I work in the tool -works; I haven't got my money, and need it as -badly as any of you. But I say you'll never gain -anything by acting this way. Let Mr. Gray go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We want him and we're going to have him," -exclaimed the man at the wagon, grimly, and he -renewed his efforts to pull the tool manufacturer -from the seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You shall not," replied Jack, determinedly, -and raising the gun, he hit the man a sharp blow -upon the hand, which made him instantly release -his hold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go for 'em, fellows!" the man howled out, -shaking the injured member in evident pain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd began instantly to close in upon the -wagon. Mosey, in the excitement, tried his best -to gain the ground, but Farmer Farrell had taken -the precaution to tie the Irishman's feet fast to the -iron foot rest, and he was unable to stir.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must get out of this!" exclaimed Jack to -the farmer. "Start up the horses. Quick!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Farmer Farrell needed no further urging. Reaching -over Mr. Gray's body, he pulled up the reins, -and struck first one and then the other of the horses -with his whip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a bound the animals leaped forward. The -man who had held a grip upon the tool manufacturer's -foot lost it, and slipped under the vehicle--the -hind wheel passing over his leg.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd uttered a loud cry, but were too late to -stop the sudden movement. One of the men caught -hold of the tailboard of the wagon, but a -threatening shake from the young machinist's gun made -him drop to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On they went, Farmer Farrell making the horses -do their very best.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a pistol shot rang out, and Mosey gave -a cry of pain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oi'm shot!" he cried, falling backward upon -Jack. "They've murdered me, so they have!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are you hit?" asked the young machinist anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the soide. Oi'm dy--in'----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another pistol shot interrupted his speech.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gitting kinder hot," cried the farmer. "Let -me have the gun. Here, hold the reins," and he -gave them to Jack and took the weapon. "We'll -see what a dose of buckshot will do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bang!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The report was followed by several cries from -behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That'll teach the pesky critters a lesson," -observed the farmer, as he resumed the reins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as he spoke, they saw a flash in the darkness -to one side of the road, followed instantly by -the crack of a revolver.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm struck!" exclaimed Mr. Gray. "The -villain has hit me in the shoulder!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it bad?" asked Jack in horror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, only a flesh wound, I guess," and the tool -manufacturer drew a sharp breath. "Drive on, -don't stop!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The command was not needed. The team was -now in full gallop, and three minutes brought -them into the heart of the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Straight home," replied Mr. Gray, in return -to a question from Jack as to where he should be -taken. "And bring Mosey along, the doctor can -attend us both."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was done, and the family physician -pronounced the Irishman's wound quite serious.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yours will heal rapidly," he said to the tool -manufacturer. "But your right arm will never be -as good as it was. That workman may recover, -but it will take months."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun was just rising when Jack, after a -breakfast that Farmer Farrell's wife had compelled -him to eat, took the boat and rowed over to -Blackbird Island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb saw him coming and rushed out of the -cottage to meet him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Jack, such a time as we've had!" she -sobbed. "The doctor is here, and that Pooler just -died."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pooler dead?" ejaculated the young machinist, -in amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He entered the back room. The doctor and Meg -were there, the girl's eyes swollen from crying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is Mont?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meg pointed to the other door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's in there too," she said, in a quivering voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack entered the front chamber. Max Pooler's -body lay on the cot, covered with a white sheet. -Beside it, on a low stool, with his face buried in -his hands, sat Mont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man's countenance was full of -emotion. He took the young machinist's hand in his -own, and pulled the covering from the dead face -before them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen, Jack," he said in a low voice, "I want -to tell you an awful secret. Before this man died, -he confessed that he murdered my father. He was -very penitent, and he--he asked me to forgive him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you----" began Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did forgive him. It was hard, but how could -I refuse a dying man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You did right," returned the young machinist. -"But, oh, Mont, I'm so sorry for you! Did he -tell you how it came about?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. He used to be my father's clerk, and -avarice led him to steal. By some means he -imagined my father knew of his doings, and was -about to have him arrested. Half crazed by -this fear, he went on board my father's yacht -one night and cast her adrift while my father -was sleeping in the stateroom. The yacht went -over the falls, and turned up where we found her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And your father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was found dead in the cabin. He said my -uncle suspected him, but as Mr. Felix Gray was -trying to rob me of my share of the tool works -property, he turned the tables, and threatened not -only to expose him, but to implicate him in the -murder as well. My uncle has been paying him -money for years to keep him quiet, but part of this -went to Mosey and Corrigan as 'hush money,' so -Pooler said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a strange story," mused Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But that isn't all," continued Mont. "Before -he died Pooler proved to me that about one-half of -his treasure belonged really to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To me!" ejaculated the young machinist, in -utter astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mont nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, to you," he said. "Pooler said my father -held it in trust for your father, who was not a good -hand at investing money. The amounts were the -proceeds of several valuable inventions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then we are both rich," returned Jack, with a -broad smile. "I am glad of it, for Deb's sake!" -he added, brightly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little later the young machinist related what -had happened on the river road the night before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now we'll have the whole affair straightened -out," he concluded. "I believe your uncle -has had all the ups and downs he cares for, and -will let you have your own without much opposition."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I trust so," replied Mont. "I do not care, as -I said before, to make the thing public, but it has -gone far enough, and both of us must have our -rights."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And then I must get the fire and the model -matters squared up and go to work on a bigger scale," -added Jack. "I declare I've had adventures -enough in the past four days to last me a lifetime!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five years have passed since the above words -were spoken. Mont is now the sole owner of the -Corney Tool Works, and the Mechanics' Savings -Bank is once again a flourishing institution. -Mr. Felix Gray has relinquished all rights to both, and -is content to pass the remainder of his days in -helping his nephew along the road to fortune.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mosey recovered, and is now a steady workman. -He has signed the pledge, and intends to stick to -it. Corrigan was never heard of after his jump -from the wagon, and no one has ever taken the -trouble to find out what became of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack is now superintendent at the tool works, -and besides his salary, draws a handsome royalty -from his father's and his own inventions. Through -Mr. Benton--who was profuse in his offers of help -when he learned the true state of affairs--the -patent of the improved planer was sold for four -thousand dollars, of which half came to the young -machinist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deb--Jack's best girl--is now Mrs. Monterey -Gray, and though she lives in one of the finest -mansions of the town, is still the true and faithful -little housekeeper she always was. Meg, upon -whom Mont has settled a neat sum, lives with her, -and Miss Parks is a frequent and welcome visitor -at the place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few weeks ago, while visiting at Corney, I -met Deb driving out to Farmer Farrell's place, and -asked her how her brother was getting on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack? Why, I declare you'd hardly know -him, he's so awfully tall! And he's got a beard -all over his face. Business is splendid, but then -Jack always said that any one who did right, and -stuck to his work, would get along!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Deb is right. Do you not think so, gentle reader?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>A YOUNG INVENTOR'S PLUCK</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42142"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42142</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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