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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/4995-h.zip b/4995-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..71c4e6a --- /dev/null +++ b/4995-h.zip diff --git a/4995-h/4995-h.htm b/4995-h/4995-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7db70c --- /dev/null +++ b/4995-h/4995-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9306 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>New File</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- +body {margin:10%; text-align:justify} +blockquote {font-size:14pt} +P {font-size:14pt} +--> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of True to Himself, by Edward Stratemeyer + +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 Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: True to Himself + Roger Strong's Struggle for Place + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Posting Date: May 31, 2012 [EBook #4995] +Release Date: January, 2004 +First Posted: April 7, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Jim Weller + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1>TRUE TO HIMSELF</h1> +<h4>ROGER STRONG'S STRUGGLE FOR PLACE</h4> +<h4>BY</h4> +<h2>EDWARD STRATEMEYER</h2> +<HR> +<h4>COPYRIGHT 1891 by Frank A Munsey.</h4> +<h4>Copyright 1900 by Lee and Shepard.</h4> +<h3>PREFACE</h3> +<P> +"True to himself," while a complete story in itself, forms +the third volume of the "Ship and Shore Series," tales of adventure on land +and sea, written for both boys and girls. +<P> +In this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typical +American country lad, and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combination +of events, are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make their +own way in the world. +<P> +To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficult +enough; but when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficulty +becomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious charge, +Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with either himself +or his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times almost more than he +can bear. But he is "true to himself" in the best meaning of that saying, +rising above those who would pull him down, and, in the end, not only succeeds +in making a place for himself in the world, but also scores a worthy triumph +over those who had caused his parents' downfall. +<P> +When this story was first printed as a serial, the author +has every reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls for +whom it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet with +equal commendation. +<P ALIGN=RIGHT class=right> +Edward Stratemeyer. +<P ALIGN=LEFT class=left> + Newark, N.J.,<BR> + April 15, 1900. + +<HR> +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> +<h4>THE TROUBLE IN THE ORCHARD</h4> +<P> +"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I called +out. "What are you doing in Widow Canby's orchard?" +<P> +"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the only +son of the wealthiest merchant in Darbyville. +<P> +"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pockets +are full of them." +<P> +"See here, Roger Strong, just you mind your own business +and leave me alone." +<P> +"I am minding my business," I rejoined warmly. +<P> +"Indeed!" And Duncan put as much of a sneer as was possible +in the word. +<P> +"Yes, indeed. Widow Canby pays me for taking care of her +orchard, and that includes keeping an eye on these pear trees," and I approached +the tree upon the lowest branch of which Duncan was standing. +<P> +"Humph! You think you're mighty big!" he blustered, as +he jumped to the ground. "What right has a fellow like you to talk to me +in this manner? You are getting too big for your boots." +<P> +"I don't think so. I'm guarding this property, and I want +you to hand over what you've taken and leave the premises," I retorted, for +I did not fancy the style in which I was being addressed. +<P> +"Pooh! Do you expect me to pay any attention to that?" +<P> +"You had better, Duncan. If you don't you may get into +trouble." +<P> +"I suppose you intend to tell the widow what I've done." +<P> +"I certainly shall; unless you do as I've told you to." +<P> +Duncan bit his lip. "How do you know but what the widow +said I could have the pears?" he ventured. +<P> +"If she did, it's all right," I returned, astonished, +not so much over the fact that Widow Canby had granted the permission, as +that such a high-toned young gentleman as Duncan Woodward should desire that +privilege. +<P> +"You've no business to jump at conclusions," he added +sharply. +<P> +"If I judged you wrongly, I beg your pardon, Duncan. I'll +speak to the widow about it." +<P> +I began to move off toward the house. Duncan hurried after +me and caught me by the arm. +<P> +"You fool you, what do you mean?" he demanded. +<P> +"I'm going to find out if you are telling the truth." +<P> +"Isn't my word enough?" +<P> +"It will do no harm to ask," I replied evasively, not +caring to pick a quarrel, and yet morally sure that he was prevaricating. +<P> +"So you think I'm telling you a falsehood? I've a good +mind to give you a sound drubbing," he cried angrily. +<P> +Duncan Woodward had many of the traits of a bully about +him. He was the only son of a widower who nearly idolized him, and, lacking +a mother's guiding influence, he had grown up wayward in the extreme. +<P> +He was a tall, well-built fellow, strong from constant +athletic exercise, and given, on this account, to having his way among his +associates. +<P> +Yet I was not afraid of him. Indeed, to tell the truth, +I was not afraid of any one. For eight years I had been shoved in life from +pillar to post, until now threats had no terrors for me. +<P> +Both of my parents were dead to me. My mother died when +I was but five years old. She was of a delicate nature, and, strange as it +may seem, I am inclined to believe that it was for the best that her death +occurred when it did. The reason I believe this is, because she was thus +spared the disgrace that came upon our family several years later. +<P> +At her death my father was employed as head clerk by the +firm of Holland & Mack, wholesale provision merchants of Newville, a +thriving city which was but a few miles from Darbyville, a pretty village +located on the Pass River. +<P> +We occupied a handsome house in the centre of the village. +Our family, besides my parents and myself, contained but one other member—my +sister Kate, who was several years my senior. +<P> +When our beloved mother died, Kate took the management +of our home upon her shoulders, and as she had learned, during my mother's +long illness, how everything should be done, our domestic affairs ran smoothly. +All this time I attended the Darbyville school, and was laying the foundation +for a commercial education, intending at some later day to follow in the +footsteps of my father. +<P> +Two years passed, and then my father's manner changed. +From being bright and cheerful toward us he became moody and silent. What +the cause was I could not guess, and it did not help matters to be told by +Duncan Woodward, whose father was also employed by Holland & Mack, that +"some folks would soon learn what was what, and no mistake." +<P> +At length the thunderbolt fell. Returning from school +one day, I found Kate in tears. +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" she burst out. "They say father has stolen +money from Holland & Mack, and they have just arrested him for a thief!" +<P> +The blow was a terrible one. I was but a boy of fourteen, +and the news completely bewildered me. I put on my cap, and together with +Kate, took the first horse car to Newville to find out what it all meant. +<P> +We found my father in jail, where he had been placed to +await the action of the grand jury. It was with difficulty that we obtained +permission to see him, and ascertained the facts of the case. +<P> +The charge against him was for raising money upon forged +cheeks, eight in number, the total amount being nearly twelve thousand dollars. +The name of the firm had been forged, and the money collected in New York +and Brooklyn. I was not old enough to understand the particulars. +<P> +My father protested his innocence, but it was of no avail. +The forgery was declared to be his work, and, though it was said that he +must have had an accomplice to obtain the money, he was adjudged the guilty +party. +<P> +"Ten years in the State's prison." That was the penalty. +My father grew deadly white, while as for me, my very heart seemed to stop +beating. Kate fainted, and two days later the doctor announced that she had +an attack of brain fever. +<P> +Two months dragged slowly by. Then my sister was declared +to be out of danger. Next the house was sold over our heads, and we were +turned out upon the world, branded as the children of a thief, to get a living +as best we could. +<P> +Both of us would willingly have left Darbyville, but where +should we go? The only relation we had was an uncle,—Captain Enos Moss,—and +he was on an extended trip to South America, and when he would return no +one knew. +<P> +All the friends we had had before deserted us. The girls +"turned up their noses" at Kate,—which made my blood boil,—and the boys +fought shy of me. +<P> +I tried to find work, but without success. Even in places +where help was wanted excuses were made to me—trivial excuses that meant +but one thing—that they did not desire any one in their employ who had a +stain upon his name. +<P> +Kate was equally unsuccessful; and we might have starved +but for a lucky incident that happened just as we were ready to give up in +despair. +<P> +Walking along the road one day, I saw Farmer Tilford's +bull tearing across the field toward a gate which had been accidentally left +open. The Widow Canby, absorbed in thought and quite unconscious of the danger +that threatened her, was just passing this gate, when I darted forward and +closed it just a second before the bull reached it. I did not consider my +act an heroic one, but the Widow Canby declared it otherwise. +<P> +"You are a brave boy," she said. "Who are you?" +<P> +I told her, coloring as I spoke. But she laid a kindly +hand upon my shoulder. +<P> +"Even if your father was guilty, you are not to blame," +she said, and she made me tell her all about myself, and about Kate, and +the hard luck we were having. +<P> +The Widow Canby lived in an old-fashioned house, surrounded +on three sides by orchards several acres in extent. She was well to do, but +made no pretence to style. Many thought her extremely eccentric but that +was only because they did not know her. +<P> +The day I came to her assistance she made me stay to supper, +and when I left it was under promise to call the next day and bring my sister +along. +<P> +This I did, and a long conversation took place, which +resulted in Kate and myself going to live with the widow—I to take care +of the garden and the orchards, and my sister to help with the housekeeping, +for which we received our board and joint wages of fifteen dollars per month. +<P> +We could not have fallen into better hands. Mrs. Canby +was as considerate as one would wish, and had it not been for the cloud upon +our name we would have been content. +<P> +But the stain upon our family was a source of unpleasantness +to us. I fully believed my father innocent, and I wondered if the time would +ever come when his character would be cleared. +<P> +My duties around Widow Canby's place were not onerous, +and I had plenty of chance for self-improvement. I had finished my course +at the village school in spite of the calumny that was cast upon me, and +now I continued my studies in private whenever the opportunity offered. +<P> +I was looked down upon by nearly every one in the village. +To strangers I was pointed out as the convict's son, and people reckoned +that the "Widder Canby wasn't right sharp when she took in them as wasn't +to be trusted." +<P> +I was not over-sensitive, but these remarks, which generally +reached my ears sooner or later, made me very angry. What right had people +to look down on my sister and myself? It was not fair to Kate and me, and +I proposed to stand it no longer. +<P> +It was a lovely morning in September, but I was in no +mood to enjoy the bright sunshine and clear air that flooded the orchard. +I had just come from the depot with the mail for Mrs. Canby, and down there +I had heard two men pass opinions on my father's case that were not only +uncharitable but unjust. +<P> +I was therefore in no frame of mind to put up with Duncan +Woodward's actions, and when he spoke of giving me a good drubbing I prepared +to defend myself. +<P> +"Two can play at that game, Duncan," I replied. +<P> +"Ho! ho! Do you mean to say you can stand up against me?" +he asked derisively. +<P> +"I can try," I returned stoutly. "I'm sure now that you +have no business here." +<P> +"Why, you miserable little thief&—" +<P> +"Stop that! I'm no thief, if you please." +<P> +"Well, you're the son of one, and that's the same thing." +<P> +"My father is innocent, and I won't allow any one, big +or little, to call him a thief," I burst out. "Some day he will be cleared." +<P> +"Not much!" laughed Duncan. "My father knows all about +the case. I can tell you that." +<P> +"Then perhaps he knows where the money went to," I replied +quickly. "I know he was very intimate with my father at that time." +<P> +Had I stopped to think I would not have spoken as I did. +My remark made the young man furious, and I had hardly spoken before Duncan +hit me a stinging blow on the forehead, and, springing upon me, bore me to +the ground. +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> +<h4>AN ASSAULT ON THE ROAD</h4> +<P> +I knew Duncan Woodward would not +hesitate to attack me. He was a much larger fellow than myself, and always +ready to fight any one he thought he could whip. +<P> +Yet I was not prepared for the sudden onslaught that had +been made. Had I been, I might have parried his blow. +<P> +But I did not intend to be subdued as easily as he imagined. +The blow on my forehead pained not a little, and it made me mad "clear through." +<P> +"Get off of me!" I cried, as Duncan brought his full weight +down upon my chest. +<P> +"Not much! Not until you promise to keep quiet about this +affair," he replied. +<P> +"If you don't get off, you'll be mighty sorry;" was my +reply, as I squirmed around in an effort to throw him aside. +<P> +Suddenly he caught me by the ear, and gave that member +a twist that caused me to cry out with pain. +<P> +"Now will you do as I say?" he demanded. +<P> +"No" +<P> +Again he caught my ear. But now I was ready for him. It +was useless to try to shake him off. He was too heavy and powerful for that. +So I brought a small, but effective weapon into play. The weapon was nothing +more than a pin that held together a rent in my trousers made the day previous. +Without hesitation I pulled it out and ran it a good half-inch into his leg. +<P> +The yell he gave would have done credit to a wild Indian, +and he bounded a distance of several feet. I was not slow to take advantage +of this movement, and in an instant I was on my feet and several yards away. +<P> +Duncan's rage knew no bounds. He was mad enough to "chew +me up," and with a loud exclamation he sprang after me, aiming a blow at +my head as he did so. +<P> +I dodged his arm, and then, gathering myself together, +landed my fist fairly and squarely upon the tip of his nose, a blow that +knocked him off his feet and sent him rolling to the ground. +<P> +To say that I was astonished at what I had done would +not express my entire feelings. I was amazed, and could hardly credit my +own eyesight. Yet there he lay, the blood flowing from the end of his nasal +organ. He was completely knocked out, and I had done the deed. I did not +fear for consequences. I felt justified in what I had done. But I wondered +how Duncan would stand the punishment. +<P> +With a look of intense bitterness on his face he rose +slowly to his feet. The blood was running down his chin, and there were several +stains upon his white collar and his shirt front. If a look could have crushed +me I would have been instantly annihilated. +<P> +"I'll fix you for that!" he roared. "Roger Strong, I'll +get even with you, if it takes ten years!" +<P> +"Do what you please, Duncan Woodward," I rejoined. "I +don't fear you. Only beware how you address me in the future. You will get +yourself into trouble." +<P> +"I imagine you will be the one to get into trouble," he +returned insinuatingly. +<P> +"I'm not afraid. But—hold up there!" I added, for Duncan +had begun to move off toward the fence. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"I want you to hand over the pears you picked." +<P> +"I won't." +<P> +"Very well. Then I'll report the case to Mrs. Canby." +<P> +Duncan grew white. +<P> +"Take your confounded fruit," he howled, throwing a dozen +or more of the luscious pears at my feet. "If I don't get even with you, +my name isn't Duncan Woodward!" +<P> +And with this parting threat he turned to the fence, jumped +over, and strode down the road. +<P> +In spite of the seriousness of the affair I could not +help but laugh. Duncan had no doubt thought it a great lark to rob the widow's +orchard, never dreaming of the wrong he was doing or of the injury to the +trees. Now his nose was swollen, his clothes soiled, and he had suffered +defeat in every way. +<P> +I had no doubt that he would do all in his power to get +even with me. He hated me and always had. At school I had surpassed him in +our studies, and on the ball field I had proved myself a superior player. +I do not wish to brag about what I did, but it is necessary to show why Duncan +disliked me. +<P> +Nor was there much love lost on my side, though I always +treated him fairly. The reason for this was plain. +<P> +As I have stated, his father, Aaron Woodward, was at one +tune a fellow-clerk with my father. At the time my father was arrested, Woodward +was one of his principal accusers. Duncan had, of course, taken up the matter. +Since then Mr. Woodward had received a large legacy from a dead relative +in Chicago, or its suburbs, and started the finest general store in Darbyville. +But his bitterness toward us still continued. +<P> +That the man knew something about the money that had been +stolen I did not doubt, but how to prove it was a difficult problem that +I had pondered many times without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. +<P> +I watched Duncan out of sight and then turned and walked +slowly toward the house. +<P> +"Roger!" +<P> +It was Mrs. Canby who called me. She stood on the side +porch with a letter in her hand. +<P> +"You want me?" +<P> +"Yes, I have quite important news," she continued. "My +sister in Norfolk is very ill, and I must go to her at once. I have spoken +to Kate about it. Do you think you can get along while I am gone?" +<P> +"Yes, ma'am. How long do you expect to be away?" +<P> +"If she is not seriously ill I shall be back by day after +to-morrow. You can hitch up Jerry at once. The train leaves in an hour." +<P> +"I'll have him at the door in five minutes." +<P> +"And, Roger, you and Kate must take good care of things +while I am gone. There are several hundred dollars locked up in my desk. +I would take the money to the bank in Newville, only I hate to lose the time." +<P> +"I reckon it will be safe," I replied; "I'll keep good +watch against burglars." +<P> +"Do you think you can handle a pistol?" she went on. +<P> +"I think I could," I replied, with all the interest of +the average American boy in firearms. +<P> +"There is a pistol upstairs in my bureau that belonged +to Mr. Canby. I will let you have that, though of course I trust you won't +need it." +<P> +"Is it loaded?" +<P> +"Yes; I loaded it last week. I will lay it out before +I go. Be very careful with it." +<P> +"I will," I promised her. +<P> +I hurried down to the barn, and in a few moments had Jerry +hooked up to the family turnout. As I was about to jump in and drive to the +house, a man confronted me. +<P> +He was a stranger, about forty years of age, with black +hair and shaggy beard and eyebrows. He was seedily dressed, and altogether +looked to be a disreputable character. +<P> +"Say, young man, can you help a fellow as is down on his +luck?" he asked in a hoarse tone. +<P> +"Who are you?" I responded. +<P> +"I'm a moulder from Factoryville. The shop's shut down, +and I'm out of money and out of work." +<P> +"How long have you been out?" +<P> +"Two weeks." +<P> +"And you haven't found work anywhere?" +<P> +"Not a stroke." +<P> +"Been to Newville?" +<P> +"All through it, and everything full." +<P> +I thought this was queer. I had glanced at the Want column +of a Newville newspaper and had noted that moulders were wanted in several +places. +<P> +The man's appearance did not strike me favorably, and +when he came closer to me I noted that his breath smelt strongly of liquor. +<P> +"I don't think I can help you," said I. "I have nothing +for you to do." +<P> +"Give me a quarter, then, will you? I ain't had nothing +to eat since yesterday." +<P> +"But you've had something to drink," I could not help +remark. +<P> +The man scowled, "How do you know?" +<P> +"I can smell it on you." +<P> +"I only had one glass,—just to knock out a cold I caught. +Come, make it half a dollar. I'll pay you back when I get work." +<P> +"I don't care to lend." +<P> +"Make it ten cents." +<P> +"Not a cent." +<P> +"You're mighty independent about it," he sneered. +<P> +"I have to be when such fellows as you tackle me," I returned +with spirit. +<P> +"You're mighty high toned for a boy of your age." +<P> +"I'm too high toned to let you talk to me in this fashion. +I want you to leave at once." +<P> +The tramp—for the man was nothing else—scowled worse +than before. +<P> +"I'll leave when I please," he returned coolly. +<P> +I was nonplussed. I was in a hurry to get away to drive +Widow Canby to the station. To leave the man hanging about the house with +no one but my sister Kate home was simply out of the question. +<P> +Suddenly an idea struck me. Like most people who live +in the country, Mrs. Canby kept a watch-dog—a large and powerful mastiff +called Major. He was tied up near the back stoop out of sight, but could +be pressed into service on short notice. +<P> +"If you don't go at once, I'll set the dog on you." +<P> +"Huh! You can't fool me!" +<P> +"No fooling about it. Major! Major!" I called. +<P> +There was a rattling of chain as the animal tried to break +away, and then a loud barking. The noise seemed to strike terror to the tramp's +heart. +<P> +"I'll get even with you, young fellow!" he growled, and +running to the fence he scrambled over and out of sight. I did not wait to +see in what direction he went. +<P> +When I reached the porch I found Mrs. Canby bidding my +sister good-by. A moment more and she was on the seat. I touched up Jerry +and we were off. +<P> +"It took you a long time to hitch up," the widow remarked +as we drove along. +<P> +"It wasn't that," I replied, and told her about the tramp. +<P> +"You must be very careful of those men," she said anxiously. +"Some of them will not stop at anything." +<P> +"I'll be wide awake," I rejoined reassuringly. +<P> +It was not a long drive to the station. When we arrived +there, Mrs. Canby had over five minutes to spare, and this time was spent +in buying a ticket and giving me final instructions. +<P> +At length the train came along and she was off. I waited +a few moments longer and then drove away. +<P> +I had several purchases to make in the village—a +pruning-knife, a bag of feed, and some groceries, and these took some time +to buy, so it was nearly noon when I started home. +<P> +Several times I imagined that a couple of the village +young men noticed me very closely, but I paid no attention and went on my +way, never dreaming of what was in store for me. +<P> +The road to the widow's house ran for half a mile or more +through a heavy belt of timber land. We were jogging along at a fair pace, +and I was looking over a newspaper I had picked up on the station platform. +Suddenly some one sprang out from the bushes and seized Jerry by the bridle. +<P> +Astonished and alarmed, I sprang up to see what was the +matter. As I did so I received a stinging blow on the side of the head, and +the next instant was dragged rudely from the carriage. +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> +<h4>THE MODELS</h4> +<P> +I had been taken completely off my +guard, but by instinct I tried to ward off my assailants. My effort was a +useless one. In a trice I found myself on the ground, surrounded by half +a dozen of the fastest young men to be found in Darbyville. +<P> +Prominent among them was Duncan Woodward, and I rightfully +guessed that it was he who had organized the attack. +<P> +"Take it easy, Strong," exclaimed a fellow named Moran, +"unless you want to be all broke up." +<P> +"What do you mean by treating me in this way?" I cried +indignantly. +<P> +"You'll find out soon enough," said Phillips, another +of the young men. "Come, stop your struggling." +<P> +"I'll do nothing of the kind. You have no right to molest +me." +<P> +"Pooh!" sniffed Duncan. "The Models have a right to do +anything." +<P> +"The Models?" I queried, in perplexity. "Who are they?" +<P> +"The Models are a band of young gentlemen organized for +the purpose of social enjoyment and to teach cads lessons that they are not +likely to forget," replied Moran. +<P> +"I suppose you are the members," I said, surveying the +half-dozen. +<P> +"We have that honor," rejoined a boy named Barton, who +had not yet spoken. +<P> +"And we intend to teach you a lesson," added Pultzer, +a short, stout chap, whose father had once been a butcher. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"For your unwarranted attack upon our illustrious president." +<P> +"Your president? You mean Duncan?" +<P> +"Mr. Woodward, if you please," interrupted Duncan, loftily. +"I won't have such a low-bred fellow as you calling me by my first name." +<P> +"I'm no lower bred than you are," I retorted. +<P> +"Come, none of that!"cried Moran. "We all know you well. +We shall at once proceed to teach you a lesson." +<P> +I could not help smile—the whole affair seemed so ridiculous +that had it not been for the rough handling I had received when pulled from +the carriage, I would have considered it a joke. +<P> +"You'll find it no laughing matter," said Duncan, savagely, +angry, no doubt, because I did not show more signs of fear. "Just wait till +we are through with you. You'll grin on the other side of your face." +<P> +"What do you intend to do with me?" +<P> +"You'll see soon enough." +<P> +I began to think the affair might be more serious than +I had imagined. Six to one was heavy odds, and who could tell what these +wild fellows would not do? +<P> +"I want you to let me go at once," I said decidedly. "If +you don't, it will be the worse for you." +<P> +"Not a bit of it. We intend that you shall remember this +occasion as long as you live," returned Moran. "Come, march along with us." +<P> +"Where to?" +<P> +"Never mind. March!" +<P> +For reply I turned, and made a hasty jump for the carriage, +intending to utilize Jerry in a bold dash for liberty. I had just placed +my foot upon the step and called to the horse when Moran caught me by the +jacket and dragged me to the ground. +<P> +"No you don't!" he ejaculated roughly. +<P> +"There, Dunc, catch hold of him; and you too, Ellery. +We mustn't let him escape after we've watched two hours to catch him!" +<P> +In an instant, I was surrounded. Now that Duncan had his +friends to back him he was brave enough and held my arm in a grip of iron. +<P> +"Any one bring a rope?" went on Moran. +<P> +"Here's one," replied Ellery Blake. +<P> +"Hand it over. We had better bind his hands." +<P> +Knowing that it would be folly to resist, I allowed them +to do as Moran had advised. My wrists were knotted together behind my back, +and then the cord was drawn tightly about my waist. +<P> +"Now march!" +<P> +"How about the horse and carriage?" +<P> +"They'll be O. K." +<P> +There seemed to be no help for it, so I walked along with +them. Had there been the slightest chance offered to escape I would have +taken it, but warned by experience, all six kept close watch over me. +<P> +Away we went through the woods that lined the east side +of the road. It was bad walking, and with both my hands behind me I was several +times in danger of stumbling. Indeed, once I did go down, but the firm grasp +of my captors saved me from injury. +<P> +Presently we came to a long clearing, where it had once +been the intention of some capitalists to build a railroad. But the matter +had drifted into litigation, and nothing was done but to build a tool house +and cut away the trees and brush. +<P> +The building had often been the resort of tramps, and +was in a dilapidated condition. It was probably fifteen feet square, having +a door at one end and a window at the other. The roof was flat and full of +holes, but otherwise the building was fairly strong. +<P> +"Here we are, fellows," said Duncan, as we stopped in +front of the door. "Just let go of him." +<P> +The others did as he requested. But they formed a small +circle around me that I might not escape. +<P> +"Now that I have got you in a place free from interruption +I intend to square up accounts with you," continued the president of the +Models. "You hit me a foul blow this morning." +<P> +"You brought it on yourself, Duncan," I replied, as coolly +as I could, though I was keenly interested. +<P> +"Stop! How many times must I tell you not to call me by +my first name." +<P> +"Well, then, Woodward, if that suits you better." +<P> +<I>"Mr.</I> Woodward, if you please." +<P> +"Oh, come, Dunc, hurry up," interrupted Moran. "We don't +want to stay here all day." +<P> +"I'm only teaching this fellow a lesson in politeness." +<P> +"All right; only cut it short." +<P> +"See here, Moran, who's the president of this club?" +<P> +"You are." +<P> +"Well, then, I'll take my own time," replied Duncan, loftily. +<P> +"Go ahead then. But you'll have to do without me," rejoined +Moran, considerably provoked by the other's domineering tone. +<P> +"I will?" +<P> +"Yes. I've got other things to do besides standing here +gassing all day." +<P> +"Indeed!" sneered Duncan. +<P> +"Yes, indeed!" +<P> +I enjoyed the scene. It looked very much as if there would +be lively times without my aid. +<P> +"You're getting up on your dignity mighty quick, Dan Moran." +<P> +"I don't intend to play servant-in-waiting for any one, +Duncan Woodward." +<P> +"Who asked you to?" +<P> +"'Actions speak louder than words.'" +<P> +"I'm the president of the Models, am I not?" +<P> +"Yes, but you're not a model president." +<P> +I could not help smiling at Moran's pun. He was not a +bad chap, and had he not been to a great extent under Duncan's influence +he might have been a first-rate fellow. +<P> +Of course, as is the fashion among men as well as boys, +all the others groaned at the pun; and then Ellery broke in:&— +<P> +"Come, come, this will never do. Go ahead with Strong, +Dunc." +<P> +"I intend to," was the president's rejoinder. "But you +all promised to stick by me, and I don't want any one to back out." +<P> +"I'm not backing out," put in Moran. "I only want to hurry +matters up." +<P> +There was a pause after this speech, then Duncan addressed +me:&— +<P> +"Perhaps you are anxious to know why I brought you here?" +<P> +"Not particularly," I returned coldly. +<P> +Duncan gave a sniff. +<P> +"I guess that's all put on." +<P> +"Not at all. What I am anxious to know is, what you intend +to do with me." +<P> +"Well, first of all I want you to get down on your knees +and apologize for your conduct toward me this morning." +<P> +"Not much!" I cried. +<P> +"You are in my power." +<P> +"I don't care. Go ahead and do your worst," I replied +recklessly, willing to suffer almost anything rather than apologize to such +a chap as Duncan Woodward. +<P> +Besides, what had I done to call for an apology? I had +certainly treated him no worse than he deserved. He was a spoilt boy and +a bully, and I would die rather than go down on my knees to him. +<P> +"You don't know what's in store for you," said Dunce, +nonplussed by my manner. +<P> +"As I said before, I'll risk it." +<P> +"Very well. Where is the rope, boys?" +<P> +"Here you are," answered Pultzer. "Plenty of it." +<P> +As he spoke he produced a stout clothes line, five or +six yards in length. +<P> +"We'll bind his hands a little tighter first," instructed +Duncan, "and then his legs. Be sure and make the knots strong, so they won't +slip. He must not escape us." +<P> +I tried to protest against these proceedings, but with +my hands already bound it was useless. +<P> +In five minutes the clothes line had been passed around +my body from head to feet, and I was almost as stiff as an Egyptian mummy. +<P> +"Now catch hold, and we'll carry him into the tool house," +said Duncan. "I guess after he has spent twenty-four hours in that place +without food or water he'll be mighty anxious to come to terms." +<P> +I was half dragged and half carried to the tool house +and dropped upon the floor. Then the door was closed upon me, and I was left +to my fate. +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> +<h4>THE TRAMP AGAIN</h4> +<P> +I am sure that all will admit that +the prospect before me was not a particularly bright one. I was bound hand +and foot and left without food or water. +<P> +Yet as I lay upon the hard floor of the tool house I was +not so much concerned about myself as I was about matters at Widow Canby's +house. It would be a hardship to pass the night where I was, to say nothing +of how I might be treated when Duncan Woodward and his followers returned. +But in the meantime, how would Kate fare? +<P> +I knew that my sister would be greatly alarmed at my continued +absence. She fully expected me to be home long before this. As near as I +could judge it was now an hour or so after noon, and she would have dinner +kept warm on the kitchen stove, expecting every minute to see me drive up +the lane. +<P> +Then again I was worried over the fact that the widow +had left the house and her money in my charge. To be sure, the latter was +locked up in her private secretary; but I felt it to be as much in my care +as if it had been placed in my shirt bosom or the bottom of my trunk. +<P> +I concluded that it was my duty, then, to free myself +as quickly as possible from the bonds which the members of the Model Club +had placed upon me. But this idea was more easily conceived than carried +out. +<P> +In vain I tugged at the clothes line that held my arms +and hands fast to my body. Duncan and the others had done their work well, +and the only result of my efforts was to make the cord cut so deep into my +flesh that several times I was ready to cry out from pain. +<P> +In my attempts I tried to rise to my feet, but found it +an impossibility, and only succeeded in bumping my head severely against +the wall. +<P> +There was no use in calling for help, and though I halloed +several times I soon gave it up. I was fully three-quarters of a mile from +any house and half that distance from the road, and who would be likely to +hear me so far off? +<P> +The afternoon dragged slowly along, and finally the sun +went down and the evening shadows crept up. By this time I was quite hungry +and tremendously thirsty. But with nothing at hand to satisfy the one or +allay the other I resolutely put all thoughts of both out of my head. +<P> +In the old tool house there had been left several empty +barrels, behind which was a quantity of shavings that I found far more +comfortable to rest upon than the bare floor. +<P> +As the evening wore on I wondered if I would be able to +sleep. There was no use worrying about matters, as it would do no good, so +I was inclined to treat the affair philosophically and make the best of it. +<P> +An hour passed, and I was just dropping into a light doze +when a noise outside attracted my attention. I listened intently and heard +a man's footsteps. +<P> +I was inclined to call out, and, in fact, was on the point +of so doing, when the door of the tool house opened and in the dim light +I recognized the form of the tramp moulder who earlier in the day had so +impudently asked me for help. +<P> +I was not greatly surprised to see him, for, as mentioned +before, the old tool house was frequently used by men of his stamp. He had +as much right there as I had, and though I was chagrined to see him enter +I was in no position to protest. +<P> +On the contrary, I deemed it advisable to keep quiet. +If he did not see me, so much the better. If he did, who could tell what +indignities he might visit upon me? +<P> +So I crouched down behind the empty barrels, hardly daring +to breathe. The man stumbled into the building, leaving the door wide open. +<P> +By his manner I was certain that he had been drinking +heavily, and his rambling soliloquy proved it. +<P> +"The same old shebang," he mumbled to himself, as he swayed +around in the middle of the floor, "the same old shebang where Aaron Woodward +and I parted company four years ago. He's took care of his money, and I've +gone to the dogs," and he gave a yawn and sat down on top of a barrel. +<P> +I was thoroughly surprised at his words. Was it possible +that this seedy-looking individual had once been intimate with Duncan Woodward's +father? It hardly seemed reasonable. I made a rapid calculation and concluded +that the meeting must have had something to do with the proposed railroad +in which I knew Mr. Woodward had held an interest. Perhaps this tramp had +once been a prosperous contractor. +<P> +"Great times them were. Plenty of money and nothing to +do," continued the man. "Wonder if any one in Darbyville would recognize—hold +up, Stumpy, you mustn't repeat that name too often or you'll be mentioning +it in public when it ain't no interest for you to do it. Stumpy, John Stumpy, +is good enough for the likes of you." +<P> +And with great deliberation Mr. John Stumpy brought forth +a short clay pipe which he proceeded to fill and light with evident satisfaction. +<P> +During the brief period of lighting up I caught a good +glance at his face, and fancied that I saw beneath the surface of dirt and +dissipation a look of shrewdness and intelligence. Evidently he was one of +the unfortunates who allowed drink to make off with their brains. +<P> +Mr. John Stumpy puffed on in silence for several minutes. +I wondered what he intended to do, and was not prepared for the surprises +that were to follow. +<P> +"Times are changed and no mistake," he went on. "Here +I am, down at the bottom, Nick Weaver dead, Woodward a rich man, and Carson +Strong in jail. Humph! but times do change!" +<P> +Carson Strong! My heart gave a bound. This man was speaking +of my father. What did it mean? What did the tramp know of the events of +the past? As I lay behind the barrels, I earnestly hoped he would go on with +his talk. I had heard just enough to arouse my curiosity. +<P> +I was certain that I had never, until that day, seen the +man. What, then, could he have in common with my father? +<P> +Instinctively I connected the man with the cause of my +father's imprisonment—I will not say downfall, because I firmly believed +him innocent. Why I should do so I cannot to this day explain, but from the +instant he mentioned my parent's name the man was firmly fixed in my memory. +<P> +In a few moments Mr. John Stumpy had puffed his pipe out, +leaving the place filled with a heavy and vile smoke which gave me all I +could do to keep from coughing. Then he slowly knocked the ashes from the +bowl and restored the pipe to his pocket. +<P> +"Now I reckon I'm in pretty good trim to go ahead," he +muttered as he arose. "No use of talking; there ain't anything like a good +puff to steady a man's nerves. Was a time when I didn't need it, but them +times are gone, and the least little job on hand upsets me. Wonder how much +that old woman left behind." +<P> +I nearly uttered an ejaculation of astonishment. Was this +man speaking of Mrs. Canby? What was the job that he contemplated? +<P> +Clearly there could be but one answer to that question. +He knew the widow had gone away, and in her absence he contemplated robbing +her house. Perhaps he had overheard her make mention of the money locked +up in her desk, and the temptation to obtain possession of it was too strong +to resist. +<P> +"I'll have to get rid of that boy and the dog, I suppose," +he went on. "If it wasn't for the noise I'd shoot the dog; but it won't do +to arouse the neighborhood. As for the lad, I reckon the sight of a pistol +will scare him to death." +<P> +I was not so sure of that, and I grated my teeth at the +thought of my present helplessness. Had I been free, I am sure I could have +escaped easily, and perhaps have had the tramp arrested. +<P> +It was an alarming prospect. Kate was the only occupant +of the house, and the nearest neighbor lived a full five hundred feet away. +If attacked in the middle of the night, what would my sister do? +<P> +For a moment I felt like exposing myself, but then I reflected +that such a course would not liberate me, and he would know that he had nothing +to fear from me at the house, whereas, if I kept quiet, he might, by some +lucky incident, be kept at bay. +<P> +So I lay still, wondering when he would start on his criminal +quest. +<P> +"Now, one more drink and then I'll be off," he continued, +and, producing a bottle, he took a deep draught. "Ha! That's the stuff to +brace a man's nerves! But you mustn't drink too much, John Stumpy, or you'll +be no good at all. If you'd only let liquor alone you might be as rich as +Aaron Woodward, remember that." He gave something like a sigh. "Oh, well; +let it pass. I'll get the tools and be on the way. The money in my pocket, +I'll take the first train in the morning for the West." He paused a moment. +"But no; I won't go until I've seen Woodward. He owes me a little on the +old score, and I'll not go until he has settled up." +<P> +There was an interval of silence, during which Stumpy +must have been feeling around in his pockets for a match; for a moment later +there were several slight scratches, and then a tiny flame lit up the interior +of the tool house. +<P> +"Let's see, where did I leave them tools? Ah, yes; I remember +now. Behind those barrels." +<P> +And Stumpy moved over to where I was in hiding. +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> +<h4>FOLLOWING JOHN STUMPY</h4> +<P> +I expected to be discovered. I could +not see how it could possibly be avoided. John Stumpy was but a few feet +away. In a second more he would be in full sight of me. +<P> +What the outcome of the discovery would be I could not +imagine. I was at the man's mercy, and I was inclined to think that, our +interview of the morning would not tend to soften his feelings toward me. +<P> +But at that instant a small, yet extremely lucky incident +occurred. A draught of wind came in at the partly open door and blew out +the match, leaving the place in darkness. +<P> +"Confound the luck!" ejaculated John Stumpy, in high +irritation. "There goes the light, and it's the last match I've got, too." +<P> +This bit of information was gratifying to me, and, without +making any noise, I rolled back into the corner as far as possible. +<P> +"Well, I'll have to find them tools in the dark, that's +all." He groped around for several seconds, during which I held my breath. +"Ah, here they are, just as I left 'em last night. Reckon no one visits this +shanty, and maybe it will be a good place to bring the booty, especially +if I happen to be closely pushed." +<P> +I sincerely hoped that he would be closely pushed, and +in fact so closely pushed that he would have no booty to bring. But if he +did succeed in his nefarious plans, I was glad that I would know where to +look for him. +<P> +No sooner had the man found the bag of tools,—which was +nothing more nor less than a burglar's kit,—than he quitted the place, and +I was left to my own reflections. +<P> +My thoughts alarmed me. Beyond a doubt John Stumpy intended +to rob the Widow Canby's house. The only one at home was Kate, and I groaned +as I thought of the alarm and terror that she might be called upon to suffer. +As it was, I was sure she was worried about my continued absence. In my anguish +I strove with all my might to burst asunder the bonds that held me. At the +end of five minutes' struggle I remained as securely tied as ever. +<P> +What was to be done? It was a puzzling, but pertinent +question. By hook or by crook I must get free. At great risk of hurting my +head I rolled to the door of the tool house, which Stumpy had left wide open. +Outside, the stars were shining brightly, and in the southwest the pale crescent +of the new moon was falling behind the tree-tops, casting ghostly shadows +that would have made a timid person shiver. But as the reader may by this +time know, I was not of a timid nature, and I gave the shadows scant attention +until a sudden movement among the trees attracted my notice. It was the figure +of some person coming rapidly toward me. +<P> +At first I judged it must be Stumpy returning, and I was +on the point of rolling back to my hiding-place when I saw that the newcomer +was a boy. +<P> +When he reached the edge of the clearing he paused, and +approached slowly. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he called out. I instantly recognized +the voice of Dick Blair, one of the youngest members of the Models, who, +during my capture, had had little to say or do. He was the son of a wealthy +farmer who lived but a short distance down the road from the Widow Canby's +place. +<P> +I had always considered Dick a pretty good chap, and had +been disagreeably surprised to see him in company with Duncan Woodward's +crowd. How Duncan had ever taken up with him I could not imagine, except +it might have been on account of the money Dick's father allowed him to have. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he repeated. "Are you still here?" +<P> +I could, not imagine what had brought him to this place +at such an hour of the night. Yet I answered at once. +<P> +"Yes, I am, Dick Blair." +<P> +"I thought maybe you had managed to get away," he continued, +as he came closer. +<P> +"No; you fellows did your work pretty well," I replied +as lightly as I could, for I did not want to show the white feather. +<P> +"Precious little I had to do with it," he went on, as +he struck a match and lit a lantern that he carried. +<P> +"You were with the crowd." +<P> +"I know it; but I wouldn't have been if I'd known what +they were up to. I hope you will not think too badly of me, Roger." +<P> +"I thought it was strange you would go into anything of +this kind, Dick. What brings you back to-night?" +<P> +"I am ashamed of the whole thing," he answered earnestly, +"and I came to release you—that is, on certain conditions." +<P> +My heart gave a bound. "What conditions, Dick?" +<P> +"I want you to promise that you won't tell who set you +free," he explained. "If Dunc or the rest heard of it, they would never forgive +me." +<P> +"What of it, Dick? Their opinion isn't worth anything." +<P> +"I know it—now. But they could tell mighty mean stories +about me if they wanted to." And Dick Blair turned away and shuffled his +foot on the ground to hide his shame. +<P> +"Don't mind them, Dick. If they start any bad report about +you, do as I'm doing with the stain on our name—live it down." +<P> +"I'll try it. But you'll promise, won't you?" +<P> +"If you wish it, yes." +<P> +"All right; I know I can trust you," said Dick. Producing +his pocket knife, he quickly cut the cords that bound me. Somewhat stiff +from the position in which I had been forced to remain, I rose slowly to +my feet. +<P> +"I don't know whether to thank you or not for what you've +done for me, Dick," I began. "But I appreciate your actions." +<P> +"I don't deserve any thanks. It was a mean trick, and +I guess legally I was as guilty as any one. Just keep quiet about it and +don't think too hard of me." +<P> +"I'll do both," I responded quickly. +<P> +"It's a mighty lonely place to spend the night in," he +went on. "I'm no coward, but I wouldn't care to do it, all alone." +<P> +"I haven't been alone." +<P> +"No." And Dick looked intensely surprised. "Who has been +here?" +<P> +I hesitated. Should I tell him? +<P> +"A tramp," I began. +<P> +"Why didn't he untie you?" +<P> +"He didn't see me." +<P> +"Oh, I suppose you hid away. What did he want, I wonder?" +<P> +"He was after some tools." +<P> +"Tools! There are none here, any more." +<P> +"But there were." +<P> +"What kind of tools?" +<P> +I hesitated again. Should I tell Dick the secret? Perhaps +he might give me some timely assistance. +<P> +"Will you promise to keep silent if I tell?" +<P> +"Why, what do you mean, Roger?" +<P> +"It is very important." +<P> +"All right. Fire away." +<P> +"He came after some burglar's tools." +<P> +Dick stepped back in astonishment. "You surely don't mean +it!" he gasped "Who was he going to rob?" +<P> +"The widow's house. He knows she is away and has left +considerable money in her desk." +<P> +And in a rapid manner I told Dick of what I had overheard, +omitting the mentioning of my father's and Mr. Woodward's names. Of course +he was tremendously excited. What healthy country boy would not be? +<P> +"What are you going to do about it?" he questioned. +<P> +"Now I'm free I'm going to catch the fellow," I returned +decidedly. "He shall not rob Mrs. Canby's house if I can help it." +<P> +"Aren't you afraid?" +<P> +"I intend to be cautious." +<P> +"He may have a pistol." +<P> +"The widow left one in the house. Maybe I can secure it. +Then we'll be on an equal footing." +<P> +"I've got a pistol, Roger." +<P> +"You!" +<P> +"Yes, the Models all carry them. Dunc always insisted +that it was the proper thing." +<P> +As Dick spoke, he produced a highly polished nickel-plated +five-shooter. +<P> +"It looks like a good one," I said, after examining it. +"Is it loaded?" +<P> +"Oh, yes; and I've got a box of cartridges in my pocket +besides." +<P> +"Lend it to me, Dick." +<P> +"If you don't mind I'll—I'll go along with you, Roger," +he returned. "You won't find me such a terrible coward." +<P> +"All right. But we must hurry. That fellow has got a good +start, and he may even now be in the house." +<P> +"Hardly. He'll want to take a look around first." +<P> +Nevertheless, we lost no time in getting away from the +tool house. We walked side by side, I with the pistol in the pocket of my +jacket, and Dick with the lantern held aloft, that we might see to make rapid +progress over the unaccustomed road. +<P> +It was a good walk to the widow's, and once Dick stumbled +down in a heap, while the lantern rolled several yards away. But he picked +himself up without grumbling and went along faster than ever. +<P> +"If I'm not mistaken, I saw that tramp down at the depot +this morning," said he, as we drew near to the main road. "He was hanging +around, and I thought he looked like a suspicious character." +<P> +"Did you see him yesterday?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Did you ever hear of him before?" +<P> +"I guess not. He was near the baggage room when I saw +him. Then Mr. Woodward came up to see about a trunk, and the tramp made right +off." +<P> +I was interested. John Stumpy had intimately that he intended +to have an interview with Duncan Woodward's father, and if this was so, why +had he not taken advantage of the opportunity thus offered? +<P> +I could arrive at but one conclusion. The tramp wished +their meeting to be a strictly private one. He did not care to be seen in +Mr. Woodward's presence, or else the wealthy merchant would not tolerate +such a thing. +<P> +If the meeting was to be of a private nature, it would +no doubt be of importance. Had my father's name not been mentioned I would +not have cared; but as it was, I was deeply interested. +<P> +Perhaps it would be better to merely scare the fellow +off. If he was captured, all chance of finding out his secrets might be lost. +<P> +By this time the reader may be aware that I thought John +Stumpy's secrets important. Such was a fact. Try as hard as I was able, I +could not but imagine that they concerned my father and his alleged downfall. +<P> +In five minutes Dick and I came within sight of Widow +Canby's house. There was a light burning in the kitchen and another in the +dining-room. +<P> +"Everything seems to be all right," said Dick, as we stood +near a corner of the front fence. "I guess the fellow hasn't put in an appearance +yet." +<P> +"I don't know. See I the side porch door is open. We generally +keep it closed, and Kate would certainly have it shut if she was alone." +<P> +"What do you intend to do? Go into the house?" +<P> +"Guess we had better. I'd like to know where that fellow +is," I replied. "Likely as not he is prowling about here somewhere. If we +can only catch sight of him, we can—Hark!" +<P> +As I uttered the last word, a shrill cry reached our ears. +It was Kate's voice; and with my heart jumping wildly I made a dash for the +house, with Dick Blair following me. +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> +<h4>A STRANGE ENVELOPE</h4> +<P> +I was sure that my sister's cry could +mean but one thing—that the tramp had made a raid on the house. I was thoroughly +alarmed, and ran with all possible speed in the direction of the dining-room, +from whence the sound proceeded. +<P> +As I tore across the lawn, regardless of the bed of flowers +which was Mrs. Canby's pride, Kate's cry was repeated, this time in a more +intense tone. An instant later I dashed across the porch and into the room +through the door that, as I have said, stood wide open. +<P> +I found my sister standing in the middle of the floor, +holding in her hand a heavy umbrella with which she had evidently been defending +herself. She was pale, and trembled from head to foot. +<P> +"What is it, Kate?" I exclaimed. "Where is the fellow?" +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" she gasped. "I'm so glad you've come. A tramp +was here—he robbed—robbed the desk—the window&—" +<P> +She pointed to the open window on the opposite side of +the room. Then her breast heaved, the umbrella slipped from her grasp, and +she sank into a chair. +<P> +"Are you hurt?" I cried anxiously. +<P> +"No, no—but the money—it is gone! What will Mrs. Canby +say?" +<P> +And overcome with the dreadful thought, my sister fainted +dead away. +<P> +As for myself I felt sick at heart. John Stumpy had been +there—the widow's money had been stolen. What could be done? +<P> +Meanwhile, Dick Blair had come in. His common sense told +him what had happened, and he set to work to restore my sister to consciousness. +<P> +"Will you stay here with Kate?" I asked. +<P> +"Certainly," he returned promptly. "But where are you +going? After that tramp?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Be careful, for he may be a desperate character." +<P> +"I'm not afraid of him. I'm going to get that money back +or know the reason why," was my determined reply; and I meant every word +I said. +<P> +To my mind it was absolutely necessary that I recover +the stolen property. It would have been bad enough to have had it taken when +the Widow Canby was at home, but it had been stolen when left in my charge, +and that was enough to make me turn Darbyville district up side down before +letting the matter drop. +<P> +Besides, there was still another important factor in the +case. I knew well enough that if the money was not recovered, there would +be plenty of people mean enough to intimate that I had had something to do +with its disappearance. The Strong honor was considered low by many, and +they would not hesitate to declare that I was only following in my father's +footsteps. +<P> +To a person already suffering under an unjust accusation +such an intimation is doubly stinging, and when I told Dick that I was not +afraid of Mr. John Stumpy, I meant that I would rather face the robber now +than the Darbyville people later on. +<P> +"I want to take the pistol," I added. +<P> +"All right. There is the box of extra cartridges. Do you +want the lantern?" +<P> +"Yes; I may want to use it before I return. I'll blow +it out now." +<P> +Our conversation had lasted but a few seconds, and an +instant after I was on my way, the lantern on my left arm and the pistol +in my right hand. +<P> +"Take good care of Kate," I called back as I passed out. +<P> +"I will," replied Dick. "Don't stay away too long, if +you don't find the fellow." +<P> +I passed around to the other side of the garden, where +an open gateway led to the pear orchard. I felt pretty certain that John +Stumpy had pursued this course, and I entered the orchard on a run. +<P> +The thief, I reckoned, was not over five minutes ahead +of me. To be sure, he could easily hide, but it was not likely that he would +care to remain in the neighborhood, unless it was really necessary for him +to see Mr. Aaron Woodward. +<P> +When I got well into the orchard, where it was darker +than in the garden, I listened intently, hoping that I might hear some sound +that would guide me. +<P> +But all was silent. Occasionally a night bird fluttered +through the trees and a frog gave a dismal croak, but otherwise not a sound +broke the stillness. +<P> +I continued on my way toward the road, and reaching the +fence, paused again. +<P> +Had the thief jumped over? If so, which way had he gone, +up, down, or into the woods beyond? It was a perplexing question. Perhaps +if I had been in a story book I might have found some clew to direct me. +But I was not that kind of a hero. I was only an everyday boy, and consequently +no clew presented itself. +<P> +I stood by the fence for several minutes, my eyes and +ears on the alert to catch anything worthy of notice. I judged it was near +midnight, and hardly had I thought of the matter before the distant town +bells tolled the hour of twelve. +<P> +As the echo of the last stroke died away, two figures +came slowly up the road. As they drew nearer, I recognized Moran and Pultzer, +the two Models members who had assisted at my capture. +<P> +I was astonished at their appearance. What on earth could +they be doing out at this time of night? +<P> +As they drew near I thought for many reasons that it would +not be advisable to show myself, and I stepped behind a tree. +<P> +"I don't care what you say," said Pultzer, "Dunc was half +scared to death when we came away." +<P> +"I guess he didn't think what a serious matter it was +when he asked us to go into it," returned Moran. "It's the worst affair I +ever got into." +<P> +"Ditto myself," responded Pultzer. +<P> +"And if we get out without being caught, you'll never +find me in another such," continued the other earnestly. +<P> +"I wonder what Dunc's father will say when he hears of +it?" +<P> +"And all the rest of the Darbyville people? Of course +they've got to lay it to some one." +<P> +I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had +done to me. I never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more +serious. +<P> +"I'm glad Dick Blair wasn't along to-night," went on Moran. +"Dick is not to be trusted any more. He kicked awfully at the idea of tying +up Strong this noon." +<P> +I was gratified to hear this bit of news. I liked Dick +in many respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend. +<P> +"Strong didn't give in quite as much as Dunc thought he +would. Hang it, if I didn't admire his grit." +<P> +"So did I. Wonder how he's getting along in the old tool +house. We must release him first thing in the morning." +<P> +"No need of doing that, gentlemen," I put in, stepping +out from behind the tree. "I am&—" +<P> +But it would have been useless for me to say more, as +no one would have heard me. +<P> +At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had +started in alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast +as their feet could carry them. +<P> +At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the +ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled. "A guilty conscience +needeth no accuser," it is said, and this truth was verified to the letter. +<P> +Yet I was sorry that I had not had a chance to speak to +them. I wanted to question them in regard to the thief. Perhaps they had +seen him, and if so, I did not want to miss my chance of getting upon his +track. +<P> +Jumping over the fence, I walked slowly down the road, +but not in hopes of meeting John Stumpy. If he was anywhere near, the approach +of the two boys had certainly driven him into hiding. +<P> +Suddenly I thought of the tool house. The tramp had spoken +of returning to the place. He evidently knew the road. I determined to go +to the spot and make a search at once. +<P> +It was no easy matter to find my way back to the tool +house, and at the risk of being seen I lit the lantern. +<P> +As I walked along I wondered how my sister and Dick were +faring. No doubt Kate had been much surprised to see who was with her on +her recovery, and I sincerely hoped that the shock Stumpy had given her would +not have any evil effects. She was a sensitive girl, and such happenings +were calculated to try her nerves severely. +<P> +At length I came within sight of the clearing. Here I +hesitated for an instant, and then, pistol in hand, approached the tool house +boldly. +<P> +The door was still open, and I entered, only to find the +place empty. +<P> +With a sigh I realized that my journey thither was a useless +one. Nothing remained but to go back to the road, and I was about to leave +again when the rays of the lantern fell upon a white object lying on the +floor. +<P> +I picked it up. It was a common square envelope. Thinking +it contained a letter I turned it over to read the address. Judge of my +astonishment when I read the following:&— +<P> +Dying Statement of Nicholas Weaver Concerning the Forgeries +for which Carson Strong Was Sent to State's Prison. +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> +<h4>A WAR OF WORDS</h4> +<P> +No words of mine can express the +feeling that came over me as I read the superscription written on the envelope +I had picked up in the old tool house. +<P> +Was it possible that this envelope contained the solution +of the mystery that had taken away our good name and sent my father to prison? +The very thought made me tremble. +<P> +The packet was not a thick one. In fact, it was so thin +that for an instant I imagined the envelope was empty. But a hasty examination +proved my fears groundless. +<P> +In nervous excitement I put the lantern down on the top +of a barrel, and then drew from the envelope the single shoot of foolscap +that it contained. A glance showed me that the pages were closely written +in a cramped hand extremely difficult to read. +<P> +For the moment I forgot everything else—forgot that the +Widow Canby's house had been robbed and that I was on the track of the +robber—and drawing close to the feeble light the lantern afforded, strove +with straining eyes and palpitating heart to decipher the contents of the +written pages. +<BLOCKQUOTE> +"I, Nicholas Weaver, being on the point of death from pneumonia, do make + this my last statement, which I hereby swear is true in every particular." +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<P> +This was the beginning of the document which I hoped would +in some way free my father's character from the stain that now rested on +it. +<P> +Exactly who Nicholas Weaver was I did not know, though +it ran in my mind that I had heard this name mentioned by my father during +the trial. +<P> +Beyond the opening paragraph I have quoted the handwriting +was almost illegible, and in the dim light it was only here and there that +I could pick out such words as "bank," "assumed," "risk," "name," and so +forth, which gave but an inkling of the real contents of the precious document. +<P> +"It's too bad," was my thought. "I'd give all I possess +to be able to read this right off, word for word." +<P> +Hardly had the reflection crossed my mind when a noise +outside startled me. I had just time enough to thrust the paper into my pocket +when the door was swung open and the tramp appeared. +<P> +He was evidently as much surprised as I was, for he stopped +short in amazement, while the short pipe he carried between his lips fell +unnoticed to the floor. +<P> +I rightly conjectured he had not noticed the light of +the lantern and fully believed the tool house tenantless. +<P> +"You here!" he cried. +<P> +"It looks like it, doesn't it?" was all I could find to +reply, and as I spoke my hand sought the pistol I carried. +<P> +"What brought you here?" he demanded roughly. +<P> +"I came after you," I returned as coolly as I could; and +by this time I had the pistol where it could be brought into instant use. +<P> +"What do you want of me?" +<P> +"I want you to hand over the money you stole awhile ago." +<P> +"What are you talking about? I never stole any money." +<P> +"You did. You broke into the Widow Canby's house less +than an hour ago. Come, hand over that money." +<P> +The fellow gave a coarse laugh. "Ha! ha! do you think +I'm to be bluffed by a boy? Get home with you, before I hammer you for calling +me a thief." +<P> +"That's just what you are, and I don't intend to go until +you hand over the money, John Stumpy," I returned decidedly. +<P> +"Ha! you know my name?" +<P> +I bit my lip. I was sorry for the slip I had made. But +I put on a bold front. "I know what you are called," I replied. +<P> +"What I am called?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"What do you mean? Come, out with it." +<P> +"I will when I please. In the meantime hand over that +money." +<P> +"You talk like a fool!" he cried. +<P> +"Never mind. You'll find I won't act like one." +<P> +"What do you know about me?" he went on curiously, believing, +no doubt, that he was perfectly safe from attack. +<P> +"I know more than you think. I know you are a burglar, +and may be worse." +<P> +"I'll kill you!" he cried, rushing forward. +<P> +"Stand where you are!" I returned, pulling out the pistol. +"Don't stir a step." +<P> +He did not see the weapon until he was fairly upon me. +The glint of the nickeled steel made him shiver. +<P> +"Don't shoot!" he cried in sudden terror, that showed +he was a coward at heart. "Don't—don't shoot." +<P> +"I won't if you do as I tell you." +<P> +"Do what?" +<P> +"Give up the widow's money." +<P> +"See here, young fellow, you've made a mistake. I never +was near the widow's house, 'cepting this morning." +<P> +"I know better. You just broke open her desk and stole +over two hundred dollars." +<P> +"It's a mistake. Put down the pistol and I'll tell you +all about it." +<P> +"I'm not such a fool, Mr. John Stumpy, or whatever your +name is," was my decided reply. +<P> +The tone of my voice disconcerted the man, for he paused +as if not knowing what to say next. +<P> +"Say, young feller, do you want to make some money?" he +asked suddenly, after a short pause. +<P> +The change in his manner surprised me. +<P> +"How?" I asked, although I knew about what was coming. +<P> +"I've got nearly three hundred dollars in cash with me. +I'll give you fifty of it if you'll go home and say you couldn't find me." +<P> +"Thank you; I'm not doing business that way," I rejoined +coldly. +<P> +"Fifty dollars ain't to be sneezed at," he went on +insinuatingly. +<P> +"I wouldn't care if you offered me fifty thousand," I +cried sharply. "I'm no thief." +<P> +"Humph; don't you suppose I know who you are?" he went +on. "You're the son of a thief. Do you hear that?—the son of a thief! What +right have you got to set yourself up to be any better than your father was +afore you?" +<P> +"Take care!" I cried, my blood fairly boiling as I spoke. +He saw his mistake. +<P> +"I didn't mean no harm, partner. But what's the use of +being high toned when it don't pay?" +<P> +"It always pays to be honest," I said firmly. +<P> +"There are those who don't think so any more than I," +he replied. +<P> +"My father never was a thief. They may say all they please, +I will always think him innocent." +<P> +"Humph!" +<P> +"If it hadn't been for men like you and Nicholas Weaver, +my father would never be in prison." +<P> +The words were out before I knew it. They were most +injudicious ones. +<P> +"What do you mean?" gasped the man. "What do you know +about Nick Weaver?" +<P> +"More than you imagine. When he died he made a confession&—" +<P> +"It's false. Nick Weaver wasn't in his right mind when +he died, anyhow." +<P> +"Perhaps he was." +<P> +"What you&—" began the man. Then he paused and began a +rapid search in his pockets. "You've got that paper," he cried hoarsely. +"Give it up," and as he spoke, John Stumpy took a threatening step toward +me. +<P> +"Stand back!" and I raised the pistol. +<P> +I was trembling in every limb, but I actually believe +I would have fired it if he had rushed upon me. +<P> +"I won't. Give up that paper." +<P> +"Never. I'll die first." +<P> +And die I would. His earnestness convinced me of the letter's +worth. If it contained that which could clear my father's name, only death +would be the means of parting me from it. +<P> +"Give it up, I say! Do you think I'm to be defeated by +a boy?" +<P> +"Stand back!" +<P> +I raised the pistol on a level with his head. As I did +so, he made a dash forward and caught up a stick which was lying near. +<P> +"I'll fix you!" he roared, and swinging the billet over +his head, he brought it down with all his force on my arm, causing the pistol +to fly from my hand into a corner beyond. +<P> +"Now we'll see who's master here," he cried exultingly. +"You're a smart boy, but you don't know everything!" Rushing over to the +corner, he secured the pistol and aimed it at me. "Now, we'll settle this +matter according to my notions," he went on triumphantly. +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> +<h4>THE STRUGGLE</h4> +<P> +I was deeply chagrined at the unexpected +turn affairs had taken, and I felt decidedly uncomfortable as John Stumpy +levelled the weapon at my head. I could readily see that the battle of words +was at an end. Action was now the order of the day. I wondered what the fellow +would do next; but I was not kept long in suspense. +<P> +"Now, it's my turn, young fellow," he remarked, with a +shrewd grin, as I fell back. +<P> +"Well, what do you want?" I asked, as coolly as I could +recognizing the fact that nothing was to be gained by "stirring him up." +<P> +"You'll see fast enough. In the first place, hand over +that paper." +<P> +I was silent. I did not intend to tell a falsehood by +saying I did not have it, nor did I intend to give it up if it could possibly +be avoided. +<P> +"Did you hear what I said?" continued Stumpy, after a +pause. +<P> +"I thought you said the paper wasn't valuable," I returned, +more to gain time than anything else. +<P> +"Neither it ain't, but, just the same, I want it. Come, +hand it over." +<P> +He was getting ugly now, and no mistake. What was to be +done? +<P> +As I have mentioned before, it would have been useless +to call for help, as no one would have heard the calls. +<P> +Suddenly the thought struck me to try a bit of deception. +I put my hand in my pocket and drew out the empty envelope. +<P> +"Is that what you want?" I asked, holding it up. +<P> +"Reckon it is," he returned eagerly. "Just toss it over." +<P> +Somewhat disappointed that he did not approach me and +thus give me a chance of attacking him, I did as requested. It fell at his +feet, and he was not long in transferring it to his pocket. +<P> +"Next time don't try to walk over a man like me," he said +sharply. "I know a thing or two, and I'm not to be downed by a boy." +<P> +"Are you satisfied?" I asked calmly, though secretly exultant +that he had not discovered my trick. +<P> +"Not yet. You followed me when you had no business to, +and now you've got to take the consequences." +<P> +"What are you going to do?" +<P> +"You'll see soon enough. I ain't the one to make many +mistakes. Years ago I made a few, but I ain't making no more." +<P> +"You knew my father quite well, didn't you?" I inquired +in deep curiosity. +<P> +"As the old saying goes, 'Ask me no questions and I'll +tell you no lies.' Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." +<P> +"I know you did." +<P> +"Well, what of it? So did lots of other people." +<P> +"But not quite as well as you and Nicholas Weaver and +Mr. Aaron Woodward," I continued, determined to learn all I could. +<P> +"Ha! What do you know of them?" He scowled at me. "Reckon +you've been reading that paper of Nick's putty closely. I was a fool for +not tearing it up long ago." +<P> +"Why did you keep it—to deliver it to Mr. Wentworth?" +<P> +It was a bold stroke and it told. Stumpy grew pale in +spite of the dirt that covered his face, and the hand that held the pistol +trembled. +<P> +"Say, young fellow, you know too much, you do. I suppose +you read that paper clear through, did you?" +<P> +"As you say: Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." +<P> +"Perhaps you wasn't careful of it. Maybe I'd better examine +it," he added. +<P> +My heart sank within me. In another moment the deception +I had practised would be known—and then? +<P> +He fumbled in his pocket and drew forth the envelope. +He could not extract the letter he supposed it contained with one hand very +well, and so lowered the pistol for a moment. +<P> +This was my chance. Unarmed I was evidently in his power. +If I could only escape from the tool house! +<P> +The door still stood partly open, and the darkness of +night—for the moon had gone down—was beyond. A dash and I would be outside. +Still the tramp stood between me and liberty. Should I attack him or endeavor +to slip to one side? +<P> +I had but an instant to think; another, and it would be +too late. John Stumpy was fumbling in the envelope. His eyes were searching +for the precious document. +<P> +With a single bound I sprang against him, knocking him +completely off his feet. Then I made another jump for the door. +<P> +But he was too quick for me. Dropping the envelope and +the pistol, he caught me by the foot, and in an instant both of us were rolling +on the floor. +<P> +It was an unequal struggle. Strong as I was for a boy +of my age, I was no match for this burly man. Turn and twist all I could, +he held me in his grip while he heaped loud imprecations upon my head. +<P> +In our movements on the floor we came in contact with +the lantern and upset it, smashing the frame as well as the glass. +<P> +For a moment darkness reigned. Then a tiny light from +the corner lit up the place. The flames had caught the shavings. +<P> +"The place is on fire!" I cried in horror. +<P> +"Yes, and you did it," replied the tramp. +<P> +"It was you!" I returned stoutly, and, as a matter of +fact, it may be as well to state that John Stumpy's foot had caused the accident. +<P> +"Not much; it was your fault, and you've got to take the +blame." +<P> +As the rascal spoke, he caught me by the throat, squeezing +it so tightly that I was in great danger of being choked to death. +<P> +"Let—let up!" I gasped. +<P> +The choking continued. My head began to grow dizzy, and +strange lights danced before my eyes. I protested against this proceeding +as vigorously as I could by kicking the man sharply and rapidly. +<P> +But Stumpy now meant to do me real injury. He realized +that I knew too much for his future welfare. In fact, he, no doubt, imagined +I knew far more than I really did. If I was out of the way for all time so +much the better for him. +<P> +"Take that!" he suddenly cried, and springing up he brought +his heel down with great force on my head. +<P> +I cannot describe the sensation that followed. It was +as if a sharp, blinding pain had stung me to the very heart. Then my senses +forsook me. +<P> +How long I lay in a comatose state I do not know. Certainly +it could not have been a very long time—probably not over five or six minutes. +<P> +In the meantime the fire rapidly spread igniting the barrels +that were stored in the tool house, and climbing up the walls of the building +to the roof. +<P> +When I recovered my senses, my face was fairly scorched, +and no sooner had I opened my eyes than they were blinded by smoke and flame. +<P> +By instinct rather than reason I staggered to my feet. +I was so weak I could hardly stand, and my head spun around like a top. Where +was the door? +<P> +I tottered to one side and felt around. There was the +window tightly closed. The door I knew was opposite. +<P> +Reeling, I made my way through the smoke that now seemed +to fill my lungs, to where I knew the door to be. Oh, horror! it was closed +and secured! +<P> +"Heaven help me now!" burst from my parched lips. "Am +I to be roasted alive?" +<P> +With all my remaining strength I threw myself against +the door. Once, and again, and still it did not budge. +<P> +"Help! help!" I called at the top of my voice. +<P> +No answer came to my cry. The fire behind me became hotter +and hotter. The roof had now caught, and the sparks fell down upon me in +a perfect shower. +<P> +Another moment and it would be all over. With a brief +prayer to God for help in my dire need, I attacked the door for the last +time. +<P> +At first it did not budge. Then there was a creaking, +a sharp crack, and at last it flew wide open. +<P> +Oh, how grateful was the breath of fresh air that struck +me! I stumbled out into the clearing and opened wide my throat to take in +the pure draught. +<P> +Then for the first time I realized how nearly I had been +overcome. I could no longer stand, and swooning, sank in a heap to the ground. +<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> +<h4>NEW TROUBLE</h4> +<P> +"He's alive, boys." +<P> +These were the words that greeted my ears on recovering +my senses. I opened my eyes and saw that I was surrounded by a number of +boys and men. +<P> +"How did you come here?" asked Henry Morse, a sturdy farmer +who lived in the neighborhood. +<P> +I was too much confused to make any intelligent reply. +Rising to a sitting position, I gazed around. +<P> +The tool house had burned to the ground, there being no +means at hand to extinguish the fire. The glare of the conflagration had +called out several dozens of people from Darbyville and the vicinity, several +of whom had stumbled upon me as I lay in the clearing. +<P> +"What's the matter, Roger?" asked Larry Simpson, a young +man who kept a bookstore in the town. +<P> +"The matter is that I nearly lost my life in that fire," +I replied. +<P> +"How did you come here?" +<P> +As briefly as I could I related my story, leaving out +all references to my personal affairs and the finding of Nicholas Weaver's +statement. At present I considered it would do no good to disclose what I +knew on those points. +<P> +"I think I saw that tramp yesterday," said Larry after +I had finished. "He bought a sheet of paper and an envelope in my store, +and then asked if he could write a letter there." +<P> +"And did he?" I asked in curiosity. +<P> +"Yes. At first I hated to let him do it,—he looked so +disreputable,—but then I thought it might be an application for a position, +and so told him to go ahead." +<P> +"Who did he write to? do you know?" +<P> +"Somebody in Chicago, I think." +<P> +"Do you remember the name?" +<P> +"He tried the pen on a slip of paper first. It wouldn't +work very well. But I think the name was Holtzmann, or something similar." +<P> +I determined to remember the name, thinking it might prove +of value sometime. +<P> +"The thing of it is," broke in Henry Morse, "what has +become of this Stumpy? If he stole the Widow Canby's money, it's high time +somebody was after him." +<P> +"That's true," ejaculated another. "Have you any idea +which way the fellow went?" +<P> +Of course I had not. Indeed, I was hardly in condition +to do any rational thinking, much less form an opinion. The thief might be +in hiding close at hand, or he might be miles away. +<P> +"Some of us had better make a search," put in another. +"Come, boys, we'll spread out and scour the woods." +<P> +"That's a good idea," said Tony Parsons, the constable +of the town. "Meanwhile, Roger Strong, let us go to Judge Penfold's house +and put the case in his hands. He'll get out a warrant, and perhaps a reward." +<P> +I thought this was a good idea, and readily assented, +first, however, getting one of the boys to promise that he would call at +the widow's house and quiet Kate's fears concerning my whereabouts. +<P> +It was now early morning, and we had no difficulty in +making our way through the woods to the main road. +<P> +"Guess we won't find the judge up yet," remarked Tony +Parsons as we hurried along. "I've never yet found him out of bed afore seven +o'clock. It will make him mighty mad to get up afore this time." +<P> +"I'm sorry to disturb him," I replied, with something +of awe at the thought of rousing a magistrate of the law. +<P> +"But it's got to be done," went on Parsons, with a grave +shake of his head, "unless we all want to be murdered and robbed in our beds!" +<P> +"That's true. I'd give all I'm worth to catch that tramp." +<P> +"Reckon Widow Canby'll be dreadfully cut up when she hears +about the robbery." +<P> +"I suppose so." +<P> +"She may blame you, Roger. You see if it was anybody else, +it would be different. But being as it's you, why&—" +<P> +"I know what you mean," I returned bitterly. "No one in +Darbyville believes I can be honest." +<P> +"I ain't saying nothing against you, Roger," returned +Parsons, hastily. "I reckon you ain't no worse than any other boy. But you +know what public sentiment is." +<P> +"So I do; but public sentiment isn't always right," was +my spirited answer. +<P> +"Who did you say those boys were that tied you up?" went +on the constable, to change the subject. +<P> +"Duncan Woodward was the principal one." +<P> +"Phew! Reckon he didn't think tying you up would prove +such a serious matter." +<P> +"If it hadn't been for that, the robbery might have been +prevented. I would have been home guarding the widow's property, as she expected +me to do." +<P> +"Reckon so you would." +<P> +"In a certain sense I hold Duncan Woodward and his followers +responsible for what has occurred." +<P> +"Phew! What will Mr. Woodward say to that, I wonder?" +<P> +"I can't help what he says. I'm not going to bear all +the blame when it isn't my fault." +<P> +"No, neither would I." +<P> +At length we reached the outskirts of the town. Judge +Penfold lived at the top of what was termed the Hill, the aristocratic district +of the place, and thither we made our way. +<P> +"Indeed, but the judge ain't stirring yet!" exclaimed +the Irish girl who came to answer our summons at the door. +<P> +"Then wake him at once," said Parsons. "Tell him there +has been a most atrocious robbery and assault committed." +<P> +"Mercy on us!" said the girl, lifting up her hands in +horror. "And who was it, Mr. Parsons?" +<P> +"Never mind who it was. Go at once." +<P> +"I will that! Robbery and assault. Mercy on us!" +<P> +And leaving us standing in the hall, the hired girl sped +up the front stairway. +<P> +"The judge will be down as soon as he can," she reported +on her return. +<P> +We waited as patiently as we could. While doing so I revolved +what had occurred over in my mind, and came to the conclusion that the crime +would be a difficult one to trace. John Stumpy had probably made good use +of his time, knowing that even if I had lost my life in the fire my sister +would still recognize him as the thief. +<P> +Suddenly I thought of the written confession that must +yet remain in my pocket, and I was on the point of assuring myself that it +was still safe when a heavy foot-step sounded overhead, and Judge Penfold +came down. +<P> +The judge was a tall, slender men of fifty, with hollow +cheeks, a pointed nose, and a sharp chin. His voice was of a peculiarly high +and rasping tone, and his manner far from agreeable. +<P> +"What's the trouble?" he demanded, and it was plain to +see that he did not relish having his early morning sleep broken. +<P> +"Widow Canby's house was robbed last night," replied the +constable; and he gave the particulars. +<P> +Judge Penfold was all ears at once. Indeed, it may be +as well to state that he was a widower and had paid Widow Canby much attention, +which, however, I well knew that good lady heartily resented. No doubt he +thought if he could render her any assistance it would help along his suit. +<P> +"We must catch the fellow at once," he said. "Parsons, +you must catch him without fail." +<P> +"Easier said than done, judge," replied the constable, +doubtfully. "Where am I to look for him? The country around here is pretty +large." +<P> +"No matter. You are constable, and it is your duty to +seek him out. I will sign the warrant for his arrest, and you must have him +in jail by to-night, without fail." +<P> +"I'll do what I can, judge," returns Parsons, meekly. +<P> +"Strong, I'll have to bind you over as a witness." +<P> +"Bind me over?" I queried in perplexity. "What do you +mean?" +<P> +"Hold you, unless you can give a bond to appear when wanted." +<P> +"But I had nothing to do with the burglary." +<P> +"You are principal accuser of this John Stumpy." +<P> +"Well, I'll promise to be on hand whenever wanted." +<P> +"That is not sufficient. Your character is—is not—ahem! +of the best, and&—" +<P> +"Why is my character not of the best?" I demanded. +<P> +"Well, ahem! Your father, you see&—" +<P> +"Is innocent." +<P> +"Perhaps—perhaps, but, nevertheless, I will have to hold +you. Parsons, I will leave him in your charge." +<P> +"You have no right to arrest me," I cried, for I knew +very little of the law. +<P> +"What's that?" demanded Judge Penfold, pompously. "You +forget I am the judge of that." +<P> +"I don't care," I burst out. "I have done no wrong." +<P> +"It ain't that, Roger. Many innocent men are held as +witnesses," put in Parsons. +<P> +"But I've got to attend to Mrs. Canby's business," I +explained. +<P> +"I fancy Mrs. Canby would rather get on the track of her +money," said Judge Penfold severely. "Can you furnish bail?" +<P> +I did not know that I could. The woman who had been robbed +was my only friend, and she was away. +<P> +"Then you'll have to take him to the lockup, Parsons." +<P> +This news was far from agreeable. It would be no pleasant +thing to be confined in the Darbyville jail, not to say anything of the anxiety +it might cause Kate. Besides, I wanted to follow up John Stumpy. I was certain +I could do it fully as well as the constable. +<P> +"Come, Roger, there is no help for it," said Parsons, +as I still lingered. "It's the law, and it won't do any good to kick." +<P> +"Maybe not, but, nevertheless, it isn't fair." +<P> +We walked out into the front hall, the judge following +us. +<P> +"Of course if you can get bail any time during the day +I will let you go," he said; "I will be down in my office from nine to twelve +and two to four." +<P> +"Will you offer a reward for the capture of the man?" +I asked. +<P> +"I cannot do that. The freeholders of the county attend +to all such matters. Parsons, no doubt, will find the scoundrel." +<P> +As the judge finished there was a violent ringing of the +door bell. Judge Penfold opened the door and was confronted by Mr. Aaron +Woodward, who looked pale and excited. +<P> +"Judge, I want you—hello! that boy! Judge, I want that +boy arrested at once! Don't you let him escape!" +<P> +"Want me arrested?" I ejaculated in astonishment. "What +for?" +<P> +"You know well enough. You thought to hide your tracks, +but I have found you out. Parsons, don't let him get out of the door. He's +a worse villain than his father was!" +<h3>CHAPTER X</h3> +<h4>UNDER ARREST</h4> +<P> +I will not hesitate to state that +I was nearly stunned by Mr. Aaron Woodward's unexpected statement. I knew +that when he announced that I was a worse villain than my father he meant +a good deal. +<P> +Yet try as hard as I could it was impossible for me to +discover what he really did mean. I was not conscious of having done him +any injury, either bodily or otherwise. Indeed, of late I had hardly seen +the man. The Widow Canby was not partial to dealings with him, and I never +went near him on my own account. +<P> +It was plain to see that the merchant was thoroughly aroused. +His face was pale with anger, and the look he cast upon me was one of bitter +resentment. For the instant he eyed me as if he intended to spring upon me +and choke the life out of my body, and involuntarily I shrank back. But then +I recollected that the minions of the law who stood beside me would not allow +such a course of procedure, and this made me breathe more freely. +<P> +"Yes, sir; he's a worse villain than his father!" repeated +Mr. Aaron Woodward, turning to Judge Penfold; "a most accomplished villain, +sir." And he shook his fist within an inch of my nose. +<P> +"What have I done to you, Mr. Woodward?" I demanded, as +soon as I could speak. +<P> +"Done, sir? You know very well what you've done, you young +rascal!" puffed the merchant. "Oh, but I'll make you pay dearly for your +villainy." +<P> +"I've committed no villainy," I returned warmly. "If you +refer to the way I treated Duncan this morning, why all I've got to say is +that it was his own fault, and I can prove it." +<P> +"Treated Duncan? Oh, pshaw! This is far more serious affair +than a boy's quarrel. Don't let him escape, Parsons"—the last to the constable, +who had his hand on my shoulder. +<P> +"No fear, sir," was Parson's reply. "He's already under +arrest." +<P> +"Under arrest?" repeated the merchant quickly. "Then you've +already heard&—" +<P> +"He is ahem—only under detention as a witness," spoke +up Judge Penfold. "I do not think he had anything to do with the theft of +the widow's money." +<P> +"Widow's money! What do you mean?" +<P> +In a few words Judge Penfold explained the situation. +"Isn't this what you came about?" he asked then. +<P> +"Indeed, no, sir. My affair is far more important—at +least to me. But you can make up your mind that Strong's story is purely +fiction. He is undoubtedly the real culprit, undoubtedly. Takes after his +father." +<P> +"My father was an honest man!" I cried out. "I don't care +what you or any one may say! Some day he will be cleared of the stain on +his name." +<P> +"Oh, undoubtedly," sneered Mr. Woodward. "Mean while, +however, the community at large had better keep a sharp eye on his son. Whom +do you assert stole the Widow Canby's money?" +<P> +"A tramp." +<P> +"Humph! A likely story." +<P> +"It's true. His name was John Stumpy." +<P> +"John Stumpy!" +<P> +As Mr. Aaron Woodwind uttered the name, all the color +forsook his face. +<P> +"Yes, sir. And he claimed to know you," I went on, my +curiosity amused over the merchant's show of feeling. +<P> +"It's a falsehood! I never heard of such a man," cried +Mr. Woodward, but his face belied his words. +<P> +"Well, what is your charge against Strong?" asked Judge +Penfold, impatiently, probably tired of being so utterly ignored in the +discussion. +<P> +The merchant hesitated. +<P> +"I prefer to speak to you about the matter in private," +he said sourly. +<P> +"That isn't fair. He ought to tell me what I am accused +of," I cried, "Every one who is arrested has a right to know that. I have +done no wrong and I am not afraid." +<P> +"All assumed bravery, Judge Penfold; quite assumed, sir." +<P> +"No, sir. Tell me why you want me locked up," I repeated. +<P> +But instead of replying Mr. Woodward drew Judge Penfold +to the rear end of the hall and began to speak in so low a tone that I could +not catch a word. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" I heard the judge say presently. +"Come into the library and give me the particulars." +<P> +The two men passed into the room, closing the door tightly +behind them. They were gone nearly quarter of an hour—a long wait for me. +I wondered what could be the nature of Mr. Woodward's accusation against +me, but failed to solve the mystery. +<P> +At length they came out. Judge Penfold's face was a trifle +sterner than before. Mr. Woodward looked pleased, as if his argument had +proven conclusive. +<P> +"You will take Strong to the jail at once," said the judge +to Parsons "and tell Booth to be careful of his prisoner." +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Don't let him escape," added Aaron Woodward, anxiously. +"Don't let him escape, sir, under any circumstances." +<P> +"No fear," was Parsons's ready answer. "I never had one +of 'em give me the slip yet." +<P> +And with great gravity he drew from his pocket a pair +of ancient handcuffs, one of which he attached to my wrist and the other +to his own. +<P> +"Come, Roger. Better take it easy," he said. "No use of +kicking. March!" +<P> +"But I'd like to know something about this," I protested. +"What right&—" +<P> +"It is all quite legal," put in Judge Penfold, pompously. +"I understand the law perfectly." +<P> +"But&—" +<P> +"Say no more. Parsons, take him away." +<P> +"I shall see you later," whispered Mr. Woodward in my +ear as the constable hurried me off. +<P> +The next instant we were on the street. Arrests in Darbyville +were rare, and by the time we reached the jail we had a goodly following +of boys and idle men, all anxious to know what was up. +<P> +"He stole the Widow Canby's money," I heard one man whisper, +to which another replied:&— +<P> +"Light fingered, eh? Must take after his father. I always +knew the Strongs couldn't be trusted." +<P> +The jail was a small affair, being nothing more than the +loft over a carpenter shop. The jailer was a round-faced man named Booth, +who filled in his spare time by doing odd jobs of carpentering in the shop +downstairs. We found him hard at work glueing some doors together. I knew +him tolerably well, and he evinced considerable surprise at seeing me in +custody. +<P> +"What, Roger; arrested! What for?" +<P> +"That's what I would like to know," I returned. +<P> +In a few words Parsons told him what was to be done, and +Booth led the way upstairs. +<P> +"'Tain't a very secure place," he returned. "Reckon +I'll have to nail down some of the windows unless you'll give me your word +not to run away." +<P> +"I'll promise nothing," was my reply. "I'm being treated +unfairly, and I shall do as I think best." +<P> +"Then I'll fasten everything as tight as a drum," returned +Booth. +<P> +Going below, he secured a hammer and some nails, with +which he secured the windows and the scuttle on the roof. +<P> +"Reckon it's tight enough now," he said. "Just wait, Parsons, +till I get him a bucket of water." +<P> +This was done, and then the two men left me, closing and +locking the door of the enclosed staircase behind them. +<P> +The loft was empty, saving a nail keg that stood in one +corner of the floor. Pulling this out, I sat down to think matters over. +<P> +Try my best I could not imagine what charge Mr. Aaron +Woodward had brought against me. Yet such had been his earnestness that for +the nonce everything else was driven from my mind. +<P> +The sounds of talking below interrupted my meditations. +I recognized Kate's voice, and the next moment my sister stood beside me. +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" was all she could say, and catching me by +the arm she burst into tears. +<P> +"Don't take it so hard, Kate," I said. "Make sure it will +all come out right in the end." +<P> +"But to be arrested like—like a thief! Oh, Roger, it +is dreadful!" +<P> +"Never mind. I have done no wrong, and I'm not afraid +of the result. Have they heard anything of John Stumpy yet?" +<P> +"Dick Blair says not. Mr. Parsons and the rest are after +him, but he seems to have disappeared for good—and Mrs. Canby's money with +him." +<P> +"Have you heard from her yet?" +<P> +"No; but I've written her a letter and just posted it +to Norfolk." +<P> +"She won't get it till day after to-morrow." +<P> +"What will she say? Oh, Roger, do you think&—" +<P> +"No, I don't. The widow always trusted me, and I know +she'll take my word now. She is not so narrow-minded as the very folks who +look down on her." +<P> +"But it is awful! Over two hundred dollars! We can never +make it up. We've only got twenty-eight!" +<P> +"We can't exactly be called upon to make it up&—" I began. +<P> +"But we'll want to," put in Kate, hastily. +<P> +"I'd feel better if we did. The widow has always been +so kind to us." +<P> +"How long must you stay here?" +<P> +"I don't know. As long as Judge Penfold sees fit, I suppose." +<P> +"If only they could catch this John Stumpy." +<P> +"I hope so—for other reasons than those you know, Kate." +<P> +"Other reasons?" +<P> +"Yes; very important ones, too. John Stumpy knew father +well. And he was mixed up in that—that miserable affair." +<P> +"Oh, Roger, how do you know?" +<P> +"I heard him say so. Besides, he dropped a letter that +proved it. I have the letter in my pocket now. It's the dying statement of +one Nicholas Weaver&—" +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver! He was a clerk with father!" +<P> +"So I thought. Who Stumpy is, though, I don't know. Do +you?" +<P> +"No; but his face I'm sure I've seen before. Let me see +the letter. Have you read it?" +<P> +"No; I hadn't time to spell it out, it is so badly written. +Maybe you can read it." +<P> +"I'll try," replied Kate. "Hand it over." +<P> +I put my hand in my pocket to do so. The statement was +gone! +<h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> +<h4>AARON WOODWARD'S VISIT</h4> +<P> +Puzzled and dismayed, I made a rapid +search of my clothes—first one pocket and then another. It was useless. +Beyond a doubt the statement was nowhere about my person. +<P> +I was quite sure it had not been taken from me. Strange +as it may seem, neither Parsons nor Booth had searched me. Perhaps they deemed +it useless to take away the possessions of a poor country boy. My jack-knife +and other odds and ends were still in their accustomed places. +<P> +"It's gone!" I gasped, when I was certain that such was +a fact. +<P> +"Gone?" repeated Kate. +<P> +"Yes, gone, and I don't know where. They didn't take it +from me. I must have lost it." +<P> +"Oh, Roger, and it was so important!" +<P> +"I know it, Kate. It must have dropped from my pocket +down at the tool house. Perhaps if I go down I can find it." +<P> +"Go down?" she queried. +<P> +"Oh, I forgot I was a prisoner." +<P> +"Never mind, Roger. I'll go down myself." +<P> +"Aren't you afraid?" +<P> +"Not now. I wouldn't have been of this Stumpy only he +came on me so suddenly. I'll go at once." +<P> +"You'd better," said a voice behind her. "Your five minutes +is up, Miss Kate." And Booth appeared at the head of the stairs and motioned +her down. +<P> +"Good-by, Roger. I'm so sorry to leave you here alone." +<P> +"It's not such a dreadful place," I rejoined lightly. +"If you discover anything, let me know at once." +<P> +"Be sure I will." And with this assurance Kate was gone. +<P> +I was as sorry for her as I was for myself. I knew all +she would have to face in public—the mean things people would say to her, +the snubbing she would be called on to bear. +<P> +The loss of the statement rendered me doubly downhearted. +Oh, how much I had counted on it, assuring myself over and over again that +it would surely clear my father's name! +<P> +Hardly had my sister left me than there were more voices +below, and I heard Mr. Woodward tell Booth that he had an order from Judge +Penfold for a private interview with me. +<P> +"Better go right upstairs then, Mr. Woodward," was the +jailer's reply. "He's all alone." +<P> +I wondered what the merchant's visit could portend, but +had little time for speculation. +<P> +"So, sir, they've got you fast," said Mr. Woodward sharply +as he faced me. "Fast, and no mistake." +<P> +"What do you want?" I demanded boldly, coming at once +to the front. +<P> +"What do I want?" repeated the merchant, looking behind +him to make sure that Booth had not followed him. "What do I want? Why, I +want to help you, Strong, that's what I want." +<P> +I could not help but smile. The idea of Mr. Woodward helping +any one, least of all myself! +<P> +"The only way you can help me is to set me free," I returned. +<P> +"Oh, I can't do that. You are held on the Canby charge +solely." +<P> +"But you told me you wanted me arrested." +<P> +"So I did, but I intend to give you a chance—that is, +if you will do what I want." +<P> +"But why did you want me arrested?" +<P> +"You know well enough, Strong." +<P> +"On the contrary, I haven't the least idea." +<P> +"Stuff and nonsense. See here, if you want to get off +without further trouble, hand over those papers." +<P> +"What papers?" +<P> +"The papers you took last night," replied Mr. Woodward, +sharply. +<P> +I was truly astonished. How in the world had he found +out about the statement dropped by Stumpy? Was it possible there had been +a meeting between the two? It looked like it. +<P> +"I haven't got the papers," I rejoined. +<P> +"Don't tell me a falsehood sir," he thundered. +<P> +"It's true." +<P> +"Do you deny you have the packet?" +<P> +"I do." +<P> +"Come, Strong, that story won't answer. Hand it over." +<P> +"I haven't it." +<P> +"Where is it?" +<P> +"I lost it," I replied, before I had time to think. +<P> +"Lost it!" he cried anxiously. +<P> +"Yes, sir," I returned boldly, resolved to make the best +of it, now the cat was out of the bag. "Either that or it was stolen from +me." +<P> +He looked at me in silence for a moment. +<P> +"Do you expect me to believe all your lies?" he demanded +finally. +<P> +"I don't care what you believe," I answered. "I tell the +truth. And one question I want to ask you, Aaron Woodward. Why are you so +anxious to gain possession of Nicholas Weaver's dying statement?" +<P> +The merchant gave a cry of astonishment, nay, horror. +He turned pale and glared at me fiercely. +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver's dying statement!" he ejaculated. "What +do you know of Nicholas Weaver?" +<P> +Now I had spoken I was almost sorry I had said what I +had. Yet I could not but notice the tremendous effect my words had produced. +<P> +"Never mind what I know," I replied. "Why do you take +an interest in it?" +<P> +"I? I don't know anything about it," he faltered. "I hardly +knew Nicholas Weaver." +<P> +"Indeed? Yet you want his statement." +<P> +"No, I don't. I don't know anything about his statement," +he continued doggedly. "I want my papers. I don't care a rap about any one +else's." +<P> +It was now my turn to be astonished. Evidently I had been +on the wrong track from the beginning. +<P> +"If you don't want his statement, I'm sure I don't know +what you do want," I rejoined, and I spoke the exact truth. +<P> +"Don't tell lies, Strong. You know well enough. Hand them +over." +<P> +"Hand what over?" +<P> +"The packet of papers." +<P> +"I haven't any packet." +<P> +"Strong, if you don't do as I demand, I'll send you to +prison after your father." +<P> +"I can't help it. I haven't any papers. If you don't believe +me, search me." +<P> +"Where have you hidden them?" +<P> +"I never had them to hide." +<P> +"I know better, sir, I know better," he fumed. +<P> +I made no reply. What could I say? +<P> +"Do you hear me, Strong?" +<P> +For reply I walked over to the slatted window and began +to whistle. My action only increased the merchant's anger. +<P> +"For the last time, Strong, will you give up the papers?" +he cried. +<P> +"For the last time, Mr. Woodward, let me say I haven't +got them, never had them, and, therefore, cannot possibly give them up." +<P> +"Then you shall go to prison, sir. Mark my word,—you +shall go to prison!" +<P> +And with this parting threat the merchant hurried down +the loft steps and rapped loudly for Booth to come and let him out. +<P> +When he was gone, I sat down again to think over the demand +he had made upon me. To what papers did he refer? In vain I cudgelled my +brain to elicit an answer. +<P> +He spoke about sending me to prison, and in such tones +as if it were an easy matter to do. Assuredly he must have some grounds upon +which to base so positive an assertion. +<P> +No doubt he was now on his way to Judge Penfold's office +to swear out the necessary papers. I did not know much about the law, but +I objected strongly to going to prison. Once in a regular lockup, the chances +of getting out would be indeed slim. +<P> +I reasoned that the best thing to do was to escape while +there was a chance. Perhaps I was wrong in this conclusion, but I was only +a country boy, and I had a horror of stone walls and iron bars. +<P> +Escape! No sooner had the thought entered my mind than +I was wrapped up in it. Undoubtedly it was the best thing to do. Freedom +meant not only liberty, but also a chance to hunt down John Stumpy and clear +my father's name. +<P> +I looked about the loft for the best means of accomplishing +my purpose. As I have said, the place was over a carpenter shop. The roof +was sloping to the floor, and at each end was a small window heavily slatted. +<P> +The distance to the ground from the window was not less +than fifteen feet, rather a long drop even if I could manage to get the slats +loose, which I doubted, for I had no tools at hand. +<P> +I resolved to try the door, and was about to do so when +I heard the bolts shoot back and Booth appeared. +<P> +For an instant I thought to trip him up and rush past +him, but he stood on the steps completely blocking the way. +<P> +"All right, Roger?" he asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Quite com'table, boy?" +<P> +"As comfortable as any one could be in such a place," +I rejoined lightly. +<P> +"'Tain't exactly a parlor," he chuckled. "No easy +chairs or sofys; but the food's good. I'm a-going to get it for you now. +Then after that maybe the judge will call around. I'll bring the dinner in +a minute." +<P> +He climbed downstairs, bolting the door after him. +<P> +In five minutes—or ten at the most—I knew he would be +back. After that there was no telling how long he would stay. +<P> +Now, therefore, was the proper time to escape, now or +never! +<h3>CHAPTER XII</h3> +<h4>A SURPRISE</h4> +<P> +No time must be lost. Booth lived +but a short hundred feet from the jail, if such it might be called, and if +his wife had dinner ready it would not take him long to bring it. +<P> +I surveyed the room in which I was incarcerated critically. +Escape by either window was, as I have intimated, out of the question. On +account of its height, the scuttle was also not to be considered. +<P> +Apparently nothing remained to try but the door. Running +down the steps, I looked it over. It was of solid oak planking, an inch thick, +and fastened at both top and bottom. +<P> +It was a hard thing to tackle, especially with no tools, +and, after surveying it, I went upstairs again to search for something that +might do as a pry. +<P> +I could see nothing but the empty nail keg, and I could +discover no use at first in this until the idea struck me of wedging it between +one of the lower steps and the door, and, by jumping upon it, forcing the +bottom bolt. +<P> +With some difficulty I placed the keg in position and +brought down my full weight upon it. The first time the bolt merely creaked, +but the second there was a snap, and the lower part of the door burst outward +several inches. +<P> +The bottom bolt had yielded, and now only the top one +remained. But to reach this was a difficult matter, as no purchase could +be had against it. +<P> +While considering the situation, I imagined I heard my +jailer returning, and my heart jumped into my throat. What if Booth should +see the damage I had done? I reckoned that things would go hard with me if +it became known that I had attempted to break jail. Judge Penfold would surely +give me the full penalty of the law. +<P> +But the approach of Booth was only imaginary, and, after +a brief interval of silence, I breathed freer. +<P> +I ascends the stairs once more to see if I could not find +something besides the keg to assist me. If only I had a plank or a beam, +I might use it as a battering-ram. +<P> +The thought of a plank led me to examine the floor, and, +going over it carefully, I soon came to a short board, one end of which was +loose. Raising it, I pulled with all my might, and the board came up. +<P> +I was astonished to see that it made an opening into the +shop below. I had imagined that the floor or ceiling was of double thickness. +<P> +This gave me a new idea. Why not escape through the floor? +To pry up another board would perhaps be easier than to force the door. +<P> +I tried the board next to the opening. The end was somewhat +rotted, and it came up with hardly an effort. +<P> +In another moment the opening would be large enough to +allow the passage of my body. Putting the first board under the edge of the +second, I bore down upon it. +<P> +As I did so I heard a noise that alarmed me greatly. It +was the sound of Booth returning, and the next instant the carpenter had +opened the outer door and entered. +<P> +In one hand he carried a tray containing my dinner. He +crossed the floor directly under me without looking up. Then his eyes caught +the shattered door and he gave a loud exclamation. +<P> +"By ginger! If that boy ain't gone and escaped!" +<P> +He set down the tray with a rattle and tried to pull the +door open. But the top bolt had become displaced, and it was several seconds +before it could be shot back. +<P> +Meanwhile I was not idle. As quietly as I could I tore +up the second board. The deed was done just as Booth stumbled over the keg +on his way up the stairs. +<P> +As my jailer appeared at the top, I let my body through +the opening. It was a tight squeeze, especially when accomplished in a hurry. +I landed in a heap on a pile of shavings. +<P> +"Stop! stop!" called out Booth. "Roger, don't you hear +me?" +<P> +I certainly did hear him, but paid no attention to his +words. My one thought was to get away as quickly as possible. +<P> +"If you don't stop, I'll shoot you," went on Booth at +the top of his voice. "Don't you know breaking jail is a—a felony?" +<P> +I did not know what kind of a crime it was. I had made +up my mind to escape, and intended to do so, even if such a deed constituted +manslaughter. I made a break for the door and passed out just as Booth came +tramping down the stairs. +<P> +I ran across the yard that separated the carpenter shop +from the house. As I did so, Mrs. Booth appeared at the back door. Upon seeing +me she held up her hands in horror. +<P> +"Mercy on us! Roger Strong! Where be you a-running to? +'Zekel! 'Zekel! the prisoner's broke loose!" +<P> +"I know it, Mandy!" I heard Ezekiel Booth answer. "Dunno +how he did it, though. Stop, Roger, it's best now; jest you mark my word!" +<P> +I heard no more. Jumping the side fence, I ran through +a bit of orchard and across a stony lot until I reached the Pass River. +<P> +At this point this body of water was several hundred feet +wide. The bank sloped directly to the water's edge. Near at hand were several +private boat-houses, one belonging to Mr. Aaron Woodward, he having built +it to please Duncan. +<P> +At the end of the boat-house pier lay a skiff, the oars +resting upon the seats. I knew it was wrong to make use of the craft, but +"necessity knows no law," and my need was great. +<P> +Running down to the end of the pier, I dropped into the +boat and shoved off. As I did so, Duncan Woodward, accompanied by Pultzer, +came out of the boat-house. +<P> +"Hi, there, what are you doing in my boat?" he sang out. +"What, Roger Strong!" he continued as he came nearer. +<P> +"You must lend me the boat, Duncan," I returned. "I've +got to cross the river in a hurry." +<P> +"Not much! I thought you were in jail." +<P> +"Not just now," I replied. "You can get your boat on the +other side." +<P> +"Hold up! You shan't have her. Come back!" +<P> +But I was already pulling out into the stream. He continued +to shout after me, and presently I saw the two joined by Booth, and all watched +me in dismay as I made for the opposite shore. +<P> +Reaching the bank, I beached the boat high up and then +climbed to the roadway that ran beside the stream. Trees and bushes were +thick here, and I had but little difficulty in hiding from the view of those +opposite. +<P> +For a moment I hesitated as to which way to proceed. A +number of miles down the stream lay Newville, of which I have already spoken. +Probably my pursuers would think I had gone in that direction. If so, they +would hasten to the bridge below, with the intention of cutting me off. +<P> +I therefore started immediately on my way up the river +road, resolved to put as much ground as possible between myself and my pursuers. +I had no definite destination in view, but thought to gain some hiding-place +where I might rest secure and think things over. +<P> +It was now going on to two o'clock in the afternoon, and +as I had not had anything to eat since the noon previous, I began to feel +decidedly hungry. I felt in my pocket and discovered that I was the possessor +of sixty-five cents, and with this amount of cash I did not see any reason +for my remaining hungry any longer. +<P> +Presently I came to a small, white cottage, upon the front +porch of which was displayed the sign +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +BOARDING +<P> +Ascending the steps, I knocked at the door, and a comely, +middle-aged woman answered my summons. +<P> +"I see that you take boarders here," I said, "I am hungry, +and several miles from any restaurant. Can you furnish me with dinner?" +<P> +She looked me over rather sharply before replying. Then +I realize for the first time that my appearance was not of the best. My clothes +were considerably the worse for having rolled over and over in the old tool +house, and in escaping from my prison I had made several rents in my coat. +<P> +"I will pay you whatever you charge," I added hastily, +"and I would like to wash and brush up, too; I have had a tumble," which +was literally true. +<P> +"I can let you have dinner for twenty-five cent," she +said finally. "I won't charge you anything for cleaning up," she added, with +something like a smile. "Will you mind paying in advance?" +<P> +"No, ma'am," and I handed over the money. "I suppose I +won't have to wait very long." +<P> +"Oh, no, the regular boarders have just finished. You +can sit right down." +<P> +"If you don't mind, I'll take a wash first." +<P> +The woman led the way to an ante-room, in which were placed +a bowl of water, towel, and soap, as well as a dust brush. It did not take +me long to fix myself up, and then I flattered myself I did not present an +unbecoming appearance. +<P> +The dinner that the woman served was not as good as that +which my sister Kate helped to prepare at the Widow Canby's, but it was wholesome +food, and my sharpened appetite made it disappear rapidly. +<P> +As I ate I reflected upon my situation. For the life of +me I did not know what to do next. I longed to see my sister and tell her +that I was safe. This done, I intended to devote my time to hunting up the +man who I firmly believed held my father's reputation in his hand. I was +sure I would discover him sooner or later, and this accomplished, I would +not let him out of my sight until he had confessed his secret. I wondered +if Kate had succeeded in finding that precious statement I had lost. Heartily +did I reproach myself for not having taken better care of it. +<P> +Having satisfied myself upon the substantial things set +before me, I finished my meal with a small cut of apple pie. +<P> +As I was swallowing the last mouthful I glanced out of +the window up the road, and gave a cry of surprise. And no wonder, for coming +toward the house was Mr. Aaron Woodward, and beside him walked John Stumpy! +<h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> +<h4>AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION</h4> +<P> +I could hardly believe the evidence +of my senses when I saw Mr. Aaron Woodward coming up the road with John Stumpy +beside him. It would have astonished me to have seen the merchant alone, +but to see him in company with the very man I was looking for was more than +I had thought possible. +<P> +Yet I reflected that the tramp—or whatever the man was—had +evinced a determination to secure an interview with Mr. Woodward before quitting +Darbyville. There was important business to be transacted between them. Mr. +John Stumpy intended to have his say, whatever that might mean. +<P> +What was to be done? It would never do for me to be seen. +Nothing short of arrest would follow. I must get out of the way as quickly +as possible. +<P> +During the time I had been eating, the sky had become +overcast as if a shower was imminent. Taking advantage of this fact I rose +quickly and reached for my hat. +<P> +"Guess we're going to have a thunder shower," I remarked. +"Hope it holds off. I don't want to get wet." +<P> +"Then you'll have to hurry," rejoined the woman as she +looked out of the door. "Looks as if it would be here in less than quarter +of an hour." +<P> +"Then I'm off. Good day." +<P> +"Good day. Come again." +<P> +I slipped out of the door, and passing behind a hedge, +made my way to the road. As I did so, Mr. Woodward and Stumpy turned from +the highway and walked directly up the gravel path that led to the house! +<P> +I was dumfounded by this movement. What did they mean +by going to the very place I had just vacated? Was it possible they had seen +me? +<P> +I earnestly hoped not; for if so, it would spoil a little +plan that had just come to me, which was to follow them, see what they were +up to, and, if possible, overhear whatever might be said. +<P> +I was soon convinced that neither of the men was aware +of my presence. They were talking earnestly and stepped up on the porch just +as ordinary visitors would have done. In a moment the woman let them in and +the door closed behind them. +<P> +My curiosity was aroused to its highest pitch, and at +the risk of being discovered by any one who might chance to be passing by +I walked cautiously back along the hedge until I reached a clump of rose +bushes that grew directly under one of the dining-room windows. +<P> +The window was open, and by a little manoeuvring I easily +managed to see and hear what was going on within. +<P> +"You came for the rent, I suppose, Mr. Woodward," the +woman was saying. "Joel was going to bring it up to-night. He would have +brought it over this morning, only he thought it was going to rain and he +had some hay he wanted to get in." +<P> +"Yes, I did come for the rent, Mrs. Decker," replied the +merchant. "It's due several days now." +<P> +"I have it here—thirty dollars. Here is the receipt book." +<P> +There was the rustle of bills and the scratching of a +pen. +<P> +"Here you are, Mrs. Decker." +<P> +"Thank you, sir. Now we'll be worry free for another month." +<P> +"So you are. Nothing like being prompt." +<P> +"My husband was going to speak to you about the roof. +It leaks dreadfully." +<P> +"Pooh! That can't be. Why, it was patched only two years +ago." +<P> +"You are wrong, Mr. Woodward. It is four years, and then +but very little was done to it." +<P> +"It cost near twelve dollars," growled the merchant. "You +can't expect me to be fixing up the house all the time." +<P> +"It leaks very badly." +<P> +"Then your husband will have to attend to it. I can't +spend any more money this year." +<P> +"I don't know what we'll do. I wish you would just step +outside and look up at the shingles. Nearly all of them are ready to fall +off." +<P> +I was alarmed by Mrs. Decker's request. Suppose the trio +should come out? I would surely be discovered. But my fears were groundless, +as the next words of Mr. Woodward proved. +<P> +"I can't go out now, madam, not now. I haven't time. I +have a little business to transact with this man, and then I must return +to Darbyville." +<P> +"I'm sorry&—" began the woman. +<P> +"So am I; but it cannot be helped. Can I use this room +for a while?" +<P> +By the look upon Mrs. Decker's face it was plain to see +she wanted to say, "No, you can't," but she hardly dared to speak the words, +so she gave an icy assent and withdrew. +<P> +The merchant followed her to the door and saw that it +was closed tightly behind her. Then he strode across the room and faced John +Stumpy. +<P> +"Wall, sir, now we'll have an accounting," he began in +an authoritative voice. +<P> +"So we will, Woody," returned John Stumpy, in no wise +abashed by the other's manner. +<P> +The merchant winced at the use of a nickname, but after +an instant's hesitation passed it over. +<P> +"What do you mean by coming to Darbyville, sir, when I +have repeatedly written you to stay away?" +<P> +"Oh, come, Woody, don't get on your high horse," was Stumpy's +response, as he swung back in the rocker he occupied. "You know I never could +stand your high-toned ways." +<P> +"I flatter myself I am a trifle above common people," +returned Mr. Woodward, and it was plain to see where Duncan got his arrogant +manner. +<P> +"Oh, pshaw! don't make me tired," yawned Stumpy. "Come, +let's to business." +<P> +"I am at business. Why did you come here?" +<P> +"You know well enough. Didn't I write to you?" +<P> +"Yes, and got my answer. We've squared up accounts, sir." +<P> +"Don't 'sir' me,—it don't go down," cried Stumpy, angrily. +"We haven't squared up, not by a jugful,—not till you hand over some more +cash." +<P> +"I've handed over enough now." +<P> +"No, you hain't. Do you think I'm going to do all your +work for nothing?" +<P> +"You were well paid." +<P> +"It's only you as thinks so; I don't." +<P> +"How much more do you want?" +<P> +"A thousand dollars." +<P> +The largeness of the demand fairly took away my breath. +As for Mr. Aaron Woodward, he was beside himself. +<P> +"A thousand dollars!" he said. "Why, you're crazy, sir." +<P> +"No, I ain't; I mean just what I say." +<P> +"You expect me to pay you a thousand dollars?" +<P> +"Of course I do. I wouldn't ask it if I didn't." +<P> +"See here, Fer&—" +<P> +"Sh!—John Stumpy, if you please." +<P> +"That's so, I forgot. But see here, a thousand dollars! +Why, I've already paid you that." +<P> +"So you have. Now I want another thousand and then we'll +cry quits." +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward grew white with rage. "I never heard +of such an outrageous demand," he cried. "I'll never pay it." +<P> +"Oh, yes, you will," rejoined the other, coolly. "Aaron +Woodward never yet acted rashly." +<P> +"Suppose I refuse to pay?" +<P> +"Better not; I'm a bad man when I am aroused." +<P> +"I don't fear you. You can do nothing to me." +<P> +"Oh, yes, I can. I can tell ugly stories about Mr. Aaron +Woodward; stories concerning his doings when he was collector for Holland +& Mack." +<P> +"And who would believe you?" sneered the merchant. "You, +a common tramp&—" +<P> +"Tramp, am I&—" interrupted John Stumpy, with a scowl. +"If I am, who made me so?" +<P> +"Your own self and the bottle. Do you think you can hurt +me? Nonsense!" +<P> +"I can try." +<P> +"And who will believe you, I repeat? A common tramp—whom +the police are now hunting for, because of a robbery that occurred only last +night." +<P> +"'Tain't so!" +<P> +"It is. You broke into the Widow Canby's house and stole +over two hundred dollars." +<P> +In spite of the dirt on his face, John Stumpy grew pale. +<P> +"Who can prove it?" +<P> +"Several people. Carson Strong's son, for one." +<P> +Stumpy sprang to his feet. Then almost as suddenly sat +down. +<P> +"Didn't know he had a son," he said, as carelessly as +he could. +<P> +"Yes, you did," returned the merchant, flatly. "I think, +Fer—Stumpy, I know a little more about you than you do about me." +<P> +Bitter hatred spread itself over the tramp's face. +<P> +"Oh, ho, you do, do you? Well, we'll see. 'Them laughs +best as laughs last.' If you won't pay, I'm off." +<P> +He rose to his feet and reached for his hat, Mr. Woodward +intercepted him. +<P> +"Where are you going?" +<P> +"That's my business. I want you to know I didn't come +on all the way from Chicago for nothing." +<P> +"Are you hard up?" +<P> +"Yes, I am. I want money, and I'm going to have it." +<P> +"How about the two hundred dollars you stole last night?" +<P> +Stumpy hesitated. +<P> +"Well, if you want to know the truth, I lost the money," +he said. +<h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3> +<h4>THE PRICE OF SILENCE</h4> +<P> +For a moment I was staggered by John +Stumpy's announcement. Was it possible he was telling the truth? If so, the +chances of recovering the Widow Canby's money would assume a different shape. +To arrest him would prove a moral satisfaction, but it would not restore +the stolen dollars. +<P> +Occupying the position I did, I was more interested in +restoring the stolen money than I was in having the tramp incarcerated. +<P> +Nothing would have given me greater satisfaction than +to have met the Widow Canby at the depot with the two hundred odd dollars +in my pocket. It would have silenced the public tongue and made my breaking +jail of no consequence. +<P> +But perhaps John Stumpy was telling a falsehood. He was +not above such a thing, and would not hesitate if he thought anything could +be gained thereby. That Mr. Aaron Woodward also guessed such to be a fact +was proven by the words that followed Stumpy's statement. +<P> +"Lost the money?" he ejaculated. "Do you expect me to +believe you, sir?" +<P> +"It's true." +<P> +"Nonsense, sir. Jack Fer&—" +<P> +"Sh!" +<P> +"John Stumpy isn't the one to lose over two hundred dollars!" +<P> +"Just what I always said myself, partner, and&—" +<P> +"Don't 'partner ' me, sir!" +<P> +"Well, wasn't we all partners in the good times gone by?" +<P> +"No, sir!" +<P> +<I>"I</I> reckon we were. Howsomever, let it pass. Well, +as I was saying, I reckoned I'd never lose any money, leasewise a small pile, +but that's what I have done, and that's why I want you to come down." +<P> +And John Stumpy leaned back in the rocker in a defiant +fashion. +<P> +The merchant eyed him sharply in silence for a moment. +<P> +"Where did you lose the money?" he asked at length. +<P> +"How do I know? If I did, don't you suppose I'd go back +and pick it up?" +<P> +"I thought perhaps you were afraid of discovery." +<P> +"Humph! I'm not skeered of any such constables as they +have in Darbyville." +<P> +"But you must have some idea where you dropped it," went +on Mr. Woodward, and I was astonished to see how coolly this man, who always +pretended to be so straightforward, could inquire about stolen money. +<P> +"Not the least," responded John Stumpy. "There was two +hundred and sixty dollars in all. I took out ten and left the rest in the +pocketbook it was in. I've got the ten dollars, and that's all. And that's +why you've got to come down," he went on deliberately. "I'm off for Chicago +to-night, and I'm not going back empty handed." +<P> +"You think I ought to pay you for your own carelessness," +returned Mr. Woodward, coolly. +<P> +"Not a bit of it. You owe me every cent I ask." +<P> +"I don't owe you a penny." +<P> +"You owe me a thousand dollars, and for the last time +let me tell you, you've got to pay or take the consequences." And John Stumpy +brought his fist down on the table with a bang. +<P> +"Hold on; don't make so much noise," cried Mr. Aaron Woodward +in alarm. "There is no use of rousing the household." +<P> +"I don't care. Either you'll come down or I'll rouse the +whole of Darbyville," cried the tramp, vehemently. +<P> +"I haven't any money." +<P> +"You can't tell me that." +<P> +"It's true. Times are getting worse every day." +<P> +"Didn't the woman who lives here just pay you?" +<P> +"Yes; thirty dollars&—" +<P> +"And didn't you put the bills in with a big roll in your +vest pocket?" went on Stumpy, triumphantly. +<P> +The merchant bit his lip. +<P> +"That money is to pay a bill that falls due to-morrow," +he replied. +<P> +"Well, my 'bill' falls due to-day, and it's got to be +met. So come; no more beating about the bush. We've talked long enough. Now +to business. Do you intend to pay or not?" +<P> +The merchant hesitated. Evidently he was afraid to oppose +the other too strongly. +<P> +"Well, I don't want to let you go without anything," he +began. "I'll let you have twenty-five dollars&—" +<P> +John Stumpy jumped up in a passion. "That settles it. +I'm done with you. To-night I'll send a letter to Chris Holtzmann, 897 Sherman +Street, Chicago, and tell him a few things he wants to know, and&—" +<P> +"You dare!" almost shrieked Mr. Woodward. "Write a single +word to him and I'll—I'll&—" +<P> +"So! ho! You're afraid of him, are you?" +<P> +"No, I'm not, but what's the use of letting him know +anything?" +<P> +"Humph! Do you suppose I'd tell him without pay? Not much! +I can easily get him to fork over fifty or a hundred dollars. And he'll make +you pay it back, ten times over." +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward sank back in a chair without a word. +Evidently he was completely baffled, and knew not which way to turn. +<P> +As for myself, I was very much in the dark as to what +all this was about. I was certain the past events spoken of pertained to +my father's affairs, but failed to "make connections." +<P> +One thing, however, I did do, and that was to make a note +of Mr. Chris Holtzmann's address. He was the man Stumpy had written to just +previous to the robbery, and he was perhaps one of the persons concerned +in my father's downfall. +<P> +"See here," said the merchant at last. "It's too late +for us to quarrel. What good would an exposure to Holtzmann do?" +<P> +"Never mind. If you won't come to time, I shall do as +I please," growled Stumpy. +<P> +"But a thousand dollars! I haven't got it in cash." +<P> +"You can easily get it." +<P> +"Not so easily as you think. Tell you what I will do. +I'll give you a hundred. But you must give up all evidence you have against +me." +<P> +Stumpy gave a short, contemptuous laugh. "You must think +me as green as grass," he sneered. "I'm not giving up any evidence. I'm holding +on to all I've got and gathering more." +<P> +"You have Nicholas Weaver's statement," went on Mr. Woodward, +with interest. +<P> +"So I have. Nick told the truth in it, too." +<P> +"I would like to see it" +<P> +"Of course you would. So would some other people,—Carson +Strong's boy, for instance." +<P> +"Sh!—not so loud." +<P> +"Well, then, don't bring the subject up." +<P> +"Have you the statement with you?" +<P> +"Maybe I haven't; maybe I have." +<P> +"Perhaps it was taken from you," went on Mr. Woodward, +curiously. +<P> +"What do you know about that?" Stumpy again jumped to +his feet. "You've been talking to that Strong boy," he cried. +<P> +"Supposing I have?" +<P> +"Well, it didn't do you no good. Say, how much does the +young cub know?" +<P> +"He knows too much for the good of either of us," responded +the merchant. +<P> +"Sorry he wasn't found in the ruins of that tool house," +growled the tramp, savagely. +<P> +This was certainly a fine assertion for me to hear. Yet +it was no more than I would expect from John Stumpy. He was a villain through +and through. +<P> +"You meant to burn him up, did you?" asked Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"And if I had, Mr. Aaron Woodward would never have shed +a tear," laughed John Stumpy. +<P> +"Let me see the statement." +<P> +John Stumpy hesitated. "Hand over the money first, and +maybe I will." +<P> +"The hundred dollars?" +<P> +"No, a thousand." +<P> +"Do you suppose I carry so much money with me?" +<P> +"Give me what you have in that roll, and I'll take your +word for the rest." +<P> +The merchant gave something that sounded very much like +a groan. +<P> +"Well, I suppose if you insist on it, I must," he said. +"I'll give you what I have, but I won't promise you any more." +<P> +"Hand it over," was Stumpy's laconic reply. He probably +thought half a loaf better than no bread, at all. +<P> +With a heavy sigh Mr. Woodward drew the roll of bills +from his pocket and began to count them over. I was eager to catch sight +of them. I stood on tiptoe and peered into the window. It was an interesting +scene; the sour look upon the merchant's face; the look of greed in the tramp's +eye. In a moment the counting was finished. +<P> +"A hundred and seventy dollars," said Mr. Aaron Woodward. +"Here you are." And he held them out. Stumpy almost snatched them from his +hand. +<P> +"There, now that's settled," he said. "Now about—What +was that?" +<P> +A noise had disturbed him. While absorbed in what the +two were doing I had given an involuntary cough. +<P> +"Somebody listening," he declared as he thrust the money +into his pocket. +<P> +"We ought to be more careful." +<P> +"Only some one coughing in the next room," returned Mr. +Woodward. "Don't get scared." +<P> +"I ain't scared, but I don't want other folks to know +my business. Reckon you don't either." +<P> +"No, indeed. It's bad enough for me to be seen in your +company," returned Mr. Aaron Woodward, with just a trace of his former lofty +manner. +<P> +"No insinuations, please," was the ready reply. "My hands +ain't any dirtier than yours." +<P> +"Well, well, let's stop quarrelling. Let me see the +statement." +<P> +"Will you promise to hand it back if I do?" +<P> +"Why not let me have it?" +<P> +"Never mind why. Will you give it back?" +<P> +"If you insist on it, you shall have it back," was Mr. +Woodward's final reply, seeing that he could gain nothing by parleying. +<P> +Stumpy drew forth the envelope. I anticipated what was +coming. +<P> +"Here it is," he said, and handed it over, as he supposed. +<P> +"The envelope is empty," said Mr. Woodward. +<P> +Stumpy looked dumfounded. +<h3>CHAPTER XV</h3> +<h4>AN ODD STATEMENT</h4> +<P> +Before Mr. Woodward made the announcement +just recorded he had walked close up to the window, probably to get into +the light, for the sky was now darkening rapidly, portending the near breaking +out of the storm I have mentioned. +<P> +In doing this the merchant's back was turned upon his +companion, and for an instant Stumpy had been unable to see what the other +was doing. +<P> +When therefore Mr. Woodward declared the envelope to be +empty every action of the tramp indicated that he did not believe the statement. +<P> +"Empty?" he cried hoarsely. +<P> +"Yes, empty," replied the merchant; "and you knew it," +he added. +<P> +"No such thing. The statement was inside. Woody, you're +trying to play a sharp game, but it won't work." +<P> +"What do you mean, sir?" +<P> +"You're trying to rob me." +<P> +"Nonsense. I say the envelope was empty." +<P> +"And I say it wasn't. Come, hand over my property." +<P> +"I tell you, Fer—Stumpy, I haven't it." +<P> +"I don't care what you say. You can't play any such game +off on me," rejoined John Stumpy, with increasing anger. +<P> +"I'm only speaking the truth." +<P> +"You ain't. Hand it over, or I'll&—" +<P> +John Stumpy caught the merchant by the coat collar. +<P> +"What would you do?" cried Mr. Woodward in alarm, and +it was plain to see he was a coward at heart. +<P> +"I'll choke the life out of you; that's what I'll do. +Hand over the statement." +<P> +"I haven't it, upon my honor." +<P> +"Your honor? Bah! What does that amount to?" +<P> +John Stumpy suddenly shifted his hand from its grasp on +the collar to the merchant's throat. For a moment I thought Mr. Woodward +was in danger of being choked to death. +<P> +"Stop! Stop! Se—search me if you—you want to," he gasped. +<P> +But John Stumpy's passion seemed to have got the better +of his reason. He did not relax his hold in the least. +<P> +A short struggle ensued. The two backed up against the +table, and presently a chair was upset. Of course all this made considerable +noise. Yet neither of the men heeded it. +<P> +Presently the door from the other room swung open, and +the two had hardly time to separate before a tall, lank farmer entered. +<P> +"Hello, what's up?" he asked in a loud, drawling tone. +<P> +For an instant neither spoke, evidently not knowing what +to say. +<P> +"We were—were—ahem—trying to—to catch a rat," replied +Mr. Woodward, with an effort. +<P> +"A rat?" +<P> +"Exactly, sir. Had a terrible time with him, Mr. Decker." +<P> +The farmer looked surprised. "So I supposed by the row +that was going on," he said. "Curious. I knew there were rats down to the +barn, but I didn't suppose they came up to the house. What became of him?" +<P> +"Slipped out of the door just now," put in John Stumpy. +"There he goes!" he added, pointing out into the hall. +<P> +Mr. Decker made a spring out of the room. +<P> +"I must ketch him, by gopher!" he cried. "There's enough +eat up here now without having the vermin taking a hand in." +<P> +Mr. Woodward closed the door after the man. +<P> +"Now see to what your actions have brought us," he exclaimed. +"If it hadn't been for my quick wit we'd been in a pretty mess." +<P> +"Not my fault," growled John Stumpy. "Why don't you give +up the statement?" +<P> +I could not help but feel amused at his persistency. His +demands upon the merchant were about on a footing with those Mr. Woodward +had made upon me. +<P> +"If you'll only listen to reason," began the merchant, +"I will prove&—" +<P> +The rest of his remark was drowned out in a clap of thunder. +Somewhat startled, I looked up at the sky. +<P> +The black clouds in the south had rolled up rapidly, until +now the entire horizon was covered. The first burst of thunder was succeeded +directly by several others, and then large drops of rain began to fall. +<P> +The wind blew the drops directly into the window. I crouched +down out of sight, and the next moment Mr. Woodward said:&— +<P> +"It's raining in the window. We'd better close it up." +<P> +Of course directly the window was closed I could hear +no longer. I remained in my position for half a minute or more, and then +as the rain began to pour down rapidly I made a break for better shelter. +<P> +I sought the barn. It was a low, rambling structure, with +great wide doors. No one seemed to be around, and I rushed in without ceremony. +I was pretty fairly soaked, but as it was warm I did not mind the ducking. +I shook out my hat and coat and then sat down to think matters over. +<P> +What I had heard had not given me much satisfaction. To +be sure, it had proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Aaron Woodward was a thorough +scoundrel, but of this I had been already satisfied in my own mind. +<P> +What was I to do? I had asked myself that question several times, and now +I asked it again. +<P> +If only I could get John Stumpy arrested, perhaps it would +be possible to force him to make a confession. But how was this to be done? +<P> +While I sat on the edge of a feed box, a form darkened +the doorway, and Farmer Decker appeared. +<P> +"Hello!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" +<P> +"I took the liberty to come in out of the rain," I replied. +"Have you any objections to my remaining until the shower is over?" +<P> +"No, guess not. It's a mighty heavy one. Where're you +from? Newville?" +<P> +"No, sir, Darbyville." +<P> +"Yes? Had quite a robbery down there, I understand." +<P> +"Is that so?" +<P> +"Yes, a chap named Strong robbed an old woman of nearly +five hundred dollars. Do you know him or the woman?" +<P> +"I know the woman quite well," was my reply, and I hoped +he would not question me further. +<P> +"They've got him in jail, I believe. The fellow and his +sister tried to make out that a tramp had taken the money, but I understand +no one would listen to the story." +<P> +"No?" +<P> +"No. It seems this Strong boy's father is in jail now +for stealing, so it ain't strange the boy's a thief." +<P> +"But maybe he isn't guilty," I put in, by way of a mild +protest. +<P> +"Maybe. Of course it's rather tough on him if he isn't. +But you can't tell nowadays; boys is so all-fired high toned, and want to +play big fiddle." +<P> +"Some boys are, but not all of them." +<P> +"Some of them. Now there's our landlord, who is in the +house now, he's got a son as extravagant as can be, and if it wasn't for +Mr. Woodward keeping him in funds I don't know what that boy might not do. +He—whoa, there, Billy, whoa!" +<P> +The last remark was addressed to a horse standing in one +of the stalls. A clap of thunder had set the animal to prancing. +<P> +"Your horse feels rather uneasy," I remarked, glad of +a chance to change the subject. +<P> +"Allers acts that way when there's a storm going on. Too +bad, too, for I want to hitch him up and take Mr. Woodward and another man +that's with him over to Darbyville." +<P> +As Mr. Decker spoke he led the horse from the stall and +backed him up between the shafts of the carriage that stood near the rear +of the barn. +<P> +While he was hitching up I set myself to thinking. While +I was perfectly willing that Mr. Woodward should return to Darbyville, I +did not wish to allow John Stumpy out of my sight. Once away, and I might +not be able to lay hands on him. +<P> +Had I been sure that Kate had succeeded in finding the +lost statement, I would not have cared, but the chances in her favor were +slim, and I did not wish to run any risks. +<P> +"Are you going to drive around to the house for them?" +I asked as the farmer finished the job. +<P> +"Guess I'll have to. It will be a beastly drive. Sorry +I can't offer you a seat—it would be better than walking." +<P> +"I think I'll wait till it clears off," I returned. "I'm +not on business, and&—" +<P> +"Say, Decker, how long is it going to take you to hitch +up?" interrupted a voice from the doorway, and the next instant Mr. Woodward +strode into the barn, followed by John Stumpy. +<P> +I did not have time to conceal myself. I tried to step +behind a partition, but before I could do so the merchant's eye was on me. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. +<P> +"Yes, sir," I replied, as boldly as I could. +<P> +"How did you get here?" he demanded. +<P> +"Walked, just as you did." +<P> +"Thought you were in jail." +<P> +"So do most people." +<P> +"Who is this chap?" asked the farmer, staring at me with +open eyes. +<P> +"It's the boy who was arrested for that robbery last night," +explained the merchant. +<P> +"Shoo—you don't say? And I was talking to him about that +very thing. You rascal, you!" +<P> +"How did you get out?" put in John Stumpy. +<P> +"None of your business," I replied briskly. "If you'd +had your way I'd been burnt up in the tool house last night." +<P> +"No such thing," was the tramp's reply. "Never saw you +before." +<P> +"You're the fellow who stole the Widow Canby's money." +<P> +"You must be crazy, young fellow. I don't know anything +about the Widow Canby or her money." +<P> +"I can prove it. My sister can prove it, too." +<P> +"Then your sister must be as crazy as yourself." +<P> +"Stop there! You're the thief and you know it." +<P> +"I know nothing of the kind." +<P> +"Your story is nonsensical, Strong," broke in Mr. Woodward. +"Gentlemen like Mr. Stumpy here do not break into people's houses and commit +robberies." +<P> +"Gentlemen! He's nothing but a tramp, and you know it." +<P> +"Tramp? How dare you?" cried Stumpy, in suddenly assumed +dignity, put on for the farmer's benefit. "I am a ranchero from Texas and +an honest man. I am visiting Mr. Woodward, and know nothing more of the robbery +excepting having heard that it occurred—ahem!" And John Stumpy drew himself +up. +<P> +Under other circumstances I would have laughed at his +effrontery. But the situation was too serious to indulge in any humor. +<P> +"Being placed under arrest has turned your head, Strong," +said the merchant. "You seem to be quite out of your mind." +<P> +"When was the robbery committed?" put in John Stumpy, +suddenly. +<P> +"You know well enough," I cried. +<P> +"I heard it was about two o'clock in the morning," vouchsafed +Farmer Decker. +<P> +"Then I can easily prove an alibi," said the tramp, +triumphantly. "I can prove I was with my esteemed friend Mr. Woodward at +that hour. Isn't it so, Aaron?" +<P> +The merchant hesitated. I fairly held my breath to catch +his answer. Would he commit deliberate perjury? +<P> +"Quite true," he replied slowly. "Mr. Stumpy was with +me last night. We sat up in the library, smoking, and playing cards until +after midnight, and then I showed him to bed. He could not possibly have +committed the crime of which Strong speaks." +<P> +"Then the boy must be the guilty one hisself," said the +farmer. "And so young, too. Who would a-thought it! What shall we do with +him, Mr. Woodward?" +<P> +"You had better help me take him back to Darbyville jail," +responded the merchant. +<h3>CHAPTER XVI</h3> +<h4>MY UNCLE ENOS</h4> +<P> +John Stumpy gave a smile of triumph. As for myself, I stood aghast. Mr. Aaron Woodward +had committed deliberate perjury, or at least, something that amounted to +the same thing. He had positively declared that John Stumpy was at his house +at the time of the robbery of Widow Canby's house, and could not, therefore, +be the guilty party. +<P> +It was easy to guess that in this statement it was his +intention to screen his partner in iniquity. To be sure, he had been forced +to take the position by Stumpy himself, but once having taken it, I was morally +certain he would not back down. +<P> +His action would make it harder than ever for me to clear +myself and bring the tramp to justice. His word in a court of law would carry +more weight than mine or my sister's, and consequently our case would fall +to the ground. +<P> +I was glad that Dick Blair could testify concerning my +whereabouts and the scene in the dining room directly after the robbery. +The merchant knew nothing of Blair's presence on the occasion—at least I +imagined so from his conversation—and might, by saying too much, "put his +foot in it." +<P> +But now my mind was filled with only one thought. The +three men intended to take me to the Darbyville jail. I was to be ignominiously +dragged back to the prison from which I had escaped. +<P> +Once again in Ezekiel Booth's custody I was certain he +would keep so strict a guard over me that further breaking away would be +out of the question. Perhaps Judge Penfold would consider me so dangerous +a prisoner as to send me to the county jail for safe keeping, in which case +it would be harder than ever for me to clear myself or see Kate. +<P> +For an instant I meditated taking to my legs and running +my chances, but this idea was knocked in the head by Farmer Decker grasping +me by the collar. +<P> +"Maybe he might take a notion and run away," he explained. +"He did it once, you say." +<P> +"A good idea to hold him," said Mr. Woodward. "Have you +finished hitching up?" +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Have you room for him?" +<P> +"I might put in another seat." +<P> +"Do so. And hurry; the rain has slackened up a bit, and +we may reach Darbyville before it starts again." +<P> +The extra seat was soon placed in the carriage. Then the +farmer procured a couple of rubber blankets. +<P> +"All ready now," he said. "How shall we sit?" +<P> +"You and Mr. Stumpy sit in front. I and the boy will occupy +the back seat. Come, Strong, get in." +<P> +For an instant I thought of refusing. The merchant had +no right to order me. But then I reflected that a refusal would do no good, +and might do harm, so without a word I entered the carriage. +<P> +The others were not slow to follow. Then Farmer Decker +chirruped to Billy, and we rolled out of the farm yard and down the road. +<P> +But little was said on the way. I was busy with my own +thoughts, and so were Mr. Woodward and Stumpy. The farmer asked several +questions, but the merchant said he would learn all he wished to know at +the judge's office, and this quieted him. +<P> +About five o'clock in the afternoon we rolled into Darbyville. +While crossing the Pass River the sun had burst through the clouds, and now +all was as bright and fresh as ever. +<P> +Judge Penfold's office was situated in the centre of the +principal business block. When we arrived there we found a number of men +standing about the door, no doubt discussing my escape, for they uttered +many exclamations of surprise on seeing me. +<P> +Chief among them was Parsons, who looked pale and worried. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. "Where have you been?" +<P> +"Took a walk for my health," I replied as lightly as I +could, though my heart was heavy. +<P> +"Well, I guess we'll make sure it shan't happen again," +he returned. "Hi, there, Booth! Here's your prisoner come back!" +<P> +In a moment the carpenter appeared upon the scene. +<P> +"You rascal, you!" he cried in angry tones. "A fine peck +of trouble you've got yourself into!" +<P> +"What's all this about?" asked a heavy voice from the +stairs, and Judge Penfold stood before me. +<P> +"I have brought your prisoner back, judge," replied Mr. +Woodward. +<P> +"So I see. Well, Strong, what have you to say for yourself? +Do you know breaking jail is a serious offence?" +<P> +"I don't know anything about it. I know I was locked up +for nothing at all, and I escaped at the first chance offered." +<P> +"There was no chance offered at all, judge," broke in +Booth, fearful of having a reflection cast upon his character. "He just went +and ripped the hull floor up, that's what he did." +<P> +"Silence, Booth! Come upstairs and we will hear the +particulars." +<P> +In a moment we were in Judge Penfold's office. I was told +to take a seat on a bench, with Booth on one side of me and Parsons on the +other. +<P> +Then Mr. Woodward introduced John Stumpy as a friend from +San Antonio, Texas, and the two told their story, corroborated at its end +by Farmer Decker, who trembled from head to foot at the idea of addressing +as high a dignitary as Judge Penfold. +<P> +"What have you to say to this, Strong?" I was asked. +<P> +In a plain, straightforward way I told my story from beginning +to end, told it in a manner that did not fail to impress nearly every one +in the court-room but the judge and my accusers. +<P> +Of course Mr. Woodward and John Stumpy stoutly denied +all I said, and their denial carried the day. +<P> +"Until we can have a real trial I will send you back to +jail," said Judge Penfold. +<P> +"Why don't you send John Stumpy to jail, too?" I asked. +"He is as much accused as I." +<P> +"We have only your word for that." +<P> +"Then let me send for my sister Kate and Dick Blair." +<P> +Judge Penfold rubbed his chin reflectively. +<P> +"I think I'll have to put you under bonds," he said to +John Stumpy. +<P> +"Why so? The boy's word doesn't amount to anything," put +in Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"Only a matter of form, Mr. Woodward. I will make it a +thousand dollars. Will you go his bondsman?" +<P> +"Of course he will," said John Stumpy, hastily. "Won't +you?" +<P> +The merchant winced. "I—I guess so," he stammered. "But +it's a strange proceeding." +<P> +In a few moments, by the aid of two other men, the bond +was made out. +<P> +"I will make your bail a thousand dollars also," said +Judge Penfold, turning to me. "I suppose it's quite useless though," he added +sarcastically. +<P> +"Not quite so useless as you might think," exclaimed a +hearty voice from the rear of the court-room. +<P> +I thought I recognized the tones, and turned hastily. +There beside my sister Kate stood my uncle, Enos Moss, of whom I have already +spoken. +<P> +He was a grizzly bearded sea-captain of seventy, with +manner and speech suggestive of the brine. +<P> +Breaking from Parsons and Booth, I ran to meet him. He +shook both my hands and then clapped me on the shoulder. +<P> +"Cast up on a lee shore, are you, Roger?" he exclaimed. +"And the wind a-blowing a hurricane." +<P> +"Yes, I am," I replied, "and I'm mighty glad you've come, +Uncle Enos." +<P> +"Just dropped anchor in time," he went on. "Judge Penfold, +do you remember me?" +<P> +"You are Carson Strong's brother-in-law, I believe?" replied +the judge. +<P> +"You've hit it. Captain Enos Moss, part owner and sailing +master of the <I>Hattie Baker, </I> as trim a craft as ever rounded the Horn. +Been away for three years, and now on shore to stay." +<P> +"You're not going on any more voyages?" I queried. +<P> +"No, my hearty. I've made enough to keep me, and I'm getting +too old to walk the quarter-deck. Besides, I've heard of your father's troubles +from Kate, and I reckon they need sounding." +<P> +"Indeed they do." +<P> +"Well, now about your difficulty. A thousand-dollar bond, +eh. It's pretty stiff, but I guess I can stand it." +<P> +"Thank you, sir," was all I could say. +<P> +"Don't say a word. Didn't your father put in a good word +for me when I was a-courting your aunt that's dead and gone—God bless her! +Indeed, he did! And I'll stand by you, Roger, no matter how hard the gale +blows." +<P> +"Then <I>you</I> don't think I'm guilty?" +<P> +"What! a lad with your bearing a thief? Not much. The +people in this village must be asleep—not to know better'n that?" +<P> +"Ahem!" coughed Judge Penfold, sternly. He considered +my uncle's remarks decidedly impertinent. "Are you able to go his bail?" +he asked. +<P> +"Reckon I am. I've just deposited ten thousand dollars +in the bank here, and I've got twenty and more in New York. How will you +have it—in cash?" +<P> +"A conditional check, certified, will do," replied Judge +Penfold, shortly. +<P> +What he meant had to be explained, and then we all went +to the banker's office. My uncle's account was found to be as he had stated, +and about ten minutes later my bond was signed and I was at liberty to go +where I pleased until called upon to appear. +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward and John Stumpy apparently did not +relish the turn affairs had taken. But I paid no attention to them, and the +business over, I hurried off with my sister and my newly arrived uncle. +<P> +"Did you find the statement?" I asked of Kate, as soon +as we were out of hearing of the crowd. +<P> +"No, Roger, I looked and looked, but it wasn't anywhere, +either at the tool house or on the way to Judge Penfold's." +<P> +"Have you heard from Mrs. Canby yet?" +<P> +"Yes, she is coming home." +<P> +"Does she blame me for what has happened?" +<P> +"She doesn't say." +<P> +"Never mind, Roger. We'll stick up for you," put in Uncle +Enos, kindly. +<P> +I was considerably disturbed. What if Mrs. Canby should +consider me at fault? +<P> +As we drew near to the cottage, I saw a lady standing +by the gate, watching our approach. It was the Widow Canby. +<h3>CHAPTER XVII</h3> +<h4>A SUDDEN RESOLVE</h4> +<P> +My heart beat rapidly as I walked +up to the gate. How would the good lady who had done so much for Kate and +myself receive me? +<P> +An unkind word or an unfavorable insinuation from her +would have hurt me worse than a thousand from any one else. She had been +so generous that to have her turn would have made me feel as if I had lost +my last friend on earth. +<P> +But as she had taken me in before when others had cast +me out, so she now proved the friend in need. +<P> +"So they've thought better of it and set you free, Roger?" +she said as I hurried up. +<P> +"Yes, Mrs. Canby," I returned. "I hope—I hope&—" I began, +and then came to a full stop. +<P> +"What?" and she caught my hand. +<P> +"I hope you don't think I had anything to do with the +robbery," I stammered. +<P> +"No, Roger, I don't. I think you're an honest boy, and +I've got to have more proof against you than I've heard yet before I'll believe +otherwise." +<P> +"Thank you, ma'am, oh, thank you!" I blurted out, and +the tears started to my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. +<P> +The events of which I am writing occurred several years +ago, but I am not ashamed of those tears. They were the outcome of long-pent-up +feelings, and I could not hold them back. My sister cried, too, and the Widow +Canby and Uncle Enos looked very much as if they wished to join in. +<P> +"I knew you wouldn't think Roger did it," cried Kate. +"I said all along you wouldn't, though everybody said you would." +<P> +"Folks don't appear to know me very well," returned Widow +Canby, with a bit of grim humor in her tone. "I don't always think as others +do. Come into the house and give me full particulars. Who is this man? Why, +really! Captain Moss, I believe?" +<P> +"Yes, ma'am, Captain Moss—Roger's uncle, at your service," +replied he, taking off his cap and bowing low. "I thought you'd remember +me. Your husband as was once sailed to Boston with me." +<P> +"Oh, yes, I remember you. Will you come in?" +<P> +"Thank you, reckon I will. I have no home now, and hotels +is scarce in Darbyville. I only arrived this noon, and I've been with Kate +ever since. I must hunt up a boarding-house to stay at. Do you know of any +close at hand?" +<P> +"Perhaps I do. Let us talk of that later on. I want to +hear Roger's story first." +<P> +"Just as you say, ma'am. Only I must get a place to stop +at to-night." +<P> +"You shall be provided for, Captain Moss. I have a spare +room." +<P> +"You are very kind to an old sea-dog like myself, Mrs. +Canby," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +The widow led the way into the dining room. The lamp was +already lighted, and while my sister Kate busied herself with preparing supper, +Mrs. Canby and my uncle sat down to listen to my story. +<P> +For the first time I told it with all the details that +concerned myself,—how I had been waylaid by the Models, how Dick Blair had +released me, what Stumpy had done at the tool house, and all, not forgetting +about the statement Kate and I wished so much to find. +<P> +The Widow Canby and my uncle listened with close attention +until I had finished. +<P> +"It's a strange story, Roger," said the widow, at its +conclusion. "One hard to believe. But I know you tell the truth." +<P> +"What a rascal this Woodward must be!" broke in my uncle +"He's a far greater villain in his way than this John Stumpy. I am strongly +inclined to figure that you're right, and he is the one that ran your father +up on a lee shore." +<P> +"I don't think father did a single thing that was wrong—that +is, knowingly," I returned. "If he did do wrong, I'm sure Mr. Woodward made +it appear as if it was all right." +<P> +"No doubt, no doubt. If you could only get to the bottom +of this Weaver's statement." +<P> +"And when is this trial to come off?" put in Mrs. Canby. +"Really I don't see what good it will do me if this man has lost the money." +<P> +"I'd like to find that, too," I returned. +<P> +Presently Kate announced that supper was ready, and we +all sat down. The widow said that she had found her sister much better, and +on receiving Kate's letter had started for her home at once. The loss of +the money did not disturb her as much as I had anticipated, and as every +one was hungry, the meal passed off tolerably well. +<P> +When we had nearly finished there was a knock on the door, +and Kate admitted Mr. Woodward's errand boy. He had a note for me. It contained +but a single sentence:&— +<P> +"Please call at my house this evening about nine o'clock." +<P> +I read the note over with interest, and then informed +the others of what it contained. +<P> +"Shall you go?" asked Kate, anxiously. +<P> +"I suppose I might." +<P> +"Maybe it's a plot," suggested the widow. +<P> +"Might waylay you," added Uncle Enos. "A man like him +is liable to do 'most anything." +<P> +"I don't think he would dare do me any bodily injury," +I replied. "He would know I had told some one where I was going, and that +my absence would be noticed." +<P> +"If you go, take me in tow," said my uncle. "I needn't +go in with you, but I can hang around outside, and if anything goes wrong, +all you've got to do is to holler like all creation, and I'll come to the +rescue." +<P> +"Oh, if Roger runs any risk, I'd rather he wouldn't go," +exclaimed Kate, in alarm. +<P> +"I don't think the risk is very great," I returned. "Besides, +I may find the missing statement. That is worth trying for." +<P> +"I shall be in dread until you return," she replied, with +a grave shake of her head. +<P> +"When will you start?" asked Uncle Enos. +<P> +"About half past eight. It won't take over half an hour +to reach his house." +<P> +We continued to discuss Mr. Woodward for some time, and +also the action of the Models and what I should do on their score. My Uncle +Enos was for prosecuting them, but the Widow Canby said that the future would +bring its own punishment, and on this we rested. +<P> +"And now about my board," began Uncle Enos, during a dull +in the conversation. "I must find a boarding-house for after to-night." +<P> +"Wouldn't you like to stay with the children?" asked Mrs. +Canby. +<P> +"Yes, ma'am; indeed I would. To tell the truth, it's my +intention sooner or later to offer them a home with me." +<P> +"I should hate to have them leave me," returned the widow, +quickly. +<P> +"I suppose so." +<P> +"How would you like to board with me? As I have said, +there is lots of room, and you have just eaten a sample meal. We do not live +in style—but&—" +<P> +"Plenty good enough style," interrupted Captain Enos, +"and better grub then we had on the <I>Hattie Baker,</I> I'll be bound. I'd +like it first rate here if the terms wasn't too high." +<P> +"What do you think fair?" +<P> +"I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. I haven't paid a week's +board in three years." +<P> +"Would five dollars a week be too much?" +<P> +"No, ma'am. Are you sure it's enough? I don't want to +crowd your hospitality." +<P> +"I'd be satisfied with five dollars. Of course boarders +are out of my line, but there are exceptions to all cases. Besides, I'll +feel safer with another man about the house. No reflection on you, Roger, +but you won't always be here together." +<P> +"No, ma'am," replied my uncle. "I must visit my brother-in-law +at the prison—that will take several days." +<P> +"Will you take me with you?" asked Kate, eagerly. +<P> +"Certainly, and you, too, Roger, if you want to go." +<P> +"I would like to very much," was my reply. "But I want +to ask even a bigger favor than that, Uncle Enos." +<P> +"Yes?" +<P> +"Yes, sir. You may think it a good deal, but you've been +so kind, and I haven't any one else to go to." +<P> +"Well, what is it, my boy? I'll do it if I can." +<P> +"Lend me about fifty dollars." +<P> +My Uncle Enos raised his eyebrows in surprise. +<P> +"Fifty dollars?" he repeated. +<P> +"Yes, sir. That is, if you can spare it. I'll promise +to pay it back some day." +<P> +"And what do you intend to do with it?" +<P> +"I want to go to Chicago, sir." +<P> +"To Chicago?" +<P> +All three of my listeners repeated the words in chorus; +then Captain Enos continued:&— +<P> +"And what are you going to do there?" +<P> +"I want to hunt up this Holtzmann, and find out what he +knows about my father's affairs. I'm satisfied that he is as deep in it as +Mr. Woodward or John Stumpy, and if I can only by some means get him to tell +what he knows, I may accomplish a good deal." +<P> +My Uncle Enos put his hand upon my shoulder; "Well, Roger, +you're a brave boy, and I'll trust you. You shall have fifty dollars, and +a hundred, if you want it, to do as you think best. Only don't get into trouble." +<P> +"Thank you Uncle Enos, thank you!" I cried heartily. "Some +day I'll pay you back." +<P> +"I don't want it back, my lad. If you can catch any proofs +that will help clear your father, I shall be more than satisfied." +<P> +"And when shall you go?" asked Kate. +<P> +"I don't know. It will depend on my interview with Mr. +Woodward and also on what John Stumpy does. Not inside of several days, at +least. Besides, we want to see father first, you know." +<P> +"Of course." +<P> +"We can go to Trenton tomorrow," said Uncle Enos. At Trenton +was located the State prison. After consulting a time table printed in the +Darbyville Record, we found we could catch a train for that city at 8.25 +from Newville the next morning, and this we decided to take. +<P> +Having settled this matter, we returned again to the +discussion of the incidents surrounding the robbery, and what would probably +be the next movements of those fighting against me. Uncle Enos grew greatly +interested, and said he knew a lawyer in New York who might secure some good +private detective who could take the case in hand. +<P> +Finally it came half past eight, and putting on my hat, +I started for Mr. Woodward's residence. +<h3>CHAPTER XVIII</h3> +<h4>IN MR. WOODWARD'S LIBRARY</h4> +<P> +Though outwardly calm, I was considerably +agitated as I walked to Darbyville. Why the merchant had sent for me I could +not surmise. Of course it was on account of the robbery, but so far as I +knew both of us had taken a separate stand, and neither would turn back. +I thought it barely possible that he wished to intimidate me into receding +from my position. He was as much of a bully in his way as Duncan, and would +not hesitate to use every means in his power to bring me to terms. +<P> +Arriving at Mr. Woodward's house, I ascended the steps +and rang the bell. +<P> +"Is Mr. Woodward in?" I asked of the girl who answered +the summons. +<P> +"I'll see, sir," she replied. "Who shall I say it is?" +<P> +"Roger Strong." +<P> +The girl left me standing in the hall. While waiting for +her return I could not help but remember the old lines:&— +<BLOCKQUOTE> + <P ALIGN=LEFT class=left> + "'Will you walk into my parlor?'<BR> + Said the spider to the fly." +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<P> +But if I was walking into the spider's parlor, it would +be my own fault if I got hurt, for I was entering with my eyes open. I determined +to be on my guard, and take nothing for granted. +<P> +"Mr. Woodward will be pleased to see you in his library," +said the girl upon her return, and then, having indicated the door, she vanished +down the back hall. +<P> +As I put my hand upon the door-knob, I heard steps upon +the stairs, and looking up saw Duncan Woodward descending. +<P> +His face was still swollen from the punishment I had inflicted +upon him. Nevertheless, he was faultlessly dressed in full evening costume, +and I rightly conjectured he was going to spend the night in some fashionable +dissipation such as dancing or card-playing. +<P> +"Hello! how did you get in here?" he exclaimed. +<P> +"Was let in," was my mild reply, not caring to pick a +quarrel with him. +<P> +"Was, eh? And what for, I'd like to know?" +<P> +"That's your father's business, Duncan." +<P> +"Don't Duncan me any more, Roger Strong. What's my father's +business?" +<P> +"What I came for. He sent for me." +<P> +"Oh, he did. Reckon he's going to square accounts with +you." +<P> +"I don't know what accounts he's going to square," I went +on in curiosity. +<P> +"Didn't you as much as try to intimate he was lying—down +in Judge Penfold's court this afternoon?" +<P> +"I only told what I knew to be the truth," I replied calmly. +<P> +"The truth. Humph! I believe you took the widow's money +yourself." +<P> +"Take care what you're saying," I replied angrily. "I +don't propose to stand any such talk from you." +<P> +Duncan grew speechless. "Why, you—you&—" he began. +<P> +"Hold up now before you say something that you'll be sorry +for. This is your house, but you have no right to insult me in it." +<P> +"Quite right, Strong, quite right." The library door had +opened, and Mr. Woodward stood upon the threshold, gazing sharply at his +son. "Strong is here upon my invitation, Duncan; you ought to treat him with +more politeness," he added. +<P> +If Duncan was amazed at this speech, so was I. The merchant +taking my part? What did it mean? +<P> +"Why, I—I&—" began Duncan, but he could really get no +further. +<P> +"No explanation is necessary," interrupted his father, +coolly. +<P> +"Strong, please step in, will you?" +<P> +"Yes, sir," and I suited the action to the word. +<P> +As I did so Duncan passed on to the front door. +<P> +"I'll get even with you yet, you cad!" he muttered under +his breath; but I paid no attention to his words. I had "bigger fish to fry." +<P> +Once inside of Mr. Woodward's library, the merchant closed +the door behind me and then invited me to take a seat beside his desk, at +the same time throwing himself back in his easy chair. +<P> +"I suppose you thought it rather singular that I should +send for you," he said by way of an opening. +<P> +"Yes, sir, I did," was all I could reply. +<P> +"I thought as much. It was only an impulse of mine, sir, +only an impulse. I wished to see if we cannot arrange this—this little +difficulty without publicity. I would rather lose a good deal, yes, sir, +a good deal, than have my name dragged into court." +<P> +"All I ask is for justice," I replied calmly. "I am under +arrest for a crime of which I am innocent. On the other hand, you are trying +to shield a man I know is guilty." +<P> +I expected a storm of indignation from Mr. Woodward because +of the last remark. Yet he showed no sign of resentment. +<P> +"Don't you think you might be mistaken in your identification +of Mr. Stumpy?" he replied, and I noticed that again he nearly stumbled in +pronouncing the tramp's name. +<P> +"No, sir," I replied promptly. +<P> +"Remember that you saw him only by lantern light, and +then but for a few minutes." +<P> +"I saw him by daylight as well." +<P> +"When?" +<P> +"In the morning. He came as a beggar." +<P> +"A beggar? Impossible!" The merchant held, up his hands +in assumed amazement. "Why, Strong, the idea of Mr. Stumpy begging is +ridiculous." +<P> +"Just the same it is true, Mr. Woodward. And what is more, +he is the thief, and you know it." +<P> +"That's a strong assertion to make, sir, a very strong +assertion." +<P> +"Nevertheless, I believe I can prove my words." +<P> +Mr. Woodward turned slightly pale. +<P> +"You can prove no such thing," he cried. +<P> +"Yes, I can. Didn't Stumpy admit he had taken the money?" +<P> +"Never, sir." +<P> +"He did." +<P> +"When?" +<P> +"This afternoon while you were at Decker's place." +<P> +Had I slapped the merchant in the face he would not have +been more surprised. He sprang to his feet and glared at me. +<P> +"You—you—Who says he made such an admission?" +<P> +"I say so." +<P> +"Ah! I see, you were spying on us. You rascal!" +<P> +"It strikes me that you are the rascal," I returned. "You +try deliberately to shield a thief." +<P> +"What!" +<P> +"Yes, it's true." +<P> +"Can you prove it?" +<P> +Mr. Woodward asked the question sneeringly, but there +was much of curiosity in his tones. +<P> +"Perhaps I can." +<P> +The merchant pulled his mustache nervously. +<P> +"Strong, you are greatly mistaken. But don't let us quarrel +any more." +<P> +"I don't want to quarrel." +<P> +"I feel badly over the whole affair, and Mr. Stumpy is +fairly sick. I suppose you think you are right, but you are mistaken. Now +I have a proposition to make to you." Mr. Woodward leaned forward in his +chair. "Suppose you admit that you are mistaken—that Mr. Stumpy is not the +man? Do this, and I will not prosecute you for having taken my papers." +<P> +I was surprised and indignant; surprised that Mr. Woodward +should still insist upon my having taken his papers, and indignant because +of his outrageous offer. +<P> +"Mr. Woodward," I began firmly, "you can prosecute me +or not; Stumpy is the guilty man, and I shall always stick to it." +<P> +"Then you will go to jail, too." +<P> +"For the last time let me say I have not seen your papers." +<P> +"It is false. You took them from this room last night. +At the very time you pretend you were after the robber at Mrs. Canby's house +you were here ransacking my desk." +<P> +"Mr. Woodward&—" +<P> +"There is no use in denying it. I have abundant proofs. +The girl who cleaned up here this morning found a handkerchief with your +name on it lying on the floor. If you weren't here, how did that come here?" +<P> +"My handkerchief?" +<P> +"Yes, sir, your handkerchief; and Mary O'Brien can identify +it and tell where she found it." +<P> +"Some one else must have had it," I stammered, and then +suddenly: "I know who the party is—Duncan." +<P> +"Duncan!" +<P> +"Yes, sir. He took that handkerchief away from me when +the Models waylaid me!" +<P> +"My son! Really, Strong, you are mad! But I will take +you in hand, sir; yes, indeed, I will." +<P> +"No, you won't, Aaron Woodward!" I cried, for once letting +my temper get the better of me. "You are awfully cunning, but I am not afraid +of you. I am willing to have all these matters sifted to the bottom, and +the sooner the better. What papers have you missed? Were they the ones that +Holtzmann of Chicago is after? How is it that my father is in prison while +you live in style on money you never earned? Who is the relative that left +it to you? Did you ever make a clear statement concerning the transactions +that took away my father's honest name?" +<P> +"Stop! Stop!" +<P> +"I will not stop! You want an investigation; so do I. +Luckily my uncle, Captain Enos Moss, has just returned from a voyage. He +has quite some money, and I know he will use it to bring the guilty parties +to justice. And then&—" +<P> +I did not finish. Mr. Woodward had strode over to the +door and locked it, putting the key in his pocket. +<P> +"You know too much, Strong," he muttered between his set +teeth, as he caught me by the collar; "too much entirely. We must come to +a settlement before you leave this room." +<h3>CHAPTER XIX</h3> +<h4>A CLEVER RUSE</h4> +<P> +I must confess I was frightened when +Mr. Woodward locked the door of his library and caught me by the collar. +Was it possible that he contemplated doing me physical harm? It looked that +way. +<P> +I was not accustomed to such rough treatment, and I resented +it instantly. I was not very large for my age, but I was strong, and ducking +my head I wrenched myself free from his grasp and sprang to the other side +of the small table that stood in the centre of the room. +<P> +"What do you mean by treating me in this manner!" I cried. +"Unlock that door at once!" +<P> +"Not much, sir," replied Mr. Woodward, vehemently. "You've +made some remarkable statements, young man, and I demand a clear explanation +before you leave." +<P> +"Well, you demand too much, Aaron Woodward," I replied +firmly. "Unlock that door." +<P> +"Not just yet. I want to know what you know of Holtzmann +of Chicago?" +<P> +"You won't learn by treating me in this manner," was my +determined reply. "Unlock that door, or, take my word for it, I'll arouse +the whole neighborhood." +<P> +"You'll do nothing of the kind, young man," he rejoined. +<P> +"I will." +<P> +"Make the least disturbance and you shall pay dearly for +it. Understand, sir, I'm not to be trifled with." +<P> +"And I'm not to be frightened into submission," I returned +with spirit. "I have a right to leave when I please and I shall do so." +<P> +"Not till I am ready," said he, coolly. +<P> +I was nonplussed and alarmed—nonplussed over the question +of how to get away, and alarmed at the thought of what might happen if I +was compelled to remain. +<P> +I began to understand Mr. Aaron Woodward's true character. +Like Duncan, he was not only a bully, but also a brute. Words having failed, +he was now evidently going to see what physical force could accomplish. +<P> +"Forewarned is forearmed" is an old saying, and now I +applied it to myself. In other words, I prepared for an encounter. On the +centre table lay a photograph album. It was thick and heavy and capable of +proving quite a formidable article of defence. I picked it up, and stepping +behind a large easy chair, stood on my guard. +<P> +Seeing the action, the merchant paused. +<P> +"What are going to do with that?" he asked. +<P> +"You'll see if you keep on," I replied. "I don't intend +to stand this much longer. You had better open the door." +<P> +"You think you're a brainy boy, Strong," he sneered. +<P> +"I've got too much brain to let you ride over me." +<P> +"You think you have a case against me and Mr. Stumpy, +and you intend to drag it into court and make a great fuss over it," he went +on. +<P> +"I'm going to get back my father's honest name." +<P> +"What you mean is that you intend to drag my name in the +mire," he stormed. +<P> +"You can have it so, if you please." +<P> +"I shall not allow it. You, a young upstart!" +<P> +"Take care, Mr. Woodward!" +<P> +"Do you think I will submit to it?" He glared at me and +threw a hasty glance around the room. "Not much!" +<P> +Suddenly he stepped to the windows and pulled down the +shades. Then he took out his watch and looked at the time. I wondered what +he was up to now. I was not long in finding out. +<P> +"Listen to me," he said in a low, intense tone, "We are +alone in this house—you and I—and will be for half an hour or more. You +are in my power. What will you do? Give up all the papers you possess and +promise to keep silent about what you know or take the consequences." +<P> +It would be telling an untruth to say I was not thoroughly +startled by the merchant's sudden change of manner. He was about to assault +me, that was plain to see, and he wished me to understand that no one was +near either to assist me or to bear witness against his dark doings. +<P> +I must fight my own battles, not only in a war of words, +but also in a war of blows. I was not afraid after the first shock was over. +My cause was a just one, and I would stand by it, no matter what the consequences +might be. +<P> +"I don't fear you, Aaron Woodward," I replied, as steadily +as I could. "I am in the right and shall stick up for it, no matter what +comes." +<P> +"You defy me?" he cried in a rage. +<P> +"Yes, I do." +<P> +I had hardly uttered the words before he caught up a heavy +cane standing beside his desk and made for me. There was a wicked determination +in his eyes, and I could see that all the evil passions within him were aroused. +<P> +"We'll see who is master here," he went on. +<P> +"Stand back!" I cried. "Don't come a step nearer! If you +do, you'll be sorry for it!" +<P> +He paid no attention to my warning, but kept on advancing, +raising the cane over his head as he did so. +<P> +When he was within three feet of me he aimed a blow at +my head. Had he hit me, I am certain he would have cracked my skull open. +<P> +But I was too quick for him, I dodged, and the cane struck +the back of the chair. +<P> +Before he could recover from his onslaught I hurled the +album at him with all force. It struck him full in the face, and must have +loosened several of his teeth, for he put his hand up to his mouth as he +reeled over backward. +<P> +I was not astonished. I had accomplished just what I had +set out to do. My one thought now was to make my escape. How was it to be +done? +<P> +The key to the door was in the merchant's pocket, and +this I could, not obtain. The windows were closed, and the blinds drawn down. +<P> +I had but an instant to think. Spluttering to himself, +my assailant was endeavoring to rise to his feet. +<P> +A hasty glance around the room revealed a door partly +hidden by a curtain next the mantelpiece. Where it led to I did not know, +but concluding that any place would be better than to remain in the library, +I tried the door, found it open, and slipped out. +<P> +"Stop, stop!" roared Mr. Woodward. "Stop, this instant!" +<P> +But I did not stop. I found myself in the dining room, +and at once put the long table between us. +<P> +"Don't you come any nearer," I called out sharply. "If +you do, it may be at the cost of your life." +<P> +As I spoke I picked up a fancy silver knife that lay on +the table. It had a rough resemblance to a pocket pistol, and gave me the +idea of palming it off as such. +<P> +"Would you shoot me?" cried the merchant, in sudden terror, +as he saw what he supposed was the barrel of a revolver pointed at his head. +<P> +"Why shouldn't I?" was the reply. "You have no right to +detain me." +<P> +"I don't want to detain you. I only want to come to a +settlement," he returned lamely. +<P> +"And I want nothing more to do with you. I'll give you +one minute to show me the way to the front door." +<P> +"Yes, but, Strong&—" +<P> +"No more talk, if you please. Do you intend to show me +the way out, or shall I fire?" +<P> +Then Mr. Aaron Woodward showed what a coward he really +was. He gave a cry of horror and sank completely out of sight. +<P> +"Don't shoot, Strong. I pray you, take care. I'll show +you the way out, indeed I will!" +<P> +"Well, hurry about it. I don't intend to stand any more +nonsense." +<P> +"Here, this way. Please stop pointing that pistol at me; +it might go off, you know." +<P> +"Then the sooner you show me the way out, the better for +you," I returned coolly, inwardly amused at his sudden change of manner +<P> +"This way, then. I—I trust you will keep this—this little +meeting of ours a secret." +<P> +"Why should I?" +<P> +"Because it—it would do no good to have it made public." +<P> +"I'll see about it," was my reply. +<P> +By this time we had reached the front door, and with unwilling +hands the merchant opened it. +<P > +"Now stand aside and let me pass," I commanded. +<P> +"I will. But, Strong&—" +<P> +"No more words are needed," I returned. "I have had enough +of you, Mr. Aaron Woodward. The next time you hear from me it will be in +quite a different shape." +<P> +"What do you mean?" he cried, in sudden alarm. +<P> +"You will find out soon enough. In the meantime let me +return your fancy knife. I have no further use for it." +<P> +I tossed the article over. He looked at it and then at +me. Clearly he was mad enough to "chew me up." Bidding him a mocking good +night, I ran down the steps and hurried away. +<h3>CHAPTER XX</h3> +<h4>AT THE PRISON</h4> +<P> +Mr. Woodward's +actions had aroused me as I had never been aroused before. My eyes were wide +open at last. I realized that if I ever expected to gain our family rights +I must fight for them—and fight unflinchingly to the bitter end. +<P> +It was nearly ten o'clock when I reached the Widow Canby's +house. I met my Uncle Enos on the porch. He had grown impatient, and was +about to start for Darbyville in search of me. +<P> +In the dining room I told my story. All laughed heartily +at the ruse I had played upon the merchant, but were indignant at the treatment +I had received. +<P> +"Wish I'd been with you," remarked my uncle, with a vigorous +shake of his head. "I'd a-smashed in his figurehead, keelhaul me if I wouldn't!" +<P> +"What do you intend to do now?" asked Kate. +<P> +"Let's see; to-day is Friday. If you will take us to Trenton +to-morrow, Uncle Enos, I'll start for Chicago on Monday." +<P> +"Don't you think you had better have this Woodward arrested +first?" asked Captain Enos. +<P> +"No; I would rather let him think that for the present +I had dropped the whole matter. It may throw him off his guard and enable +me to pick up more clews against him." +<P> +"That's an idea. Roger, you've got a level head on your +shoulders, and we can't do any better than follow your advice," returned +my uncle. +<P> +I did but little sleeping that night. For a long time +I lay awake thinking over my future actions. Then when I did fall into a +doze my rest was broken by dreams of the fire at the tool house and Mr. +Woodward's attack. +<P> +I was up at five o'clock in the morning, attending to +the regular chores. I did not know who would do them during my absence, and +as soon as the widow appeared I spoke to her on the subject. +<P> +"Your uncle mentioned the matter last night," said Mrs. +Canby. "He said he would do all that was required until you came back. He +doesn't want to remain idle all day, and thought the work would just suit +him." +<P> +This was kind of Uncle Enos, and I told him so when an +hour later he appeared, dressed in his best, his trunk having arrived the +evening before. +<P> +"Yes, Roger, I'd rather do it than sit twirling my thumbs, +a-waiting for you to come back," said he. "I used to do such work years ago, +before I shipped on the Anna Siegel, and to do it again will make me feel +like a boy once more. But come; let's go to mess and then hoist anchor and +away." +<P> +A few minutes later we were at breakfast. Then I put on +my good clothes and brought around the horse and carriage, for the Widow +Canby insisted upon driving us down to Newville by way of Darbyville just +to show folks, as she said, that she had not lost confidence in me. +<P> +Kate was in a flutter of excitement. She had wished to +see my father every day since he had been taken away. As for myself, I was +fully as impatient. My father was very dear to me, and every time I thought +of him I prayed that God would place it within my power to clear his name +from the stain that now rested upon him. +<P> +We reached the station in Newville five minutes before +train time. My uncle procured our tickets and also checked the basket of +delicacies the Widow Canby had prepared. +<P> +"Remember me to Mr. Strong," said the widow, as we boarded +the train. "Tell him I don't believe he's guilty, and perhaps other people +in Darbyville won't think so either before long." +<P> +A moment later and we were off. Kate and Uncle Enos occupied +one seat, and I sat directly behind them. A ride of an hour followed, and +finally, after crossing a number of other railroads, we rolled into a brick +station, and the conductor sang out:&— +<P> +"Trenton!" +<P> +It was eleven o'clock when we crossed the wooden foot-bridge +of the station and emerged upon the street. +<P> +"We'll go to the prison at once," said my uncle. "Perhaps +it isn't 'visiting day,' as they call it, but I reckon I can fix it. Sailors +on shore have special privileges," he added with a laugh. +<P> +"Which way is it?" asked Kate. +<P> +"I don't know. We'll take a carriage and trust to the +driver." +<P> +He called a coach, and soon we were rolling off. +<P> +Finally the coach stopped, and the driver sprang from +his box. +<P> +"Here you are, sir," he said, as he opened the door. +<P> +I looked up at the big stone buildings before us. My father +was behind those walls. I glanced at Kate. The poor girl was in tears. +<P> +"You had better stay on board here till I go in and take +soundings," said Captain Enos. "I won't be gone long." +<P> +Jumping to the pavement, he walked up to the big open +door and entered. +<P> +"What a dreadful place!" said my sister, as she strained +her eyes to catch sight of some prisoner. +<P> +My uncle was gone not over ten minutes, yet the wait seemed +an age. He returned with a brightened face. +<P> +"I had hard work to get permission, but we are to have +half an hour's talk with your father under the supervision of a deputy," +he explained. +<P> +In another moment we were inside. We walked along a wide +corridor and into an office, and then a short, stout man, Mr. Carr, the deputy, +joined us. +<P> +"This way, please," he said, and gave a kindly glance +at Kate and myself. "You will have to leave the basket here. I will see that +it reaches the—the—your father." +<P> +He led the way. How my heart beat! Why, I cannot tell. +<P> +"I'll go in first," said my Uncle Enos. +<P> +We entered a room. In a moment the deputy brought in a +man dressed in striped clothing, and with his hair cut close. It was my father. +<P> +My uncle and I rushed forward. But we were too late. With +a cry Kate was in his arms. It was a great moment all around. +<P> +"My children! My Katie and my Roger!" was all my father +could say, but the words went straight home. +<P> +"I am heartily glad that you are back," he said then to +my uncle. "You will look after them, Enos, until I am free." +<P> +"Indeed I will," replied Captain Enos, heartily. "But +you must listen to Roger. He has a long story to tell." +<P> +"Then tell it. I am dying to hear news from home." We +sat down, and I told my story. Perhaps the deputy ought not to have allowed +me to say all I did, but he pretended not to hear. +<P> +My father listened with keen attention to every word, +and as I went on, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. +<P> +"Roger, my faithful boy, you almost make me hope for freedom," +he cried. "Oh, how I long to be set right before the world!" +<P> +"God make it so," put in my uncle, solemnly. "To suffer +unjustly is terrible." +<P> +Then I told of my interview with Mr. Woodward in his library +and of Holtzmann. +<P> +"Holtzmann was one of the principal witnesses against +me," said my father. "So was Nicholas Weaver, who managed the Brooklyn business +for Holland & Mack. Who John Stumpy can be I do not know. Perhaps I would +if I saw him face to face. There was another man—he was quite bald, with +a red blotch on the front of his hand—who was brought forward by Woodward +to prove that he had nothing to do with the presentation of the forged checks +and notes, but what his name was I have forgotten." +<P> +"This can't be the man, for he has a heavy head of hair," +I replied. "But I am sure Stumpy is not his true name." +<P> +"Probably not. Well, Roger, do your best, not only for +me but for Katie's sake and your own." +<P> +Then the conversation became general, and all too soon +the half hour was at an end. My father sent his regards to Mrs. Canby, with +many thanks for the basket of delicacies, and then with a kiss for Kate and +a shake of the hand to Uncle Enos and me, we parted. +<P> +Little was said on the way back. No one cared to go to +a restaurant, and we took the first train homeward. +<P> +It was dark when we reached Newville. The Widow Canby's +carriage was at the depot waiting for us. +<P> +"Suppose I get my ticket for Chicago now," said I. "It +will save time Monday, and I can find out all about the train." +<P> +"A good idea," returned my uncle. "I'll go with you." +<P> +So while Kate joined Mrs. Canby we entered the depot. +<P> +The ticket was soon in my possession, and then I asked +the ticket seller a number of questions concerning the route and the time +I would reach my destination. +<P> +Suddenly instinct prompted me to turn quickly. I did so +and found John Stumpy at my shoulder. +<h3>CHAPTER XXI</h3> +<h4>A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. John Stumpy had evidently been watching my proceedings closely, +for when I turned to him he was quite startled. However, it did not take +him long to recover, and then, bracing up, he hurried away without a word. +<P> +He was now neatly dressed and had had his face shaved. +I conjectured that Mr. Woodward had advised this change in order to more +fully carry out the deception in relation to the tramp's real character. +<P> +"There's that Stumpy," I whispered to Captain Enos, as +I pointed my finger at the man. "He has been watching us." +<P> +"How do you know?" asked my uncle. +<P> +"Because he was just looking over my shoulder," I replied. +"Shall I speak to him? I'd like to know what he intends to do next." +<P> +"It won't do any good. It ain't likely he'd tell you anything, +and if he did, it wouldn't be the truth." +<P> +"Maybe it might." +<P> +"Well, do as you think best, Roger, only don't be too +long—the widow and Kate are waiting, you know." +<P> +Pushing through the crowd, I tapped Stumpy on the shoulder. +He looked around in assumed surprise. +<P> +"Hullo!" he exclaimed sharply. "What do you want?" +<P> +"Nothing much," I returned. "I just saw you were greatly +interested in what I was doing." +<P> +"Why, I didn't see you before." +<P> +"You were just looking over my shoulder." +<P> +"You're mistaken, young man, just as you are in several +other things." +<P> +"I'm not mistaken in several other things." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" he asked curiously. +<P> +"That's my business." +<P> +"Where have you been?" +<P> +"That is my business also." +<P> +"Strong, you're a fool," he whispered. "Do you think you +can hurt men like Mr. Woodward and myself?" +<P> +"I can bring you to justice." +<P> +"Bah! I suppose you think you can do wonders by going +to Chicago." +<P> +"How do you know I am going to Chicago?" I questioned +quickly. +<P> +Stumpy's face fell, as he realized the slip he had made. +<P> +"Never mind. But you won't gain anything," he went on. +"Better stay home and save your money." +<P> +And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the +crowd and was lost to sight. +<P> +A moment later I joined the others in the carriage. While +driving home I related the conversation recorded above. +<P> +"It's too bad he found out you were going to Chicago," +said my uncle. "He may try to stop you." +<P> +"I'll keep my eyes open," I replied. +<P> +The remainder of the day was spent in active work around +the widow's place. Not only did I labor all the afternoon, but far into the +evening as well, to show that I did not intend to shirk my duty even though +I was going away. Besides, Mrs. Canby had treated me so well that I was almost +willing to work my fingers to the bone to serve her. +<P> +The following day was Sunday. Kate and I were in the habit +of attending church and Sunday-school over in Darbyville, but we shrank from +doing so now. But Uncle Enos and I went to church, and despite the many curious +eyes levelled at me, I managed to give attention to an excellent sermon. +I noticed that the Woodward pew was empty, but then this was of common occurrence +and excited no comment. +<P> +On Sunday evening my handbag stood in my room packed, +ready for my departure. Dick Blair came over to see me and brought strange +and sad news. +<P> +Duncan Woodward and Pultzer, his intimate crony, had gotten +into a row in a pool room down in Newville and were both under arrest. Mr. +Woodward and Mr. Pultzer had gone off to get their sons out of jail. Dick +did not know how the row had started, but had heard that the young men had +been drinking heavily. +<P> +I was much shocked at the news, and so were the others. +If affairs kept on like this, Mr. Aaron Woodward would certainly have his +hands full. +<P> +I retired early so as to be on hand the next day. Sleep +was out of the question. I had never been a hundred miles away from Darbyville, +and the prospect of leaving filled me with excitement. +<P> +I was up long before it was necessary, but found Kate +ahead of me. +<P> +"You're going to have a good, hot breakfast before you +go," she said. "Sit right down. It's all ready." +<P> +Presently, as I was eating, my uncle and Mrs. Canby joined +me. They were full of advice as to what to do and what to avoid, and I listened +to all they had to say attentively. +<P> +But all things must come to an end, and at length breakfast +was over. My Uncle Enos and Kate drove me to Newville, and waited till the +train rolled in. +<P> +"Good-by, Roger," said Kate. "Please, <I>please,</I> now +do keep out of trouble." +<P> +"I will, Kate," I returned, and kissed her. Then I shook +hands with my uncle. +<P> +"Keep a clear weather eye and a strong hand at the wheel, +Roger, my boy," he said, "and you'll make port all safe." +<P> +"I'll try, Uncle Enos." +<P> +A moment more and I was on the cars. Then with an "All +aboard" the conductor gave the signal, and the train moved off. +<P> +I passed into the car and took a vacant seat near the +centre. I had hardly sat down before a well-dressed stranger took the seat +beside me. +<P> +"Hot day," said he, after he had arranged his bag on the +floor beside my own. +<P> +"Yes, it is," I replied, "and dry, too." +<P> +"Meanest part of the country I've struck yet," he went +on. "Don't have any such climate as this out West." +<P> +"I should think that would depend on where you come from," +I returned, with a short laugh. +<P> +"I hail from Chicago. It's hot there, but we get plenty +of breeze from the lakes." +<P> +I looked at the man with some attention. He came from +the city I intended to visit, and perhaps he might give me some information. +<P> +He was a burly man of middle age, and, as I have said, +well dressed, though a trifle loud. His hair was black, as was also his mustache, +which he continually kept smoothing down with one hand. I did not like his +looks particularly, nor his tone of voice. They reminded me strongly of some +one, but whom I could not remember. +<P> +"You come from Chicago," I said. "I am going there." +<P> +"Is that so? Then we can travel together. I like to have +some one going along, don't you?" +<P> +I felt like saying that that would depend on who the some +one was, but thinking this would hardly be polite, I returned:&— +<P> +"I don't know. I've never travelled before." +<P> +"No? Well, it's fun at first, but you soon get tired of +it. My name is Allen Price; what is yours?" +<P> +"Roger Strong." +<P> +"Glad to meet you." He extended his hand. "You're rather +young to be travelling alone—that is, going a distance. Do you smoke? We'll +go into the smoker and take it easy. I have some prime cigars." +<P> +"Thank you, I don't smoke." +<P> +"That's too bad. Nothing like a good cigar to quiet a +man's nerves when he's riding. So you're going to Chicago? On a visit?" +<P> +"No, sir; on business." +<P> +"Yes? Rather young for business—excuse me for saying +so." +<P> +"It is a personal business." +<P> +"Oh, I see. Going to claim a dead uncle's property or +something like that, I suppose. Ha! ha! well, I wish you luck." +<P> +Mr. Allen Price rattled on in this fashion for some time, +and at length I grew interested in the man in spite of myself. I was positive +I had seen him before, but where I could not tell. I asked him if he had +ever been to Darbyville. +<P> +"Never heard of the place," he replied. "Only been in +Jersey a month, and that time was spent principally in Jersey City and Camden. +I'm in the pottery business. Our principal office is in Chicago." +<P> +"Do you know much about that city?" +<P> +"Lived there all my life." +<P> +I was on the point of asking him about Holtzmann, but +on second thought decided to remain silent. +<P> +On and on sped the train, making but few stops. There +was a dining-car attached but I was travelling on a cheap scale, and made +my dinner and supper from the generous lunch the widow had provided. +<P> +Mr. Price went to the dining-car and also the smoker. +He returned about nine o'clock in the evening, just as I was falling into +a light doze. +<P> +"Thought I'd get a sleeper," he explained. "But they are +all full, so I'll have to snooze beside you here." +<P> +His breath smelt strongly of liquor, but I had no right +to object, and he dropped heavily into the seat. +<P> +Presently I went sound asleep. How long I slept I do not +know. When I awoke it was with a sharp, stinging sensation in the head. A +pungent odor filled my nose, the scent coming from a handkerchief some one +had thrown over my face. +<P> +With a gasp I pulled the handkerchief aside and sat up. +Beside me sat Mr. Allen Price with my handbag on his lap. He had a number +of keys in his hand and was trying to unlock the bag. +<h3>CHAPTER XXII</h3> +<h4>A TELEGRAM</h4> +<P> +I was startled and indignant when +I discovered Mr. Allen Price with my handbag, trying to open it. It looked +very much as if my fellow-passenger was endeavoring to rob me. +<P> +I had suspected from the start that this man was not +"straight." There was that peculiar something about his manner which I did +not like. He had been altogether too familiar from the first; too willing +to make himself agreeable. +<P> +What he expected to find in my bag I could not imagine. +If his mission was robbery pure and simple, why had he not selected some +one who looked richer than myself? There was, I am certain, nothing about +me to make him believe I had anything of great value in the bag. +<P> +"What are you doing with my valise?" I demanded as I +straightened up. +<P> +My sudden question made the man almost jump to his feet. +The bag dropped from his lap to the floor, and the keys in his hand jingled +after it. +<P> +"I—I—didn't think you were awake," he stammered. +<P> +"You didn't?" I repeated, puzzled as to what to say. +<P> +"No—I—I&—" +<P> +"You were trying to open my bag." +<P> +"So I was—but it's all a mistake, I assure you." +<P> +"A mistake?" +<P> +"Quite a mistake, Strong." He cleared his throat. "The +fact is, I'm suffering so from the toothache that I'm hardly able to judge +of what I'm doing. I thought your bag was my own." +<P> +"They are not much alike," I returned bluntly. +<P> +"Well, you see mine is a new one, and I'm not used to +it yet. I hope you don't think I was trying to rob you?" he went on, with +a look of reproach. +<P> +I was silent. I did think that that was just what he was +trying to do, but I hardly cared to say so. +<P> +"It's awful to have such toothaches as I get," he continued, +putting his hand to his cheek. "They come on me unawares, and drive me frantic. +I wanted to get my teeth attended to in Jersey City when I was there, but +I didn't have time." +<P> +"What's this on the handkerchief?" I asked. +<P> +"Oh, I guess I spilled some of my toothache cure on it," +he replied, after some hesitation. "I used some and then put the bottle back +in the valise. That's how I came to look for the bottle again. I hope you're +not offended. It was all a mistake." +<P> +"It's all right if that's the case," I returned coolly. +<P> +Holding my valise on my lap, I settled back in the seat +again, but not to sleep. The little adventure had aroused me thoroughly. +Mr. Allen Price sat beside me for a few moments in silence. +<P> +"Guess I'll go into the smoker," he said finally, as he +rose. "Maybe a cigar will help me," and taking up his handbag, he walked +down the aisle. +<P> +In a dreamy way I meditated over what had occurred. I +could not help but think that the handkerchief I had found spread over my +face had been saturated with chloroform, and that my fellow-passenger had +endeavored to put me in a sound sleep and then rifle my bag. Of course I +might be mistaken, but still I was positive that Mr. Allen Price would bear +watching. +<P> +About four o'clock in the morning the train came to a +sudden stop. The jar was so pronounced that it woke nearly all of the passengers. +<P> +Thinking that possibly we had arrived at our destination, +I raised the window and peered out. +<P> +Instead of being in the heart of a city, however, I soon +discovered we were in a belt of timber land. Huge trees lined the road on +both sides, and ahead I could hear the flowing of a mountain stream. +<P> +The train hands were out with their lanterns, and by their +movements it was plain to see that something was up. +<P> +I waited in my seat for ten minutes or more, and then +as a number of passengers left the car, I took up my bag and did the same. +<P> +A walk to the front of the train soon made known the cause +of the delay. Over a small mountain stream a strong wooden bridge with iron +frame had been built. Near the bridge grew a number of tall trees, and one +of these had been washed loose by the water and overturned in such a manner +that the largest branch blocked the progress of the locomotive. The strong +headlight had revealed the state of affairs to the engineer, and he had stopped +within five feet of the obstruction. Had he run on, it is impossible to calculate +what amount of damage might have been done. +<P> +"Don't see what we are going to do, except to run back +to Smalleyville," said the engineer, who was in consultation with the conductor. +<P> +"Can't we roll the tree out of the way?" asked the latter +official. +<P> +The engineer shook his head. +<P> +"Too heavy. All the men on the train couldn't budge it." +<P> +They stood in silence for a moment. +<P> +"If you had a rope, you could make the engine haul it," +I suggested to the fireman, who was a young fellow. +<P> +"A good idea," he exclaimed, and reported it to his superior. +<P> +"First-class plan; but we haven't got the rope," said +the engineer. +<P> +"Have you got an axe?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Then why not chop it off?" +<P> +"That's so! Larry, bring the axes." +<P> +"It won't do any good," said one of the brakemen who had +just come up. "The bridge has shifted." +<P> +An examination proved his assertion to be correct. As +soon as this became known, a danger light was hung at either end of the +structure, and then we started running backward to Smalleyville. +<P> +"How long will this delay us?" I asked of the conductor +as he came through, explaining matters. +<P> +"I can't tell. Perhaps only a few hours, perhaps more. +It depends on how soon the wrecking gang arrive on the spot. As soon as they +get there, they will go right to work, and it won't take them long to fix +matters up." +<P> +Smalleyville proved to be a small town of not over five +hundred inhabitants. There was quite an excitement around the depot when +the train came in, and despatches were sent in various directions. +<P> +Presently a shower came up, and this drove the passengers +to the cars and the station. I got aboard the train at first to listen to +what the train hands might have to say. I found one of the brakemen quite +a friendly fellow, and willing to talk. +<P> +"This rain will make matters worse," said he. "That tree +was leaning against the bridge for all it was worth, and if it loosens any +more it will carry the thing away clean." +<P> +"Isn't there danger of trains coming from the other way?" +<P> +"Not now. We've telegraphed to Chicago, and no train will +leave till everything is in running order." +<P> +"When does the next train arrive behind us?" +<P> +"At 9.30 this morning." +<P> +We chatted for quite a while. Then there was a commotion +on the platform, and we found that part of the wrecking gang had arrived +on a hand-car. +<P> +They brought with them a great lot of tools, and soon +a flat car with a hoisting machine was run out of a shed, and they were off. +<P> +By this time it was raining in torrents, and the station +platform was deserted. Not caring to get wet, I again took my seat in the +car, and presently fell asleep. +<P> +When I awoke I found it was six o'clock. The rain still +fell steadily, without signs of abating. +<P> +I was decidedly hungry, and buttoning my coat up tightly +about my neck, I sallied forth in search of a restaurant. +<P> +I found one within a block of the depot, and entering, +I called for some coffee and muffins—first, however, assuring myself that +my train was not likely to leave for fully an hour. +<P> +While busy with what the waiter had brought, I saw Mr. +Allen Price enter. Luckily the table I sat at was full, and he was compelled +to take a seat some distance from me. +<P> +"Good morning, my young friend," said he, as he stopped +for an instant in front of me. +<P> +I was surprised at his pleasant manner. He acted as if +nothing had ever happened to bring up a coolness between us. +<P> +"Good morning," I replied briefly. +<P> +"Terrible rain, this, isn't it?" +<P> +"It is." +<P> +"My toothache's much better," he went on, "and I feel +like myself once more. Funny I mistook your valise for mine, last night, +wasn't it?" +<P> +"I don't know," I replied flatly. +<P> +I returned to my breakfast, and, seeing I would not converse +further, the man passed on and sat down. But I felt that his eyes were on +me, and instinctively I made up my mind to be on my guard. +<P> +As I was about to leave the place, several more passengers +came in, and by what they said I learned that the train would not start for +Chicago till noon, the bridge being so badly damaged that the road engineer +would not let anything cross until it was propped up. +<P> +Not caring to go back to the train, I entered the waiting-room +and took in all there was to be seen. At one end of the place was a news +stand, and I walked up to this to look at the picture papers that were displayed. +<P> +I was deeply interested in a cartoon on the middle pages +of an illustrated paper when I heard Mr. Price's voice asking for some Chicago +daily, and then making inquiries as to where the telegraph once was located. +<P> +He did not see me, and I at once stepped out of sight +behind him. +<P> +Having received his directions, Mr. Price sat down to +write out his telegram. Evidently what he wrote did not satisfy him, for +he tore up several slips of paper before he managed to prepare one that suited +him. +<P> +Then he arose, and throwing the scraps in a wad on the +floor, walked away. +<P> +Unobserved, I picked up the wad. Right or wrong, I was +bound to see what it contained. Perhaps it might be of no earthly interest +to me; on the other hand, it might contain much I would desire to know. Strange +things had happened lately, and I was prepared for all sorts of surprises. +<P> +A number of the slips of paper were missing and the remainder +were so crumpled that the pencil marks were nearly illegible. +<P> +At length I managed to fit one of the sheets together +and then read these words:&— +<BLOCKQUOTE> +C. Hholtzmann>, Chicago: + <P ALIGN=left class=left> + Look out for a young man claiming to&— +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIII</h3> +<h4>IN CHICAGO</h4> +<P> +I had not been mistaken in my opinion +of Mr. Allen Price. He was following me, and doing it with no good intention. +<P> +I concluded the man must be employed by Mr. Woodward. +Perhaps I had seen him at some time in Darbyville, and so thought his face +familiar. +<P> +I was glad that if he was a detective I was aware of the +fact. I would now know how to trust him, and I made up my mind that if he +got the best of me it would be my own fault. +<P> +One thing struck me quite forcibly. The merchant and John +Stumpy both considered my proposed visit to Chris Holtzmann of importance. +They would not have put themselves to the trouble and expense of hiring some +one to follow me if this was not so. Though Mr. Aaron Woodward was rich, +he was close, and did not spend an extra dollar except upon himself. +<P> +I was chagrined at the thought that Holtzmann would be +prepared to receive me. I had hoped to come upon him unawares, and get into +his confidence before he could realize what I was after. +<P> +I began to wonder when the telegram would reach Chicago. +Perhaps something by good fortune might delay it. +<P> +Mr. Allen Price walked over to the telegraph office, and +following him with my eyes I saw him pay for the message and then stroll +away. +<P> +Hardly had he gone before I too stepped up to the counter. +<P> +"How long will it take to send a message to Chicago?" +I asked of the clerk in charge. +<P> +"Probably till noon," was the reply. "The storm has crippled +us, and we are having trouble with our lineman." +<P> +"It won't go before noon!" I repeated, and my heart gave +a bound. "Are you sure?" +<P> +"Yes; perhaps even longer." +<P> +"How about the message that gentleman just handed in?" +<P> +"I told him I would send it as soon as possible," +<P> +"Did you tell him it wouldn't go before noon?" +<P> +"No; he didn't ask," returned the clerk, coolly. He was +evidently not going to let any business slip if he could help it. +<P> +"Is there any possible way I can get to Chicago before +noon?" I went on. +<P> +The clerk shook his head. "I don't think there is," he +replied. +<P> +"What is the nearest station on the other side of the +bridge?" +<P> +"Foley." +<P> +"And how far is that from Chicago?" +<P> +"Twelve miles." +<P> +"Thank you." +<P> +I walked away from the counter filled with a sudden resolve. +I must reach Chicago before the telegram or Mr. Allen Price. If I did not, +my trip to the city of the lakes would be a failure. +<P> +How was the thing to be accomplished? Walking out on the +covered platform, out of sight of the man who was following me, I tried to +solve the problem. +<P> +Smalleyville was a good ten miles from the misplaced bridge, +and in a soaking rain such a distance was too far to walk. Perhaps I might +get a carriage to take me to the spot. I supposed the cost would be several +dollars, but decided not to stand on that amount. +<P> +I had about made up my mind to hunt up a livery stable, +when some workingmen rolled up to the station on a hand-car. +<P> +"Where are you going?" I inquired of one of them. +<P> +"Down to the Foley bridge," was the reply, +<P> +"Will you take a passenger?" I went on quickly. +<P> +"You'll have to ask the boss." +<P> +The boss proved to be a jolly German. +<P> +"Vont ter haf a ride, does you!" he laughed. +<P> +"I'm not over particular about the ride," I explained. +"I've got to get to Chicago as soon as possible, even if I have to walk." +<P> +"Vell, jump on, den." +<P> +I did so, and a moment later we were off. I was pretty +confident that Mr. Allen Price had not witnessed my departure, and I hoped +he would not find it out for some hours to come. +<P> +The rain had now slackened, so there was no further danger +of getting soaked to the skin. There were four men on the car besides the +boss, and seeing they were short a hand I took hold with a will. +<P> +Fortunately the grade was downward, and we had but little +difficulty in sending the car on its way. At the end of half an hour the +stream came in sight, and then as we slackened up I hopped off. +<P> +Down by the water's edge I found that the bridge had shifted +fully six inches out of line with the roadbed. It was, however, in a pretty +safe condition, and I had no difficulty in crossing to the other side. +<P> +Despite the storm a goodly number of men were assembled +on the opposite bank, anxiously watching the efforts of the workmen. Among +them I found a man, evidently a cabman, standing near a coupe, the horses +of which were still smoking from a long run. +<P> +"Are you from Foley?" I asked, stepping up. +<P> +"No; just come all the way from Chicago," was the reply. +"Had to bring two men down that wanted to get to Smalleyville." +<P> +This was interesting news. Perhaps I could get the man +to take me back with him. Of course he would take me if I hired him in the +regular way, but if I did this, I was certain he would charge me a small +fortune. +<P> +"I am going to Chicago," I said. "I just came from +Smalleyville." +<P> +"That so? Want to hire my rig?" +<P> +"You charge too much," I returned. "A fellow like me can't +afford luxuries." +<P> +"Take you there for two dollars. It's worth five—those +two men gave me ten." +<P> +"What time will you land me in Chicago?" +<P> +"Where do you want to go?" +<P> +That question was a poser. I knew no more of the city +of Chicago than I did of Paris or Pekin. Yet I did not wish to be set down +on the outskirts, and not to show my ignorance I answered cautiously:&— +<P> +"To the railroad depot." +<P> +"Have you the time now?" +<P> +"It is about seven o'clock." +<P> +"I'll be there by nine." +<P> +"All right. Land me there by that time, and I'll pay you +the two dollars." +<P> +"It's a go. Jump in," he declared. +<P> +I did so. A moment later he gathered up the reins, and +we went whirling down the road. +<P> +The ride was an easy one, and as we bowled along I had +ample opportunity to ponder over my situation. I wondered what Mr. Allen +Price would think when he discovered I was nowhere to be found. I could well +imagine his chagrin, and I could not help smiling at the way I had outwitted +him. I was not certain what sort of a man Chris Holtzmann would prove to +be, and therefore it was utterly useless to plan a means of approaching him. +<P> +At length we reached the suburbs of Chicago, and rolled +down one of the broad avenues. It was now clear and bright, and the clean +broad street with its handsome houses pleased me very much. +<P> +In half an hour we reached the business portion of the +city, and soon the coupe came to a halt and the driver opened the door. +<P> +"Here we are," said he. +<P> +I jumped to the ground and gazed around. Opposite was +the railroad station, true enough, and beyond blocks and blocks of tall business +buildings, which reminded me strongly of New York. +<P> +I paid the cabman the two dollars I had promised, and +he drove off. +<P> +In Chicago at last! I looked around. I was in the heart +of a great city, knowing no one, and with no idea of where to go. +<P> +Yet my heart did not fail me. My mind was too full of +the object of my quest to allow me to become faint-hearted. I was there for +a purpose, and that purpose must be accomplished. +<P> +My clothes were still damp, but the sunshine was fast +drying them. Near by was a bootblack's chair, and dropping into this, I had +him polish my shoes and brush me up generally. +<P> +While he was performing the operation I questioned him +concerning the streets and gained considerable information. +<P> +"Did you ever hear of a man by the name of Chris Holtzmann?" +I asked. +<P> +"I dunno," was the slow reply. "What does he do?" +<P> +"I don't know what business he is in. He came from Brooklyn." +<P> +The bootblack shook his head. +<P> +"This city is a big place. There might be a dozen men +by his name here. The street what you spoke about has lots of saloons and +theatres on it. Maybe he's in that business." +<P> +"Maybe he is," I returned. "I must find out somehow." +<P> +"You can look him up in the directory. You'll find one +over in the drug store on the corner." +<P> +"Thank you; I guess that's what I'll do," I replied. +<P> +When he had finished, I paid him ten cents for his work, +and walked over to the place he had mentioned. +<P> +A polite clerk waited on me and pointed out the directory +lying on a stand. +<P> +I looked it over carefully, and three minutes later walked +out with Chris Holtzmann's new address in my pocket. +<P> +As I did so, I saw a stream of people issue from the depot. +Some of them looked familiar. Was it possible that the train from Smalleyville +had managed to come through, after all? It certainly looked like it. +<P> +I was not kept long in doubt. I crossed over to make sure, +and an instant later found myself face to face with Allen Price! +<h3>CHAPTER XXIV</h3> +<h4>WHO MR. ALLEN PRICE WAS</h4> +<P> +I will not deny that I was considerably +taken aback by my unexpected meeting with the man who had been following +me. I had been firmly under the impression that he was still lolling around +Smalleyville, waiting for a chance to continue his journey. +<P> +But if I was surprised, so was Mr. Allen Price. Every +indication showed that he had not missed me at my departure, and that he +was under the belief that I had been left behind. +<P> +He stopped short and gazed at me in blank astonishment. +<P> +"Why—why—where did you come from?" he stammered. +<P> +"From Smalleyville," I returned as coolly as I could. +"And that's where you came from, too," I added. +<P> +"I didn't see you on the train," he went on, ignoring +my last remark. +<P> +"I didn't come up by train." +<P> +"Maybe you walked," he went on, with some anxiety. +<P> +"Oh no; I rode in a carriage." +<P> +"Humph! It seems to me you must have been in a tremendous +hurry." +<P> +"Perhaps I was." +<P> +"Why, you excite my curiosity. May I ask the cause of +your sudden impatience?" +<P> +He put the question in an apparently careless fashion, +but his sharp eyes betrayed his keen interest. +<P> +"You may." +<P> +"And what, was it?" +<P> +I looked at him for a moment in silence. +<P> +"I came to see a man." +<P> +"Ah! A friend? Perhaps he is seriously sick." +<P> +"I don't know if he is sick or not." +<P> +"And yet you hurried to see him?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Well, that—that is out of the ordinary." He hesitated +for a moment. "Of course it is none of my business, but I am interested. +Perhaps I know the party and can help you. May I ask his name?" +<P> +"It's the same man you telegraphed to," I returned. +<P> +Mr. Allen Price stopped short and nearly dropped his handbag. +My unexpected reply had taken the "wind out of his sails." +<P> +"I telegraphed to?" he repeated. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +"But—but I telegraphed to no one." +<P> +"Yes, you did." +<P> +"Why, my dear young friend, you are mistaken." +<P> +"I'm not your dear friend," I returned with spirit. "You +telegraphed to Chris Holtzmann to beware of me. Why did you do it?" +<P> +The man's face fell considerably, and he did not answer. +I went on:&— +<P> +"You are following me and trying to defeat the object +of my trip to Chicago. But you shall not do it. You pretend to be an ordinary +traveller, but you are nothing more than a spy sent on by Mr. Aaron Woodward +to stop me. But I have found you out, and now you can go back to him and +tell him that his little plan didn't work." +<P> +The man's brow grew black with anger. He was very angry, +and I could see that it was with difficulty he kept his hands off me. +<P> +"Think you're smart, don't you?" he sneered. +<P> +"I was too smart for you." +<P> +"But you don't know it all," he went on. "You don't know +it all—not by a jugful." +<P> +"I know enough to steer clear of you." +<P> +"Maybe you do." +<P> +The man evidently did not know what to say, and as a matter +of fact, neither did I. I had told him some plain truths, and now I was anxious +to get away from him and think out my future course of action. +<P> +"What's your idea of calling on Chris Holtzmann?" he went +an after a long pause. +<P> +"That's my business." +<P> +"It won't do you any good." +<P> +"Perhaps it may." +<P> +"I know it won't," he replied in decided tones. +<P> +"What do you know about it?" I said sharply. "A moment +ago you denied knowing anything about me. Now I've done with you, and I want +you to leave me alone." +<P> +"You needn't get mad about it." +<P> +"I'll do as I please." +<P> +"No, you won't," he growled. "If you don't do as I want +you to, I'll have you arrested." +<P> +This was strong language, and I hardly knew what to say +in reply. Not that I was frightened by his threat, but what made the man +take such a strong personal interest in the matter? +<P> +As I have said, I was almost certain I had seen the fellow +before, though where and when was more than I could determine. Perhaps he +was disguised. +<P> +"Perhaps you don't think I know who you are," I said quickly. +<P> +My words were a perfect shock to Mr. Allen Price. In spite +of his bronzed face he turned pale. +<P> +"You know who I am? Why, I am as I tell you,—Allen Price," +he faltered. +<P> +"Really," I replied, with assumed sarcasm. +<P> +"Yes, really." +<P> +"I know better," I returned boldly. +<P> +I was hardly prepared for what was to follow. The man +caught me by the arm. +<P> +"Then what you know shall cost you dear," he cried. "I'm +not to be outwitted by a country boy. Help! Police! Police!" +<P> +As he uttered his call for assistance he let drop his +handbag and drew his purse from his pocket. +<P> +"I've got you, you young thief!" he cried, letting the +purse fall to the sidewalk. "You didn't think to be caught as easily, did +you? Help! Po—Oh, officer, I'm glad you've come!" the last to a policeman +who had just hurried to the scene. +<P> +"What's the matter here?" demanded the minion of the law. +<P> +"I just caught this young fellow picking my pocket," exclaimed +Mr. Allen. "Where's my pocketbook?" +<P> +"There's a pocketbook on the sidewalk," put in a man in +the crowd that had quickly gathered. +<P> +"So it is." He picked it up. "You rascal! You thought +to get away in fine style, didn't you?" he continued to me. +<P> +For a moment I was too stunned to speak. The un-looked-for +turn of affairs took away my breath. +<P> +"I didn't pick his pocket," I burst out. +<P> +"Yes, you did." +<P> +"It isn't so. He's a swindler and is trying to get me +into trouble." +<P> +"Here! here! none of that!" broke in the officer. "Tell +me your story," he said to Mr. Allen Price. +<P> +"I was coming along looking in the shop windows," began +my accuser, "when I felt a hand in my pocket. I turned quickly and just in +time to catch this fellow trying to make off with my pocketbook." +<P> +"It is a falsehood, every word of it," I declared. +<P> +"Shut up!" said the officer, sternly. "Please go on." +<P> +"He is evidently a smart thief," continued Mr. Allen Price. +"I must see if I have lost anything else." +<P> +He began a pretended examination of his clothes. In the +meantime the crowd began to grow larger and larger. +<P> +"We can't stay here all day," said the policeman, roughly. +"What have you got to say to the charge?" +<P> +"I say it isn't true," I replied. "This man is a humbug. +He is following me for a purpose, and is trying to get me into trouble." +<P> +"Ridiculous!" cried my accuser. "Why, I never heard of +such a thing before!" +<P> +"That story won't wash," said the officer to me. "Do you +make a charge?" he continued to Mr. Allen Price. +<P> +My accuser hesitated. "I will, if it is not necessary +for me to go along," he said. "I am pressed for time. My name is Sylvester +Manners. I am a partner in the Manners Clothing Company. You know the firm, +I presume." +<P> +"Oh, yes, sir," replied the officer. He knew the Manners +Clothing Company to be a rich concern. +<P> +"I will stop at the station house to-morrow morning and +make a complaint," continued Mr. Allen Price. "Don't let the young rascal +escape." +<P> +"No fear, sir. Come on!" the last to me. +<P> +"I've done no wrong. I want that man arrested!" I cried. +"He is no more a merchant here in Chicago than I am. He&—" +<P> +But the officer would not listen. He took a strong hold +upon my collar and began to march me off. Mr. Allen Price walked beside us +until we reached the corner. +<P> +"I will leave you here, officer," he said. "I'll be down +in the morning, sure. As for you," he continued to me, "I trust you will +soon see the error of your ways and try to mend them, and&—" he continued +in a whisper, as the officer's attention was distracted for a moment, "never +try to outwit John Stumpy again!" +<h3>CHAPTER XXV</h3> +<h4>AN EXCITING ADVENTURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. Allen Price and John Stumpy were one and the same person! +For a moment so great was my surprise that I forgot I was under arrest, and +walked on beside the officer without a protest. +<P> +Now that I knew the truth it was easy to trace the +resemblance, and I blamed myself greatly for not having discovered it when +we first met. +<P> +Of a certainty the man was bent upon frustrating my plans, +partly for his own safety, and more so upon Mr. Aaron Woodward's account. +No doubt the merchant was paying him well for his work, and John Stumpy intended +to do all he could to crush me. +<P> +But I was not to be crushed. The forces brought against +me only made my will stronger to go ahead. It was do or die, and that was +all there was to it. +<P> +I could easily understand why John Stumpy wished to obtain +possession of my handbag. In it he hoped to find the papers Mr. Woodward +had lost and Nicholas Weaver's confession. I could not help but smile at +the thought that, notwithstanding all I had said to the contrary, the two +plotters still believed I had the lost documents. +<P> +One thing perplexed me. Why was my visit to Chris Holtzmann +considered of such importance that every possible means was taken to prevent +it? Did this man possess the entire key to the situation? And were they afraid +he could be bought up or threatened into a confession? It looked so. +<P> +"You are not from Chicago, young fellow?" said the policeman +who had me in charge. +<P> +"No; I'm from the East." +<P> +"Humph! Got taken in short, didn't you?" +<P> +"I'm not guilty of any crime," I returned, "and you'll +find it out when it comes to the examination." +<P> +"I'll chance it," replied the officer, grimly. +<P> +"That man is a fraud. If you call on the Manners Clothing +Company, you will find it so." +<P> +"That's not part of my duty. I'll take you to the station +house, and you can tell the judge your story," replied the policeman. +<P> +Yet I could see by the way his brow contracted that my +assertion had had its effect upon him. Probably had he given the matter proper +thought in the first place, he would have compelled John Stumpy to accompany +him. +<P> +Still, this did me no good. Here I was being taken to +the jail while the man who should have been under arrest was free. I would +probably have to remain in confinement until the following morning, and in +the meantime John Stumpy could call on Chris Holtzmann and arrange plans +to suit himself. +<P> +This would never do, as it would defeat the whole object +of my trip West, and send me home to be laughed at by Mr. Aaron Woodward +and Duncan. +<P> +"Can I ask for an examination at once?" I inquired. +<P> +"Maybe; if the judge is there." +<P> +"And if he isn't?" +<P> +"You'll have to wait till to-morrow morning. You see it +isn't—Hello! thunder and lightning! what's that?" +<P> +As the officer uttered the exclamation there was a wild +cry on the streets, and the next instant the crowds of people scattered in +every direction. +<P> +And no wonder, for down the pavement came an infuriated +bull, charging everybody and everything before him. +<P> +The animal had evidently broken away from a herd that +was being driven to the stock-yards, and his nose, where the ring was fastened, +was torn and covered with blood, and he breathed hard, as if he had run a +great distance. +<P> +"It's a mad bull!" I cried. "Take care, or he'll horn +both of us!" +<P> +My words of caution were unnecessary, for no sooner had +the bull turned in our direction than the officer let go his hold upon me +and fled into a doorway near at hand. +<P> +For an instant I was on the point of following him. Then +came the sudden thought that now would be a good chance to escape. +<P> +To think was to act. No sooner had the policeman jumped +into the doorway than I dodged through the crowd and hurried across the street. +Reaching the opposite side, I ran into an alley. It was long and led directly +into the back garden of a handsome stone mansion. +<P> +The garden was filled with beautiful flowers and plants, +and in the centre a tiny fountain sent a thin spray into the air. At one +side, under a small arbor, stood a garden bench, and on this sat a little +girl playing with a number of dolls. +<P> +Her golden hair hung heavy over her shoulders, and she +looked supremely happy. She greeted my entrance with a smile, and took me +at once into her confidence. +<P> +"This is my new dolly," she explained, holding the article +up. +<P> +"Is it?" I asked, hardly knowing what to say. +<P> +"Yes; papa bringed it home yesterday. Does oo like dollies?" +<P> +"Oh, yes, nice ones like that. You must have lots of fun. +I&—" +<P> +I did not finish the sentence. There was a noise in the +alley, and the next instant the mad bull came crashing into the garden! +<P> +For a second I was too surprised to move or speak. The +little girl uttered a piercing scream, and gathering her dolls in her arms +huddled into a corner of the bench. +<P> +Why the animal had followed so closely behind me I could +not tell, but once in the garden, it was plain to see he was bent upon doing +considerable damage. He was more enraged than ever, and scattered the sodding +about in every direction. +<P> +At first some red flowers attracted his attention, and +he charged upon these with a fury that wrecked the entire flower-bed in which +they were standing. +<P> +While the bull was at this work I partly recovered my +senses, and then the first thought that came to my mind was the necessity +of getting the little girl to a place of safety. Let the bull once get at +her, and her life might pay the penalty. I was not many feet away from the +little miss, and a few bounds took me to her side. +<P> +"Come, let me take you into the house," I said, and picked +her up. +<P> +She made no reply, but continued to scream and clung to +me with all the strength of her little arms. +<P> +There was a back piazza to the mansion five or six steps high. I knew that +if we once reached this we would be safe, for no matter what the bull might +do, he could not climb. +<P> +"Oh, Millie, my child!" came s voice from the house, and +I saw a lady at one of the windows. "Oh, save her! Bring her here!" she cried, +as she caught sight of the bull. +<P> +I uttered no reply, but sprang toward the steps. +<P> +But though I wasted no time, the bull was too quick for +me. Springing over the flower-bed, he planted himself directly in my path. +<P> +It made my blood run cold to have him face me with that +vicious look and those glaring eyes. One prod of those horns and all would +be over. +<P> +"Oh, save Millie! Save my child!" The lady had opened +the door and now came running out upon the piazza. +<P> +"I will if I can!" I returned. "Don't come down here. +He'll tear you all to pieces!" +<P> +Even as I spoke the bull made a plunge for me. I darted +to one side and sprang over to the edge of the piazza corner. +<P> +"Give her to me! Hand her up!" exclaimed the lady, as +she rushed over, and as I held the little one on my shoulder, the lady drew +her up and clasped the child, dolls and all, to her breast. +<P> +Hardly had I got rid of my charge than the bull came for +me again. The trick I had played on him only served to increase his rage, +and he snorted loudly. +<P> +I was in a bad fix. Between the piazza and the next-door +fence was a distance of but ten feet, and behind me was the solid stone wall +of the house. Escape on any side was impossible. Had I had time I might have +climbed up to the piazza, but now this was not to be thought of, and another +means of getting out of danger must be instantly devised. +<P> +"Oh, he will be killed!" cried the lady, in horror. "Help! +help!" +<P> +I glanced around for some weapon with which to defend +myself. I had nothing with me. Even my valise lay at the other end of the +garden, where I had dropped it when the animal first made his appearance. +<P> +As I said, I looked around, and behind me found a heavy +spade the gardener had at one time or another used for digging post holes. +It was a strong and sharp implement, and I took it up with a good deal of +satisfaction. +<P> +The bull charged on me with fury. As he did so, I took +the spade and held it on a level with my waist, resting the butt end on the +wall behind me. +<P> +The next instant there was a terrific crash that made +me sick from head to foot. With all his force the bull had sprung forward, +only to receive the sharp end of the spade straight between his eyes. +<P> +The blow was as if it had been delivered by an axe. It +made a frightful cut, and the blood rushed forth in a torrent. +<P> +With a mad cry of pain the bull backed out. At first I +thought he was going to charge me again, but evidently the blow was too much +for him, for with several moans he turned, and with his head hanging down, +he staggered across the garden to the alley and disappeared. +<h3>CHAPTER XXVI</h3> +<h4>SAMMY SIMPSON</h4> +<P> +I gave a sigh of relief when the +bull was gone. The encounter with the mad animal had been no laughing matter. +I had once heard of a man being gored to death by just such an infuriated +creature, and I considered that I had had a narrow escape. I put my hand +to my forehead and found the cold sweat standing out upon it. Taking my +handkerchief, I mopped it away. +<P> +"Are you hurt?" inquired the lady, with great solicitation. +<P> +"No, ma'am," I replied. "But it was a close shave!" +<P> +"Indeed it was. And you saved my Millie's life! How can +I thank you!" +<P> +"I didn't do so much. I guess she's scared a good bit." +<P> +"She hardly realized the danger, dear child. Did you, +Millie, my pet?" +<P> +"The bad cow wanted to eat up my dollies!" exclaimed the +little miss, with a grave shake of the head. "But oo helped me," she added, +to me. +<P> +"I'm glad I was here," I returned. +<P> +"May I ask how you happened to come in?" continued the +lady. +<P> +In a few words I told my story. I had hardly finished +when the back door opened and a gentleman stepped out. +<P> +"What is the trouble here?" he asked anxiously. "I just +heard that a mad bull had run into the garden." +<P> +"So he did, James; a savage monster indeed. This young +man just beat him off and saved Millie's life." +<P> +"Hardly that," I put in modestly. I did not want more +praise than I was justly entitled to receive. +<P> +"Indeed, but he did. See the spade covered with blood? +Had he not hit the animal over the head with that, something dreadful would +have happened." +<P> +"I didn't hit him exactly," I laughed. "I held it up and +he ran against it," and once more I told my story. +<P> +"You have done us a great service, young man," said the +gentleman when I had concluded. "I was once in the butcher business myself,—in +fact, I am in it yet, but only in the export trade,—and I know full well +how dangerous bulls can get. Had it not been for you my little girl might +have been torn to pieces. One of her dolls is dressed in red, and this would +have attracted the bull's immediate attention. I thank you deeply." He grasped +my hand warmly. "May I ask your name?" +<P> +"Roger Strong, sir." +<P> +"My name is Harrison—James Harrison. You live here in +Chicago, I suppose?" +<P> +"No, sir, I come from Darbyville, New Jersey." +<P> +"Darbyville?" He thought a moment. "I never heard of such +a town." +<P> +"It is only a small place several miles from New York. +I came to Chicago on business. I arrived about half an hour ago." +<P> +"Really? Your introduction into our city has been rather +an exciting one." +<P> +"I've had other adventures fully as exciting in the past +few days," I returned. +<P> +"Yes?" and Mr. Harrison eyed me curiously. +<P> +"Yes. Our train was delayed, I almost had my handbag stolen, +and I've been arrested as a thief." +<P> +"And all in a half an hour?" The gentleman and his wife +both looked incredulous. +<P> +"No, sir; since I've left home." +<P> +"I should like to hear your story—that is, if you care +to tell it." +<P> +"I will tell you the whole thing if you care to listen," +I returned, reflecting that my newly made friend might give me some material +assistance in my quest. +<P> +"Then come into the house." +<P> +"I'd better shut the alley gate first," said I, and running +down I did so, and picked up my handbag as well. +<P> +Mr. Harrison led the way inside. I could not help but +note the rich furnishings of the place—the soft carpets, artistically papered +walls, the costly pictures and bric-a-brac, all telling of wealth. +<P> +Mrs. Harrison and the little girl had disappeared up the +stairs. Mr. Harrison ushered me into his library and motioned me to a seat. +<P> +I hardly knew how to begin my story. To show how John +Stumpy had had me arrested, it would be necessary to go back to affairs at +Darbyville, and this I hesitated about doing. +<P> +"If you have time I would like to tell you about my affairs +before I started to come to Chicago," I said. "I would like your advice." +<P> +The gentleman looked at the clock resting upon the mantel +shelf. +<P> +"I have an engagement at eleven o'clock," he returned. +"Until then I am entirely at your service, and will be in the afternoon if +you desire it. I'll promise to give you the best advice I can." +<P> +"Thank you. I am a stranger here, and most people won't +pay much attention to a boy," I replied. +<P> +Then I told my story in full just as I have written it +here. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested. +<P> +"It is a strange case," he said, when I had concluded. +"These men must be thorough rascals, every one of them. Of course it yet +remains to be seen what this Chris Holtzmann has to do with the affair. He +may be made to give evidence for or against your father just as he is approached. +I think I would be careful at the first meeting." +<P> +"I did not intend to let him know who I was." +<P> +"A good plan." +<P> +"But now if I venture on the street I may be arrested," +I went on. +<P> +"It is not likely. Chicago is a big city, and unless the +officer who arrested you before meets you, it is improbable that he can give +an accurate enough description of you for others to identify you. Then again, +having failed in his duty, he may not report the case at all." +<P> +"That's so; but if I do run across him&—" +<P> +"Then send for me. Here is my card. If I can be of service +to you, I shall be glad." +<P> +Mr. Harrison gave me minute directions how to reach +Holtzmann's place. Then it was time for him to go, and we left the house +together. I promised to call on him again before quitting Chicago. +<P> +It was with a lighter heart that I went on my way. In +some manner I felt that I had at least one friend in the big city, to whom +I could turn for advice and assistance. +<P> +Guided by the directions Mr. Harrison had given me, I +had no difficulty in making my way in the direction of Chris Holtzmann's +place of business or house, whatever it might prove to be. +<P> +As I passed up one street and down another, I could not +help but look about me with great curiosity. If Chicago was not New York, +it was "next door" to it, and I could have easily spent the entire day in +sightseeing. +<P> +But though my eyes were taking in all that was to be seen, +my mind was busy speculating upon the future. What would Chris Holtzmann +think of my visit, and what would be the result of our interview? +<P> +At length I turned down the street upon which his place +was located. It was a wide and busy thoroughfare, lined with shops of all +kinds. Saloons were numerous, and from several of them came the sounds of +lively music. +<P> +"Can you tell me where Chris Holtzmann's place is?" I +asked of a man on the corner. +<P> +"Holtzmann's? Sure! Down on the next corner." +<P> +"Thank you." +<P> +"Variety actor?" went on the man, curiously. +<P> +"Oh, no!" I laughed. +<P> +"Thought not. They're generally pretty tough—the ones +Chris hires." +<P> +"Does he have a variety theatre?" +<P> +"That's what he calls it. But it's nothing but a concert +hall with jugglers and tumblers thrown in." +<P> +I did not relish the idea of going into such a place, +and I knew that my sister Kate and the Widow Canby would be horrified when +they heard of it. +<P> +"What kind of a man is this Holtzmann?" I continued, seeing +that the man I had accosted was inclined to talk. +<P> +"Oh, he's a good enough kind of a fellow if you know how +to take him," was the reply. "He's a bit cranky if he's had a glass too much, +but that don't happen often." +<P> +"Does he run the place himself?" +<P> +"What, tend bar and so?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Oh, no; he's too high-toned for that. He only bosses +things. They say he's rich. Be came from the East some years ago with quite +a little money, and he's been adding to it ever since." +<P> +"Then you know him quite well?" +<P> +"Worked for him two years. Then he up one day and declared +I was robbing him. We had a big row, and I got out." +<P> +"Did he have you arrested?" +<P> +"Arrested? Not much. He knew better than to try such a +game on me. When I was in his employ I kept my eyes and ears open, and I +knew too much about his private affairs for him to push me, even if I had +been guilty. Oh, Sammy Simpson knows a thing or two." +<P> +"That is your name?" +<P> +"Yes; Samuel A. Simpson. Generally called Sammy for short. +I was his bookkeeper and corresponding clerk." +<P> +"Maybe you're just the man I want to see," I said. "Do +you know anything about Mr. Holtzmann's private affairs in the East?" +<P> +"In Brooklyn?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +Sammy Simpson hesitated for a moment. +<P> +"Maybe I do," he replied, with a shrewd look in his eyes. +"Is there anything to be made out of it?" +<P> +"I will pay you for whatever you do for me." +<P> +"Then I'm your huckleberry. Who are you and what do you +want to know?" +<h3>CHAPTER XXVII</h3> +<h4>THE PALACE OF PLEASURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. Sammy Simpson was a character. He was tall and slim, certainly +not less than fifty years of age, but with an evident desire to appear much +younger. His face was cleanly shaven, and when he removed his hat to scratch +his head I saw that he was nearly bald. +<P> +He was dressed in a light check suit and wore patent-leather +shoes. I put him down as a dandy, but fond of drink, and that he proved to +be. +<P> +"Whom do you work for now?" I asked. +<P> +"No one. To tell the truth, I'm down on my luck and I'm +waiting for something to turn up." +<P> +"You say you worked for Holtzmann two years ago?" +<P> +"No, I said I worked for him two years. I only left last +month." +<P> +"And he accused you of stealing?" +<P> +"Yes; but it was only to get rid of me because I knew +too much of his private affairs." +<P> +"What do you know of his private affairs?" +<P> +Sammy Simpson rubbed his chin. +<P> +"Excuse me, but who am I talking to?" he asked abruptly. +<P> +"Never mind who I am. I am here to get all the information +I can about Chris Holtzmann, and I'm willing to pay for it. Of course I'm +not rich, but I've got a few dollars. If you can't help me I'll have to go +elsewhere." +<P> +My plain speech startled Sammy Simpson. +<P> +"Hold up; don't get mad because I asked your name. You've +a perfect right to keep it to yourself if you want to. Only make it sure +to me that I'll get paid for what I tell and it will be all right." +<P> +I was perplexed. I had half a mind to mention Mr. Harrison's +name, but if I did that, the man might expect altogether too much. +<P> +"I will promise you that you lose nothing," I said. "But +we can't talk things over in the street. Tell me where I can meet you later +on." +<P> +"Want to see Holtzmann first?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"You won't get anything out of him, I'll wager you that." +<P> +"I don't expect to. I want to see what kind of a man he +is." +<P> +"Well, you'll find me at 28 Hallock Street generally. +If I'm not in, you can find out there where I've gone to." +<P> +"I'll remember it. In the meantime don't speak of this +meeting to any one." +<P> +"Mum's the word," rejoined Sammy Simpson. +<P> +I went on my way deep in thought. I considered it a stroke +of luck that I had fallen in with Chris Holtzmann's former clerk. No doubt +the man knew much that would prove of value to me. +<P> +I doubted if this man was perfectly honest. I was satisfied +that the concert-hall manager had had good grounds for discharging him. But +it often "takes a rogue to catch a rogue," and I was willing to profit by +any advantage that came to hand. +<P> +At length I reached the next corner. On it stood a splendid +building of marble, having over the door in raised letters:&— +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +CHRIS HOLTZMANN'S<BR> +PALACE OF PLEASURE.<BR> +<I>Open all the Time. Admission Free!</I> +<P> +For a moment I hesitated. Should I enter such a hole of +iniquity? +<P> +Then came the thought of my mission; how I wished to clear +the family name from the stain that rested upon it and free my father from +imprisonment, and I went in. +<P> +I do not care to describe the scene that met my eyes. +The magnificent decorations of the place were to my mind entirely out of +keeping with its character. The foulness of a subcellar would have been more +appropriate. +<P> +In the back, where a stage was located, were a number +of small tables. I sat down at one of these and had a waiter bring me a glass +of soda water. +<P> +"Is Mr. Holtzmann about?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir. There he is over by the cigar counter. Shall +I call him?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +I paid for my soda and sipped it leisurely. The place +was about half full, and all attention was being paid to "Master Ardon, the +Wonderful Boy Dancer," who was doing a clog on the stage. +<P> +Mr. Chris Holtzmann was very much the style of a man I +had imagined him to be. He was short and stout, with a thick neck and a double +chin. He was loudly dressed, including several seal rings and a heavy gold +watch chain. +<P> +I calculated that he would be a hard man to approach, +and now that I was face to face with him I hardly knew how to proceed. +<P> +At first I thought to ask him for a situation of some +kind and thus get on speaking terms with him, but concluded that openness +would pay best in the end, and so, rising, I approached him. +<P> +"Mr. Holtzmann, I believe?" I began. +<P> +"Yes," he said slowly, looking me over from head to foot. +<P> +"If you please I would like to have a talk with you," +I went on. +<P> +"What is it?" and he turned his ear toward me. +<P> +"I have come all the way from Darbyville, New Jersey, +to see you." +<P> +"What!" He started. "And what is your business with me, +sir?" he went on sharply. +<P> +"I would like to see you in private," and I glanced at +the clerk and several others who were staring at us. +<P> +"Come to my office," he returned, and led the way through +a door at one side, into a handsomely furnished apartment facing the side +street. +<P> +"Ross, you can post the letters," he said to a clerk who +was writing at a desk. "Be back in half an hour." +<P> +It was a hint that we were to be left alone, and the clerk +was not long in gathering up the letters that had been written, and leaving. +<P> +"I suppose Woodward sent you," began Chris Holtzmann, +when we were seated. +<P> +This remark nearly took away my breath. I thought he would +deny all knowledge of having ever known the merchant, and here he was mentioning +the man at the very start. +<P> +I hardly knew how to reply, and he continued:&— +<P> +"I've been expecting him for several days." +<P> +"Well, you know there was an accident on the railroad," +I began as coolly as I could. "The bridge shifted and the trains couldn't +run." +<P> +"Yes, I heard of that." He paused for a moment. "What +brought you?" +<P> +This was a home question. I plunged in like a swimmer +into a deep stream. +<P> +"I came to get the papers relating to the Strong forgeries. +You have all of them, I suppose." +<P> +I was surprised at my own boldness. So was my listener. +<P> +"Sh! not so loud," he exclaimed. "Who said I had the papers?" +<P> +"John Stumpy spoke about them to Mr. Woodward." +<P> +"He did, eh?" sneered Chris Holtzmann. "He had better +keep his mouth shut. How does he know but what the papers were destroyed +long ago?" +<P> +"I hope not," I replied earnestly. +<P> +"What does Woodward want of the papers?" +<P> +"I don't know exactly. The Strong family are going to +have the case opened again, and he's afraid they may be dragged in." +<P> +"No one knows I have them but him, Stumpy—and you." He +gave me a suspicious glance. "Who are&—" +<P> +"The Strongs know," I put in hastily, thus cutting him +off. +<P> +"What!" He jumped up from his chair. "Who was fool enough +to tell them?" +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver left a dying statement&—" +<P> +"The idiot! I always said he was a weak-minded fool!" +cried Chris Holtzmann. "Who has this statement?" +<P> +"I don't know where it is now, but Carson Strong's son +had it." +<P> +"Strong's son! Great Scott! Then Woodward's goose is cooked. +I always told him he hadn't covered up his tracks." +<P> +"Yes, but he paid you pretty well for your share of the +work," I returned. I was getting mixed. The deception could not be kept up +much longer, and I wondered what would happen when the truth became known. +<P> +"Didn't pay me half of what I should have got. I helped +him not only in Brooklyn, but here in Chicago as well. How would he have +accounted for all his money if I hadn't had a rich aunt die and leave it +to him?" Chris Holtzmann gave a short laugh. "I reckon that was a neat plan +of mine." +<P> +"You ran a big risk." +<P> +"So we did—but it paid." +<P> +"And John Stumpy helped, too." +<P> +"He did in a way. But he drank too much to be of any great +use. By the way, do you drink?" +<P> +As Holtzmann spoke he opened a closet at one side of the +room, behind a screen, and brought forth a bottle of liquor and a pair of +glasses. +<P> +"No, thank you," I replied. +<P> +"No? Have a cigar, then." +<P> +"Thank you; I don't smoke." +<P> +"What! Don't smoke or drink! That's queer. Wish I could +say the same. Mighty expensive habits. What did you say your name was?" +<P> +At this instant there was a knock on the door, and Chris +Holtzmann walked back of the screen and opened it. +<P> +"A man to see you, sir," I heard a voice say. +<P> +"Who is it?" asked Chris Holtzmann. +<P> +"Says his name is Aaron Woodward." +<h3>CHAPTER XXVIII</h3> +<h4>A DEAL FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS</h4> +<P> +I was thunderstruck by the announcement +that Mr. Aaron Woodward was waiting to come in. Had it been John Stumpy who +was announced, I would not have been so much surprised. But Aaron Woodward! +The chase after me was indeed getting hot. +<P> +Evidently the merchant was not satisfied to leave affairs +in Chicago entirely in his confederate's hands. Either he did not trust Stumpy +or else the matter was of too much importance. +<P> +I did not give these thoughts close attention at the time, +but revolved them in my mind later. Just now I was trying to resolve what +was best to do. Would it be advisable for me to remain or had I better get +out? +<P> +To retire precipitately might not be "good form," but +it might save me a deal of trouble. I had had one "round" with the merchant +in his mansion in Darbyville, and I was not particularly anxious for another +encounter. I was but a boy, and between the two men they might carry "too +many guns" for me. +<P> +I looked around for some immediate means of escape. As +I have said, the office was located on the side street. Directly in front +of the desk was a large window, opened to let in the fresh morning air. For +me to think was to act. In less than a minute I was seated on the desk with +my legs dangling over the window sill. +<P> +"Aaron Woodward!" repeated Chris Holtzmann, in evident +surprise. +<P> +"Yes, sir, and he says he must see you at once." +<P> +"Did you hear that?" called out Holtzmann to me. +<P> +"Yes, I did," I returned as coolly as I could. +<P> +"Did you expect him?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Humph!" +<P> +Holtzmann made a movement as if to step into view, and +I prepared to vanish from the scene. But he changed his mind and walked from +the office. +<P> +I was in a quandary. To remain would place me in great +peril, yet I was anxious to know the result of the meeting between the two +men. They were the prime movers in my father's downfall, and nothing must +be left undone to bring them to justice. +<P> +I resolved to remain, even if it were at the peril of +my life. I was not an over-brave boy, but the thought of my father languishing +in prison because of these men's misdeeds, nerved me to stay. +<P> +The closet door was still open, and that gave me a sudden +idea. +<P> +As I jumped from the desk another idea struck me, and +without any hesitation I scattered the papers on the floor and upset the +ink-well. +<P> +Then I squeezed myself into the closet, crouching down +into one corner, behind several canes and umbrellas. +<P> +I was not an instant too soon, for hardly had I settled +myself than the door opened, and Chris Holtzmann reentered, followed by Mr. +Aaron Woodward. +<P> +Both men were highly excited, and both uttered an exclamation +when they saw the room was empty. +<P> +"He's gone!" cried Holtzmann. +<P> +"Gone?" repeated the merchant. "Get out, Holtzmann! He +was never here." +<P> +"I say he was, less than two minutes ago." +<P> +"Well, where is he now?" +<P> +"I don't know. Ha! I see it! He has jumped through the +windows. See how he has upset the ink and scattered the papers. It's as clear +as day." +<P> +"Can you see anything of him outside?" +<P> +Chris Holtzmann leaned out of the window. +<P> +"No; he's up and around the corner long ago." +<P> +"We must catch the rascal," went on Mr. Woodward, in a +high voice. "He knows too much; he will ruin us both." +<P> +"Ruin us both?" sneered the proprietor of the Palace of +Pleasure. "I don't see how he can ruin me." +<P> +"You're in it just as deep as I am—just as deep." +<P> +"Not a bit of it," returned Holtzmann, with spirit. "You +are the only one who profited by the whole transaction, and you are the one +to take the blame." +<P> +"See here, Chris, you're not going back on me in this +way," exclaimed the merchant, in a tone of reproach. +<P> +"I'm not going back on you at all, Woody. But you can't +use me as you used John Stumpy. It won't go down." +<P> +"Now don't get excited, Chris." +<P> +"I'm not excited. But I know a thing or two just as well +as you do. If there is any exposure to take place, you must stand the brunt +of it. You were a fool to let the boy get ahead of you." +<P> +"I didn't; it was Stumpy. He let the boy get hold of Nick +Weaver's statement, and that started the thing. Then the boy stole some of +my papers that were in my desk, and how much information he has now I don't +know." +<P> +"All your own fault," responded Holtzmann, coolly. "Why +don't you destroy all the evidence on hand?" +<P> +"Do you do that?" asked Mr. Woodward, furiously. +<P> +"I do when I think it isn't going to do me any more good," +replied Holtzmann, evasively. +<P> +"Have you destroyed all the evidence in this matter?" +<P> +Holtzmann closed one eye. "I'm not so green as you take +me to be," he replied impressively. "All my evidence against you is locked +up in my safe." +<P> +"You intend to use it against me?" said the merchant. +<P> +"Only if it becomes necessary." +<P> +"And yet you pretend to be a friend of mine." +<P> +"I was until you cheated me out of my fair share of the +spoils. But I am satisfied, and willing to let the whole matter rest." +<P> +"What will you take for the papers you hold?" +<P> +"Wouldn't sell them at any price. I'm not running my head +into any trap." +<P> +"It will be all right." +<P> +"Maybe it will, but I'll run no risk," He paused a moment. +"I'll tell you what I will do. Give me a thousand dollars and I'll let you +see me burn them up. +<P> +I was intensely surprised at this proposition, more so, +I believe, than was Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"A thousand dollars!" he exclaimed. "Chris, you're crazy." +<P> +"No, indeed. I know a thing or two. What do you suppose +the Strongs would pay for them?" +<P> +"You don't mean to say you would play me false?" ejaculated +the merchant, hoarsely. +<P> +"I mean to say I'd do anything to save myself if you got +us into a hole. As far as I can see, you have allowed this boy to get the +best of you at every turn." +<P> +"Humph! You needn't talk. You let him walk right into +your confidence the first thing." +<P> +"Only when he told me all about your affairs." +<P> +"Well, let that drop. Can't you let me have the papers +cheaper?" +<P> +"I said I wouldn't let you have the papers at all. I'll +burn them up." +<P> +"Will you let me see them?" +<P> +Chris Holtzmann's brow contracted. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"Oh, I only want to make sure of what you've got. +<P> +"Will you pay the price?" +<P> +"Make them cheaper." +<P> +"No." +<P> +"I'll take them." +<P> +"You mean have them burnt up." +<P> +"Yes. But I must examine them first." +<P> +"I'm willing. And I must have my check before they go +into the fire." +<P> +"You are very suspicious, Chris, very suspicious." +<P> +"No more so than you, Woody. I wasn't born yesterday." +<P> +"Well, let's have the papers and I'll write out the check. +But it must be understood that you give no more information to the boy." +<P> +"Give him information!" cried Holtzmann. "Let him show +his face here again and I'll break every bone in his body," he added grimly. +<P> +This was certainly an interesting bit of news. I made +up my mind that to be seen would render matters decidedly warm for me. +<P> +But I was even more interested over the fact that the +two men intended to burn up part of the evidence that might clear my father's +name. Such a thing must not happen. I must use every means in my power to +prevent it. +<P> +Yet what was to be done? If the documents were produced +at once, how could I save them from destruction? +<P> +A bold dash for them seemed the only way. Once snatched +from Holtzmann's or Aaron Woodward's hands, and escape through the window +or the door would be difficult, but not impossible. +<P> +Yet while I was revolving these thoughts over in my mind +the same thing evidently suggested itself to the proprietor of the Palace +of Pleasure. +<P> +"Wait till I lock the door," he said. "We don't want to +be interrupted." +<P> +"No indeed," returned Mr. Woodward; "interruptions don't +pay." +<P> +"And I'll close the window, too," went on Holtzmann; "it's +cool enough without having it open." +<P> +"So it is." +<P> +So the window and the door were both closed and fastened. +I was chagrined, but could do nothing. +<P> +A moment later I heard Chris Holtzmann at his safe, and +then the rattle of something on his desk. +<P> +"The papers are in this tin box," he said. "I placed them +there over six months ago." +<P> +He opened the box, and I heard a rustling of documents. +<P> +"Why—why—what does this mean!" he ejaculated. "They +are not here!" +<P> +"What!" cried Mr. Aaron Woodward, aghast. +<P> +"The papers are not here!" Holtzmann hurried over to his +safe and began a hasty search. "As sure as you're born, Woody, they have +been stolen!" +<P> +"It's that boy," exclaimed the merchant. "He's a wizard +of a sly one. He has stolen them, and we are lost!" +<h3>CHAPTER XXIX</h3> +<h4>THE PRECIOUS PAPERS</h4> +<P> +I was not as much surprised over +the situation as were the two men. I could put two and two together as quickly +as any one, and I knew exactly where the papers were to be found. +<P> +Sammy Simpson, of 28 Hallock Street, was the thief. He +had intimated that he had evidence against Chris Holtzmann, and these papers +were that evidence. +<P> +This being so, there was no further use for my remaining +in my cramped position in the closet, and I longed for a chance for escape. +It was not long in coming. +<P> +"I don't see how that boy managed it," said Holtzmann. +"He was alone only a few minutes." +<P> +"Never mind. He's as smart as a steel trap. Was the safe +door open?" +<P> +"Yes. My clerk left it open. He is a new one and rather +careless. What's to be done?" +<P> +"I'm going after the rascal," cried Aaron Woodward. +<P> +"You'd have a fine time finding him here in Chicago." +<P> +"I must find him. Most likely when he discovers how valuable +the papers are he'll be off at once for home with them. I can intercept him +at the depot." +<P> +"That's an idea, if you can locate the right depot." +<P> +"I'll be off at once," went on Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"I'll go with you," returned Chris Holtzmann, and three +minutes later the two men quitted the office, locking the door after them. +<P> +I waited several minutes to make sure they were not returning, +and then emerged from my hiding-place. +<P> +I was stiff in every joint and nearly stifled from the +hot air in the closet. But at present I gave these personal matters scant +attention, my mind being bent upon escape. +<P> +Even if the door had been unlocked, I would not have chosen +it as a means of egress. It led into the main hall of the Palace of Pleasure, +and here I might meet some one to bar my escape. +<P> +The window was close at hand, and I threw it open. The +noise I made did not frighten me, for in the main hall a loud orchestra was +drowning out every other sound. +<P> +I looked out and saw a number of people walking up and +down the street. No one appeared to be watching me, and waiting a favorable +opportunity, I slid out of the window to the sidewalk below. +<P> +With my ever present handbag beside me I hurried down +the side street as fast as my feet would carry me. The neighborhood of the +Palace of Pleasure was dangerous for me, and I wished to get away from it +as quickly as possible. +<P> +After travelling several blocks I slackened my pace and +dropped into a rapid walk. Coming to a fruit-stand, I invested in a couple +of bananas, and then asked its proprietor where Hallock Street was. +<P> +"Sure an' it's the first street beyant the cable road," +was the reply. +<P> +"And where is the cable road?" I queried. +<P> +"Two squares that way, sor," and the woman pointed it +out. +<P> +I thanked her and hurried on. When I reached the street, +I found the numbers ran in the three hundreds, and I had quite a walk to +the southward to reach No. 28. +<P> +At length I stood in front of the house. It was a +common-looking affair, and the vicinity was not one to be chosen by fastidious +people. The street, sidewalks, and doorways all looked dirty and neglected. +I concluded that since being discharged Sammy Simpson had come down in the +world. +<P> +"Does Mr. Simpson live here?" I asked of a slip of a girl +who sat on the stoop, nursing a ragged doll. +<P> +"Yes, sir; on the third floor in the front," she replied. +<P> +I climbed up the creaky stairs two flights, and rapped +on the door. +<P> +"Come," said a voice, and I entered. The room was the +barest kind of a kitchen. By the open window sat a thin, pale woman, holding +a child. +<P> +"Does Mr. Samuel Simpson live here?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir, but he's not in now," she returned. "Can I +do anything for you?" +<P> +"I guess not." +<P> +"I hope—I hope there is nothing wrong," she went on +falteringly. +<P> +"Wrong?" I queried. I did not quite understand her. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Not exactly. What makes you think so?" +<P> +"Because he drinks so," she replied. +<P> +"I wish to get some information from him; that is all," +I returned. +<P> +As I concluded a heavy step sounded in the hall, and an +instant later Sammy Simpson appeared. He had evidently been imbibing freely, +for his voice was thick and his sentences muddled. +<P> +"Hello!" he cried. "You here already, eh! What brought +you? Want to find out all about Chris Holtzmann?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Thought so. Saw it in your eye. Yes, sir, your optic +betrayed you. Sit down. Mag, give Mr. What's-his-name a chair. I'll sit down +myself." And he sank heavily down on a low bench, threw one leg over the +other, and clasped his hands on his knee. +<P> +"I want to see those documents you took from Mr. Holtzmann's +safe," I began boldly. +<P> +He started slightly and stared at me. +<P> +"Who said I took any document out of his safe?" +<P> +"Didn't you say so? I mean the ones relating to Holtzmann's +affairs in Brooklyn." +<P> +"Well, yes, I did." +<P> +"I want to see them." +<P> +"Again I ask, what is there in it?" he exclaimed dramatically. +<P> +"If they really prove of value to me, I will pay you well +for all your trouble," I replied. +<P> +"Is that straight?" he asked thickly. +<P> +"It is," I replied, and, I may as well add, I was thoroughly +disgusted with the man. +<P> +"Then I'm yours truly, and no mistake. Excuse me till +I get them." +<P> +Be rose unsteadily and left the room. Hardly had he gone +before his wife hurried to my side. +<P> +"Oh, sir, I hope you are not getting him into trouble?" +she cried. "He is a good man when he is sober; indeed he is," +<P> +"I am not going to harm him, madam. A great wrong has +been done, and I only want your husband to assist me in righting it. He has +papers that can do it." +<P> +"You are telling me the truth?" she questioned earnestly. +<P> +"Yes, ma'am." +<P> +"I think I can trust you," she said slowly. "You look +honest. And these papers—ought you to have them?" +<P> +"Yes. If your husband does not give them up, he will certainly +get into great trouble." +<P> +"You are young, and you don't look as if you would lie. +If Sam has the papers, he shall give them to you. He's coming now." +<P> +"Here's all the evidence in the case," said Sammy Simpson, +on returning. He held a thick and long envelope. "What's the value to you?" +<P> +"I can tell better after I have examined them," I returned. +<P> +"Will you give them back if I let you see them?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +He handed the precious papers to me and then sat down. +<P> +Oh, how eagerly I grasped the envelope! How much of importance +it might contain for me! +<P> +There were three letters and four legal papers. Like Nicholas +Weaver's statement, all were badly written, and I had a hard job to decipher +even a portion of the manuscript. +<P> +Yet I made out enough to learn that Aaron Woodward was +the forger of the notes and checks that had sent my father to prison, and +that the death of a relative in Chicago was only a pretence. The work had +been done in Brooklyn through that branch of Holland & Mack's establishment. +Chris Holtzmann had helped in the scheme, and John Stumpy had presented one +of the checks, for which service he had received six hundred dollars. This +much was clear to me. But two other points still remained dark. +<P> +One was of a certain Ferguson connected with the scheme, +who seemed to be intimate with my father. He was probably the man my father +had mentioned when we had visited him at the prison. His connection with +the affair was far from clear. +<P> +The other dark point in the case was concerning Agatha +Mitts, of 648 Vannack Avenue, Brooklyn. She was a boarding-mistress, and +the three or four men had stopped at her house. But how much she knew of +their doings I could not tell. +<P> +"Well, what do you think?" muttered Sammy Simpson. "Mighty +important, I'll be bound." +<P> +"Not so very important," I returned, as coolly as I could. +"They will be if I can get hold of other papers to use with them." +<P> +"Exactly, sir; just as I always said. Well, you can get +them easily enough, no doubt." +<P> +"I don't know about that," I said doubtfully. +<P> +"No trouble at all. Come, what will you give?" +<P> +"Five dollars." +<P> +"Ha! ha! They're worth a million." He blinked hard at +me. "Say, you're a friend of mine, a good boy. Meg, shall I give them to +him?" +<P> +"You ought to do what's right, Sam," replied his wife, +severely. +<P> +"So I ought. You're a good woman; big improvement on a +chap like me. Say, young man, give my lady ten dollars, keep the papers, +and clear out. I'm drunk, and when Sammy Simpson's drunk he's a fool." +<P> +I handed over the money without a word. Perhaps I was +taking advantage of the man's present state, but I considered I was doing +things for the best. +<P> +A minute later, with the precious papers in my pocket, +I left. +<h3>CHAPTER XXX</h3> +<h4>THE TRAIN FOR NEW YORK</h4> +<P> +Down in the street I hesitated as +to where to go next. I felt that the case on hand was getting too complicated +for me, and that I needed assistance. +<P> +I did not relish calling on the police for help. They +were probably on the watch for me, and even if not, they would deem me only +a boy, and give me scant attention. +<P> +My mind reverted to the adventure earlier in the day, +and I remembered Mr. Harrison's kind offer. I had done his little daughter +a good turn, and I was positive the gentleman would assist me to the best +of his ability. +<P> +I decided to call on him at once. I had his address still +in my pocket, and though I was quite tired, I hurried along at a rapid rate. +<P> +On the way I revolved in my mind all that had occurred +within the past two hours, and by the time I reached Mr. Harrison's place +I had the matter in such shape that I could tell a clear, straightforward +story. +<P> +I found the gentleman in, and pleased at my return. +<P> +"I was afraid you had gotten into more difficulties," +he explained, with a smile. +<P> +"So I did but I got out of them again," I replied. +<P> +Sitting down, I gave him the particulars of my visit to +Chris Holtzmann and to Sammy Simpson, and handed over the documents for +inspection. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested, and examined the papers with +great care. It took him nearly an hour to do so, and then he plied me with +numerous questions. +<P> +"Do you know what my advice is?" he asked, at length. +<P> +"No, sir." +<P> +"I advise you to have both Holtzmann and Woodward arrested +at once. They are thorough rascals, and your father is the innocent victim +of their cupidity." +<P> +"But how can I do that? No one knows me here in Chicago." +<P> +"Hold up, you make a mistake. I know you." +<P> +"Yes, but you don't know anything about me," I began. +<P> +"I know you to be a brave fellow, and brave people are +generally honest. Besides, your face speaks for itself." +<P> +"You are very kind." +<P> +"I have not forgotten the debt I owe you, and whatever +I do for you will never fully repay it." +<P> +"And you advise me&—" +<P> +"To put the case in the hands of the police without delay. +Come, I will go with you. Perhaps this Holtzmann may be frightened into a +confession." +<P> +"I trust so. It will save a good deal of trouble." +<P> +"Woodward can be taken into custody as soon as the necessary +papers are made out," concluded. Mr. Harrison. +<P> +An instant later we were on the way. I wondered what had +become of John Stumpy. It was strange that he had not turned up at the Palace +of Pleasure. Perhaps Mr. Aaron Woodward had intercepted him and either scared +or bought him off. +<P> +The fellow held much evidence that I wished to obtain, +for every letter or paper against Mr. Woodward would make my father's case +so much stronger, and I determined with all my heart that when once brought +to trial there should be no failure to punish the guilty, so that the innocent +might be acquitted. +<P> +At the police station we found the sergeant in charge. +Mr. Harrison was well known in the locality, and his presence gained at once +for us a private audience. +<P> +The officer of the law gave the case his closest attention, +and asked me even more questions than had been put to me before. +<P> +"I remember reading of this affair in the court records," +he said. "Judge Fowler and I were saying what a peculiar case it was. Chris +Holtzmann claims to keep a first-class resort, and I would hardly dare to +proceed against him were it not for these papers, and you, Mr. Harrison." +<P> +"You will arrest him at once?" questioned the gentleman. +<P> +"If you say so." +<P> +"I do, most assuredly." +<P> +"You are interested in the case?" queried the sergeant, +as he prepared to leave. +<P> +"Only on this young man's account. He saved my little +daughter from a horrible death this morning." +<P> +"Indeed? How so?" +<P> +"There was a mad bull broke into my back garden from the +street, and was about to gore her, when this young man, who had been driven +into the garden in the first place, came between and drove the bull out." +<P> +"Oh, I heard of that bull." +<P> +"What became of him?" I put in curiously. +<P> +"He was killed by a couple of officers on the next block. +He was nearly dead before they shot him, having received a terrible cut between +the eyes." +<P> +"Given by this young man," explained Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" cried the officer, in admiration. +"Phew! but you must be strong!" +<P> +"It was more by good luck than strength," I returned modestly. +<P> +"Nonsense!" said Mr. Harrison. "My wife witnessed the +whole occurrence, and she says it was pure bravery." +<P> +Five minutes later a cab was called, and we all got in. +I was not sorry to ride, for my long tramp from one place to another on the +stone pavement had made me footsore. I did not mind walking, but the Darbyville +roads were softer than those of Chicago. +<P> +It did not take long to reach the Palace of Pleasure. +<P> +"Just wait in the cab for a minute or two," said the sergeant +to me. "If he sees you first, he may make a scene." +<P> +"Most likely he's gone out," I returned. +<P> +The sergeant and Mr. Harrison left the carriage and entered +the building. +<P> +I awaited their return impatiently. Would they get their +man? And would Mr. Aaron Woodward be along? +<P> +Five—ten minutes dragged slowly by. Then the two returned. +<P> +"He's not in the place, and no one knows where he has +gone," said the officer. +<P> +"He can't be far off," I replied. "No doubt he and Mr. +Woodward have gone off to look for me." +<P> +"And where?" put in Mr. Harrison. I thought a moment. +<P> +"The depot!" I exclaimed. "He spoke about looking for +me there." +<P> +"Then we'll be off at once," returned the sergeant. +<P> +As he spoke, a familiar figure came shambling around the +corner. It was Sammy Simpson. +<P> +"Hello, you!" he cried, on catching sight of me. "I want +those papers back." +<P> +"Why do you want them back?" I asked. +<P> +"You didn't pay the value of 'em, didn't pay enough," +he hiccoughed. +<P> +"I paid all I agreed to." +<P> +"Can't say anything about that. But 'tain't enough." He +glared at me. "Holtzmann said he'd pay me a hundred dollars. Yes, sir, ten +times as much as you." +<P> +"When de you see Holtzmann?" I cried, in great interest. +<P> +"Saw him about half an hour ago. He came to see me—came +to see Sammy Simpson—climbed the stairs to my abode. Wanted the papers—said +I must have 'em. Went wild with rage when I let slip you had 'em. So did +the other gent." +<P> +"Who? Mr. Woodward?" +<P> +"That's the identical name. Yes, sir—the correct handle. +And they wanted the papers. Offered a hundred dollars for 'em. Think of it. +Here's the ten dollars—give 'em back." +<P> +Had Sammy Simpson been sober he would not have made such +a simple proposition. +<P> +"No, sir," I replied decidedly. "A bargain's a bargain. +I've got the papers, and I intend to keep them." +<P> +"No, you don't." +<P> +"What's that?" broke in the sergeant of police. +<P> +"I want those papers." +<P> +"Do you know who I am?" +<P> +"No, and don't care." +<P> +"I am sergeant of police, and I want you to behave yourself, +or I'll run you in," was the decided reply. +<P> +At the mention of an officer Sammy Simpson grew pale. +<P> +"No, no, don't do that. I've never been arrested in my +life." +<P> +"The papers are in the hands of the proper parties," went +on the sergeant. +<P> +"Then I can't have 'em back?" +<P> +"No; and the less you have to do with the whole matter, +the better off you'll be. Where has Holtzmann gone?" +<P> +"To Brooklyn." +<P> +I was astonished. To Brooklyn, and so soon! +<P> +"You are sure?" I queried. +<P> +"Yes; he and the other gent intended to take the first +train." +<P> +Here was indeed news. This sudden and unexpected departure +must portend something of importance. +<P> +"We must catch them!" I exclaimed. +<P> +"Do you know anything about the trains?" asked Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Jump in, and we'll be off to the depot," said the sergeant. +<P> +In an instant we had started, leaving Sammy Simpson standing +in the middle of the pavement too astonished to speak. It was the last I +ever saw of the man. +<P> +We made the driver urge his horse at the top of his speed. +I calculated that the pair would take the same line that had brought me to +Chicago. +<P> +I was not mistaken; for when we reached the depot a few +questions put by the sergeant revealed the fact that the two men had purchased +tickets for New York but a minute before. +<P> +"And when does the train leave?" I asked. +<P> +"Her time's up now." +<P> +At that instant a bell rang. +<P> +"There's the bell." +<P> +"We must catch her," I cried, and ran though the gate +and on to the platform. +<P> +But the train was already moving. I tried to catch her, +but failed; and a minute later the cars rolled out of sight. +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had escaped me. +<P> +What was to be done next? +<h3>CHAPTER XXXI</h3> +<h4>IN THE METROPOLIS</h4> +<P> +I was thoroughly chagrined when I +stood on the platform and saw the train roll away. Now that I had Mr. Harrison +and the sergeant of police with me I had fondly hoped to capture the two +men, even if it was at the last minute. +<P> +But now that chance was gone, and as I turned back to +my two companions I felt utterly nonplussed. +<P> +One thing was perfectly clear in my mind. The two men +had gone to Brooklyn to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts. No doubt they thought that +now I had the papers Sammy Simpson had stolen in my possession I would follow +up the train of evidence by calling on the woman—a thing I most likely would +have done. They intended to head me off, and by this means break down my +case against them at its last stage. +<P> +Yet though I was disappointed I was not disheartened. +I was fighting for honor and intended to keep on until not a single thing +remained to do. My evidence against Woodward and Holtzmann was gradually +accumulating, and sooner or later it must bring them to the bar of justice. +<P> +"Well, they're gone," I exclaimed, as I joined the others. +"That is, if they were on that train." +<P> +"We'll ask the gateman and make sure," said the sergeant. +<P> +This was done, and we soon learned that beyond a doubt +Mr. Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had been among the departed passengers. +<P> +"My work in Chicago is at an end," remarked the sergeant, +as we stood in the waiting-room discussing the situation. +<P> +"And so is mine," I replied. "I've got the papers, and +now the two men are gone, there is no use of my remaining." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" asked Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Follow them to Brooklyn." +<P> +"To Brooklyn? It's a good distance." +<P> +"I can't help it; I must go. As for the distance, it is +not many miles from my home." +<P> +Mr. Harrison mused for a moment. +<P> +"I have an idea of going along with you," he said at length. +<P> +"Going along with me!" I repeated, astonished by his offer. +<P> +"Yes; I intended to take a trip to New York, on special +business next week, but I can go to-day instead. You no doubt need help, +and I want to give it to you." +<P> +"You are very kind," I replied. +<P> +"I would like to see you and your family get your rights," +he went on. "I wonder when the next train leaves." +<P> +"I'll find out at the ticket office," I replied. +<P> +I walked over to the box, and at the window learned that +the next train would not start for two hours and a half. +<P> +"That will give me time to go home, pack my valise, and +arrange my affairs," said Mr. Harrison. "Come, you can go with me, and we +can dine together." +<P> +"Thank you," was my answer. +<P> +"And you, sergeant. I will be pleased to have you, too," +continued Mr. Harrison, turning to the officer. +<P> +"You're kind, Mr. Harrison, but duty calls me elsewhere. +I'll have to return to the station. But you've forgotten one thing." +<P> +"What?" +<P> +"That you can telegraph to New York and have the two men +arrested as soon as they arrive." +<P> +"That's so! What do you say, Strong?" +<P> +I thought for a moment. It would be the simplest way to +do, but would it be the best? +<P> +"Don't you think we had better let them go ahead?" I returned. +"We know exactly where they are going, and by following them up may gain +some additional information." +<P> +"I don't know but what you are right," replied Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Then, in that case, my duty here is at an end," said +the sergeant. +<P> +"I'm very much obliged for the trouble you've taken. Are +there any charges to pay?" +<P> +"None at all. Good day. Hope you will meet with success +in the future." +<P> +"Thank you. If we do, I'll write you." +<P> +"Now we'll jump into a cab at once," said Mr. Harrison, +when we were alone. +<P> +A minute later we were whirling along in the direction +of his mansion. +<P> +"I hope you are not taking too much trouble on my account," +I observed. +<P> +"I don't consider it too much," he replied. "Even if I +had no business of my own to call me to New York I would go along if I thought +I would be of service to you. You saved my little girl's life, and that debt, +as I have told you before, I can never repay you." +<P> +We soon reached Mr. Harrison's mansion. Of course Mrs. +Harrison was surprised at her husband's sudden determination, but when the +situation was explained to her, she urged him to do his best for me. +<P> +The dinner served was the most elegant I had ever eaten, +and despite the excited state of mind I was in, I did ample justice to it. +Little Millie was present, and during the progress of the meal we became +great friends. +<P> +But all good things must come to an end, and an hour later, +each with his handbag, we entered the cab and were off. +<P> +On the way we stopped at Mr. Harrison's office, where +that gentleman left directions concerning things to be done during his absence. +Evidently he was a thorough business man, and I could not help but wonder +what he was worth when I saw him place several hundred dollars in bills in +his pocketbook. +<P> +Arriving at the depot, we found we had just five minutes +to spare. This Mr. Harrison spent in the purchase of a ticket for himself—I +had mine—and in getting parlor-car seats for both of us. +<P> +It was a novelty to me to have such a soft chair to sit +in, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. +<P> +As we rode along, my kind friend questioned me closely +about myself, and I ended by giving him my entire history. +<P> +"You've had rather a hard row to hoe, and no mistake," +he said. "It is a dreadful thing to have one's family honor assailed. Many +a man has broken down completely under it." +<P> +"It is so with my father," I replied. "He used to be as +bright as any one, but now he doesn't have much hope of any kind left." +<P> +In the evening another surprise awaited me. Instead of +remaining in the comfortable chair, Mr. Harrison bade me follow him to the +sleeping-car, and I was assigned as soft a bed as I had ever occupied. I +slept "like a top," resolved to get the full value of so elegant an +accommodation. When I awoke, it was broad daylight. +<P> +I climbed down from my bed and made my toilet leisurely. +When I had finished, Mr. Harrison appeared, and together we had breakfast, +and, five hours later, dinner. +<P> +It was six o'clock in the evening when we rolled into +the station at Jersey City, and alighted. I was a little stiff from the long +ride, but not near as much so as I would have been had I travelled in the +ordinary cars. +<P> +"We'll cross the ferry at once," said Mr. Harrison. "The +sooner we get to New York, the better." +<P> +"And the sooner we get to Brooklyn, the better," I added. +"Do you think it will be advisable for me to hunt up Mrs. Agatha Mitts to-night?" +<P> +"I think it would. Even if you don't call on her, you +can find out about her and see how the land lies. We will find a hotel to +stop at first." +<P> +We were soon in New York and on our way up Broadway. Opposite +the post-office we found an elegant hotel, where Mr. Harrison hired a room +for himself. +<P> +He insisted on my having supper with him. Then leaving +our handbags in his room, we started for the Fulton Street ferry to Brooklyn. +<P> +It was now growing dark, and the streets were filled with +people hurrying homeward. I tried to keep as close to Mr. Harrison as possible, +but something in a window attracted my attention, and when I looked around +he was gone. +<P> +I supposed he had gone on ahead and hurried to catch him. +But in this I was mistaken, for in no direction could I catch sight of the +gentleman. +<P> +Deeply concerned, I stood on the corner of a narrow street +or alley, undecided what to do. Should I go on to Brooklyn or retrace my +steps to the hotel? +<P> +I had about made up my mind to go on, when a disturbance +down the alley attracted my attention. +<P> +Straining my eyes in the semi-darkness, I discovered several +rough-looking young fellows in a group. +<P> +"Give it to him, Bandy; hit him over the head!" I heard +one of them exclaim. +<P> +"Fair share of plunder, Mickey," cried another. +<P> +And then I saw a helpless young man in their midst, who +was being beaten and no doubt robbed. +<P> +I did not give thought to the great risk I ran, but hurried +at once to the scene. +<P> +"What are you doing here?" I asked. +<P> +"Help me! help me!" called out the young man, in a beseeching +voice. +<P> +I stared at him in amazement. And no wonder. The young +man was Duncan Woodward. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXII</h3> +<h4>A NIGHT AT THE HOTEL</h4> +<P> +"Duncan Woodward!" I exclaimed. "Is it possible?" +<P> +He gave me a quick look of wonder. "Roger Strong!" he +gasped. Oh, save me, Roger! These rowdies want to kill me!" +<P> +Even as he spoke he received a cruel blow in the side. +<P> +"I'll help you all I can," I replied promptly. +<P> +I knew it would be a waste of words to try to argue with +the gang of toughs, so I simply went at them in a physical way. +<P> +I hit out right and left with all my might, and as quickly +as I could, repeated the blows. +<P> +The suddenness of my attack disconcerted the three footpads, +and when Duncan recovered sufficiently to lend a hand, one of them took to +his heels and disappeared up the alley. +<P> +The two remaining ones stood their ground, and called +on their companions to come back and bring "Noxy an' de rest." +<P> +I received a blow in the shoulder that nearly threw me +over on my back. But I straightened up, and in return gave my assailant a +hard one in the nose that drew blood. +<P> +"Duncan, you clear out to the street," I whispered. "I'll +come after." +<P> +The young man followed my advice, first, however, stopping +to pick up several things he had dropped or that had been taken from him. +<P> +When he was twenty or thirty feet away I started after +him. As I did so, I noticed he had left a large note-book lying on the ground. +I took it up, and hurried on. For a moment more we were safe upon the street +again, and the two toughs slunk away up the alley. +<P> +Then, for the first time, I noted something about Duncan +that I thought shameful beyond words. +<P> +He had been drinking heavily. The smell of liquor was +in his breath, and it was with difficulty that he kept from staggering. +<P> +"You're my best, friend," he mumbled. "My enemy and my +friend." +<P> +"What are you doing in New York, Duncan?" I asked. +<P> +"Come on important business, Roger. Say, take me to the +hotel, will you? That's a good fellow." +<P> +"Where are you staying?" +<P> +"Staying? Nowhere." +<P> +"Then why don't you take the train to Newville and go +home?" +<P> +"Can't do that." +<P> +"Why not?" +<P> +"The old gent would kill me. He says I spend too much +money. Well, maybe I do." +<P> +"You've bean drinking, Duncan." +<P> +"So I have, Roger. Take me to a hotel." +<P> +"Will you promise to go to bed and not to drink any more +if I do?" +<P> +"Yes. I've had enough." +<P> +"Then brace up and come with me." +<P> +Not without a good deal of difficulty did I manage to +make him walk several blocks to a good though not stylish hotel. Here I took +him into the office and explained the situation to the clerk in charge, who +promptly assigned us to a room on the third floor. +<P> +The charge was three dollars, which Duncan with some +difficulty managed to pay; and then we took the elevator to the third floor. +<P> +The room was a good one, with a soft bed. No sooner did +Duncan reach it than he sank down, and in five minutes he was fast asleep. +<P> +I was in a quandary as to what to do. I did not care to +leave him in his present state, and at the same time I was anxious to find +Mr. Harrison and visit Mrs. Agatha Mitts in Brooklyn. +<P> +I wondered if my kind friend from Chicago had gone on +without me, until I suddenly remembered that the Brooklyn address was in +my pocket, and that he probably did not remember the street and number. +<P> +This being the case, he had no doubt returned to the hotel +and was awaiting me. +<P> +I looked at Duncan, and made up my mind that he would +sleep several hours, if not longer, without awaking. +<P> +Making him as comfortable as possible on the bed, I left +the room, locking the door behind me. +<P> +Down in the office I explained the situation to the clerk +when I left the key, and he promised to attend to matters if anything unusual +happened. +<P> +I was not very well acquainted with New York City, and +in trying to find my way to the hotel at which Mr. Harrison was stopping, +I nearly lost my way. +<P> +But several inquiries, made here and there, set me right, +and at length I reached the large, open corridor. +<P> +As I was about to step into the office, a well-known voice +hailed me. +<P> +"Well, here you are at last." Of course it was Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Did I lose you, or <I>vice versa?"</I> he went on. +<P> +"I don't know. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, anyway." +<P> +"Have you been over to Brooklyn?" he continued curiously. +<P> +"No, sir." +<P> +"I thought you had; it is so long since we parted." +<P> +"I've had quite an adventure in the meantime." +<P> +"Indeed? You didn't meet Chris Holtzmann or this Aaron +Woodward, did you?" +<P> +"I met Mr. Woodward's son," I replied, and in a brief +way I related my adventures. Mr. Harrison listened with deep interest. +<P> +"It is too bad that the son has started in such a wrong +path," he said. "I trust it teaches him a lesson to let liquor alone. What +do you intend to do now?" +<P> +"I suppose I had better go back and stay all night with +him. It is now too late to go to Brooklyn." +<P> +"I think you are right. I can call for you at, say, eight +o'clock in the morning." +<P> +This was agreed upon, and as it was then after nine o'clock, +I hurried back to Duncan at once. I found him still sleeping, and I did not +disturb him. There was a lounge in the room, and throwing off my coat, vest, +and shoes, I made my bed upon this. +<P> +For once I found it difficult to sleep. It seemed to me +that my adventures must soon come to an end. Was it the foreshadowing of +coming events that disturbed me? I could not tell. I wondered how all were +at home; my sister Kate, Uncle Enos, and the Widow Canby, and I prayed God +that I might be permitted to bring good news to them. +<P> +About midnight I fell into a light doze. Half an hour +later I awoke with a start. Some one was talking in the room. Sitting up, +I listened intently. It was Duncan, muttering in his sleep. +<P> +"Lift the spring, Pultzer," he said in a whisper. "Hist! +don't make so much noise, the old gent may hear you." He paused for a moment. +"There wasn't any money. But I've got the papers, yes, I've got the papers, +and when I find out their true value the old gent shall pay me to keep quiet." +<P> +I could not help but start at Duncan's words. Like a flash +of lightning came the revelation to me. He had entered his father's library +and taken the papers which Mr. Woodward had accused me of stealing. +<P> +It was as clear as day. It explained why Pultzer, accompanied +by another, who must have been of the party, had been out so late the night +of the robbery. They had helped Duncan in his nefarious work, hoping they +would be rewarded by the finding of a sum of money. Evidently the Models +were a bad set, and I was thoroughly glad Dick Blair had turned his back +upon them. +<P> +I waited with bated breath for Duncan to continue his +speaking, but was disappointed. He turned over on his side and dreamed on, +without a word. +<P> +At length I fell asleep. When I awoke it was daylight. +I jumped up and looked at Duncan. He was just stirring, and a moment later +he opened his eyes. +<P> +"Where am I?" he asked, with a puzzled look at me. +<P> +"You're all right, Duncan," I replied. "Don't you remember?" +<P> +"Oh, yes, I do now. How my head hurts. Is there any water +around?" +<P> +I went over to the faucet and drew him a glass. He sat +up and gulped it down. +<P> +"Have we been here all night?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"You saved me from those toughs that wanted to rob me +last night?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"I'm not dreaming?" +<P> +"No, you're not," I laughed. "I was just in the nick of +time." +<P> +"I know it all. You saved me, brought me to this place, +and put me to bed. Roger, you're a better fellow than I thought you were. +You're a better fellow than I am." +<P> +"You ought to turn over a new leaf," I said. +<P> +"Don't preach, Roger." +<P> +"I'm not preaching. I'm only telling you something for +your own good." +<P> +"I know it. I don't blame you. I've been doing wrong—sowing +my wild oats. But they're all gone now. Just let me get straightened out +and I'll be a different fellow, see if I'm not." +<P> +"I hope so with all my heart. What brought you to New +York?" +<P> +He started. +<P> +"I—I came—I don't care to tell," he stammered. +<P> +"Were you going to Brooklyn?" I questioned, struck by +a sudden idea. +<P> +"Why, how did you know?" he exclaimed. +<P> +"You have certain papers," I continued. +<P> +"Yes, I&—" he felt in his pockets. "Why, where are they?" +<P> +"Are they in this?" I asked, suddenly remembering the +note-book I had picked up, and producing it. +<P> +"Yes, yes, give them to me." +<P> +"I think I had better keep them," I replied decidedly. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIII</h3> +<h4>IN BROOKLYN</h4> +<P> +I fully understood the value of the +papers that were contained in the note-book. Mr. Aaron Woodward would not +have persecuted me so closely had he not deemed them of great importance. +<P> +And when I told Duncan I would keep them, I meant what +I said. It might not be right legally, but I was sure it was right morally, +and that was enough to quiet my conscience. +<P> +"Better keep them?" repeated Duncan, as he sprang to his +feet. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +"You have no right to do that." +<P> +"I don't know about that. I was arrested for having them, +and what's the use of my having the name without the game?" +<P> +Duncan sank down on the edge of the bed again. +<P> +"If you had spoken to me like that yesterday, I'd have +wanted to punch your head," he said. "But you're a good fellow, Roger, and +I don't blame you for acting as you do. Do you know what the papers contain?" +<P> +"I think I do." +<P> +"They concern my father's affairs," he went on uneasily. +<P> +"And my father's as well," I added. +<P> +"Not so very much." +<P> +"I think so." +<P> +"Let me show you. Hand the papers over." +<P> +"Excuse me, Duncan, if I decline to do so. You, aided +by Pultzer and others, stole them from your father's library, and then threw +suspicion on me." +<P> +"I didn't throw suspicion on you. My father did that himself." +<P> +"You had nothing to do with that handkerchief?" +<P> +"I took the handkerchief by accident." +<P> +"Then I beg your pardon for having said so," I said heartily. +<P> +"Never mind, let that pass. I'll tell you what I'll do. +Give me the papers and I will restore them to my father and tell him the +truth." +<P> +"I must decline your offer." +<P> +"Why? Don't you believe I'll confess? If you don't I'll +give you a written confession." +<P> +"No, it isn't that. I am going to keep the papers because +they are valuable to me." +<P> +"What do you mean by valuable?" asked Duncan, his curiosity +increasing. +<P> +"Just what I say." +<P> +"What will the old gent say when he hears of it?" +<P> +"I don't care what he says. He'll hear of a good deal +more before long." +<P> +"How about the robbery at the Widow Canby's?" +<P> +"That will be straightened out, too." +<P> +There was a knock on the door, and, opening it, I was +confronted by one of the servants. +<P> +"Mr. Strong here, sir?" he asked. +<P> +"That's my name." +<P> +"A gentleman below to see you, sir. Gave his name as Mr. +Harrison." +<P> +"Tell him I will be down in a minute," I said. +<P> +"Now I'm ready to leave you," I went on to Duncan, when +the servant had departed. "I advise you to take a good wash, get your breakfast, +and take the first train home. Good-by." +<P> +"Yes, but, Roger&—" +<P> +"By doing that you may be doing your father a greater +service than in any other way. You say you will turn over a new leaf, and +I hope you will. If all goes as it should you will have a hard trial to stand +before long. But do as I did when things went wrong in our family, bear up +under it, and if you do what's right somebody is bound to respect you." +<P> +And, without waiting for a reply, I caught up my hat and +hurried from the room. +<P> +I found Mr. Harrison waiting for me in the parlor. +<P> +"I thought I'd come over early," he explained. "I know +young blood is impatient, and I half expected to find you gone." +<P> +"I didn't want to make a call before folks were up," I +answered. "Besides, I have made quite an important discovery since we parted." +<P> +"Indeed." +<P> +"Yes. Come away from this place and I'll tell you. I don't +want to meet Duncan Woodward again." +<P> +And as we walked away from the hotel I related the particulars +about the note-book. +<P> +"You are gathering evidence by the wholesale," laughed +Mr. Harrison. "You'll have more than enough to convict." +<P> +"I don't want to make a failure of it," I said firmly. +"When I go to court I want a clear case from start to finish." +<P> +"Good! Strong, I admire your grit. Come in the restaurant, +and while we have a bit of breakfast let us look over the papers. I declare, +I was never before so interested in some one else's affairs." +<P> +And as we waited for our rolls, eggs, and coffee, we read +the papers through carefully. +<P> +They gave much information, the most startling of which +was that John Stumpy and Ferguson were one and the same person. +<P> +"That explains why Mr. Woodward made so many slips of +the tongue when addressing him," I said. +<P> +"Here is another important thing," remarked Mr. Harrison; +"a letter from this John Woodward stating that Mrs. Agatha Mitts knows of +the forgeries. Now, if you can get this woman to testify against the two +culprits, I think you will have a clear case." +<P> +"And that is just what I will force her to do," I said, +with strong determination. +<P> +I could hardly wait to finish breakfast. Fortunately it +did not take Mr. Harrison long to do so, and, five minutes later we were +on our way to the ferry. The trip over the East River, near the big bridge, +did not take long, and we soon stood on the opposite shore. Vannack Avenue +was pretty well up town, and we took the elevated train to reach it. +<P> +"There is No. 648," said Mr. Harrison, pointing to a neat +three-story brick building that stood in the middle of the block; "let us +walk past first, and see if there is any name on the door." +<P> +We did so, and found a highly polished silver plate bearing +the words:&— +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +MRS. AGATHA MITTS <BR> +<I>Boarding</I> +<P> +"Perhaps it would be a good plan to find out something +about the woman before we call on her," suggested my companion, after we +had passed the house. +<P> +"There is a drug store on the corner," I said. "We can +stop in there. No doubt they'll think we are looking for board." +<P> +"An excellent idea." +<P> +We walked down to the drug store. On entering, Mr. Harrison +ordered a couple of glasses of soda water and then called the proprietor +aside. +<P> +"Can you tell me anything about the lady that keeps the +boarding-house below here?" he asked. +<P> +"Which one?" +<P> +"Mrs. Agatha Mitts." +<P> +"I've heard it's a very good house," was the noncommittal +reply. +<P> +"You know the lady?" +<P> +"She comes in here once in a while for drugs." +<P> +"May I ask what kind of a woman she is?" +<P> +"Well, she's good enough in her way, though rather eccentric. +I understand she furnishes good board, however. She has kept the house for +many years." +<P> +"Has she many boarders?" +<P> +"Eight or ten. She used to have more. But they were rather +a lively set and hurt the reputation of the place." +<P> +Mr. Harrison paid for the soda, and a second later we +quitted the place. +<P> +"Not much information gained there," said my Chicago friend, +when we were once again on the street. +<P> +"One thing is certain," I replied. "She is the right party. +It would never have done to have tackled the wrong person." +<P> +"I guess the best thing for us to do is to call on the +woman without waiting further." +<P> +"So I think." +<P> +"She may be a very hard person to manage. Strong, you +must be careful of what you say." +<P> +"I shall, Mr. Harrison," I replied. "But that woman must +do what is right or go to prison." +<P> +"I agree with you." +<P> +Ascending the steps of the house, I rang the bell. A tidy +Irish girl answered the summons. +<P> +"Is Mrs. Agatha Mitts in?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"We would like to see her." +<P> +"Will you please step into the parlor?" went on the girl, +and we did so. +<P> +"Who shall I say it is?" +<P> +"Mr. Harrison," put in my Western friend. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +The girl disappeared. My heart beat strongly. It seemed +to me as if life and death hung upon the meeting that was to follow. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIV</h3> +<h4>MRS. AGATHA. MITTS</h4> +<P> +I could not help but wonder, as I +sat in the parlor with my friend Mr. Harrison, waiting for the appearance +of Mrs. Agatha Mitts, what kind of a person the keeper of the boarding-house +would prove to be. +<P> +For some reason the name suggested to me a tall, gaunt +female with sharp features; and I was taken by surprise when a short, dumpy +woman, with a round face, came wobbling in and asked what was wanted. +<P> +"This is Mrs. Agatha Mitts?" asked Mr. Harrison, as he +arose. +<P> +"Yes, sir. And you are Mr. Harrison, I suppose. I don't +remember you." +<P> +"I didn't think you would," laughed my friend from Chicago. +"I am from the West, and have never before been in Brooklyn." +<P> +"Yes? Then your business with me is—? Perhaps you desire +board?" and she smiled; first at him and then at me. +<P> +"No; we do not wish board," was the quiet reply. "We come +to see you on business." +<P> +"And what is it?" +<P> +"We would like to see you privately." +<P> +"Certainly. Pray take a seat. I will close the doors." +<P> +She shut the folding doors leading to the sitting room, +and then the door to the hall. +<P> +"Now I am quite at your service," she said, and peered +at us rather sharply. +<P> +There was an awkward pause for a moment, and then Mr. +Harrison went on bluntly:&— +<P> +"Has Mr. Aaron Woodward or Chris Holtzmann been here since +yesterday, madam?" +<P> +Mrs. Mitts started at the mention of the two names. Then +she recovered herself. +<P> +"Whom did you say, sir?" she queried innocently. +<P> +Mr. Harrison repeated his question. +<P> +"Why, I really haven't heard of those two gentlemen in +so long a time I've nearly forgotten them," she said sweetly. +<P> +"They weren't here yesterday?" I put in. +<P> +"No." And this time her tone was a trifle cold. +<P> +"Do you expect them to-day?" I went on. +<P> +"No, I don't." She paused a second. "Is that all you wish +to know?" +<P> +"No, ma'am," I replied promptly. "There is a good deal +more I wish to know." +<P> +"Who are you, if I may ask?" +<P> +"My name is Strong." +<P> +She looked puzzled for a moment. +<P> +"I don't recognize the name," she said, and then she suddenly +turned pale. +<P> +"I am the son of Carson Strong, who was sent to prison +for alleged forgery and the passing of worthless checks," I continued. "I +suppose you remember the case." +<P> +"Har—hardly," she faltered. "I—I heard something of +it, but not the particulars." +<P> +"That is strange, when you were so interested in it." +<P> +"I?" she repeated, in pretended surprise. +<P> +"Yes, madam," said Mr. Harrison. "You were very much +interested." +<P> +"Who says so?" +<P> +"I say so," said I. +<P> +"You! You are only a boy." +<P> +"I suppose I am, but that doesn't make any difference. +You know all about the great wrong that has been done, and&—" +<P> +"It is false! I know nothing!" she cried in anger. +<P> +"You know all, and we want you to tell as all you know +before we leave this house." +<P> +Mrs. Agatha Mitts arose in a passion. +<P> +"I want you to get out of my house at once!" she ejaculated. +"I won't stand your presence here another minute." +<P> +"Excuse me, madam; not so fast," said Mr. Harrison, calmly. +"My young friend Strong is quite right in what he says." +<P> +"I don't care what you think about it," she snapped. +<P> +"Oh, yes, you do. Perhaps you don't know who I am," went +on my Western friend, deliberately. +<P> +The sly insinuation had its effect. Evidently the woman +had a swift vision of a detective in citizens' clothes before her mind's +eye. +<P> +"You come in authority," she said faintly. +<P> +"We won't speak about that now," said Mr. Harrison. "All +we want you to do is to make a complete confession of your knowledge of the +affair." +<P> +"I haven't any knowledge." +<P> +"You have," I said. "You know everything. I have papers +here belonging to Woodward, Holtzmann, and Ferguson to prove it. There is +no use for you to deny it, and if you insist and make it necessary to call +in the police&—" +<P> +"No, no! Please don't do that, I beg of you," she cried. +<P> +"Then will you do as I wish?" +<P> +"But my reputation? It will be gone forever," she moaned. +<P> +"It will be gone anyway, if you have to go to prison," +observed Mr. Harrison, sagely. +<P> +"And if I make a clean confession you will not prosecute +me?" she asked eagerly. +<P> +"I'll promise you that," I said. +<P> +"You are not fooling me?" +<P> +"No, ma'am." +<P> +She sprang to her feet and paced the room several times. +<P> +"I'll do it," she cried. "They have never treated me right, +and I do not care what becomes of them so long as I go clear. What do you +wish me to do, gentlemen?" +<P> +I was nonplussed for an instant. Mr. Harrison helped me +out. +<P> +"I will write out your confession and you can sign it," +he said. "Have you ink and paper handy?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +Mrs. Mitts brought forth the material, and we all sat +down again. +<P> +"Remember to give us only the plain facts," I said. +<P> +"I will," she returned sharply. +<P> +In a rather roundabout way she made her confession, if +it could be called such. It filled several sheets of paper, and it took over +half an hour. It contained but little more than what my readers already know +or suspect. She knew positively that Mr. Aaron Woodward was the forger of +the checks, Holtzmann had presented them, and Ferguson had so altered the +daily reports that my father had unwittingly made a false showing on his +books. About Weaver she knew nothing. +<P> +When once explained the whole matter was as clear as day. +<P> +When he had finished the writing, Mr. Harrison read the +paper out loud, and after some hesitation the woman signed it, and then we +both witnessed it. +<P> +"I guess our business here is at an end," said my Western +friend. +<P> +"I think so," I replied. "But one thing more, Mrs. Mitts," +I continued, turning to her. "If Mr. Woodward or Chris Holtzmann calls, I +think you will find it advisable to keep this affair a secret." +<P> +"I will not be at home to them," she replied briefly. +<P> +"A good plan," said Mr. Harrison. "Now that you have done +the right thing, the less you say about the matter the better for you." +<P> +A few minutes later, with the paper tucked safely in my +pocket, we left the house. Mrs. Mitts watched us sharply from behind the +half-closed blinds. +<P> +In half an hour we were down town and across the ferry +once more. +<P> +"I suppose you wish to get home as soon as possible," +said Mr. Harrison, as we boarded a street-car to take us to his hotel. +<P> +"Yes, sir. My sister and the rest will be anxious to hear +how I've made out, and besides I'm anxious to learn how things have gone +since I have been away." +<P> +"I've no doubt of it." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" +<P> +"I hardly know. I have some business, but I am quite +interested in your case, and&—" +<P> +"Would you like to go along! You'll be heartily welcome, +sir." +<P> +"Thank you, I will. I want to see how this drama ends," +said Mr. Harrison. +<P> +A little later I procured my valise, and we set out for +Darbyville. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXV</h3> +<h4>THE WIDOW CANBY'S MONEY</h4> +<P> +I am sure my readers will well understand +why my thoughts were busy as the train rolled on its way to Newville. I could +hardly realize that I held the proofs of my father's innocence in my possession; +and I was strongly tempted several times to ask my kind Western friend to +pinch me to make sure that I was really awake, and was not merely dreaming +my good fortune. +<P> +Mr. Harrison probably guessed what was passing in my mind, +for he placed a kindly hand upon my shoulder, and said, with a smile:&— +<P> +"Does it seem almost too good to be true?" +<P> +"That's just it," I returned. "The events of the past +week have so crowded on each other that I'm in a perfect whirl." +<P> +"You will have a little more excitement before it is over." +<P> +"I suppose so. But now that I know it is all right I shall +not mind it. I wonder if I couldn't send my father the good news by telegraph?" +<P> +"You can easily enough. But don't you think you had better +wait until all is settled? You might raise false hopes." +<P> +"No fear; Aaron Woodward is guilty beyond a doubt. But +I will wait if you think best." +<P> +It was not long before the train rolled into Newville. +On alighting Mr. Harrison insisted on hiring a cab, and in this we bowled +swiftly on our way to Darbyville. As we passed out of the city and up on +the country road I wondered how matters had progressed during my absence. +Had the merchant returned home? +<P> +At Darbyville a crowd of men gazed at us with curious +eyes. Among them was Parsons the constable and others who knew me. +<P> +"Hello, you back again?" shouted Parsons. +<P> +"Yes, indeed," I replied. "I suppose you didn't expect +me so soon?" +<P> +"I'll allow as how I didn't expect you at all," he returned, +with a grin. +<P> +"Well, you were mistaken. I'm back, and back to stay," +said I. +<P> +My heart beat high as we turned into the side road that +led to the Widow Canby's house. I strained my eyes to catch sight of the +first one who might appear. It was my Uncle Enos. He was doing a bit of mending +on the front fence. As soon as he saw me he threw down his hammer, and ran +toward us. +<P> +"Well, well, Roger, struck port again, have you? Glad +you're back." +<P> +And he shook my right hand hard. +<P> +"My friend, Mr. Harrison, from Chicago," said I. "This +is my uncle, Captain Enos Moss." +<P> +They had hardly finished hand-shaking, when Kate and the +Widow Canby came out of the house. +<P> +"Oh, Roger, I'm so glad you're back!" cried Kate. And +then she looked earnestly into my eyes. "Did you—did, you&—" +<P> +"Yes, Kate, I've succeeded. Father's innocence can be +proven." +<P> +"Oh, thank God!" cried my sister, and the tears of joy +started from her eyes. I felt like crying, too, and soon, somehow, there +was hardly a dry eye in the group. +<P> +"You must have had a hard time of it," sail the Widow +Canby. +<P> +"My kind friend here helped me a good deal," I said. +<P> +Mr. Harrison was introduced to the others, and soon we +were seated, on the piazza, and I was relating my experiences. +<P> +The interest of my listeners grew as I went on. They could +hardly believe it possible that Mr. Aaron Woodward, with all his outward +show of gentlemanliness, was such a thoroughly bad man. When I came to speak +of John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, Kate burst out:&— +<P> +"I declare, I've almost forgotten. I've got good news, +too. This very morning I went hunting again and picked up the paper that +was lost. I was trying to read it when you drove up. Here it is." +<P> +And my sister handed over Nicholas Weaver's dying statement. +<P> +"It is hardly of use now," I said. "Still, it will make +the evidence against Mr. Woodward so much stronger." +<P> +"I've discovered that this Nick Weaver was a chum of +Woodward's," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +"A chum?" +<P> +"Yes. He came from Chicago." +<P> +"From Chicago!" I ejaculated. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +Meanwhile Mr. Harrison was examining the statement, which +Kate had produced from her dress pocket. +<P> +"I see it all," he cried. "Nicholas Weaver was the man +who helped Holtzmann concoct the scheme whereby a relative in Chicago was +supposed to have died and willed Aaron Woodward all his money." +<P> +"I see. But why did he leave the statement?" I asked. +<P> +"Because, he says here, Woodward did not treat him right. +This Ferguson or Stumpy was a friend to Weaver, and the paper was gotten +up to bring Woodward to terms." +<P> +That explanation was clear enough, and I could easily +understand why John Stumpy had come to Darbyville, and how it was the merchant +had treated him with so much consideration. +<P> +"And there is another thing to tell you, Roger," put in +the Widow Canby. "Something I know you will be greatly pleased to hear." +<P> +"What is it?" I asked, in considerable curiosity. +<P> +"I have evidence to show that this John Stumpy was the +man who robbed me of my money. Of course I knew it was so when Kate and you +said so, but outsiders now know it." +<P> +"And how?" +<P> +"Miles Nanson saw the man running from the house. He was +hurrying to get a doctor for his wife, who was very sick, and he didn't stop +to question the fellow." +<P> +"But why didn't he speak of it before?" I asked. "He might +have saved us a deal of trouble." +<P> +"He never heard of the robbery until last night, his wife +has been so sick. He can testify to seeing the man." +<P> +"I'm glad of that," I said. "But unfortunately, that doesn't +restore the money." +<P> +"No, I suppose not. This Stumpy still has it." +<P> +"No; he claims to have lost it," I returned, and I related +the particulars as I had overheard them in the boarding-house on the opposite +side of the Pass River. +<P> +"I wish I could find it—the money, I mean—as I did the +papers," put in Kate. +<P> +"Where did he jump over the fence?" I asked suddenly. +<P> +"Down by the crab-apple tree," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +"Have you looked there?" queried Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"No," said Kate; "you don't think&—" she began. +<P> +"There is nothing like looking," said my Western friend, +slowly. +<P> +"I guess you're right," I replied, "and the sooner the +better." +<P> +In a minute I was out of the house. Kate was close on +my heels, and together we made our way to the orchard, followed by the others. +<P> +"Now, let me see," I went on. "If he went over the fence +here he must have vaulted over. I'll try that, and note how the money might +have dropped." +<P> +I placed my hands on the top rail and sprang up to vault +over. As my head bent over, my eyes caught sight of an object lying in the +hole of the fence post. +<P> +I picked it up. It was the Widow Canby's pocketbook. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVI</h3> +<h4>"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL"</h4> +<P> +Of course I was highly delighted +with the success of my search, and as I brought forth the pocketbook all +the others gave a cry of surprise. +<P> +"You've got it, Roger!" ejaculated my uncle. "You've got +it, just as sure as guns is guns!" +<P> +"So I have," I replied, as coolly as I could, though I +was at the top notch of excitement. +<P> +"Better examine it," put in Mr. Harrison, cautiously. +"It may be empty." +<P> +"Empty!" cried Kate in dismay, and the word sent a chill +through my own heart. +<P> +With nervous fingers I tore the pocketbook open. I suppose +I ought to have given it to the widow, but I was too excited to think of +what was just right and what was not. +<P> +"The money was in a piece of newspaper," said the Widow +Canby. "I had—ah, there it is!" +<P> +And sure enough, there it was—nearly three hundred +dollars—safe and sound. +<P> +I almost felt like dancing a jig, and could not refrain +from throwing up my hat, which I did in such a way that it caught in a limb +of a tree, and forced me to climb up to recover it. +<P> +As I was about jumping to the ground I heard a buggy pass +on the road. Looking down, I was surprised to see that it contained Mr. Aaron +Woodward and Chris Holtzmann. On seeing the party on the ground below, the +merchant stopped his horse and jumped out. +<P> +"How do you do, Mrs. Canby?" he said, as he came over +to the fence without catching sight of me. +<P> +"Pretty well, Mr. Woodward," was the widow's reply. +<P> +"Have you heard anything of your money yet?" went on the +merchant, with apparent concern. +<P> +"Oh, yes&—" and the widow hesitated. +<P> +My sister whispered something in her ear. +<P> +"It was just found," said Kate. +<P> +The merchant gave a start. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" he cried. "Where?" +<P> +"Down here by the fence." +<P> +"Who put it there?" asked Mr. Woodward, sharply. +<P> +"No one. It was dropped by John Stumpy." +<P> +"Humph! Perhaps so!" sneered the merchant. +<P> +"It's true," exclaimed Kate, stoutly. +<P> +"More likely by your brother Roger." +<P> +"Avast there!" cried Uncle Enos. "You're saying too much." +<P> +"I don't think so," replied Mr. Woodward, in deep sarcasm. +"Of course you want to shield the boy all you can, but I 'm sure in my mind +that he is guilty." +<P> +"And I'm positive in my own mind that I'm innocent," said +I, and I jumped to the ground. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he cried, stepping back in surprise; and +I saw Chris Holtzmann give a start. "Where did you come from?" +<P> +"I came from—up a tree," I returned lightly, and I may +add that never before had I felt in such particularly good humor. +<P> +"Don't trifle with me," he cried in anger. "Answer my +question." +<P> +"I will when I get ready." +<P> +"You refuse?" +<P> +"Oh, no. But I'm not compelled to answer, understand that, +Mr. Aaron Woodward. I'll answer because I choose to do so." +<P> +"Never mind," he snapped. "Where have you been?" +<P> +"To Chicago—as you know—and to Brooklyn." +<P> +"To Brooklyn!" he cried, growing pale. +<P> +"Yes, sir, to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts." +<P> +"And did you see her?" he faltered. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"And she&—" he began. +<P> +"What she said or did will be produced in court later +on," put in Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Eh?" the merchant wheeled around. "Who are you?" +<P> +"My name is James Harrison. I am from Chicago. I am this +boy's friend, and I am here to see justice done." +<P> +"What do you mean?" +<P> +"I mean that you and your colleagues—Chris Holtzmann +there, John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, and the late Nicholas Weaver—have foully +wronged this boy's father." +<P> +"It's a lie!" cried Aaron Woodward, with a quivering lip. +<P> +"It's the truth," I said. "The plain truth, and I can +prove every word of it." +<P> +"Prove it!" +<P> +"Yes, in every detail, Mr. Aaron Woodward. I have worked +hard fighting for honor, but I have won. Soon my father shall be free, and +for aught I know to the contrary, you will occupy his place in prison." +<P> +"I!" cried the merchant, in horror. "A likely thing!" +<P> +"We shall see," I said. "In the meantime be careful of +what you say against me, or I will have you arrested before sundown." +<P> +Mr. Woodward gave me a look that was savageness itself. +Apparently he was on the verge of giving way to a burst of temper. But he +seemed to think better of it, and turning, he jumped into his buggy and drove +away. +<P> +It was the last time I ever saw him. On the following +day Mr. Harrison, Uncle Enos, and myself drove down to Newville and engaged +a first-class lawyer to take up the case. This legal gentleman pushed matters +so fast that on the following Monday all the papers necessary for Woodward's +arrest were ready for execution. +<P> +The officers came to Darbyville late in the afternoon +to secure their man. They were told that Mr. Woodward had gone to New York +on business. They waited for him the remainder of the day and all of the +next. +<P> +It was useless. The highly respected head merchant of +Darbyville did not appear; and an examination showed that he had mortgaged +his house and his business, and taken every cent of cash with him. +<P> +It was an open acknowledgment of his guilt, and Kate was +for letting it go at that. +<P> +"It will do no good to have him locked up," she said. +<P> +"One thing is certain, sech a rascal ain't fit to be at +liberty," put in my Uncle Enos. +<P> +"He may turn around and rob somebody else," added the +Widow Canby. +<P> +"That's just it," I said; and determined to bring the +man to justice, I set a detective on his track. +<P> +The search was successful, for in a week Aaron Woodward +was caught in Boston, preparing to embark for Europe. He was brought back +to Newville to await the action of the grand jury. But he never came to trial. +In less than a week he was found in his cell one morning, dying. Rather than +face the humiliation of going to jail he had taken his life. What became +of Duncan I did not know for a long while until, through Mr. Harrison, I +learned that he was in Chicago working for one of the railroads. He had the +making of a good fellow in him, and I trust that he became one. Chris Holtzmann +disappeared, and his Palace of Pleasure is a thing of the past. John Stumpy +went to Texas, and I heard that Pultzer went with him. +<P> +It was not long before my father received his pardon and +came home. I cannot express the joy that all of us experienced when he came +forth from prison, not only a free man, but also bearing the proofs of his +innocence. We were all there to greet him, and as my sister Kate rushed into +his arms I felt that fighting for honor meant a good deal. +<P> +Five years have gone by. My father and I are now in business +in Newville. We live in Darbyville, along with my uncle,—who married the +Widow Canby,—and my sister Kate. +<P> +Holland & Mack have recovered all that was stolen +from them. They were profuse in their apologies to my father, and offered +him a good situation, which he declined. +<P> +We are all happy—especially Kate and I. During off hours +we are all but inseparable. I like my work, and expect some day to be a leading +merchant. The clouds that hung over the family honor have passed, and sunshine +seems to have come to stay, and that being so I will bid my readers good-by. +<h4>THE END</h4> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of True to Himself, by Edward Stratemeyer + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + +***** This file should be named 4995-h.htm or 4995-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/9/9/4995/ + +Produced by Jim Weller + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: True to Himself + Roger Strong's Struggle for Place + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Posting Date: May 31, 2012 [EBook #4995] +Release Date: January, 2004 +First Posted: April 7, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Jim Weller + + + + + + + + +TRUE TO HIMSELF + + +ROGER STRONG'S STRUGGLE FOR PLACE + + +BY + +EDWARD STRATEMEYER + + + + +PREFACE + +"True to himself," while a complete story in itself, forms the third +volume of the "Ship and Shore Series," tales of adventure on land and +sea, written for both boys and girls. + +In this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typical American +country lad, and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combination of +events, are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make +their own way in the world. + +To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficult enough; but +when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficulty +becomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious +charge, Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with +either himself or his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times +almost more than he can bear. But he is "true to himself" in the best +meaning of that saying, rising above those who would pull him down, +and, in the end, not only succeeds in making a place for himself in +the world, but also scores a worthy triumph over those who had caused +his parents' downfall. + +When this story was first printed as a serial, the author has every +reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls for whom +it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet with +equal commendation. + + Edward Stratemeyer. + + Newark, N.J., + April 15, 1900. + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE TROUBLE IN THE ORCHARD + + +"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I called out. "What are you doing in +Widow Canby's orchard?" + +"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the only son of the +wealthiest merchant in Darbyville. + +"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pockets are full of +them." + +"See here, Roger Strong, just you mind your own business and leave me +alone." + +"I am minding my business," I rejoined warmly. + +"Indeed!" And Duncan put as much of a sneer as was possible in the +word. + +"Yes, indeed. Widow Canby pays me for taking care of her orchard, and +that includes keeping an eye on these pear trees," and I approached +the tree upon the lowest branch of which Duncan was standing. + +"Humph! You think you're mighty big!" he blustered, as he jumped to +the ground. "What right has a fellow like you to talk to me in this +manner? You are getting too big for your boots." + +"I don't think so. I'm guarding this property, and I want you to hand +over what you've taken and leave the premises," I retorted, for I did +not fancy the style in which I was being addressed. + +"Pooh! Do you expect me to pay any attention to that?" + +"You had better, Duncan. If you don't you may get into trouble." + +"I suppose you intend to tell the widow what I've done." + +"I certainly shall; unless you do as I've told you to." + +Duncan bit his lip. "How do you know but what the widow said I could +have the pears?" he ventured. + +"If she did, it's all right," I returned, astonished, not so much over +the fact that Widow Canby had granted the permission, as that such a +high-toned young gentleman as Duncan Woodward should desire that +privilege. + +"You've no business to jump at conclusions," he added sharply. + +"If I judged you wrongly, I beg your pardon, Duncan. I'll speak to the +widow about it." + +I began to move off toward the house. Duncan hurried after me and +caught me by the arm. + +"You fool you, what do you mean?" he demanded. + +"I'm going to find out if you are telling the truth." + +"Isn't my word enough?" + +"It will do no harm to ask," I replied evasively, not caring to pick a +quarrel, and yet morally sure that he was prevaricating. + +"So you think I'm telling you a falsehood? I've a good mind to give +you a sound drubbing," he cried angrily. + +Duncan Woodward had many of the traits of a bully about him. He was +the only son of a widower who nearly idolized him, and, lacking a +mother's guiding influence, he had grown up wayward in the extreme. + +He was a tall, well-built fellow, strong from constant athletic +exercise, and given, on this account, to having his way among his +associates. + +Yet I was not afraid of him. Indeed, to tell the truth, I was not +afraid of any one. For eight years I had been shoved in life from +pillar to post, until now threats had no terrors for me. + +Both of my parents were dead to me. My mother died when I was but five +years old. She was of a delicate nature, and, strange as it may seem, +I am inclined to believe that it was for the best that her death +occurred when it did. The reason I believe this is, because she was +thus spared the disgrace that came upon our family several years +later. + +At her death my father was employed as head clerk by the firm of +Holland & Mack, wholesale provision merchants of Newville, a thriving +city which was but a few miles from Darbyville, a pretty village +located on the Pass River. + +We occupied a handsome house in the centre of the village. Our family, +besides my parents and myself, contained but one other member--my +sister Kate, who was several years my senior. + +When our beloved mother died, Kate took the management of our home +upon her shoulders, and as she had learned, during my mother's long +illness, how everything should be done, our domestic affairs ran +smoothly. All this time I attended the Darbyville school, and was +laying the foundation for a commercial education, intending at some +later day to follow in the footsteps of my father. + +Two years passed, and then my father's manner changed. From being +bright and cheerful toward us he became moody and silent. What the +cause was I could not guess, and it did not help matters to be told by +Duncan Woodward, whose father was also employed by Holland & Mack, +that "some folks would soon learn what was what, and no mistake." + +At length the thunderbolt fell. Returning from school one day, I found +Kate in tears. + +"Oh, Roger!" she burst out. "They say father has stolen money from +Holland & Mack, and they have just arrested him for a thief!" + +The blow was a terrible one. I was but a boy of fourteen, and the news +completely bewildered me. I put on my cap, and together with Kate, +took the first horse car to Newville to find out what it all meant. + +We found my father in jail, where he had been placed to await the +action of the grand jury. It was with difficulty that we obtained +permission to see him, and ascertained the facts of the case. + +The charge against him was for raising money upon forged cheeks, eight +in number, the total amount being nearly twelve thousand dollars. The +name of the firm had been forged, and the money collected in New York +and Brooklyn. I was not old enough to understand the particulars. + +My father protested his innocence, but it was of no avail. The forgery +was declared to be his work, and, though it was said that he must have +had an accomplice to obtain the money, he was adjudged the guilty +party. + +"Ten years in the State's prison." That was the penalty. My father +grew deadly white, while as for me, my very heart seemed to stop +beating. Kate fainted, and two days later the doctor announced that +she had an attack of brain fever. + +Two months dragged slowly by. Then my sister was declared to be out of +danger. Next the house was sold over our heads, and we were turned out +upon the world, branded as the children of a thief, to get a living as +best we could. + +Both of us would willingly have left Darbyville, but where should we +go? The only relation we had was an uncle,--Captain Enos Moss,--and +he was on an extended trip to South America, and when he would return +no one knew. + +All the friends we had had before deserted us. The girls "turned up +their noses" at Kate,--which made my blood boil,--and the boys +fought shy of me. + +I tried to find work, but without success. Even in places where help +was wanted excuses were made to me--trivial excuses that meant but +one thing--that they did not desire any one in their employ who had a +stain upon his name. + +Kate was equally unsuccessful; and we might have starved but for a +lucky incident that happened just as we were ready to give up in +despair. + +Walking along the road one day, I saw Farmer Tilford's bull tearing +across the field toward a gate which had been accidentally left open. +The Widow Canby, absorbed in thought and quite unconscious of the +danger that threatened her, was just passing this gate, when I darted +forward and closed it just a second before the bull reached it. I did +not consider my act an heroic one, but the Widow Canby declared it +otherwise. + +"You are a brave boy," she said. "Who are you?" + +I told her, coloring as I spoke. But she laid a kindly hand upon my +shoulder. + +"Even if your father was guilty, you are not to blame," she said, and +she made me tell her all about myself, and about Kate, and the hard +luck we were having. + +The Widow Canby lived in an old-fashioned house, surrounded on three +sides by orchards several acres in extent. She was well to do, but +made no pretence to style. Many thought her extremely eccentric but +that was only because they did not know her. + +The day I came to her assistance she made me stay to supper, and when +I left it was under promise to call the next day and bring my sister +along. + +This I did, and a long conversation took place, which resulted in Kate +and myself going to live with the widow--I to take care of the garden +and the orchards, and my sister to help with the housekeeping, for +which we received our board and joint wages of fifteen dollars per +month. + +We could not have fallen into better hands. Mrs. Canby was as +considerate as one would wish, and had it not been for the cloud upon +our name we would have been content. + +But the stain upon our family was a source of unpleasantness to us. I +fully believed my father innocent, and I wondered if the time would +ever come when his character would be cleared. + +My duties around Widow Canby's place were not onerous, and I had +plenty of chance for self-improvement. I had finished my course at the +village school in spite of the calumny that was cast upon me, and now +I continued my studies in private whenever the opportunity offered. + +I was looked down upon by nearly every one in the village. To +strangers I was pointed out as the convict's son, and people reckoned +that the "Widder Canby wasn't right sharp when she took in them as +wasn't to be trusted." + +I was not over-sensitive, but these remarks, which generally reached +my ears sooner or later, made me very angry. What right had people to +look down on my sister and myself? It was not fair to Kate and me, and +I proposed to stand it no longer. + +It was a lovely morning in September, but I was in no mood to enjoy +the bright sunshine and clear air that flooded the orchard. I had just +come from the depot with the mail for Mrs. Canby, and down there I had +heard two men pass opinions on my father's case that were not only +uncharitable but unjust. + +I was therefore in no frame of mind to put up with Duncan Woodward's +actions, and when he spoke of giving me a good drubbing I prepared to +defend myself. + +"Two can play at that game, Duncan," I replied. + +"Ho! ho! Do you mean to say you can stand up against me?" he asked +derisively. + +"I can try," I returned stoutly. "I'm sure now that you have no +business here." + +"Why, you miserable little thief--" + +"Stop that! I'm no thief, if you please." + +"Well, you're the son of one, and that's the same thing." + +"My father is innocent, and I won't allow any one, big or little, to +call him a thief," I burst out. "Some day he will be cleared." + +"Not much!" laughed Duncan. "My father knows all about the case. I can +tell you that." + +"Then perhaps he knows where the money went to," I replied quickly. "I +know he was very intimate with my father at that time." + +Had I stopped to think I would not have spoken as I did. My remark +made the young man furious, and I had hardly spoken before Duncan hit +me a stinging blow on the forehead, and, springing upon me, bore me to +the ground. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +AN ASSAULT ON THE ROAD + + +I knew Duncan Woodward would not hesitate to attack me. He was a much +larger fellow than myself, and always ready to fight any one he +thought he could whip. + +Yet I was not prepared for the sudden onslaught that had been made. +Had I been, I might have parried his blow. + +But I did not intend to be subdued as easily as he imagined. The blow +on my forehead pained not a little, and it made me mad "clear +through." + +"Get off of me!" I cried, as Duncan brought his full weight down upon +my chest. + +"Not much! Not until you promise to keep quiet about this affair," he +replied. + +"If you don't get off, you'll be mighty sorry;" was my reply, as I +squirmed around in an effort to throw him aside. + +Suddenly he caught me by the ear, and gave that member a twist that +caused me to cry out with pain. + +"Now will you do as I say?" he demanded. + +"No" + +Again he caught my ear. But now I was ready for him. It was useless to +try to shake him off. He was too heavy and powerful for that. So I +brought a small, but effective weapon into play. The weapon was +nothing more than a pin that held together a rent in my trousers made +the day previous. Without hesitation I pulled it out and ran it a good +half-inch into his leg. + +The yell he gave would have done credit to a wild Indian, and he +bounded a distance of several feet. I was not slow to take advantage +of this movement, and in an instant I was on my feet and several yards +away. + +Duncan's rage knew no bounds. He was mad enough to "chew me up," and +with a loud exclamation he sprang after me, aiming a blow at my head +as he did so. + +I dodged his arm, and then, gathering myself together, landed my fist +fairly and squarely upon the tip of his nose, a blow that knocked him +off his feet and sent him rolling to the ground. + +To say that I was astonished at what I had done would not express my +entire feelings. I was amazed, and could hardly credit my own +eyesight. Yet there he lay, the blood flowing from the end of his +nasal organ. He was completely knocked out, and I had done the deed. I +did not fear for consequences. I felt justified in what I had done. +But I wondered how Duncan would stand the punishment. + +With a look of intense bitterness on his face he rose slowly to his +feet. The blood was running down his chin, and there were several +stains upon his white collar and his shirt front. If a look could have +crushed me I would have been instantly annihilated. + +"I'll fix you for that!" he roared. "Roger Strong, I'll get even with +you, if it takes ten years!" + +"Do what you please, Duncan Woodward," I rejoined. "I don't fear you. +Only beware how you address me in the future. You will get yourself +into trouble." + +"I imagine you will be the one to get into trouble," he returned +insinuatingly. + +"I'm not afraid. But--hold up there!" I added, for Duncan had begun +to move off toward the fence. + +"What for?" + +"I want you to hand over the pears you picked." + +"I won't." + +"Very well. Then I'll report the case to Mrs. Canby." + +Duncan grew white. + +"Take your confounded fruit," he howled, throwing a dozen or more of +the luscious pears at my feet. "If I don't get even with you, my name +isn't Duncan Woodward!" + +And with this parting threat he turned to the fence, jumped over, and +strode down the road. + +In spite of the seriousness of the affair I could not help but laugh. +Duncan had no doubt thought it a great lark to rob the widow's +orchard, never dreaming of the wrong he was doing or of the injury to +the trees. Now his nose was swollen, his clothes soiled, and he had +suffered defeat in every way. + +I had no doubt that he would do all in his power to get even with me. +He hated me and always had. At school I had surpassed him in our +studies, and on the ball field I had proved myself a superior player. +I do not wish to brag about what I did, but it is necessary to show +why Duncan disliked me. + +Nor was there much love lost on my side, though I always treated him +fairly. The reason for this was plain. + +As I have stated, his father, Aaron Woodward, was at one tune a +fellow-clerk with my father. At the time my father was arrested, +Woodward was one of his principal accusers. Duncan had, of course, +taken up the matter. Since then Mr. Woodward had received a large +legacy from a dead relative in Chicago, or its suburbs, and started +the finest general store in Darbyville. But his bitterness toward us +still continued. + +That the man knew something about the money that had been stolen I did +not doubt, but how to prove it was a difficult problem that I had +pondered many times without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. + +I watched Duncan out of sight and then turned and walked slowly toward +the house. + +"Roger!" + +It was Mrs. Canby who called me. She stood on the side porch with a +letter in her hand. + +"You want me?" + +"Yes, I have quite important news," she continued. "My sister in +Norfolk is very ill, and I must go to her at once. I have spoken to +Kate about it. Do you think you can get along while I am gone?" + +"Yes, ma'am. How long do you expect to be away?" + +"If she is not seriously ill I shall be back by day after to-morrow. +You can hitch up Jerry at once. The train leaves in an hour." + +"I'll have him at the door in five minutes." + +"And, Roger, you and Kate must take good care of things while I am +gone. There are several hundred dollars locked up in my desk. I would +take the money to the bank in Newville, only I hate to lose the time." + +"I reckon it will be safe," I replied; "I'll keep good watch against +burglars." + +"Do you think you can handle a pistol?" she went on. + +"I think I could," I replied, with all the interest of the average +American boy in firearms. + +"There is a pistol upstairs in my bureau that belonged to Mr. Canby. I +will let you have that, though of course I trust you won't need it." + +"Is it loaded?" + +"Yes; I loaded it last week. I will lay it out before I go. Be very +careful with it." + +"I will," I promised her. + +I hurried down to the barn, and in a few moments had Jerry hooked up +to the family turnout. As I was about to jump in and drive to the +house, a man confronted me. + +He was a stranger, about forty years of age, with black hair and +shaggy beard and eyebrows. He was seedily dressed, and altogether +looked to be a disreputable character. + +"Say, young man, can you help a fellow as is down on his luck?" he +asked in a hoarse tone. + +"Who are you?" I responded. + +"I'm a moulder from Factoryville. The shop's shut down, and I'm out of +money and out of work." + +"How long have you been out?" + +"Two weeks." + +"And you haven't found work anywhere?" + +"Not a stroke." + +"Been to Newville?" + +"All through it, and everything full." + +I thought this was queer. I had glanced at the Want column of a +Newville newspaper and had noted that moulders were wanted in several +places. + +The man's appearance did not strike me favorably, and when he came +closer to me I noted that his breath smelt strongly of liquor. + +"I don't think I can help you," said I. "I have nothing for you to +do." + +"Give me a quarter, then, will you? I ain't had nothing to eat since +yesterday." + +"But you've had something to drink," I could not help remark. + +The man scowled, "How do you know?" + +"I can smell it on you." + +"I only had one glass,--just to knock out a cold I caught. Come, make +it half a dollar. I'll pay you back when I get work." + +"I don't care to lend." + +"Make it ten cents." + +"Not a cent." + +"You're mighty independent about it," he sneered. + +"I have to be when such fellows as you tackle me," I returned with +spirit. + +"You're mighty high toned for a boy of your age." + +"I'm too high toned to let you talk to me in this fashion. I want you +to leave at once." + +The tramp--for the man was nothing else--scowled worse than before. + +"I'll leave when I please," he returned coolly. + +I was nonplussed. I was in a hurry to get away to drive Widow Canby to +the station. To leave the man hanging about the house with no one but +my sister Kate home was simply out of the question. + +Suddenly an idea struck me. Like most people who live in the country, +Mrs. Canby kept a watch-dog--a large and powerful mastiff called +Major. He was tied up near the back stoop out of sight, but could be +pressed into service on short notice. + +"If you don't go at once, I'll set the dog on you." + +"Huh! You can't fool me!" + +"No fooling about it. Major! Major!" I called. + +There was a rattling of chain as the animal tried to break away, and +then a loud barking. The noise seemed to strike terror to the tramp's +heart. + +"I'll get even with you, young fellow!" he growled, and running to the +fence he scrambled over and out of sight. I did not wait to see in +what direction he went. + +When I reached the porch I found Mrs. Canby bidding my sister good-by. +A moment more and she was on the seat. I touched up Jerry and we were +off. + +"It took you a long time to hitch up," the widow remarked as we drove +along. + +"It wasn't that," I replied, and told her about the tramp. + +"You must be very careful of those men," she said anxiously. "Some of +them will not stop at anything." + +"I'll be wide awake," I rejoined reassuringly. + +It was not a long drive to the station. When we arrived there, Mrs. +Canby had over five minutes to spare, and this time was spent in +buying a ticket and giving me final instructions. + +At length the train came along and she was off. I waited a few moments +longer and then drove away. + +I had several purchases to make in the village--a pruning-knife, a +bag of feed, and some groceries, and these took some time to buy, so +it was nearly noon when I started home. + +Several times I imagined that a couple of the village young men +noticed me very closely, but I paid no attention and went on my way, +never dreaming of what was in store for me. + +The road to the widow's house ran for half a mile or more through a +heavy belt of timber land. We were jogging along at a fair pace, and I +was looking over a newspaper I had picked up on the station platform. +Suddenly some one sprang out from the bushes and seized Jerry by the +bridle. + +Astonished and alarmed, I sprang up to see what was the matter. As I +did so I received a stinging blow on the side of the head, and the +next instant was dragged rudely from the carriage. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE MODELS + + +I had been taken completely off my guard, but by instinct I tried to +ward off my assailants. My effort was a useless one. In a trice I +found myself on the ground, surrounded by half a dozen of the fastest +young men to be found in Darbyville. + +Prominent among them was Duncan Woodward, and I rightfully guessed +that it was he who had organized the attack. + +"Take it easy, Strong," exclaimed a fellow named Moran, "unless you +want to be all broke up." + +"What do you mean by treating me in this way?" I cried indignantly. + +"You'll find out soon enough," said Phillips, another of the young +men. "Come, stop your struggling." + +"I'll do nothing of the kind. You have no right to molest me." + +"Pooh!" sniffed Duncan. "The Models have a right to do anything." + +"The Models?" I queried, in perplexity. "Who are they?" + +"The Models are a band of young gentlemen organized for the purpose of +social enjoyment and to teach cads lessons that they are not likely to +forget," replied Moran. + +"I suppose you are the members," I said, surveying the half-dozen. + +"We have that honor," rejoined a boy named Barton, who had not yet +spoken. + +"And we intend to teach you a lesson," added Pultzer, a short, stout +chap, whose father had once been a butcher. + +"What for?" + +"For your unwarranted attack upon our illustrious president." + +"Your president? You mean Duncan?" + +"Mr. Woodward, if you please," interrupted Duncan, loftily. "I won't +have such a low-bred fellow as you calling me by my first name." + +"I'm no lower bred than you are," I retorted. + +"Come, none of that!"cried Moran. "We all know you well. We shall at +once proceed to teach you a lesson." + +I could not help smile--the whole affair seemed so ridiculous that +had it not been for the rough handling I had received when pulled from +the carriage, I would have considered it a joke. + +"You'll find it no laughing matter," said Duncan, savagely, angry, no +doubt, because I did not show more signs of fear. "Just wait till we +are through with you. You'll grin on the other side of your face." + +"What do you intend to do with me?" + +"You'll see soon enough." + +I began to think the affair might be more serious than I had imagined. +Six to one was heavy odds, and who could tell what these wild fellows +would not do? + +"I want you to let me go at once," I said decidedly. "If you don't, it +will be the worse for you." + +"Not a bit of it. We intend that you shall remember this occasion as +long as you live," returned Moran. "Come, march along with us." + +"Where to?" + +"Never mind. March!" + +For reply I turned, and made a hasty jump for the carriage, intending +to utilize Jerry in a bold dash for liberty. I had just placed my foot +upon the step and called to the horse when Moran caught me by the +jacket and dragged me to the ground. + +"No you don't!" he ejaculated roughly. + +"There, Dunc, catch hold of him; and you too, Ellery. We mustn't let +him escape after we've watched two hours to catch him!" + +In an instant, I was surrounded. Now that Duncan had his friends to +back him he was brave enough and held my arm in a grip of iron. + +"Any one bring a rope?" went on Moran. + +"Here's one," replied Ellery Blake. + +"Hand it over. We had better bind his hands." + +Knowing that it would be folly to resist, I allowed them to do as +Moran had advised. My wrists were knotted together behind my back, and +then the cord was drawn tightly about my waist. + +"Now march!" + +"How about the horse and carriage?" + +"They'll be O. K." + +There seemed to be no help for it, so I walked along with them. Had +there been the slightest chance offered to escape I would have taken +it, but warned by experience, all six kept close watch over me. + +Away we went through the woods that lined the east side of the road. +It was bad walking, and with both my hands behind me I was several +times in danger of stumbling. Indeed, once I did go down, but the firm +grasp of my captors saved me from injury. + +Presently we came to a long clearing, where it had once been the +intention of some capitalists to build a railroad. But the matter had +drifted into litigation, and nothing was done but to build a tool +house and cut away the trees and brush. + +The building had often been the resort of tramps, and was in a +dilapidated condition. It was probably fifteen feet square, having a +door at one end and a window at the other. The roof was flat and full +of holes, but otherwise the building was fairly strong. + +"Here we are, fellows," said Duncan, as we stopped in front of the +door. "Just let go of him." + +The others did as he requested. But they formed a small circle around +me that I might not escape. + +"Now that I have got you in a place free from interruption I intend to +square up accounts with you," continued the president of the Models. +"You hit me a foul blow this morning." + +"You brought it on yourself, Duncan," I replied, as coolly as I could, +though I was keenly interested. + +"Stop! How many times must I tell you not to call me by my first +name." + +"Well, then, Woodward, if that suits you better." + +"Mr. Woodward, if you please." + +"Oh, come, Dunc, hurry up," interrupted Moran. "We don't want to stay +here all day." + +"I'm only teaching this fellow a lesson in politeness." + +"All right; only cut it short." + +"See here, Moran, who's the president of this club?" + +"You are." + +"Well, then, I'll take my own time," replied Duncan, loftily. + +"Go ahead then. But you'll have to do without me," rejoined Moran, +considerably provoked by the other's domineering tone. + +"I will?" + +"Yes. I've got other things to do besides standing here gassing all +day." + +"Indeed!" sneered Duncan. + +"Yes, indeed!" + +I enjoyed the scene. It looked very much as if there would be lively +times without my aid. + +"You're getting up on your dignity mighty quick, Dan Moran." + +"I don't intend to play servant-in-waiting for any one, Duncan +Woodward." + +"Who asked you to?" + +"'Actions speak louder than words.'" + +"I'm the president of the Models, am I not?" + +"Yes, but you're not a model president." + +I could not help smiling at Moran's pun. He was not a bad chap, and +had he not been to a great extent under Duncan's influence he might +have been a first-rate fellow. + +Of course, as is the fashion among men as well as boys, all the others +groaned at the pun; and then Ellery broke in:-- + +"Come, come, this will never do. Go ahead with Strong, Dunc." + +"I intend to," was the president's rejoinder. "But you all promised to +stick by me, and I don't want any one to back out." + +"I'm not backing out," put in Moran. "I only want to hurry matters +up." + +There was a pause after this speech, then Duncan addressed me:-- + +"Perhaps you are anxious to know why I brought you here?" + +"Not particularly," I returned coldly. + +Duncan gave a sniff. + +"I guess that's all put on." + +"Not at all. What I am anxious to know is, what you intend to do with +me." + +"Well, first of all I want you to get down on your knees and apologize +for your conduct toward me this morning." + +"Not much!" I cried. + +"You are in my power." + +"I don't care. Go ahead and do your worst," I replied recklessly, +willing to suffer almost anything rather than apologize to such a chap +as Duncan Woodward. + +Besides, what had I done to call for an apology? I had certainly +treated him no worse than he deserved. He was a spoilt boy and a +bully, and I would die rather than go down on my knees to him. + +"You don't know what's in store for you," said Dunce, nonplussed by my +manner. + +"As I said before, I'll risk it." + +"Very well. Where is the rope, boys?" + +"Here you are," answered Pultzer. "Plenty of it." + +As he spoke he produced a stout clothes line, five or six yards in +length. + +"We'll bind his hands a little tighter first," instructed Duncan, "and +then his legs. Be sure and make the knots strong, so they won't slip. +He must not escape us." + +I tried to protest against these proceedings, but with my hands +already bound it was useless. + +In five minutes the clothes line had been passed around my body from +head to feet, and I was almost as stiff as an Egyptian mummy. + +"Now catch hold, and we'll carry him into the tool house," said +Duncan. "I guess after he has spent twenty-four hours in that place +without food or water he'll be mighty anxious to come to terms." + +I was half dragged and half carried to the tool house and dropped upon +the floor. Then the door was closed upon me, and I was left to my +fate. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE TRAMP AGAIN + + +I am sure that all will admit that the prospect before me was not a +particularly bright one. I was bound hand and foot and left without +food or water. + +Yet as I lay upon the hard floor of the tool house I was not so much +concerned about myself as I was about matters at Widow Canby's house. +It would be a hardship to pass the night where I was, to say nothing +of how I might be treated when Duncan Woodward and his followers +returned. But in the meantime, how would Kate fare? + +I knew that my sister would be greatly alarmed at my continued +absence. She fully expected me to be home long before this. As near as +I could judge it was now an hour or so after noon, and she would have +dinner kept warm on the kitchen stove, expecting every minute to see +me drive up the lane. + +Then again I was worried over the fact that the widow had left the +house and her money in my charge. To be sure, the latter was locked up +in her private secretary; but I felt it to be as much in my care as if +it had been placed in my shirt bosom or the bottom of my trunk. + +I concluded that it was my duty, then, to free myself as quickly as +possible from the bonds which the members of the Model Club had placed +upon me. But this idea was more easily conceived than carried out. + +In vain I tugged at the clothes line that held my arms and hands fast +to my body. Duncan and the others had done their work well, and the +only result of my efforts was to make the cord cut so deep into my +flesh that several times I was ready to cry out from pain. + +In my attempts I tried to rise to my feet, but found it an +impossibility, and only succeeded in bumping my head severely against +the wall. + +There was no use in calling for help, and though I halloed several +times I soon gave it up. I was fully three-quarters of a mile from any +house and half that distance from the road, and who would be likely to +hear me so far off? + +The afternoon dragged slowly along, and finally the sun went down and +the evening shadows crept up. By this time I was quite hungry and +tremendously thirsty. But with nothing at hand to satisfy the one or +allay the other I resolutely put all thoughts of both out of my head. + +In the old tool house there had been left several empty barrels, +behind which was a quantity of shavings that I found far more +comfortable to rest upon than the bare floor. + +As the evening wore on I wondered if I would be able to sleep. There +was no use worrying about matters, as it would do no good, so I was +inclined to treat the affair philosophically and make the best of it. + +An hour passed, and I was just dropping into a light doze when a noise +outside attracted my attention. I listened intently and heard a man's +footsteps. + +I was inclined to call out, and, in fact, was on the point of so +doing, when the door of the tool house opened and in the dim light I +recognized the form of the tramp moulder who earlier in the day had so +impudently asked me for help. + +I was not greatly surprised to see him, for, as mentioned before, the +old tool house was frequently used by men of his stamp. He had as much +right there as I had, and though I was chagrined to see him enter I +was in no position to protest. + +On the contrary, I deemed it advisable to keep quiet. If he did not +see me, so much the better. If he did, who could tell what indignities +he might visit upon me? + +So I crouched down behind the empty barrels, hardly daring to breathe. +The man stumbled into the building, leaving the door wide open. + +By his manner I was certain that he had been drinking heavily, and his +rambling soliloquy proved it. + +"The same old shebang," he mumbled to himself, as he swayed around in +the middle of the floor, "the same old shebang where Aaron Woodward +and I parted company four years ago. He's took care of his money, and +I've gone to the dogs," and he gave a yawn and sat down on top of a +barrel. + +I was thoroughly surprised at his words. Was it possible that this +seedy-looking individual had once been intimate with Duncan Woodward's +father? It hardly seemed reasonable. I made a rapid calculation and +concluded that the meeting must have had something to do with the +proposed railroad in which I knew Mr. Woodward had held an interest. +Perhaps this tramp had once been a prosperous contractor. + +"Great times them were. Plenty of money and nothing to do," continued +the man. "Wonder if any one in Darbyville would recognize--hold up, +Stumpy, you mustn't repeat that name too often or you'll be mentioning +it in public when it ain't no interest for you to do it. Stumpy, John +Stumpy, is good enough for the likes of you." + +And with great deliberation Mr. John Stumpy brought forth a short clay +pipe which he proceeded to fill and light with evident satisfaction. + +During the brief period of lighting up I caught a good glance at his +face, and fancied that I saw beneath the surface of dirt and +dissipation a look of shrewdness and intelligence. Evidently he was +one of the unfortunates who allowed drink to make off with their +brains. + +Mr. John Stumpy puffed on in silence for several minutes. I wondered +what he intended to do, and was not prepared for the surprises that +were to follow. + +"Times are changed and no mistake," he went on. "Here I am, down at +the bottom, Nick Weaver dead, Woodward a rich man, and Carson Strong +in jail. Humph! but times do change!" + +Carson Strong! My heart gave a bound. This man was speaking of my +father. What did it mean? What did the tramp know of the events of the +past? As I lay behind the barrels, I earnestly hoped he would go on +with his talk. I had heard just enough to arouse my curiosity. + +I was certain that I had never, until that day, seen the man. What, +then, could he have in common with my father? + +Instinctively I connected the man with the cause of my father's +imprisonment--I will not say downfall, because I firmly believed him +innocent. Why I should do so I cannot to this day explain, but from +the instant he mentioned my parent's name the man was firmly fixed in +my memory. + +In a few moments Mr. John Stumpy had puffed his pipe out, leaving the +place filled with a heavy and vile smoke which gave me all I could do +to keep from coughing. Then he slowly knocked the ashes from the bowl +and restored the pipe to his pocket. + +"Now I reckon I'm in pretty good trim to go ahead," he muttered as he +arose. "No use of talking; there ain't anything like a good puff to +steady a man's nerves. Was a time when I didn't need it, but them +times are gone, and the least little job on hand upsets me. Wonder how +much that old woman left behind." + +I nearly uttered an ejaculation of astonishment. Was this man speaking +of Mrs. Canby? What was the job that he contemplated? + +Clearly there could be but one answer to that question. He knew the +widow had gone away, and in her absence he contemplated robbing her +house. Perhaps he had overheard her make mention of the money locked +up in her desk, and the temptation to obtain possession of it was too +strong to resist. + +"I'll have to get rid of that boy and the dog, I suppose," he went on. +"If it wasn't for the noise I'd shoot the dog; but it won't do to +arouse the neighborhood. As for the lad, I reckon the sight of a +pistol will scare him to death." + +I was not so sure of that, and I grated my teeth at the thought of my +present helplessness. Had I been free, I am sure I could have escaped +easily, and perhaps have had the tramp arrested. + +It was an alarming prospect. Kate was the only occupant of the house, +and the nearest neighbor lived a full five hundred feet away. If +attacked in the middle of the night, what would my sister do? + +For a moment I felt like exposing myself, but then I reflected that +such a course would not liberate me, and he would know that he had +nothing to fear from me at the house, whereas, if I kept quiet, he +might, by some lucky incident, be kept at bay. + +So I lay still, wondering when he would start on his criminal quest. + +"Now, one more drink and then I'll be off," he continued, and, +producing a bottle, he took a deep draught. "Ha! That's the stuff to +brace a man's nerves! But you mustn't drink too much, John Stumpy, or +you'll be no good at all. If you'd only let liquor alone you might be +as rich as Aaron Woodward, remember that." He gave something like a +sigh. "Oh, well; let it pass. I'll get the tools and be on the way. +The money in my pocket, I'll take the first train in the morning for +the West." He paused a moment. "But no; I won't go until I've seen +Woodward. He owes me a little on the old score, and I'll not go until +he has settled up." + +There was an interval of silence, during which Stumpy must have been +feeling around in his pockets for a match; for a moment later there +were several slight scratches, and then a tiny flame lit up the +interior of the tool house. + +"Let's see, where did I leave them tools? Ah, yes; I remember now. +Behind those barrels." + +And Stumpy moved over to where I was in hiding. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +FOLLOWING JOHN STUMPY + + +I expected to be discovered. I could not see how it could possibly be +avoided. John Stumpy was but a few feet away. In a second more he +would be in full sight of me. + +What the outcome of the discovery would be I could not imagine. I was +at the man's mercy, and I was inclined to think that, our interview of +the morning would not tend to soften his feelings toward me. + +But at that instant a small, yet extremely lucky incident occurred. A +draught of wind came in at the partly open door and blew out the +match, leaving the place in darkness. + +"Confound the luck!" ejaculated John Stumpy, in high irritation. +"There goes the light, and it's the last match I've got, too." + +This bit of information was gratifying to me, and, without making any +noise, I rolled back into the corner as far as possible. + +"Well, I'll have to find them tools in the dark, that's all." He +groped around for several seconds, during which I held my breath. "Ah, +here they are, just as I left 'em last night. Reckon no one visits +this shanty, and maybe it will be a good place to bring the booty, +especially if I happen to be closely pushed." + +I sincerely hoped that he would be closely pushed, and in fact so +closely pushed that he would have no booty to bring. But if he did +succeed in his nefarious plans, I was glad that I would know where to +look for him. + +No sooner had the man found the bag of tools,--which was nothing more +nor less than a burglar's kit,--than he quitted the place, and I was +left to my own reflections. + +My thoughts alarmed me. Beyond a doubt John Stumpy intended to rob the +Widow Canby's house. The only one at home was Kate, and I groaned as I +thought of the alarm and terror that she might be called upon to +suffer. As it was, I was sure she was worried about my continued +absence. In my anguish I strove with all my might to burst asunder the +bonds that held me. At the end of five minutes' struggle I remained as +securely tied as ever. + +What was to be done? It was a puzzling, but pertinent question. By +hook or by crook I must get free. At great risk of hurting my head I +rolled to the door of the tool house, which Stumpy had left wide open. +Outside, the stars were shining brightly, and in the southwest the +pale crescent of the new moon was falling behind the tree-tops, +casting ghostly shadows that would have made a timid person shiver. +But as the reader may by this time know, I was not of a timid nature, +and I gave the shadows scant attention until a sudden movement among +the trees attracted my notice. It was the figure of some person coming +rapidly toward me. + +At first I judged it must be Stumpy returning, and I was on the point +of rolling back to my hiding-place when I saw that the newcomer was a +boy. + +When he reached the edge of the clearing he paused, and approached +slowly. + +"Roger Strong!" he called out. I instantly recognized the voice of +Dick Blair, one of the youngest members of the Models, who, during my +capture, had had little to say or do. He was the son of a wealthy +farmer who lived but a short distance down the road from the Widow +Canby's place. + +I had always considered Dick a pretty good chap, and had been +disagreeably surprised to see him in company with Duncan Woodward's +crowd. How Duncan had ever taken up with him I could not imagine, +except it might have been on account of the money Dick's father +allowed him to have. + +"Roger Strong!" he repeated. "Are you still here?" + +I could, not imagine what had brought him to this place at such an +hour of the night. Yet I answered at once. + +"Yes, I am, Dick Blair." + +"I thought maybe you had managed to get away," he continued, as he +came closer. + +"No; you fellows did your work pretty well," I replied as lightly as I +could, for I did not want to show the white feather. + +"Precious little I had to do with it," he went on, as he struck a +match and lit a lantern that he carried. + +"You were with the crowd." + +"I know it; but I wouldn't have been if I'd known what they were up +to. I hope you will not think too badly of me, Roger." + +"I thought it was strange you would go into anything of this kind, +Dick. What brings you back to-night?" + +"I am ashamed of the whole thing," he answered earnestly, "and I came +to release you--that is, on certain conditions." + +My heart gave a bound. "What conditions, Dick?" + +"I want you to promise that you won't tell who set you free," he +explained. "If Dunc or the rest heard of it, they would never forgive +me." + +"What of it, Dick? Their opinion isn't worth anything." + +"I know it--now. But they could tell mighty mean stories about me if +they wanted to." And Dick Blair turned away and shuffled his foot on +the ground to hide his shame. + +"Don't mind them, Dick. If they start any bad report about you, do as +I'm doing with the stain on our name--live it down." + +"I'll try it. But you'll promise, won't you?" + +"If you wish it, yes." + +"All right; I know I can trust you," said Dick. Producing his pocket +knife, he quickly cut the cords that bound me. Somewhat stiff from the +position in which I had been forced to remain, I rose slowly to my +feet. + +"I don't know whether to thank you or not for what you've done for me, +Dick," I began. "But I appreciate your actions." + +"I don't deserve any thanks. It was a mean trick, and I guess legally +I was as guilty as any one. Just keep quiet about it and don't think +too hard of me." + +"I'll do both," I responded quickly. + +"It's a mighty lonely place to spend the night in," he went on. "I'm +no coward, but I wouldn't care to do it, all alone." + +"I haven't been alone." + +"No." And Dick looked intensely surprised. "Who has been here?" + +I hesitated. Should I tell him? + +"A tramp," I began. + +"Why didn't he untie you?" + +"He didn't see me." + +"Oh, I suppose you hid away. What did he want, I wonder?" + +"He was after some tools." + +"Tools! There are none here, any more." + +"But there were." + +"What kind of tools?" + +I hesitated again. Should I tell Dick the secret? Perhaps he might +give me some timely assistance. + +"Will you promise to keep silent if I tell?" + +"Why, what do you mean, Roger?" + +"It is very important." + +"All right. Fire away." + +"He came after some burglar's tools." + +Dick stepped back in astonishment. "You surely don't mean it!" he +gasped "Who was he going to rob?" + +"The widow's house. He knows she is away and has left considerable +money in her desk." + +And in a rapid manner I told Dick of what I had overheard, omitting +the mentioning of my father's and Mr. Woodward's names. Of course he +was tremendously excited. What healthy country boy would not be? + +"What are you going to do about it?" he questioned. + +"Now I'm free I'm going to catch the fellow," I returned decidedly. +"He shall not rob Mrs. Canby's house if I can help it." + +"Aren't you afraid?" + +"I intend to be cautious." + +"He may have a pistol." + +"The widow left one in the house. Maybe I can secure it. Then we'll be +on an equal footing." + +"I've got a pistol, Roger." + +"You!" + +"Yes, the Models all carry them. Dunc always insisted that it was the +proper thing." + +As Dick spoke, he produced a highly polished nickel-plated +five-shooter. + +"It looks like a good one," I said, after examining it. "Is it +loaded?" + +"Oh, yes; and I've got a box of cartridges in my pocket besides." + +"Lend it to me, Dick." + +"If you don't mind I'll--I'll go along with you, Roger," he returned. +"You won't find me such a terrible coward." + +"All right. But we must hurry. That fellow has got a good start, and +he may even now be in the house." + +"Hardly. He'll want to take a look around first." + +Nevertheless, we lost no time in getting away from the tool house. We +walked side by side, I with the pistol in the pocket of my jacket, and +Dick with the lantern held aloft, that we might see to make rapid +progress over the unaccustomed road. + +It was a good walk to the widow's, and once Dick stumbled down in a +heap, while the lantern rolled several yards away. But he picked +himself up without grumbling and went along faster than ever. + +"If I'm not mistaken, I saw that tramp down at the depot this +morning," said he, as we drew near to the main road. "He was hanging +around, and I thought he looked like a suspicious character." + +"Did you see him yesterday?" + +"No." + +"Did you ever hear of him before?" + +"I guess not. He was near the baggage room when I saw him. Then Mr. +Woodward came up to see about a trunk, and the tramp made right off." + +I was interested. John Stumpy had intimately that he intended to have +an interview with Duncan Woodward's father, and if this was so, why +had he not taken advantage of the opportunity thus offered? + +I could arrive at but one conclusion. The tramp wished their meeting +to be a strictly private one. He did not care to be seen in Mr. +Woodward's presence, or else the wealthy merchant would not tolerate +such a thing. + +If the meeting was to be of a private nature, it would no doubt be of +importance. Had my father's name not been mentioned I would not have +cared; but as it was, I was deeply interested. + +Perhaps it would be better to merely scare the fellow off. If he was +captured, all chance of finding out his secrets might be lost. + +By this time the reader may be aware that I thought John Stumpy's +secrets important. Such was a fact. Try as hard as I was able, I could +not but imagine that they concerned my father and his alleged +downfall. + +In five minutes Dick and I came within sight of Widow Canby's house. +There was a light burning in the kitchen and another in the +dining-room. + +"Everything seems to be all right," said Dick, as we stood near a +corner of the front fence. "I guess the fellow hasn't put in an +appearance yet." + +"I don't know. See I the side porch door is open. We generally keep it +closed, and Kate would certainly have it shut if she was alone." + +"What do you intend to do? Go into the house?" + +"Guess we had better. I'd like to know where that fellow is," I +replied. "Likely as not he is prowling about here somewhere. If we can +only catch sight of him, we can--Hark!" + +As I uttered the last word, a shrill cry reached our ears. It was +Kate's voice; and with my heart jumping wildly I made a dash for the +house, with Dick Blair following me. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A STRANGE ENVELOPE + + +I was sure that my sister's cry could mean but one thing--that the +tramp had made a raid on the house. I was thoroughly alarmed, and ran +with all possible speed in the direction of the dining-room, from +whence the sound proceeded. + +As I tore across the lawn, regardless of the bed of flowers which was +Mrs. Canby's pride, Kate's cry was repeated, this time in a more +intense tone. An instant later I dashed across the porch and into the +room through the door that, as I have said, stood wide open. + +I found my sister standing in the middle of the floor, holding in her +hand a heavy umbrella with which she had evidently been defending +herself. She was pale, and trembled from head to foot. + +"What is it, Kate?" I exclaimed. "Where is the fellow?" + +"Oh, Roger!" she gasped. "I'm so glad you've come. A tramp was +here--he robbed--robbed the desk--the window--" + +She pointed to the open window on the opposite side of the room. Then +her breast heaved, the umbrella slipped from her grasp, and she sank +into a chair. + +"Are you hurt?" I cried anxiously. + +"No, no--but the money--it is gone! What will Mrs. Canby say?" + +And overcome with the dreadful thought, my sister fainted dead away. + +As for myself I felt sick at heart. John Stumpy had been there--the +widow's money had been stolen. What could be done? + +Meanwhile, Dick Blair had come in. His common sense told him what had +happened, and he set to work to restore my sister to consciousness. + +"Will you stay here with Kate?" I asked. + +"Certainly," he returned promptly. "But where are you going? After +that tramp?" + +"Yes." + +"Be careful, for he may be a desperate character." + +"I'm not afraid of him. I'm going to get that money back or know the +reason why," was my determined reply; and I meant every word I said. + +To my mind it was absolutely necessary that I recover the stolen +property. It would have been bad enough to have had it taken when the +Widow Canby was at home, but it had been stolen when left in my +charge, and that was enough to make me turn Darbyville district up +side down before letting the matter drop. + +Besides, there was still another important factor in the case. I knew +well enough that if the money was not recovered, there would be plenty +of people mean enough to intimate that I had had something to do with +its disappearance. The Strong honor was considered low by many, and +they would not hesitate to declare that I was only following in my +father's footsteps. + +To a person already suffering under an unjust accusation such an +intimation is doubly stinging, and when I told Dick that I was not +afraid of Mr. John Stumpy, I meant that I would rather face the robber +now than the Darbyville people later on. + +"I want to take the pistol," I added. + +"All right. There is the box of extra cartridges. Do you want the +lantern?" + +"Yes; I may want to use it before I return. I'll blow it out now." + +Our conversation had lasted but a few seconds, and an instant after I +was on my way, the lantern on my left arm and the pistol in my right +hand. + +"Take good care of Kate," I called back as I passed out. + +"I will," replied Dick. "Don't stay away too long, if you don't find +the fellow." + +I passed around to the other side of the garden, where an open gateway +led to the pear orchard. I felt pretty certain that John Stumpy had +pursued this course, and I entered the orchard on a run. + +The thief, I reckoned, was not over five minutes ahead of me. To be +sure, he could easily hide, but it was not likely that he would care +to remain in the neighborhood, unless it was really necessary for him +to see Mr. Aaron Woodward. + +When I got well into the orchard, where it was darker than in the +garden, I listened intently, hoping that I might hear some sound that +would guide me. + +But all was silent. Occasionally a night bird fluttered through the +trees and a frog gave a dismal croak, but otherwise not a sound broke +the stillness. + +I continued on my way toward the road, and reaching the fence, paused +again. + +Had the thief jumped over? If so, which way had he gone, up, down, or +into the woods beyond? It was a perplexing question. Perhaps if I had +been in a story book I might have found some clew to direct me. But I +was not that kind of a hero. I was only an everyday boy, and +consequently no clew presented itself. + +I stood by the fence for several minutes, my eyes and ears on the +alert to catch anything worthy of notice. I judged it was near +midnight, and hardly had I thought of the matter before the distant +town bells tolled the hour of twelve. + +As the echo of the last stroke died away, two figures came slowly up +the road. As they drew nearer, I recognized Moran and Pultzer, the two +Models members who had assisted at my capture. + +I was astonished at their appearance. What on earth could they be +doing out at this time of night? + +As they drew near I thought for many reasons that it would not be +advisable to show myself, and I stepped behind a tree. + +"I don't care what you say," said Pultzer, "Dunc was half scared to +death when we came away." + +"I guess he didn't think what a serious matter it was when he asked us +to go into it," returned Moran. "It's the worst affair I ever got +into." + +"Ditto myself," responded Pultzer. + +"And if we get out without being caught, you'll never find me in +another such," continued the other earnestly. + +"I wonder what Dunc's father will say when he hears of it?" + +"And all the rest of the Darbyville people? Of course they've got to +lay it to some one." + +I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had done to me. I +never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more serious. + +"I'm glad Dick Blair wasn't along to-night," went on Moran. "Dick is +not to be trusted any more. He kicked awfully at the idea of tying up +Strong this noon." + +I was gratified to hear this bit of news. I liked Dick in many +respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend. + +"Strong didn't give in quite as much as Dunc thought he would. Hang +it, if I didn't admire his grit." + +"So did I. Wonder how he's getting along in the old tool house. We +must release him first thing in the morning." + +"No need of doing that, gentlemen," I put in, stepping out from behind +the tree. "I am--" + +But it would have been useless for me to say more, as no one would +have heard me. + +At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had started in +alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast as +their feet could carry them. + +At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the +ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled. "A guilty +conscience needeth no accuser," it is said, and this truth was +verified to the letter. + +Yet I was sorry that I had not had a chance to speak to them. I wanted +to question them in regard to the thief. Perhaps they had seen him, +and if so, I did not want to miss my chance of getting upon his track. + +Jumping over the fence, I walked slowly down the road, but not in +hopes of meeting John Stumpy. If he was anywhere near, the approach of +the two boys had certainly driven him into hiding. + +Suddenly I thought of the tool house. The tramp had spoken of +returning to the place. He evidently knew the road. I determined to go +to the spot and make a search at once. + +It was no easy matter to find my way back to the tool house, and at +the risk of being seen I lit the lantern. + +As I walked along I wondered how my sister and Dick were faring. No +doubt Kate had been much surprised to see who was with her on her +recovery, and I sincerely hoped that the shock Stumpy had given her +would not have any evil effects. She was a sensitive girl, and such +happenings were calculated to try her nerves severely. + +At length I came within sight of the clearing. Here I hesitated for an +instant, and then, pistol in hand, approached the tool house boldly. + +The door was still open, and I entered, only to find the place empty. + +With a sigh I realized that my journey thither was a useless one. +Nothing remained but to go back to the road, and I was about to leave +again when the rays of the lantern fell upon a white object lying on +the floor. + +I picked it up. It was a common square envelope. Thinking it contained +a letter I turned it over to read the address. Judge of my +astonishment when I read the following:-- + +Dying Statement of Nicholas Weaver Concerning the Forgeries for which +Carson Strong Was Sent to State's Prison. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A WAR OF WORDS + + +No words of mine can express the feeling that came over me as I read +the superscription written on the envelope I had picked up in the old +tool house. + +Was it possible that this envelope contained the solution of the +mystery that had taken away our good name and sent my father to +prison? The very thought made me tremble. + +The packet was not a thick one. In fact, it was so thin that for an +instant I imagined the envelope was empty. But a hasty examination +proved my fears groundless. + +In nervous excitement I put the lantern down on the top of a barrel, +and then drew from the envelope the single shoot of foolscap that it +contained. A glance showed me that the pages were closely written in a +cramped hand extremely difficult to read. + +For the moment I forgot everything else--forgot that the Widow +Canby's house had been robbed and that I was on the track of the +robber--and drawing close to the feeble light the lantern afforded, +strove with straining eyes and palpitating heart to decipher the +contents of the written pages. + + "I, Nicholas Weaver, being on the point of death from pneumonia, do + make this my last statement, which I hereby swear is true in every + particular." + +This was the beginning of the document which I hoped would in some way +free my father's character from the stain that now rested on it. + +Exactly who Nicholas Weaver was I did not know, though it ran in my +mind that I had heard this name mentioned by my father during the +trial. + +Beyond the opening paragraph I have quoted the handwriting was almost +illegible, and in the dim light it was only here and there that I +could pick out such words as "bank," "assumed," "risk," "name," and so +forth, which gave but an inkling of the real contents of the precious +document. + +"It's too bad," was my thought. "I'd give all I possess to be able to +read this right off, word for word." + +Hardly had the reflection crossed my mind when a noise outside +startled me. I had just time enough to thrust the paper into my pocket +when the door was swung open and the tramp appeared. + +He was evidently as much surprised as I was, for he stopped short in +amazement, while the short pipe he carried between his lips fell +unnoticed to the floor. + +I rightly conjectured he had not noticed the light of the lantern and +fully believed the tool house tenantless. + +"You here!" he cried. + +"It looks like it, doesn't it?" was all I could find to reply, and as +I spoke my hand sought the pistol I carried. + +"What brought you here?" he demanded roughly. + +"I came after you," I returned as coolly as I could; and by this time +I had the pistol where it could be brought into instant use. + +"What do you want of me?" + +"I want you to hand over the money you stole awhile ago." + +"What are you talking about? I never stole any money." + +"You did. You broke into the Widow Canby's house less than an hour +ago. Come, hand over that money." + +The fellow gave a coarse laugh. "Ha! ha! do you think I'm to be +bluffed by a boy? Get home with you, before I hammer you for calling +me a thief." + +"That's just what you are, and I don't intend to go until you hand +over the money, John Stumpy," I returned decidedly. + +"Ha! you know my name?" + +I bit my lip. I was sorry for the slip I had made. But I put on a bold +front. "I know what you are called," I replied. + +"What I am called?" + +"Yes." + +"What do you mean? Come, out with it." + +"I will when I please. In the meantime hand over that money." + +"You talk like a fool!" he cried. + +"Never mind. You'll find I won't act like one." + +"What do you know about me?" he went on curiously, believing, no +doubt, that he was perfectly safe from attack. + +"I know more than you think. I know you are a burglar, and may be +worse." + +"I'll kill you!" he cried, rushing forward. + +"Stand where you are!" I returned, pulling out the pistol. "Don't stir +a step." + +He did not see the weapon until he was fairly upon me. The glint of +the nickeled steel made him shiver. + +"Don't shoot!" he cried in sudden terror, that showed he was a coward +at heart. "Don't--don't shoot." + +"I won't if you do as I tell you." + +"Do what?" + +"Give up the widow's money." + +"See here, young fellow, you've made a mistake. I never was near the +widow's house, 'cepting this morning." + +"I know better. You just broke open her desk and stole over two +hundred dollars." + +"It's a mistake. Put down the pistol and I'll tell you all about it." + +"I'm not such a fool, Mr. John Stumpy, or whatever your name is," was +my decided reply. + +The tone of my voice disconcerted the man, for he paused as if not +knowing what to say next. + +"Say, young feller, do you want to make some money?" he asked +suddenly, after a short pause. + +The change in his manner surprised me. + +"How?" I asked, although I knew about what was coming. + +"I've got nearly three hundred dollars in cash with me. I'll give you +fifty of it if you'll go home and say you couldn't find me." + +"Thank you; I'm not doing business that way," I rejoined coldly. + +"Fifty dollars ain't to be sneezed at," he went on insinuatingly. + +"I wouldn't care if you offered me fifty thousand," I cried sharply. +"I'm no thief." + +"Humph; don't you suppose I know who you are?" he went on. "You're the +son of a thief. Do you hear that?--the son of a thief! What right +have you got to set yourself up to be any better than your father was +afore you?" + +"Take care!" I cried, my blood fairly boiling as I spoke. He saw his +mistake. + +"I didn't mean no harm, partner. But what's the use of being high +toned when it don't pay?" + +"It always pays to be honest," I said firmly. + +"There are those who don't think so any more than I," he replied. + +"My father never was a thief. They may say all they please, I will +always think him innocent." + +"Humph!" + +"If it hadn't been for men like you and Nicholas Weaver, my father +would never be in prison." + +The words were out before I knew it. They were most injudicious ones. + +"What do you mean?" gasped the man. "What do you know about Nick +Weaver?" + +"More than you imagine. When he died he made a confession--" + +"It's false. Nick Weaver wasn't in his right mind when he died, +anyhow." + +"Perhaps he was." + +"What you--" began the man. Then he paused and began a rapid search in +his pockets. "You've got that paper," he cried hoarsely. "Give it up," +and as he spoke, John Stumpy took a threatening step toward me. + +"Stand back!" and I raised the pistol. + +I was trembling in every limb, but I actually believe I would have +fired it if he had rushed upon me. + +"I won't. Give up that paper." + +"Never. I'll die first." + +And die I would. His earnestness convinced me of the letter's worth. +If it contained that which could clear my father's name, only death +would be the means of parting me from it. + +"Give it up, I say! Do you think I'm to be defeated by a boy?" + +"Stand back!" + +I raised the pistol on a level with his head. As I did so, he made a +dash forward and caught up a stick which was lying near. + +"I'll fix you!" he roared, and swinging the billet over his head, he +brought it down with all his force on my arm, causing the pistol to +fly from my hand into a corner beyond. + +"Now we'll see who's master here," he cried exultingly. "You're a +smart boy, but you don't know everything!" Rushing over to the corner, +he secured the pistol and aimed it at me. "Now, we'll settle this +matter according to my notions," he went on triumphantly. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE STRUGGLE + + +I was deeply chagrined at the unexpected turn affairs had taken, and I +felt decidedly uncomfortable as John Stumpy levelled the weapon at my +head. I could readily see that the battle of words was at an end. +Action was now the order of the day. I wondered what the fellow would +do next; but I was not kept long in suspense. + +"Now, it's my turn, young fellow," he remarked, with a shrewd grin, as +I fell back. + +"Well, what do you want?" I asked, as coolly as I could recognizing +the fact that nothing was to be gained by "stirring him up." + +"You'll see fast enough. In the first place, hand over that paper." + +I was silent. I did not intend to tell a falsehood by saying I did not +have it, nor did I intend to give it up if it could possibly be +avoided. + +"Did you hear what I said?" continued Stumpy, after a pause. + +"I thought you said the paper wasn't valuable," I returned, more to +gain time than anything else. + +"Neither it ain't, but, just the same, I want it. Come, hand it over." + +He was getting ugly now, and no mistake. What was to be done? + +As I have mentioned before, it would have been useless to call for +help, as no one would have heard the calls. + +Suddenly the thought struck me to try a bit of deception. I put my +hand in my pocket and drew out the empty envelope. + +"Is that what you want?" I asked, holding it up. + +"Reckon it is," he returned eagerly. "Just toss it over." + +Somewhat disappointed that he did not approach me and thus give me a +chance of attacking him, I did as requested. It fell at his feet, and +he was not long in transferring it to his pocket. + +"Next time don't try to walk over a man like me," he said sharply. "I +know a thing or two, and I'm not to be downed by a boy." + +"Are you satisfied?" I asked calmly, though secretly exultant that he +had not discovered my trick. + +"Not yet. You followed me when you had no business to, and now you've +got to take the consequences." + +"What are you going to do?" + +"You'll see soon enough. I ain't the one to make many mistakes. Years +ago I made a few, but I ain't making no more." + +"You knew my father quite well, didn't you?" I inquired in deep +curiosity. + +"As the old saying goes, 'Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no +lies.' Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." + +"I know you did." + +"Well, what of it? So did lots of other people." + +"But not quite as well as you and Nicholas Weaver and Mr. Aaron +Woodward," I continued, determined to learn all I could. + +"Ha! What do you know of them?" He scowled at me. "Reckon you've been +reading that paper of Nick's putty closely. I was a fool for not +tearing it up long ago." + +"Why did you keep it--to deliver it to Mr. Wentworth?" + +It was a bold stroke and it told. Stumpy grew pale in spite of the +dirt that covered his face, and the hand that held the pistol +trembled. + +"Say, young fellow, you know too much, you do. I suppose you read that +paper clear through, did you?" + +"As you say: Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." + +"Perhaps you wasn't careful of it. Maybe I'd better examine it," he +added. + +My heart sank within me. In another moment the deception I had +practised would be known--and then? + +He fumbled in his pocket and drew forth the envelope. He could not +extract the letter he supposed it contained with one hand very well, +and so lowered the pistol for a moment. + +This was my chance. Unarmed I was evidently in his power. If I could +only escape from the tool house! + +The door still stood partly open, and the darkness of night--for the +moon had gone down--was beyond. A dash and I would be outside. Still +the tramp stood between me and liberty. Should I attack him or +endeavor to slip to one side? + +I had but an instant to think; another, and it would be too late. John +Stumpy was fumbling in the envelope. His eyes were searching for the +precious document. + +With a single bound I sprang against him, knocking him completely off +his feet. Then I made another jump for the door. + +But he was too quick for me. Dropping the envelope and the pistol, he +caught me by the foot, and in an instant both of us were rolling on +the floor. + +It was an unequal struggle. Strong as I was for a boy of my age, I was +no match for this burly man. Turn and twist all I could, he held me in +his grip while he heaped loud imprecations upon my head. + +In our movements on the floor we came in contact with the lantern and +upset it, smashing the frame as well as the glass. + +For a moment darkness reigned. Then a tiny light from the corner lit +up the place. The flames had caught the shavings. + +"The place is on fire!" I cried in horror. + +"Yes, and you did it," replied the tramp. + +"It was you!" I returned stoutly, and, as a matter of fact, it may be +as well to state that John Stumpy's foot had caused the accident. + +"Not much; it was your fault, and you've got to take the blame." + +As the rascal spoke, he caught me by the throat, squeezing it so +tightly that I was in great danger of being choked to death. + +"Let--let up!" I gasped. + +The choking continued. My head began to grow dizzy, and strange lights +danced before my eyes. I protested against this proceeding as +vigorously as I could by kicking the man sharply and rapidly. + +But Stumpy now meant to do me real injury. He realized that I knew too +much for his future welfare. In fact, he, no doubt, imagined I knew +far more than I really did. If I was out of the way for all time so +much the better for him. + +"Take that!" he suddenly cried, and springing up he brought his heel +down with great force on my head. + +I cannot describe the sensation that followed. It was as if a sharp, +blinding pain had stung me to the very heart. Then my senses forsook +me. + +How long I lay in a comatose state I do not know. Certainly it could +not have been a very long time--probably not over five or six +minutes. + +In the meantime the fire rapidly spread igniting the barrels that were +stored in the tool house, and climbing up the walls of the building to +the roof. + +When I recovered my senses, my face was fairly scorched, and no sooner +had I opened my eyes than they were blinded by smoke and flame. + +By instinct rather than reason I staggered to my feet. I was so weak I +could hardly stand, and my head spun around like a top. Where was the +door? + +I tottered to one side and felt around. There was the window tightly +closed. The door I knew was opposite. + +Reeling, I made my way through the smoke that now seemed to fill my +lungs, to where I knew the door to be. Oh, horror! it was closed and +secured! + +"Heaven help me now!" burst from my parched lips. "Am I to be roasted +alive?" + +With all my remaining strength I threw myself against the door. Once, +and again, and still it did not budge. + +"Help! help!" I called at the top of my voice. + +No answer came to my cry. The fire behind me became hotter and hotter. +The roof had now caught, and the sparks fell down upon me in a perfect +shower. + +Another moment and it would be all over. With a brief prayer to God +for help in my dire need, I attacked the door for the last time. + +At first it did not budge. Then there was a creaking, a sharp crack, +and at last it flew wide open. + +Oh, how grateful was the breath of fresh air that struck me! I +stumbled out into the clearing and opened wide my throat to take in +the pure draught. + +Then for the first time I realized how nearly I had been overcome. I +could no longer stand, and swooning, sank in a heap to the ground. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +NEW TROUBLE + + +"He's alive, boys." + +These were the words that greeted my ears on recovering my senses. I +opened my eyes and saw that I was surrounded by a number of boys and +men. + +"How did you come here?" asked Henry Morse, a sturdy farmer who lived +in the neighborhood. + +I was too much confused to make any intelligent reply. Rising to a +sitting position, I gazed around. + +The tool house had burned to the ground, there being no means at hand +to extinguish the fire. The glare of the conflagration had called out +several dozens of people from Darbyville and the vicinity, several of +whom had stumbled upon me as I lay in the clearing. + +"What's the matter, Roger?" asked Larry Simpson, a young man who kept +a bookstore in the town. + +"The matter is that I nearly lost my life in that fire," I replied. + +"How did you come here?" + +As briefly as I could I related my story, leaving out all references +to my personal affairs and the finding of Nicholas Weaver's statement. +At present I considered it would do no good to disclose what I knew on +those points. + +"I think I saw that tramp yesterday," said Larry after I had finished. +"He bought a sheet of paper and an envelope in my store, and then +asked if he could write a letter there." + +"And did he?" I asked in curiosity. + +"Yes. At first I hated to let him do it,--he looked so +disreputable,--but then I thought it might be an application for a +position, and so told him to go ahead." + +"Who did he write to? do you know?" + +"Somebody in Chicago, I think." + +"Do you remember the name?" + +"He tried the pen on a slip of paper first. It wouldn't work very +well. But I think the name was Holtzmann, or something similar." + +I determined to remember the name, thinking it might prove of value +sometime. + +"The thing of it is," broke in Henry Morse, "what has become of this +Stumpy? If he stole the Widow Canby's money, it's high time somebody +was after him." + +"That's true," ejaculated another. "Have you any idea which way the +fellow went?" + +Of course I had not. Indeed, I was hardly in condition to do any +rational thinking, much less form an opinion. The thief might be in +hiding close at hand, or he might be miles away. + +"Some of us had better make a search," put in another. "Come, boys, +we'll spread out and scour the woods." + +"That's a good idea," said Tony Parsons, the constable of the town. +"Meanwhile, Roger Strong, let us go to Judge Penfold's house and put +the case in his hands. He'll get out a warrant, and perhaps a reward." + +I thought this was a good idea, and readily assented, first, however, +getting one of the boys to promise that he would call at the widow's +house and quiet Kate's fears concerning my whereabouts. + +It was now early morning, and we had no difficulty in making our way +through the woods to the main road. + +"Guess we won't find the judge up yet," remarked Tony Parsons as we +hurried along. "I've never yet found him out of bed afore seven +o'clock. It will make him mighty mad to get up afore this time." + +"I'm sorry to disturb him," I replied, with something of awe at the +thought of rousing a magistrate of the law. + +"But it's got to be done," went on Parsons, with a grave shake of his +head, "unless we all want to be murdered and robbed in our beds!" + +"That's true. I'd give all I'm worth to catch that tramp." + +"Reckon Widow Canby'll be dreadfully cut up when she hears about the +robbery." + +"I suppose so." + +"She may blame you, Roger. You see if it was anybody else, it would be +different. But being as it's you, why--" + +"I know what you mean," I returned bitterly. "No one in Darbyville +believes I can be honest." + +"I ain't saying nothing against you, Roger," returned Parsons, +hastily. "I reckon you ain't no worse than any other boy. But you know +what public sentiment is." + +"So I do; but public sentiment isn't always right," was my spirited +answer. + +"Who did you say those boys were that tied you up?" went on the +constable, to change the subject. + +"Duncan Woodward was the principal one." + +"Phew! Reckon he didn't think tying you up would prove such a serious +matter." + +"If it hadn't been for that, the robbery might have been prevented. I +would have been home guarding the widow's property, as she expected me +to do." + +"Reckon so you would." + +"In a certain sense I hold Duncan Woodward and his followers +responsible for what has occurred." + +"Phew! What will Mr. Woodward say to that, I wonder?" + +"I can't help what he says. I'm not going to bear all the blame when +it isn't my fault." + +"No, neither would I." + +At length we reached the outskirts of the town. Judge Penfold lived at +the top of what was termed the Hill, the aristocratic district of the +place, and thither we made our way. + +"Indeed, but the judge ain't stirring yet!" exclaimed the Irish girl +who came to answer our summons at the door. + +"Then wake him at once," said Parsons. "Tell him there has been a most +atrocious robbery and assault committed." + +"Mercy on us!" said the girl, lifting up her hands in horror. "And who +was it, Mr. Parsons?" + +"Never mind who it was. Go at once." + +"I will that! Robbery and assault. Mercy on us!" + +And leaving us standing in the hall, the hired girl sped up the front +stairway. + +"The judge will be down as soon as he can," she reported on her +return. + +We waited as patiently as we could. While doing so I revolved what had +occurred over in my mind, and came to the conclusion that the crime +would be a difficult one to trace. John Stumpy had probably made good +use of his time, knowing that even if I had lost my life in the fire +my sister would still recognize him as the thief. + +Suddenly I thought of the written confession that must yet remain in +my pocket, and I was on the point of assuring myself that it was still +safe when a heavy foot-step sounded overhead, and Judge Penfold came +down. + +The judge was a tall, slender men of fifty, with hollow cheeks, a +pointed nose, and a sharp chin. His voice was of a peculiarly high and +rasping tone, and his manner far from agreeable. + +"What's the trouble?" he demanded, and it was plain to see that he did +not relish having his early morning sleep broken. + +"Widow Canby's house was robbed last night," replied the constable; +and he gave the particulars. + +Judge Penfold was all ears at once. Indeed, it may be as well to state +that he was a widower and had paid Widow Canby much attention, which, +however, I well knew that good lady heartily resented. No doubt he +thought if he could render her any assistance it would help along his +suit. + +"We must catch the fellow at once," he said. "Parsons, you must catch +him without fail." + +"Easier said than done, judge," replied the constable, doubtfully. +"Where am I to look for him? The country around here is pretty large." + +"No matter. You are constable, and it is your duty to seek him out. I +will sign the warrant for his arrest, and you must have him in jail by +to-night, without fail." + +"I'll do what I can, judge," returns Parsons, meekly. + +"Strong, I'll have to bind you over as a witness." + +"Bind me over?" I queried in perplexity. "What do you mean?" + +"Hold you, unless you can give a bond to appear when wanted." + +"But I had nothing to do with the burglary." + +"You are principal accuser of this John Stumpy." + +"Well, I'll promise to be on hand whenever wanted." + +"That is not sufficient. Your character is--is not--ahem! of the +best, and--" + +"Why is my character not of the best?" I demanded. + +"Well, ahem! Your father, you see--" + +"Is innocent." + +"Perhaps--perhaps, but, nevertheless, I will have to hold you. +Parsons, I will leave him in your charge." + +"You have no right to arrest me," I cried, for I knew very little of +the law. + +"What's that?" demanded Judge Penfold, pompously. "You forget I am the +judge of that." + +"I don't care," I burst out. "I have done no wrong." + +"It ain't that, Roger. Many innocent men are held as witnesses," put +in Parsons. + +"But I've got to attend to Mrs. Canby's business," I explained. + +"I fancy Mrs. Canby would rather get on the track of her money," said +Judge Penfold severely. "Can you furnish bail?" + +I did not know that I could. The woman who had been robbed was my only +friend, and she was away. + +"Then you'll have to take him to the lockup, Parsons." + +This news was far from agreeable. It would be no pleasant thing to be +confined in the Darbyville jail, not to say anything of the anxiety it +might cause Kate. Besides, I wanted to follow up John Stumpy. I was +certain I could do it fully as well as the constable. + +"Come, Roger, there is no help for it," said Parsons, as I still +lingered. "It's the law, and it won't do any good to kick." + +"Maybe not, but, nevertheless, it isn't fair." + +We walked out into the front hall, the judge following us. + +"Of course if you can get bail any time during the day I will let you +go," he said; "I will be down in my office from nine to twelve and two +to four." + +"Will you offer a reward for the capture of the man?" I asked. + +"I cannot do that. The freeholders of the county attend to all such +matters. Parsons, no doubt, will find the scoundrel." + +As the judge finished there was a violent ringing of the door bell. +Judge Penfold opened the door and was confronted by Mr. Aaron +Woodward, who looked pale and excited. + +"Judge, I want you--hello! that boy! Judge, I want that boy arrested +at once! Don't you let him escape!" + +"Want me arrested?" I ejaculated in astonishment. "What for?" + +"You know well enough. You thought to hide your tracks, but I have +found you out. Parsons, don't let him get out of the door. He's a +worse villain than his father was!" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +UNDER ARREST + + +I will not hesitate to state that I was nearly stunned by Mr. Aaron +Woodward's unexpected statement. I knew that when he announced that I +was a worse villain than my father he meant a good deal. + +Yet try as hard as I could it was impossible for me to discover what +he really did mean. I was not conscious of having done him any injury, +either bodily or otherwise. Indeed, of late I had hardly seen the man. +The Widow Canby was not partial to dealings with him, and I never went +near him on my own account. + +It was plain to see that the merchant was thoroughly aroused. His face +was pale with anger, and the look he cast upon me was one of bitter +resentment. For the instant he eyed me as if he intended to spring +upon me and choke the life out of my body, and involuntarily I shrank +back. But then I recollected that the minions of the law who stood +beside me would not allow such a course of procedure, and this made me +breathe more freely. + +"Yes, sir; he's a worse villain than his father!" repeated Mr. Aaron +Woodward, turning to Judge Penfold; "a most accomplished villain, +sir." And he shook his fist within an inch of my nose. + +"What have I done to you, Mr. Woodward?" I demanded, as soon as I +could speak. + +"Done, sir? You know very well what you've done, you young rascal!" +puffed the merchant. "Oh, but I'll make you pay dearly for your +villainy." + +"I've committed no villainy," I returned warmly. "If you refer to the +way I treated Duncan this morning, why all I've got to say is that it +was his own fault, and I can prove it." + +"Treated Duncan? Oh, pshaw! This is far more serious affair than a +boy's quarrel. Don't let him escape, Parsons"--the last to the +constable, who had his hand on my shoulder. + +"No fear, sir," was Parson's reply. "He's already under arrest." + +"Under arrest?" repeated the merchant quickly. "Then you've already +heard--" + +"He is ahem--only under detention as a witness," spoke up Judge +Penfold. "I do not think he had anything to do with the theft of the +widow's money." + +"Widow's money! What do you mean?" + +In a few words Judge Penfold explained the situation. "Isn't this what +you came about?" he asked then. + +"Indeed, no, sir. My affair is far more important--at least to me. +But you can make up your mind that Strong's story is purely fiction. +He is undoubtedly the real culprit, undoubtedly. Takes after his +father." + +"My father was an honest man!" I cried out. "I don't care what you or +any one may say! Some day he will be cleared of the stain on his +name." + +"Oh, undoubtedly," sneered Mr. Woodward. "Mean while, however, the +community at large had better keep a sharp eye on his son. Whom do you +assert stole the Widow Canby's money?" + +"A tramp." + +"Humph! A likely story." + +"It's true. His name was John Stumpy." + +"John Stumpy!" + +As Mr. Aaron Woodwind uttered the name, all the color forsook his +face. + +"Yes, sir. And he claimed to know you," I went on, my curiosity amused +over the merchant's show of feeling. + +"It's a falsehood! I never heard of such a man," cried Mr. Woodward, +but his face belied his words. + +"Well, what is your charge against Strong?" asked Judge Penfold, +impatiently, probably tired of being so utterly ignored in the +discussion. + +The merchant hesitated. + +"I prefer to speak to you about the matter in private," he said +sourly. + +"That isn't fair. He ought to tell me what I am accused of," I cried, +"Every one who is arrested has a right to know that. I have done no +wrong and I am not afraid." + +"All assumed bravery, Judge Penfold; quite assumed, sir." + +"No, sir. Tell me why you want me locked up," I repeated. + +But instead of replying Mr. Woodward drew Judge Penfold to the rear +end of the hall and began to speak in so low a tone that I could not +catch a word. + +"You don't mean it!" I heard the judge say presently. "Come into the +library and give me the particulars." + +The two men passed into the room, closing the door tightly behind +them. They were gone nearly quarter of an hour--a long wait for me. I +wondered what could be the nature of Mr. Woodward's accusation against +me, but failed to solve the mystery. + +At length they came out. Judge Penfold's face was a trifle sterner +than before. Mr. Woodward looked pleased, as if his argument had +proven conclusive. + +"You will take Strong to the jail at once," said the judge to Parsons +"and tell Booth to be careful of his prisoner." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Don't let him escape," added Aaron Woodward, anxiously. "Don't let +him escape, sir, under any circumstances." + +"No fear," was Parsons's ready answer. "I never had one of 'em give me +the slip yet." + +And with great gravity he drew from his pocket a pair of ancient +handcuffs, one of which he attached to my wrist and the other to his +own. + +"Come, Roger. Better take it easy," he said. "No use of kicking. +March!" + +"But I'd like to know something about this," I protested. "What +right--" + +"It is all quite legal," put in Judge Penfold, pompously. "I +understand the law perfectly." + +"But--" + +"Say no more. Parsons, take him away." + +"I shall see you later," whispered Mr. Woodward in my ear as the +constable hurried me off. + +The next instant we were on the street. Arrests in Darbyville were +rare, and by the time we reached the jail we had a goodly following of +boys and idle men, all anxious to know what was up. + +"He stole the Widow Canby's money," I heard one man whisper, to which +another replied:-- + +"Light fingered, eh? Must take after his father. I always knew the +Strongs couldn't be trusted." + +The jail was a small affair, being nothing more than the loft over a +carpenter shop. The jailer was a round-faced man named Booth, who +filled in his spare time by doing odd jobs of carpentering in the shop +downstairs. We found him hard at work glueing some doors together. I +knew him tolerably well, and he evinced considerable surprise at +seeing me in custody. + +"What, Roger; arrested! What for?" + +"That's what I would like to know," I returned. + +In a few words Parsons told him what was to be done, and Booth led the +way upstairs. + +"'Tain't a very secure place," he returned. "Reckon I'll have to nail +down some of the windows unless you'll give me your word not to run +away." + +"I'll promise nothing," was my reply. "I'm being treated unfairly, and +I shall do as I think best." + +"Then I'll fasten everything as tight as a drum," returned Booth. + +Going below, he secured a hammer and some nails, with which he secured +the windows and the scuttle on the roof. + +"Reckon it's tight enough now," he said. "Just wait, Parsons, till I +get him a bucket of water." + +This was done, and then the two men left me, closing and locking the +door of the enclosed staircase behind them. + +The loft was empty, saving a nail keg that stood in one corner of the +floor. Pulling this out, I sat down to think matters over. + +Try my best I could not imagine what charge Mr. Aaron Woodward had +brought against me. Yet such had been his earnestness that for the +nonce everything else was driven from my mind. + +The sounds of talking below interrupted my meditations. I recognized +Kate's voice, and the next moment my sister stood beside me. + +"Oh, Roger!" was all she could say, and catching me by the arm she +burst into tears. + +"Don't take it so hard, Kate," I said. "Make sure it will all come out +right in the end." + +"But to be arrested like--like a thief! Oh, Roger, it is dreadful!" + +"Never mind. I have done no wrong, and I'm not afraid of the result. +Have they heard anything of John Stumpy yet?" + +"Dick Blair says not. Mr. Parsons and the rest are after him, but he +seems to have disappeared for good--and Mrs. Canby's money with him." + +"Have you heard from her yet?" + +"No; but I've written her a letter and just posted it to Norfolk." + +"She won't get it till day after to-morrow." + +"What will she say? Oh, Roger, do you think--" + +"No, I don't. The widow always trusted me, and I know she'll take my +word now. She is not so narrow-minded as the very folks who look down +on her." + +"But it is awful! Over two hundred dollars! We can never make it up. +We've only got twenty-eight!" + +"We can't exactly be called upon to make it up--" I began. + +"But we'll want to," put in Kate, hastily. + +"I'd feel better if we did. The widow has always been so kind to us." + +"How long must you stay here?" + +"I don't know. As long as Judge Penfold sees fit, I suppose." + +"If only they could catch this John Stumpy." + +"I hope so--for other reasons than those you know, Kate." + +"Other reasons?" + +"Yes; very important ones, too. John Stumpy knew father well. And he +was mixed up in that--that miserable affair." + +"Oh, Roger, how do you know?" + +"I heard him say so. Besides, he dropped a letter that proved it. I +have the letter in my pocket now. It's the dying statement of one +Nicholas Weaver--" + +"Nicholas Weaver! He was a clerk with father!" + +"So I thought. Who Stumpy is, though, I don't know. Do you?" + +"No; but his face I'm sure I've seen before. Let me see the letter. +Have you read it?" + +"No; I hadn't time to spell it out, it is so badly written. Maybe you +can read it." + +"I'll try," replied Kate. "Hand it over." + +I put my hand in my pocket to do so. The statement was gone! + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +AARON WOODWARD'S VISIT + + +Puzzled and dismayed, I made a rapid search of my clothes--first one +pocket and then another. It was useless. Beyond a doubt the statement +was nowhere about my person. + +I was quite sure it had not been taken from me. Strange as it may +seem, neither Parsons nor Booth had searched me. Perhaps they deemed +it useless to take away the possessions of a poor country boy. My +jack-knife and other odds and ends were still in their accustomed +places. + +"It's gone!" I gasped, when I was certain that such was a fact. + +"Gone?" repeated Kate. + +"Yes, gone, and I don't know where. They didn't take it from me. I +must have lost it." + +"Oh, Roger, and it was so important!" + +"I know it, Kate. It must have dropped from my pocket down at the tool +house. Perhaps if I go down I can find it." + +"Go down?" she queried. + +"Oh, I forgot I was a prisoner." + +"Never mind, Roger. I'll go down myself." + +"Aren't you afraid?" + +"Not now. I wouldn't have been of this Stumpy only he came on me so +suddenly. I'll go at once." + +"You'd better," said a voice behind her. "Your five minutes is up, +Miss Kate." And Booth appeared at the head of the stairs and motioned +her down. + +"Good-by, Roger. I'm so sorry to leave you here alone." + +"It's not such a dreadful place," I rejoined lightly. "If you discover +anything, let me know at once." + +"Be sure I will." And with this assurance Kate was gone. + +I was as sorry for her as I was for myself. I knew all she would have +to face in public--the mean things people would say to her, the +snubbing she would be called on to bear. + +The loss of the statement rendered me doubly downhearted. Oh, how much +I had counted on it, assuring myself over and over again that it would +surely clear my father's name! + +Hardly had my sister left me than there were more voices below, and I +heard Mr. Woodward tell Booth that he had an order from Judge Penfold +for a private interview with me. + +"Better go right upstairs then, Mr. Woodward," was the jailer's reply. +"He's all alone." + +I wondered what the merchant's visit could portend, but had little +time for speculation. + +"So, sir, they've got you fast," said Mr. Woodward sharply as he faced +me. "Fast, and no mistake." + +"What do you want?" I demanded boldly, coming at once to the front. + +"What do I want?" repeated the merchant, looking behind him to make +sure that Booth had not followed him. "What do I want? Why, I want to +help you, Strong, that's what I want." + +I could not help but smile. The idea of Mr. Woodward helping any one, +least of all myself! + +"The only way you can help me is to set me free," I returned. + +"Oh, I can't do that. You are held on the Canby charge solely." + +"But you told me you wanted me arrested." + +"So I did, but I intend to give you a chance--that is, if you will do +what I want." + +"But why did you want me arrested?" + +"You know well enough, Strong." + +"On the contrary, I haven't the least idea." + +"Stuff and nonsense. See here, if you want to get off without further +trouble, hand over those papers." + +"What papers?" + +"The papers you took last night," replied Mr. Woodward, sharply. + +I was truly astonished. How in the world had he found out about the +statement dropped by Stumpy? Was it possible there had been a meeting +between the two? It looked like it. + +"I haven't got the papers," I rejoined. + +"Don't tell me a falsehood sir," he thundered. + +"It's true." + +"Do you deny you have the packet?" + +"I do." + +"Come, Strong, that story won't answer. Hand it over." + +"I haven't it." + +"Where is it?" + +"I lost it," I replied, before I had time to think. + +"Lost it!" he cried anxiously. + +"Yes, sir," I returned boldly, resolved to make the best of it, now +the cat was out of the bag. "Either that or it was stolen from me." + +He looked at me in silence for a moment. + +"Do you expect me to believe all your lies?" he demanded finally. + +"I don't care what you believe," I answered. "I tell the truth. And +one question I want to ask you, Aaron Woodward. Why are you so anxious +to gain possession of Nicholas Weaver's dying statement?" + +The merchant gave a cry of astonishment, nay, horror. He turned pale +and glared at me fiercely. + +"Nicholas Weaver's dying statement!" he ejaculated. "What do you know +of Nicholas Weaver?" + +Now I had spoken I was almost sorry I had said what I had. Yet I could +not but notice the tremendous effect my words had produced. + +"Never mind what I know," I replied. "Why do you take an interest in +it?" + +"I? I don't know anything about it," he faltered. "I hardly knew +Nicholas Weaver." + +"Indeed? Yet you want his statement." + +"No, I don't. I don't know anything about his statement," he continued +doggedly. "I want my papers. I don't care a rap about any one else's." + +It was now my turn to be astonished. Evidently I had been on the wrong +track from the beginning. + +"If you don't want his statement, I'm sure I don't know what you do +want," I rejoined, and I spoke the exact truth. + +"Don't tell lies, Strong. You know well enough. Hand them over." + +"Hand what over?" + +"The packet of papers." + +"I haven't any packet." + +"Strong, if you don't do as I demand, I'll send you to prison after +your father." + +"I can't help it. I haven't any papers. If you don't believe me, +search me." + +"Where have you hidden them?" + +"I never had them to hide." + +"I know better, sir, I know better," he fumed. + +I made no reply. What could I say? + +"Do you hear me, Strong?" + +For reply I walked over to the slatted window and began to whistle. My +action only increased the merchant's anger. + +"For the last time, Strong, will you give up the papers?" he cried. + +"For the last time, Mr. Woodward, let me say I haven't got them, never +had them, and, therefore, cannot possibly give them up." + +"Then you shall go to prison, sir. Mark my word,--you shall go to +prison!" + +And with this parting threat the merchant hurried down the loft steps +and rapped loudly for Booth to come and let him out. + +When he was gone, I sat down again to think over the demand he had +made upon me. To what papers did he refer? In vain I cudgelled my +brain to elicit an answer. + +He spoke about sending me to prison, and in such tones as if it were +an easy matter to do. Assuredly he must have some grounds upon which +to base so positive an assertion. + +No doubt he was now on his way to Judge Penfold's office to swear out +the necessary papers. I did not know much about the law, but I +objected strongly to going to prison. Once in a regular lockup, the +chances of getting out would be indeed slim. + +I reasoned that the best thing to do was to escape while there was a +chance. Perhaps I was wrong in this conclusion, but I was only a +country boy, and I had a horror of stone walls and iron bars. + +Escape! No sooner had the thought entered my mind than I was wrapped +up in it. Undoubtedly it was the best thing to do. Freedom meant not +only liberty, but also a chance to hunt down John Stumpy and clear my +father's name. + +I looked about the loft for the best means of accomplishing my +purpose. As I have said, the place was over a carpenter shop. The roof +was sloping to the floor, and at each end was a small window heavily +slatted. + +The distance to the ground from the window was not less than fifteen +feet, rather a long drop even if I could manage to get the slats +loose, which I doubted, for I had no tools at hand. + +I resolved to try the door, and was about to do so when I heard the +bolts shoot back and Booth appeared. + +For an instant I thought to trip him up and rush past him, but he +stood on the steps completely blocking the way. + +"All right, Roger?" he asked. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Quite com'table, boy?" + +"As comfortable as any one could be in such a place," I rejoined +lightly. + +"'Tain't exactly a parlor," he chuckled. "No easy chairs or sofys; +but the food's good. I'm a-going to get it for you now. Then after +that maybe the judge will call around. I'll bring the dinner in a +minute." + +He climbed downstairs, bolting the door after him. + +In five minutes--or ten at the most--I knew he would be back. After +that there was no telling how long he would stay. + +Now, therefore, was the proper time to escape, now or never! + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A SURPRISE + + +No time must be lost. Booth lived but a short hundred feet from the +jail, if such it might be called, and if his wife had dinner ready it +would not take him long to bring it. + +I surveyed the room in which I was incarcerated critically. Escape by +either window was, as I have intimated, out of the question. On +account of its height, the scuttle was also not to be considered. + +Apparently nothing remained to try but the door. Running down the +steps, I looked it over. It was of solid oak planking, an inch thick, +and fastened at both top and bottom. + +It was a hard thing to tackle, especially with no tools, and, after +surveying it, I went upstairs again to search for something that might +do as a pry. + +I could see nothing but the empty nail keg, and I could discover no +use at first in this until the idea struck me of wedging it between +one of the lower steps and the door, and, by jumping upon it, forcing +the bottom bolt. + +With some difficulty I placed the keg in position and brought down my +full weight upon it. The first time the bolt merely creaked, but the +second there was a snap, and the lower part of the door burst outward +several inches. + +The bottom bolt had yielded, and now only the top one remained. But to +reach this was a difficult matter, as no purchase could be had against +it. + +While considering the situation, I imagined I heard my jailer +returning, and my heart jumped into my throat. What if Booth should +see the damage I had done? I reckoned that things would go hard with +me if it became known that I had attempted to break jail. Judge +Penfold would surely give me the full penalty of the law. + +But the approach of Booth was only imaginary, and, after a brief +interval of silence, I breathed freer. + +I ascends the stairs once more to see if I could not find something +besides the keg to assist me. If only I had a plank or a beam, I might +use it as a battering-ram. + +The thought of a plank led me to examine the floor, and, going over it +carefully, I soon came to a short board, one end of which was loose. +Raising it, I pulled with all my might, and the board came up. + +I was astonished to see that it made an opening into the shop below. I +had imagined that the floor or ceiling was of double thickness. + +This gave me a new idea. Why not escape through the floor? To pry up +another board would perhaps be easier than to force the door. + +I tried the board next to the opening. The end was somewhat rotted, +and it came up with hardly an effort. + +In another moment the opening would be large enough to allow the +passage of my body. Putting the first board under the edge of the +second, I bore down upon it. + +As I did so I heard a noise that alarmed me greatly. It was the sound +of Booth returning, and the next instant the carpenter had opened the +outer door and entered. + +In one hand he carried a tray containing my dinner. He crossed the +floor directly under me without looking up. Then his eyes caught the +shattered door and he gave a loud exclamation. + +"By ginger! If that boy ain't gone and escaped!" + +He set down the tray with a rattle and tried to pull the door open. +But the top bolt had become displaced, and it was several seconds +before it could be shot back. + +Meanwhile I was not idle. As quietly as I could I tore up the second +board. The deed was done just as Booth stumbled over the keg on his +way up the stairs. + +As my jailer appeared at the top, I let my body through the opening. +It was a tight squeeze, especially when accomplished in a hurry. I +landed in a heap on a pile of shavings. + +"Stop! stop!" called out Booth. "Roger, don't you hear me?" + +I certainly did hear him, but paid no attention to his words. My one +thought was to get away as quickly as possible. + +"If you don't stop, I'll shoot you," went on Booth at the top of his +voice. "Don't you know breaking jail is a--a felony?" + +I did not know what kind of a crime it was. I had made up my mind to +escape, and intended to do so, even if such a deed constituted +manslaughter. I made a break for the door and passed out just as Booth +came tramping down the stairs. + +I ran across the yard that separated the carpenter shop from the +house. As I did so, Mrs. Booth appeared at the back door. Upon seeing +me she held up her hands in horror. + +"Mercy on us! Roger Strong! Where be you a-running to? 'Zekel! 'Zekel! +the prisoner's broke loose!" + +"I know it, Mandy!" I heard Ezekiel Booth answer. "Dunno how he did +it, though. Stop, Roger, it's best now; jest you mark my word!" + +I heard no more. Jumping the side fence, I ran through a bit of +orchard and across a stony lot until I reached the Pass River. + +At this point this body of water was several hundred feet wide. The +bank sloped directly to the water's edge. Near at hand were several +private boat-houses, one belonging to Mr. Aaron Woodward, he having +built it to please Duncan. + +At the end of the boat-house pier lay a skiff, the oars resting upon +the seats. I knew it was wrong to make use of the craft, but +"necessity knows no law," and my need was great. + +Running down to the end of the pier, I dropped into the boat and +shoved off. As I did so, Duncan Woodward, accompanied by Pultzer, came +out of the boat-house. + +"Hi, there, what are you doing in my boat?" he sang out. "What, Roger +Strong!" he continued as he came nearer. + +"You must lend me the boat, Duncan," I returned. "I've got to cross +the river in a hurry." + +"Not much! I thought you were in jail." + +"Not just now," I replied. "You can get your boat on the other side." + +"Hold up! You shan't have her. Come back!" + +But I was already pulling out into the stream. He continued to shout +after me, and presently I saw the two joined by Booth, and all watched +me in dismay as I made for the opposite shore. + +Reaching the bank, I beached the boat high up and then climbed to the +roadway that ran beside the stream. Trees and bushes were thick here, +and I had but little difficulty in hiding from the view of those +opposite. + +For a moment I hesitated as to which way to proceed. A number of miles +down the stream lay Newville, of which I have already spoken. Probably +my pursuers would think I had gone in that direction. If so, they +would hasten to the bridge below, with the intention of cutting me +off. + +I therefore started immediately on my way up the river road, resolved +to put as much ground as possible between myself and my pursuers. I +had no definite destination in view, but thought to gain some +hiding-place where I might rest secure and think things over. + +It was now going on to two o'clock in the afternoon, and as I had not +had anything to eat since the noon previous, I began to feel decidedly +hungry. I felt in my pocket and discovered that I was the possessor of +sixty-five cents, and with this amount of cash I did not see any +reason for my remaining hungry any longer. + +Presently I came to a small, white cottage, upon the front porch of +which was displayed the sign + + BOARDING + +Ascending the steps, I knocked at the door, and a comely, middle-aged +woman answered my summons. + +"I see that you take boarders here," I said, "I am hungry, and several +miles from any restaurant. Can you furnish me with dinner?" + +She looked me over rather sharply before replying. Then I realize for +the first time that my appearance was not of the best. My clothes were +considerably the worse for having rolled over and over in the old tool +house, and in escaping from my prison I had made several rents in my +coat. + +"I will pay you whatever you charge," I added hastily, "and I would +like to wash and brush up, too; I have had a tumble," which was +literally true. + +"I can let you have dinner for twenty-five cent," she said finally. "I +won't charge you anything for cleaning up," she added, with something +like a smile. "Will you mind paying in advance?" + +"No, ma'am," and I handed over the money. "I suppose I won't have to +wait very long." + +"Oh, no, the regular boarders have just finished. You can sit right +down." + +"If you don't mind, I'll take a wash first." + +The woman led the way to an ante-room, in which were placed a bowl of +water, towel, and soap, as well as a dust brush. It did not take me +long to fix myself up, and then I flattered myself I did not present +an unbecoming appearance. + +The dinner that the woman served was not as good as that which my +sister Kate helped to prepare at the Widow Canby's, but it was +wholesome food, and my sharpened appetite made it disappear rapidly. + +As I ate I reflected upon my situation. For the life of me I did not +know what to do next. I longed to see my sister and tell her that I +was safe. This done, I intended to devote my time to hunting up the +man who I firmly believed held my father's reputation in his hand. I +was sure I would discover him sooner or later, and this accomplished, +I would not let him out of my sight until he had confessed his secret. +I wondered if Kate had succeeded in finding that precious statement I +had lost. Heartily did I reproach myself for not having taken better +care of it. + +Having satisfied myself upon the substantial things set before me, I +finished my meal with a small cut of apple pie. + +As I was swallowing the last mouthful I glanced out of the window up +the road, and gave a cry of surprise. And no wonder, for coming toward +the house was Mr. Aaron Woodward, and beside him walked John Stumpy! + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION + + +I could hardly believe the evidence of my senses when I saw Mr. Aaron +Woodward coming up the road with John Stumpy beside him. It would have +astonished me to have seen the merchant alone, but to see him in +company with the very man I was looking for was more than I had +thought possible. + +Yet I reflected that the tramp--or whatever the man was--had evinced +a determination to secure an interview with Mr. Woodward before +quitting Darbyville. There was important business to be transacted +between them. Mr. John Stumpy intended to have his say, whatever that +might mean. + +What was to be done? It would never do for me to be seen. Nothing +short of arrest would follow. I must get out of the way as quickly as +possible. + +During the time I had been eating, the sky had become overcast as if a +shower was imminent. Taking advantage of this fact I rose quickly and +reached for my hat. + +"Guess we're going to have a thunder shower," I remarked. "Hope it +holds off. I don't want to get wet." + +"Then you'll have to hurry," rejoined the woman as she looked out of +the door. "Looks as if it would be here in less than quarter of an +hour." + +"Then I'm off. Good day." + +"Good day. Come again." + +I slipped out of the door, and passing behind a hedge, made my way to +the road. As I did so, Mr. Woodward and Stumpy turned from the highway +and walked directly up the gravel path that led to the house! + +I was dumfounded by this movement. What did they mean by going to the +very place I had just vacated? Was it possible they had seen me? + +I earnestly hoped not; for if so, it would spoil a little plan that +had just come to me, which was to follow them, see what they were up +to, and, if possible, overhear whatever might be said. + +I was soon convinced that neither of the men was aware of my presence. +They were talking earnestly and stepped up on the porch just as +ordinary visitors would have done. In a moment the woman let them in +and the door closed behind them. + +My curiosity was aroused to its highest pitch, and at the risk of +being discovered by any one who might chance to be passing by I walked +cautiously back along the hedge until I reached a clump of rose bushes +that grew directly under one of the dining-room windows. + +The window was open, and by a little manoeuvring I easily managed to +see and hear what was going on within. + +"You came for the rent, I suppose, Mr. Woodward," the woman was +saying. "Joel was going to bring it up to-night. He would have brought +it over this morning, only he thought it was going to rain and he had +some hay he wanted to get in." + +"Yes, I did come for the rent, Mrs. Decker," replied the merchant. +"It's due several days now." + +"I have it here--thirty dollars. Here is the receipt book." + +There was the rustle of bills and the scratching of a pen. + +"Here you are, Mrs. Decker." + +"Thank you, sir. Now we'll be worry free for another month." + +"So you are. Nothing like being prompt." + +"My husband was going to speak to you about the roof. It leaks +dreadfully." + +"Pooh! That can't be. Why, it was patched only two years ago." + +"You are wrong, Mr. Woodward. It is four years, and then but very +little was done to it." + +"It cost near twelve dollars," growled the merchant. "You can't expect +me to be fixing up the house all the time." + +"It leaks very badly." + +"Then your husband will have to attend to it. I can't spend any more +money this year." + +"I don't know what we'll do. I wish you would just step outside and +look up at the shingles. Nearly all of them are ready to fall off." + +I was alarmed by Mrs. Decker's request. Suppose the trio should come +out? I would surely be discovered. But my fears were groundless, as +the next words of Mr. Woodward proved. + +"I can't go out now, madam, not now. I haven't time. I have a little +business to transact with this man, and then I must return to +Darbyville." + +"I'm sorry--" began the woman. + +"So am I; but it cannot be helped. Can I use this room for a while?" + +By the look upon Mrs. Decker's face it was plain to see she wanted to +say, "No, you can't," but she hardly dared to speak the words, so she +gave an icy assent and withdrew. + +The merchant followed her to the door and saw that it was closed +tightly behind her. Then he strode across the room and faced John +Stumpy. + +"Wall, sir, now we'll have an accounting," he began in an +authoritative voice. + +"So we will, Woody," returned John Stumpy, in no wise abashed by the +other's manner. + +The merchant winced at the use of a nickname, but after an instant's +hesitation passed it over. + +"What do you mean by coming to Darbyville, sir, when I have repeatedly +written you to stay away?" + +"Oh, come, Woody, don't get on your high horse," was Stumpy's +response, as he swung back in the rocker he occupied. "You know I +never could stand your high-toned ways." + +"I flatter myself I am a trifle above common people," returned Mr. +Woodward, and it was plain to see where Duncan got his arrogant +manner. + +"Oh, pshaw! don't make me tired," yawned Stumpy. "Come, let's to +business." + +"I am at business. Why did you come here?" + +"You know well enough. Didn't I write to you?" + +"Yes, and got my answer. We've squared up accounts, sir." + +"Don't 'sir' me,--it don't go down," cried Stumpy, angrily. "We +haven't squared up, not by a jugful,--not till you hand over some +more cash." + +"I've handed over enough now." + +"No, you hain't. Do you think I'm going to do all your work for +nothing?" + +"You were well paid." + +"It's only you as thinks so; I don't." + +"How much more do you want?" + +"A thousand dollars." + +The largeness of the demand fairly took away my breath. As for Mr. +Aaron Woodward, he was beside himself. + +"A thousand dollars!" he said. "Why, you're crazy, sir." + +"No, I ain't; I mean just what I say." + +"You expect me to pay you a thousand dollars?" + +"Of course I do. I wouldn't ask it if I didn't." + +"See here, Fer--" + +"Sh!--John Stumpy, if you please." + +"That's so, I forgot. But see here, a thousand dollars! Why, I've +already paid you that." + +"So you have. Now I want another thousand and then we'll cry quits." + +Mr. Aaron Woodward grew white with rage. "I never heard of such an +outrageous demand," he cried. "I'll never pay it." + +"Oh, yes, you will," rejoined the other, coolly. "Aaron Woodward never +yet acted rashly." + +"Suppose I refuse to pay?" + +"Better not; I'm a bad man when I am aroused." + +"I don't fear you. You can do nothing to me." + +"Oh, yes, I can. I can tell ugly stories about Mr. Aaron Woodward; +stories concerning his doings when he was collector for Holland & +Mack." + +"And who would believe you?" sneered the merchant. "You, a common +tramp--" + +"Tramp, am I--" interrupted John Stumpy, with a scowl. "If I am, who +made me so?" + +"Your own self and the bottle. Do you think you can hurt me? +Nonsense!" + +"I can try." + +"And who will believe you, I repeat? A common tramp--whom the police +are now hunting for, because of a robbery that occurred only last +night." + +"'Tain't so!" + +"It is. You broke into the Widow Canby's house and stole over two +hundred dollars." + +In spite of the dirt on his face, John Stumpy grew pale. + +"Who can prove it?" + +"Several people. Carson Strong's son, for one." + +Stumpy sprang to his feet. Then almost as suddenly sat down. + +"Didn't know he had a son," he said, as carelessly as he could. + +"Yes, you did," returned the merchant, flatly. "I think, Fer--Stumpy, +I know a little more about you than you do about me." + +Bitter hatred spread itself over the tramp's face. + +"Oh, ho, you do, do you? Well, we'll see. 'Them laughs best as laughs +last.' If you won't pay, I'm off." + +He rose to his feet and reached for his hat, Mr. Woodward intercepted +him. + +"Where are you going?" + +"That's my business. I want you to know I didn't come on all the way +from Chicago for nothing." + +"Are you hard up?" + +"Yes, I am. I want money, and I'm going to have it." + +"How about the two hundred dollars you stole last night?" + +Stumpy hesitated. + +"Well, if you want to know the truth, I lost the money," he said. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE PRICE OF SILENCE + + +For a moment I was staggered by John Stumpy's announcement. Was it +possible he was telling the truth? If so, the chances of recovering +the Widow Canby's money would assume a different shape. To arrest him +would prove a moral satisfaction, but it would not restore the stolen +dollars. + +Occupying the position I did, I was more interested in restoring the +stolen money than I was in having the tramp incarcerated. + +Nothing would have given me greater satisfaction than to have met the +Widow Canby at the depot with the two hundred odd dollars in my +pocket. It would have silenced the public tongue and made my breaking +jail of no consequence. + +But perhaps John Stumpy was telling a falsehood. He was not above such +a thing, and would not hesitate if he thought anything could be gained +thereby. That Mr. Aaron Woodward also guessed such to be a fact was +proven by the words that followed Stumpy's statement. + +"Lost the money?" he ejaculated. "Do you expect me to believe you, +sir?" + +"It's true." + +"Nonsense, sir. Jack Fer--" + +"Sh!" + +"John Stumpy isn't the one to lose over two hundred dollars!" + +"Just what I always said myself, partner, and--" + +"Don't 'partner ' me, sir!" + +"Well, wasn't we all partners in the good times gone by?" + +"No, sir!" + +"I reckon we were. Howsomever, let it pass. Well, as I was saying, I +reckoned I'd never lose any money, leasewise a small pile, but that's +what I have done, and that's why I want you to come down." + +And John Stumpy leaned back in the rocker in a defiant fashion. + +The merchant eyed him sharply in silence for a moment. + +"Where did you lose the money?" he asked at length. + +"How do I know? If I did, don't you suppose I'd go back and pick it +up?" + +"I thought perhaps you were afraid of discovery." + +"Humph! I'm not skeered of any such constables as they have in +Darbyville." + +"But you must have some idea where you dropped it," went on Mr. +Woodward, and I was astonished to see how coolly this man, who always +pretended to be so straightforward, could inquire about stolen money. + +"Not the least," responded John Stumpy. "There was two hundred and +sixty dollars in all. I took out ten and left the rest in the +pocketbook it was in. I've got the ten dollars, and that's all. And +that's why you've got to come down," he went on deliberately. "I'm off +for Chicago to-night, and I'm not going back empty handed." + +"You think I ought to pay you for your own carelessness," returned Mr. +Woodward, coolly. + +"Not a bit of it. You owe me every cent I ask." + +"I don't owe you a penny." + +"You owe me a thousand dollars, and for the last time let me tell you, +you've got to pay or take the consequences." And John Stumpy brought +his fist down on the table with a bang. + +"Hold on; don't make so much noise," cried Mr. Aaron Woodward in +alarm. "There is no use of rousing the household." + +"I don't care. Either you'll come down or I'll rouse the whole of +Darbyville," cried the tramp, vehemently. + +"I haven't any money." + +"You can't tell me that." + +"It's true. Times are getting worse every day." + +"Didn't the woman who lives here just pay you?" + +"Yes; thirty dollars--" + +"And didn't you put the bills in with a big roll in your vest pocket?" +went on Stumpy, triumphantly. + +The merchant bit his lip. + +"That money is to pay a bill that falls due to-morrow," he replied. + +"Well, my 'bill' falls due to-day, and it's got to be met. So come; no +more beating about the bush. We've talked long enough. Now to +business. Do you intend to pay or not?" + +The merchant hesitated. Evidently he was afraid to oppose the other +too strongly. + +"Well, I don't want to let you go without anything," he began. "I'll +let you have twenty-five dollars--" + +John Stumpy jumped up in a passion. "That settles it. I'm done with +you. To-night I'll send a letter to Chris Holtzmann, 897 Sherman +Street, Chicago, and tell him a few things he wants to know, and--" + +"You dare!" almost shrieked Mr. Woodward. "Write a single word to him +and I'll--I'll--" + +"So! ho! You're afraid of him, are you?" + +"No, I'm not, but what's the use of letting him know anything?" + +"Humph! Do you suppose I'd tell him without pay? Not much! I can +easily get him to fork over fifty or a hundred dollars. And he'll make +you pay it back, ten times over." + +Mr. Aaron Woodward sank back in a chair without a word. Evidently he +was completely baffled, and knew not which way to turn. + +As for myself, I was very much in the dark as to what all this was +about. I was certain the past events spoken of pertained to my +father's affairs, but failed to "make connections." + +One thing, however, I did do, and that was to make a note of Mr. Chris +Holtzmann's address. He was the man Stumpy had written to just +previous to the robbery, and he was perhaps one of the persons +concerned in my father's downfall. + +"See here," said the merchant at last. "It's too late for us to +quarrel. What good would an exposure to Holtzmann do?" + +"Never mind. If you won't come to time, I shall do as I please," +growled Stumpy. + +"But a thousand dollars! I haven't got it in cash." + +"You can easily get it." + +"Not so easily as you think. Tell you what I will do. I'll give you a +hundred. But you must give up all evidence you have against me." + +Stumpy gave a short, contemptuous laugh. "You must think me as green +as grass," he sneered. "I'm not giving up any evidence. I'm holding on +to all I've got and gathering more." + +"You have Nicholas Weaver's statement," went on Mr. Woodward, with +interest. + +"So I have. Nick told the truth in it, too." + +"I would like to see it" + +"Of course you would. So would some other people,--Carson Strong's +boy, for instance." + +"Sh!--not so loud." + +"Well, then, don't bring the subject up." + +"Have you the statement with you?" + +"Maybe I haven't; maybe I have." + +"Perhaps it was taken from you," went on Mr. Woodward, curiously. + +"What do you know about that?" Stumpy again jumped to his feet. +"You've been talking to that Strong boy," he cried. + +"Supposing I have?" + +"Well, it didn't do you no good. Say, how much does the young cub +know?" + +"He knows too much for the good of either of us," responded the +merchant. + +"Sorry he wasn't found in the ruins of that tool house," growled the +tramp, savagely. + +This was certainly a fine assertion for me to hear. Yet it was no more +than I would expect from John Stumpy. He was a villain through and +through. + +"You meant to burn him up, did you?" asked Mr. Woodward. + +"And if I had, Mr. Aaron Woodward would never have shed a tear," +laughed John Stumpy. + +"Let me see the statement." + +John Stumpy hesitated. "Hand over the money first, and maybe I will." + +"The hundred dollars?" + +"No, a thousand." + +"Do you suppose I carry so much money with me?" + +"Give me what you have in that roll, and I'll take your word for the +rest." + +The merchant gave something that sounded very much like a groan. + +"Well, I suppose if you insist on it, I must," he said. "I'll give you +what I have, but I won't promise you any more." + +"Hand it over," was Stumpy's laconic reply. He probably thought half a +loaf better than no bread, at all. + +With a heavy sigh Mr. Woodward drew the roll of bills from his pocket +and began to count them over. I was eager to catch sight of them. I +stood on tiptoe and peered into the window. It was an interesting +scene; the sour look upon the merchant's face; the look of greed in +the tramp's eye. In a moment the counting was finished. + +"A hundred and seventy dollars," said Mr. Aaron Woodward. "Here you +are." And he held them out. Stumpy almost snatched them from his hand. + +"There, now that's settled," he said. "Now about--What was that?" + +A noise had disturbed him. While absorbed in what the two were doing I +had given an involuntary cough. + +"Somebody listening," he declared as he thrust the money into his +pocket. + +"We ought to be more careful." + +"Only some one coughing in the next room," returned Mr. Woodward. +"Don't get scared." + +"I ain't scared, but I don't want other folks to know my business. +Reckon you don't either." + +"No, indeed. It's bad enough for me to be seen in your company," +returned Mr. Aaron Woodward, with just a trace of his former lofty +manner. + +"No insinuations, please," was the ready reply. "My hands ain't any +dirtier than yours." + +"Well, well, let's stop quarrelling. Let me see the statement." + +"Will you promise to hand it back if I do?" + +"Why not let me have it?" + +"Never mind why. Will you give it back?" + +"If you insist on it, you shall have it back," was Mr. Woodward's +final reply, seeing that he could gain nothing by parleying. + +Stumpy drew forth the envelope. I anticipated what was coming. + +"Here it is," he said, and handed it over, as he supposed. + +"The envelope is empty," said Mr. Woodward. + +Stumpy looked dumfounded. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +AN ODD STATEMENT + + +Before Mr. Woodward made the announcement just recorded he had walked +close up to the window, probably to get into the light, for the sky +was now darkening rapidly, portending the near breaking out of the +storm I have mentioned. + +In doing this the merchant's back was turned upon his companion, and +for an instant Stumpy had been unable to see what the other was doing. + +When therefore Mr. Woodward declared the envelope to be empty every +action of the tramp indicated that he did not believe the statement. + +"Empty?" he cried hoarsely. + +"Yes, empty," replied the merchant; "and you knew it," he added. + +"No such thing. The statement was inside. Woody, you're trying to play +a sharp game, but it won't work." + +"What do you mean, sir?" + +"You're trying to rob me." + +"Nonsense. I say the envelope was empty." + +"And I say it wasn't. Come, hand over my property." + +"I tell you, Fer--Stumpy, I haven't it." + +"I don't care what you say. You can't play any such game off on me," +rejoined John Stumpy, with increasing anger. + +"I'm only speaking the truth." + +"You ain't. Hand it over, or I'll--" + +John Stumpy caught the merchant by the coat collar. + +"What would you do?" cried Mr. Woodward in alarm, and it was plain to +see he was a coward at heart. + +"I'll choke the life out of you; that's what I'll do. Hand over the +statement." + +"I haven't it, upon my honor." + +"Your honor? Bah! What does that amount to?" + +John Stumpy suddenly shifted his hand from its grasp on the collar to +the merchant's throat. For a moment I thought Mr. Woodward was in +danger of being choked to death. + +"Stop! Stop! Se--search me if you--you want to," he gasped. + +But John Stumpy's passion seemed to have got the better of his reason. +He did not relax his hold in the least. + +A short struggle ensued. The two backed up against the table, and +presently a chair was upset. Of course all this made considerable +noise. Yet neither of the men heeded it. + +Presently the door from the other room swung open, and the two had +hardly time to separate before a tall, lank farmer entered. + +"Hello, what's up?" he asked in a loud, drawling tone. + +For an instant neither spoke, evidently not knowing what to say. + +"We were--were--ahem--trying to--to catch a rat," replied Mr. +Woodward, with an effort. + +"A rat?" + +"Exactly, sir. Had a terrible time with him, Mr. Decker." + +The farmer looked surprised. "So I supposed by the row that was going +on," he said. "Curious. I knew there were rats down to the barn, but I +didn't suppose they came up to the house. What became of him?" + +"Slipped out of the door just now," put in John Stumpy. "There he +goes!" he added, pointing out into the hall. + +Mr. Decker made a spring out of the room. + +"I must ketch him, by gopher!" he cried. "There's enough eat up here +now without having the vermin taking a hand in." + +Mr. Woodward closed the door after the man. + +"Now see to what your actions have brought us," he exclaimed. "If it +hadn't been for my quick wit we'd been in a pretty mess." + +"Not my fault," growled John Stumpy. "Why don't you give up the +statement?" + +I could not help but feel amused at his persistency. His demands upon +the merchant were about on a footing with those Mr. Woodward had made +upon me. + +"If you'll only listen to reason," began the merchant, "I will +prove--" + +The rest of his remark was drowned out in a clap of thunder. Somewhat +startled, I looked up at the sky. + +The black clouds in the south had rolled up rapidly, until now the +entire horizon was covered. The first burst of thunder was succeeded +directly by several others, and then large drops of rain began to +fall. + +The wind blew the drops directly into the window. I crouched down out +of sight, and the next moment Mr. Woodward said:-- + +"It's raining in the window. We'd better close it up." + +Of course directly the window was closed I could hear no longer. I +remained in my position for half a minute or more, and then as the +rain began to pour down rapidly I made a break for better shelter. + +I sought the barn. It was a low, rambling structure, with great wide +doors. No one seemed to be around, and I rushed in without ceremony. I +was pretty fairly soaked, but as it was warm I did not mind the +ducking. I shook out my hat and coat and then sat down to think +matters over. + +What I had heard had not given me much satisfaction. To be sure, it +had proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Aaron Woodward was a thorough +scoundrel, but of this I had been already satisfied in my own mind. + +What was I to do? I had asked myself that question several times, and +now I asked it again. + +If only I could get John Stumpy arrested, perhaps it would be possible +to force him to make a confession. But how was this to be done? + +While I sat on the edge of a feed box, a form darkened the doorway, +and Farmer Decker appeared. + +"Hello!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" + +"I took the liberty to come in out of the rain," I replied. "Have you +any objections to my remaining until the shower is over?" + +"No, guess not. It's a mighty heavy one. Where're you from? Newville?" + +"No, sir, Darbyville." + +"Yes? Had quite a robbery down there, I understand." + +"Is that so?" + +"Yes, a chap named Strong robbed an old woman of nearly five hundred +dollars. Do you know him or the woman?" + +"I know the woman quite well," was my reply, and I hoped he would not +question me further. + +"They've got him in jail, I believe. The fellow and his sister tried +to make out that a tramp had taken the money, but I understand no one +would listen to the story." + +"No?" + +"No. It seems this Strong boy's father is in jail now for stealing, so +it ain't strange the boy's a thief." + +"But maybe he isn't guilty," I put in, by way of a mild protest. + +"Maybe. Of course it's rather tough on him if he isn't. But you can't +tell nowadays; boys is so all-fired high toned, and want to play big +fiddle." + +"Some boys are, but not all of them." + +"Some of them. Now there's our landlord, who is in the house now, he's +got a son as extravagant as can be, and if it wasn't for Mr. Woodward +keeping him in funds I don't know what that boy might not do. He--whoa, +there, Billy, whoa!" + +The last remark was addressed to a horse standing in one of the +stalls. A clap of thunder had set the animal to prancing. + +"Your horse feels rather uneasy," I remarked, glad of a chance to +change the subject. + +"Allers acts that way when there's a storm going on. Too bad, too, for +I want to hitch him up and take Mr. Woodward and another man that's +with him over to Darbyville." + +As Mr. Decker spoke he led the horse from the stall and backed him up +between the shafts of the carriage that stood near the rear of the +barn. + +While he was hitching up I set myself to thinking. While I was +perfectly willing that Mr. Woodward should return to Darbyville, I did +not wish to allow John Stumpy out of my sight. Once away, and I might +not be able to lay hands on him. + +Had I been sure that Kate had succeeded in finding the lost statement, +I would not have cared, but the chances in her favor were slim, and I +did not wish to run any risks. + +"Are you going to drive around to the house for them?" I asked as the +farmer finished the job. + +"Guess I'll have to. It will be a beastly drive. Sorry I can't offer +you a seat--it would be better than walking." + +"I think I'll wait till it clears off," I returned. "I'm not on +business, and--" + +"Say, Decker, how long is it going to take you to hitch up?" +interrupted a voice from the doorway, and the next instant Mr. +Woodward strode into the barn, followed by John Stumpy. + +I did not have time to conceal myself. I tried to step behind a +partition, but before I could do so the merchant's eye was on me. + +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. + +"Yes, sir," I replied, as boldly as I could. + +"How did you get here?" he demanded. + +"Walked, just as you did." + +"Thought you were in jail." + +"So do most people." + +"Who is this chap?" asked the farmer, staring at me with open eyes. + +"It's the boy who was arrested for that robbery last night," explained +the merchant. + +"Shoo--you don't say? And I was talking to him about that very thing. +You rascal, you!" + +"How did you get out?" put in John Stumpy. + +"None of your business," I replied briskly. "If you'd had your way I'd +been burnt up in the tool house last night." + +"No such thing," was the tramp's reply. "Never saw you before." + +"You're the fellow who stole the Widow Canby's money." + +"You must be crazy, young fellow. I don't know anything about the +Widow Canby or her money." + +"I can prove it. My sister can prove it, too." + +"Then your sister must be as crazy as yourself." + +"Stop there! You're the thief and you know it." + +"I know nothing of the kind." + +"Your story is nonsensical, Strong," broke in Mr. Woodward. "Gentlemen +like Mr. Stumpy here do not break into people's houses and commit +robberies." + +"Gentlemen! He's nothing but a tramp, and you know it." + +"Tramp? How dare you?" cried Stumpy, in suddenly assumed dignity, put +on for the farmer's benefit. "I am a ranchero from Texas and an honest +man. I am visiting Mr. Woodward, and know nothing more of the robbery +excepting having heard that it occurred--ahem!" And John Stumpy drew +himself up. + +Under other circumstances I would have laughed at his effrontery. But +the situation was too serious to indulge in any humor. + +"Being placed under arrest has turned your head, Strong," said the +merchant. "You seem to be quite out of your mind." + +"When was the robbery committed?" put in John Stumpy, suddenly. + +"You know well enough," I cried. + +"I heard it was about two o'clock in the morning," vouchsafed Farmer +Decker. + +"Then I can easily prove an alibi," said the tramp, triumphantly. "I +can prove I was with my esteemed friend Mr. Woodward at that hour. +Isn't it so, Aaron?" + +The merchant hesitated. I fairly held my breath to catch his answer. +Would he commit deliberate perjury? + +"Quite true," he replied slowly. "Mr. Stumpy was with me last night. +We sat up in the library, smoking, and playing cards until after +midnight, and then I showed him to bed. He could not possibly have +committed the crime of which Strong speaks." + +"Then the boy must be the guilty one hisself," said the farmer. "And +so young, too. Who would a-thought it! What shall we do with him, Mr. +Woodward?" + +"You had better help me take him back to Darbyville jail," responded +the merchant. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +MY UNCLE ENOS + + +John Stumpy gave a smile of triumph. As for myself, I stood aghast. +Mr. Aaron Woodward had committed deliberate perjury, or at least, +something that amounted to the same thing. He had positively declared +that John Stumpy was at his house at the time of the robbery of Widow +Canby's house, and could not, therefore, be the guilty party. + +It was easy to guess that in this statement it was his intention to +screen his partner in iniquity. To be sure, he had been forced to take +the position by Stumpy himself, but once having taken it, I was +morally certain he would not back down. + +His action would make it harder than ever for me to clear myself and +bring the tramp to justice. His word in a court of law would carry +more weight than mine or my sister's, and consequently our case would +fall to the ground. + +I was glad that Dick Blair could testify concerning my whereabouts and +the scene in the dining room directly after the robbery. The merchant +knew nothing of Blair's presence on the occasion--at least I imagined +so from his conversation--and might, by saying too much, "put his +foot in it." + +But now my mind was filled with only one thought. The three men +intended to take me to the Darbyville jail. I was to be ignominiously +dragged back to the prison from which I had escaped. + +Once again in Ezekiel Booth's custody I was certain he would keep so +strict a guard over me that further breaking away would be out of the +question. Perhaps Judge Penfold would consider me so dangerous a +prisoner as to send me to the county jail for safe keeping, in which +case it would be harder than ever for me to clear myself or see Kate. + +For an instant I meditated taking to my legs and running my chances, +but this idea was knocked in the head by Farmer Decker grasping me by +the collar. + +"Maybe he might take a notion and run away," he explained. "He did it +once, you say." + +"A good idea to hold him," said Mr. Woodward. "Have you finished +hitching up?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you room for him?" + +"I might put in another seat." + +"Do so. And hurry; the rain has slackened up a bit, and we may reach +Darbyville before it starts again." + +The extra seat was soon placed in the carriage. Then the farmer +procured a couple of rubber blankets. + +"All ready now," he said. "How shall we sit?" + +"You and Mr. Stumpy sit in front. I and the boy will occupy the back +seat. Come, Strong, get in." + +For an instant I thought of refusing. The merchant had no right to +order me. But then I reflected that a refusal would do no good, and +might do harm, so without a word I entered the carriage. + +The others were not slow to follow. Then Farmer Decker chirruped to +Billy, and we rolled out of the farm yard and down the road. + +But little was said on the way. I was busy with my own thoughts, and +so were Mr. Woodward and Stumpy. The farmer asked several questions, +but the merchant said he would learn all he wished to know at the +judge's office, and this quieted him. + +About five o'clock in the afternoon we rolled into Darbyville. While +crossing the Pass River the sun had burst through the clouds, and now +all was as bright and fresh as ever. + +Judge Penfold's office was situated in the centre of the principal +business block. When we arrived there we found a number of men +standing about the door, no doubt discussing my escape, for they +uttered many exclamations of surprise on seeing me. + +Chief among them was Parsons, who looked pale and worried. + +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. "Where have you been?" + +"Took a walk for my health," I replied as lightly as I could, though +my heart was heavy. + +"Well, I guess we'll make sure it shan't happen again," he returned. +"Hi, there, Booth! Here's your prisoner come back!" + +In a moment the carpenter appeared upon the scene. + +"You rascal, you!" he cried in angry tones. "A fine peck of trouble +you've got yourself into!" + +"What's all this about?" asked a heavy voice from the stairs, and +Judge Penfold stood before me. + +"I have brought your prisoner back, judge," replied Mr. Woodward. + +"So I see. Well, Strong, what have you to say for yourself? Do you +know breaking jail is a serious offence?" + +"I don't know anything about it. I know I was locked up for nothing at +all, and I escaped at the first chance offered." + +"There was no chance offered at all, judge," broke in Booth, fearful +of having a reflection cast upon his character. "He just went and +ripped the hull floor up, that's what he did." + +"Silence, Booth! Come upstairs and we will hear the particulars." + +In a moment we were in Judge Penfold's office. I was told to take a +seat on a bench, with Booth on one side of me and Parsons on the +other. + +Then Mr. Woodward introduced John Stumpy as a friend from San Antonio, +Texas, and the two told their story, corroborated at its end by Farmer +Decker, who trembled from head to foot at the idea of addressing as +high a dignitary as Judge Penfold. + +"What have you to say to this, Strong?" I was asked. + +In a plain, straightforward way I told my story from beginning to end, +told it in a manner that did not fail to impress nearly every one in +the court-room but the judge and my accusers. + +Of course Mr. Woodward and John Stumpy stoutly denied all I said, and +their denial carried the day. + +"Until we can have a real trial I will send you back to jail," said +Judge Penfold. + +"Why don't you send John Stumpy to jail, too?" I asked. "He is as much +accused as I." + +"We have only your word for that." + +"Then let me send for my sister Kate and Dick Blair." + +Judge Penfold rubbed his chin reflectively. + +"I think I'll have to put you under bonds," he said to John Stumpy. + +"Why so? The boy's word doesn't amount to anything," put in Mr. +Woodward. + +"Only a matter of form, Mr. Woodward. I will make it a thousand +dollars. Will you go his bondsman?" + +"Of course he will," said John Stumpy, hastily. "Won't you?" + +The merchant winced. "I--I guess so," he stammered. "But it's a +strange proceeding." + +In a few moments, by the aid of two other men, the bond was made out. + +"I will make your bail a thousand dollars also," said Judge Penfold, +turning to me. "I suppose it's quite useless though," he added +sarcastically. + +"Not quite so useless as you might think," exclaimed a hearty voice +from the rear of the court-room. + +I thought I recognized the tones, and turned hastily. There beside my +sister Kate stood my uncle, Enos Moss, of whom I have already spoken. + +He was a grizzly bearded sea-captain of seventy, with manner and +speech suggestive of the brine. + +Breaking from Parsons and Booth, I ran to meet him. He shook both my +hands and then clapped me on the shoulder. + +"Cast up on a lee shore, are you, Roger?" he exclaimed. "And the wind +a-blowing a hurricane." + +"Yes, I am," I replied, "and I'm mighty glad you've come, Uncle Enos." + +"Just dropped anchor in time," he went on. "Judge Penfold, do you +remember me?" + +"You are Carson Strong's brother-in-law, I believe?" replied the +judge. + +"You've hit it. Captain Enos Moss, part owner and sailing master of +the Hattie Baker, as trim a craft as ever rounded the Horn. Been away +for three years, and now on shore to stay." + +"You're not going on any more voyages?" I queried. + +"No, my hearty. I've made enough to keep me, and I'm getting too old +to walk the quarter-deck. Besides, I've heard of your father's +troubles from Kate, and I reckon they need sounding." + +"Indeed they do." + +"Well, now about your difficulty. A thousand-dollar bond, eh. It's +pretty stiff, but I guess I can stand it." + +"Thank you, sir," was all I could say. + +"Don't say a word. Didn't your father put in a good word for me when I +was a-courting your aunt that's dead and gone--God bless her! Indeed, +he did! And I'll stand by you, Roger, no matter how hard the gale +blows." + +"Then you don't think I'm guilty?" + +"What! a lad with your bearing a thief? Not much. The people in this +village must be asleep--not to know better'n that?" + +"Ahem!" coughed Judge Penfold, sternly. He considered my uncle's +remarks decidedly impertinent. "Are you able to go his bail?" he +asked. + +"Reckon I am. I've just deposited ten thousand dollars in the bank +here, and I've got twenty and more in New York. How will you have +it--in cash?" + +"A conditional check, certified, will do," replied Judge Penfold, +shortly. + +What he meant had to be explained, and then we all went to the +banker's office. My uncle's account was found to be as he had stated, +and about ten minutes later my bond was signed and I was at liberty to +go where I pleased until called upon to appear. + +Mr. Aaron Woodward and John Stumpy apparently did not relish the turn +affairs had taken. But I paid no attention to them, and the business +over, I hurried off with my sister and my newly arrived uncle. + +"Did you find the statement?" I asked of Kate, as soon as we were out +of hearing of the crowd. + +"No, Roger, I looked and looked, but it wasn't anywhere, either at the +tool house or on the way to Judge Penfold's." + +"Have you heard from Mrs. Canby yet?" + +"Yes, she is coming home." + +"Does she blame me for what has happened?" + +"She doesn't say." + +"Never mind, Roger. We'll stick up for you," put in Uncle Enos, +kindly. + +I was considerably disturbed. What if Mrs. Canby should consider me at +fault? + +As we drew near to the cottage, I saw a lady standing by the gate, +watching our approach. It was the Widow Canby. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A SUDDEN RESOLVE + + +My heart beat rapidly as I walked up to the gate. How would the good +lady who had done so much for Kate and myself receive me? + +An unkind word or an unfavorable insinuation from her would have hurt +me worse than a thousand from any one else. She had been so generous +that to have her turn would have made me feel as if I had lost my last +friend on earth. + +But as she had taken me in before when others had cast me out, so she +now proved the friend in need. + +"So they've thought better of it and set you free, Roger?" she said as +I hurried up. + +"Yes, Mrs. Canby," I returned. "I hope--I hope--" I began, and then +came to a full stop. + +"What?" and she caught my hand. + +"I hope you don't think I had anything to do with the robbery," I +stammered. + +"No, Roger, I don't. I think you're an honest boy, and I've got to +have more proof against you than I've heard yet before I'll believe +otherwise." + +"Thank you, ma'am, oh, thank you!" I blurted out, and the tears +started to my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. + +The events of which I am writing occurred several years ago, but I am +not ashamed of those tears. They were the outcome of long-pent-up +feelings, and I could not hold them back. My sister cried, too, and +the Widow Canby and Uncle Enos looked very much as if they wished to +join in. + +"I knew you wouldn't think Roger did it," cried Kate. "I said all +along you wouldn't, though everybody said you would." + +"Folks don't appear to know me very well," returned Widow Canby, with +a bit of grim humor in her tone. "I don't always think as others do. +Come into the house and give me full particulars. Who is this man? +Why, really! Captain Moss, I believe?" + +"Yes, ma'am, Captain Moss--Roger's uncle, at your service," replied +he, taking off his cap and bowing low. "I thought you'd remember me. +Your husband as was once sailed to Boston with me." + +"Oh, yes, I remember you. Will you come in?" + +"Thank you, reckon I will. I have no home now, and hotels is scarce in +Darbyville. I only arrived this noon, and I've been with Kate ever +since. I must hunt up a boarding-house to stay at. Do you know of any +close at hand?" + +"Perhaps I do. Let us talk of that later on. I want to hear Roger's +story first." + +"Just as you say, ma'am. Only I must get a place to stop at to-night." + +"You shall be provided for, Captain Moss. I have a spare room." + +"You are very kind to an old sea-dog like myself, Mrs. Canby," said +Uncle Enos. + +The widow led the way into the dining room. The lamp was already +lighted, and while my sister Kate busied herself with preparing +supper, Mrs. Canby and my uncle sat down to listen to my story. + +For the first time I told it with all the details that concerned +myself,--how I had been waylaid by the Models, how Dick Blair had +released me, what Stumpy had done at the tool house, and all, not +forgetting about the statement Kate and I wished so much to find. + +The Widow Canby and my uncle listened with close attention until I had +finished. + +"It's a strange story, Roger," said the widow, at its conclusion. "One +hard to believe. But I know you tell the truth." + +"What a rascal this Woodward must be!" broke in my uncle "He's a far +greater villain in his way than this John Stumpy. I am strongly +inclined to figure that you're right, and he is the one that ran your +father up on a lee shore." + +"I don't think father did a single thing that was wrong--that is, +knowingly," I returned. "If he did do wrong, I'm sure Mr. Woodward +made it appear as if it was all right." + +"No doubt, no doubt. If you could only get to the bottom of this +Weaver's statement." + +"And when is this trial to come off?" put in Mrs. Canby. "Really I +don't see what good it will do me if this man has lost the money." + +"I'd like to find that, too," I returned. + +Presently Kate announced that supper was ready, and we all sat down. +The widow said that she had found her sister much better, and on +receiving Kate's letter had started for her home at once. The loss of +the money did not disturb her as much as I had anticipated, and as +every one was hungry, the meal passed off tolerably well. + +When we had nearly finished there was a knock on the door, and Kate +admitted Mr. Woodward's errand boy. He had a note for me. It contained +but a single sentence:-- + +"Please call at my house this evening about nine o'clock." + +I read the note over with interest, and then informed the others of +what it contained. + +"Shall you go?" asked Kate, anxiously. + +"I suppose I might." + +"Maybe it's a plot," suggested the widow. + +"Might waylay you," added Uncle Enos. "A man like him is liable to do +'most anything." + +"I don't think he would dare do me any bodily injury," I replied. "He +would know I had told some one where I was going, and that my absence +would be noticed." + +"If you go, take me in tow," said my uncle. "I needn't go in with you, +but I can hang around outside, and if anything goes wrong, all you've +got to do is to holler like all creation, and I'll come to the +rescue." + +"Oh, if Roger runs any risk, I'd rather he wouldn't go," exclaimed +Kate, in alarm. + +"I don't think the risk is very great," I returned. "Besides, I may +find the missing statement. That is worth trying for." + +"I shall be in dread until you return," she replied, with a grave +shake of her head. + +"When will you start?" asked Uncle Enos. + +"About half past eight. It won't take over half an hour to reach his +house." + +We continued to discuss Mr. Woodward for some time, and also the +action of the Models and what I should do on their score. My Uncle +Enos was for prosecuting them, but the Widow Canby said that the +future would bring its own punishment, and on this we rested. + +"And now about my board," began Uncle Enos, during a dull in the +conversation. "I must find a boarding-house for after to-night." + +"Wouldn't you like to stay with the children?" asked Mrs. Canby. + +"Yes, ma'am; indeed I would. To tell the truth, it's my intention +sooner or later to offer them a home with me." + +"I should hate to have them leave me," returned the widow, quickly. + +"I suppose so." + +"How would you like to board with me? As I have said, there is lots of +room, and you have just eaten a sample meal. We do not live in +style--but--" + +"Plenty good enough style," interrupted Captain Enos, "and better grub +then we had on the Hattie Baker, I'll be bound. I'd like it first rate +here if the terms wasn't too high." + +"What do you think fair?" + +"I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. I haven't paid a week's board in three +years." + +"Would five dollars a week be too much?" + +"No, ma'am. Are you sure it's enough? I don't want to crowd your +hospitality." + +"I'd be satisfied with five dollars. Of course boarders are out of my +line, but there are exceptions to all cases. Besides, I'll feel safer +with another man about the house. No reflection on you, Roger, but you +won't always be here together." + +"No, ma'am," replied my uncle. "I must visit my brother-in-law at the +prison--that will take several days." + +"Will you take me with you?" asked Kate, eagerly. + +"Certainly, and you, too, Roger, if you want to go." + +"I would like to very much," was my reply. "But I want to ask even a +bigger favor than that, Uncle Enos." + +"Yes?" + +"Yes, sir. You may think it a good deal, but you've been so kind, and +I haven't any one else to go to." + +"Well, what is it, my boy? I'll do it if I can." + +"Lend me about fifty dollars." + +My Uncle Enos raised his eyebrows in surprise. + +"Fifty dollars?" he repeated. + +"Yes, sir. That is, if you can spare it. I'll promise to pay it back +some day." + +"And what do you intend to do with it?" + +"I want to go to Chicago, sir." + +"To Chicago?" + +All three of my listeners repeated the words in chorus; then Captain +Enos continued:-- + +"And what are you going to do there?" + +"I want to hunt up this Holtzmann, and find out what he knows about my +father's affairs. I'm satisfied that he is as deep in it as Mr. +Woodward or John Stumpy, and if I can only by some means get him to +tell what he knows, I may accomplish a good deal." + +My Uncle Enos put his hand upon my shoulder; "Well, Roger, you're a +brave boy, and I'll trust you. You shall have fifty dollars, and a +hundred, if you want it, to do as you think best. Only don't get into +trouble." + +"Thank you Uncle Enos, thank you!" I cried heartily. "Some day I'll +pay you back." + +"I don't want it back, my lad. If you can catch any proofs that will +help clear your father, I shall be more than satisfied." + +"And when shall you go?" asked Kate. + +"I don't know. It will depend on my interview with Mr. Woodward and +also on what John Stumpy does. Not inside of several days, at least. +Besides, we want to see father first, you know." + +"Of course." + +"We can go to Trenton tomorrow," said Uncle Enos. At Trenton was +located the State prison. After consulting a time table printed in the +Darbyville Record, we found we could catch a train for that city at +8.25 from Newville the next morning, and this we decided to take. + +Having settled this matter, we returned again to the discussion of the +incidents surrounding the robbery, and what would probably be the next +movements of those fighting against me. Uncle Enos grew greatly +interested, and said he knew a lawyer in New York who might secure +some good private detective who could take the case in hand. + +Finally it came half past eight, and putting on my hat, I started for +Mr. Woodward's residence. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +IN MR. WOODWARD'S LIBRARY + + +Though outwardly calm, I was considerably agitated as I walked to +Darbyville. Why the merchant had sent for me I could not surmise. Of +course it was on account of the robbery, but so far as I knew both of +us had taken a separate stand, and neither would turn back. I thought +it barely possible that he wished to intimidate me into receding from +my position. He was as much of a bully in his way as Duncan, and would +not hesitate to use every means in his power to bring me to terms. + +Arriving at Mr. Woodward's house, I ascended the steps and rang the +bell. + +"Is Mr. Woodward in?" I asked of the girl who answered the summons. + +"I'll see, sir," she replied. "Who shall I say it is?" + +"Roger Strong." + +The girl left me standing in the hall. While waiting for her return I +could not help but remember the old lines:-- + + "'Will you walk into my parlor?' + Said the spider to the fly." + +But if I was walking into the spider's parlor, it would be my own +fault if I got hurt, for I was entering with my eyes open. I +determined to be on my guard, and take nothing for granted. + +"Mr. Woodward will be pleased to see you in his library," said the +girl upon her return, and then, having indicated the door, she +vanished down the back hall. + +As I put my hand upon the door-knob, I heard steps upon the stairs, +and looking up saw Duncan Woodward descending. + +His face was still swollen from the punishment I had inflicted upon +him. Nevertheless, he was faultlessly dressed in full evening costume, +and I rightly conjectured he was going to spend the night in some +fashionable dissipation such as dancing or card-playing. + +"Hello! how did you get in here?" he exclaimed. + +"Was let in," was my mild reply, not caring to pick a quarrel with +him. + +"Was, eh? And what for, I'd like to know?" + +"That's your father's business, Duncan." + +"Don't Duncan me any more, Roger Strong. What's my father's business?" + +"What I came for. He sent for me." + +"Oh, he did. Reckon he's going to square accounts with you." + +"I don't know what accounts he's going to square," I went on in +curiosity. + +"Didn't you as much as try to intimate he was lying--down in Judge +Penfold's court this afternoon?" + +"I only told what I knew to be the truth," I replied calmly. + +"The truth. Humph! I believe you took the widow's money yourself." + +"Take care what you're saying," I replied angrily. "I don't propose to +stand any such talk from you." + +Duncan grew speechless. "Why, you--you--" he began. + +"Hold up now before you say something that you'll be sorry for. This +is your house, but you have no right to insult me in it." + +"Quite right, Strong, quite right." The library door had opened, and +Mr. Woodward stood upon the threshold, gazing sharply at his son. +"Strong is here upon my invitation, Duncan; you ought to treat him +with more politeness," he added. + +If Duncan was amazed at this speech, so was I. The merchant taking my +part? What did it mean? + +"Why, I--I--" began Duncan, but he could really get no further. + +"No explanation is necessary," interrupted his father, coolly. + +"Strong, please step in, will you?" + +"Yes, sir," and I suited the action to the word. + +As I did so Duncan passed on to the front door. + +"I'll get even with you yet, you cad!" he muttered under his breath; +but I paid no attention to his words. I had "bigger fish to fry." + +Once inside of Mr. Woodward's library, the merchant closed the door +behind me and then invited me to take a seat beside his desk, at the +same time throwing himself back in his easy chair. + +"I suppose you thought it rather singular that I should send for you," +he said by way of an opening. + +"Yes, sir, I did," was all I could reply. + +"I thought as much. It was only an impulse of mine, sir, only an +impulse. I wished to see if we cannot arrange this--this little +difficulty without publicity. I would rather lose a good deal, yes, +sir, a good deal, than have my name dragged into court." + +"All I ask is for justice," I replied calmly. "I am under arrest for a +crime of which I am innocent. On the other hand, you are trying to +shield a man I know is guilty." + +I expected a storm of indignation from Mr. Woodward because of the +last remark. Yet he showed no sign of resentment. + +"Don't you think you might be mistaken in your identification of Mr. +Stumpy?" he replied, and I noticed that again he nearly stumbled in +pronouncing the tramp's name. + +"No, sir," I replied promptly. + +"Remember that you saw him only by lantern light, and then but for a +few minutes." + +"I saw him by daylight as well." + +"When?" + +"In the morning. He came as a beggar." + +"A beggar? Impossible!" The merchant held, up his hands in assumed +amazement. "Why, Strong, the idea of Mr. Stumpy begging is +ridiculous." + +"Just the same it is true, Mr. Woodward. And what is more, he is the +thief, and you know it." + +"That's a strong assertion to make, sir, a very strong assertion." + +"Nevertheless, I believe I can prove my words." + +Mr. Woodward turned slightly pale. + +"You can prove no such thing," he cried. + +"Yes, I can. Didn't Stumpy admit he had taken the money?" + +"Never, sir." + +"He did." + +"When?" + +"This afternoon while you were at Decker's place." + +Had I slapped the merchant in the face he would not have been more +surprised. He sprang to his feet and glared at me. + +"You--you--Who says he made such an admission?" + +"I say so." + +"Ah! I see, you were spying on us. You rascal!" + +"It strikes me that you are the rascal," I returned. "You try +deliberately to shield a thief." + +"What!" + +"Yes, it's true." + +"Can you prove it?" + +Mr. Woodward asked the question sneeringly, but there was much of +curiosity in his tones. + +"Perhaps I can." + +The merchant pulled his mustache nervously. + +"Strong, you are greatly mistaken. But don't let us quarrel any more." + +"I don't want to quarrel." + +"I feel badly over the whole affair, and Mr. Stumpy is fairly sick. I +suppose you think you are right, but you are mistaken. Now I have a +proposition to make to you." Mr. Woodward leaned forward in his chair. +"Suppose you admit that you are mistaken--that Mr. Stumpy is not the +man? Do this, and I will not prosecute you for having taken my +papers." + +I was surprised and indignant; surprised that Mr. Woodward should +still insist upon my having taken his papers, and indignant because of +his outrageous offer. + +"Mr. Woodward," I began firmly, "you can prosecute me or not; Stumpy +is the guilty man, and I shall always stick to it." + +"Then you will go to jail, too." + +"For the last time let me say I have not seen your papers." + +"It is false. You took them from this room last night. At the very +time you pretend you were after the robber at Mrs. Canby's house you +were here ransacking my desk." + +"Mr. Woodward--" + +"There is no use in denying it. I have abundant proofs. The girl who +cleaned up here this morning found a handkerchief with your name on it +lying on the floor. If you weren't here, how did that come here?" + +"My handkerchief?" + +"Yes, sir, your handkerchief; and Mary O'Brien can identify it and +tell where she found it." + +"Some one else must have had it," I stammered, and then suddenly: "I +know who the party is--Duncan." + +"Duncan!" + +"Yes, sir. He took that handkerchief away from me when the Models +waylaid me!" + +"My son! Really, Strong, you are mad! But I will take you in hand, +sir; yes, indeed, I will." + +"No, you won't, Aaron Woodward!" I cried, for once letting my temper +get the better of me. "You are awfully cunning, but I am not afraid of +you. I am willing to have all these matters sifted to the bottom, and +the sooner the better. What papers have you missed? Were they the ones +that Holtzmann of Chicago is after? How is it that my father is in +prison while you live in style on money you never earned? Who is the +relative that left it to you? Did you ever make a clear statement +concerning the transactions that took away my father's honest name?" + +"Stop! Stop!" + +"I will not stop! You want an investigation; so do I. Luckily my +uncle, Captain Enos Moss, has just returned from a voyage. He has +quite some money, and I know he will use it to bring the guilty +parties to justice. And then--" + +I did not finish. Mr. Woodward had strode over to the door and locked +it, putting the key in his pocket. + +"You know too much, Strong," he muttered between his set teeth, as he +caught me by the collar; "too much entirely. We must come to a +settlement before you leave this room." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A CLEVER RUSE + + +I must confess I was frightened when Mr. Woodward locked the door of +his library and caught me by the collar. Was it possible that he +contemplated doing me physical harm? It looked that way. + +I was not accustomed to such rough treatment, and I resented it +instantly. I was not very large for my age, but I was strong, and +ducking my head I wrenched myself free from his grasp and sprang to +the other side of the small table that stood in the centre of the +room. + +"What do you mean by treating me in this manner!" I cried. "Unlock +that door at once!" + +"Not much, sir," replied Mr. Woodward, vehemently. "You've made some +remarkable statements, young man, and I demand a clear explanation +before you leave." + +"Well, you demand too much, Aaron Woodward," I replied firmly. "Unlock +that door." + +"Not just yet. I want to know what you know of Holtzmann of Chicago?" + +"You won't learn by treating me in this manner," was my determined +reply. "Unlock that door, or, take my word for it, I'll arouse the +whole neighborhood." + +"You'll do nothing of the kind, young man," he rejoined. + +"I will." + +"Make the least disturbance and you shall pay dearly for it. +Understand, sir, I'm not to be trifled with." + +"And I'm not to be frightened into submission," I returned with +spirit. "I have a right to leave when I please and I shall do so." + +"Not till I am ready," said he, coolly. + +I was nonplussed and alarmed--nonplussed over the question of how to +get away, and alarmed at the thought of what might happen if I was +compelled to remain. + +I began to understand Mr. Aaron Woodward's true character. Like +Duncan, he was not only a bully, but also a brute. Words having +failed, he was now evidently going to see what physical force could +accomplish. + +"Forewarned is forearmed" is an old saying, and now I applied it to +myself. In other words, I prepared for an encounter. On the centre +table lay a photograph album. It was thick and heavy and capable of +proving quite a formidable article of defence. I picked it up, and +stepping behind a large easy chair, stood on my guard. + +Seeing the action, the merchant paused. + +"What are going to do with that?" he asked. + +"You'll see if you keep on," I replied. "I don't intend to stand this +much longer. You had better open the door." + +"You think you're a brainy boy, Strong," he sneered. + +"I've got too much brain to let you ride over me." + +"You think you have a case against me and Mr. Stumpy, and you intend +to drag it into court and make a great fuss over it," he went on. + +"I'm going to get back my father's honest name." + +"What you mean is that you intend to drag my name in the mire," he +stormed. + +"You can have it so, if you please." + +"I shall not allow it. You, a young upstart!" + +"Take care, Mr. Woodward!" + +"Do you think I will submit to it?" He glared at me and threw a hasty +glance around the room. "Not much!" + +Suddenly he stepped to the windows and pulled down the shades. Then he +took out his watch and looked at the time. I wondered what he was up +to now. I was not long in finding out. + +"Listen to me," he said in a low, intense tone, "We are alone in this +house--you and I--and will be for half an hour or more. You are in +my power. What will you do? Give up all the papers you possess and +promise to keep silent about what you know or take the consequences." + +It would be telling an untruth to say I was not thoroughly startled by +the merchant's sudden change of manner. He was about to assault me, +that was plain to see, and he wished me to understand that no one was +near either to assist me or to bear witness against his dark doings. + +I must fight my own battles, not only in a war of words, but also in a +war of blows. I was not afraid after the first shock was over. My +cause was a just one, and I would stand by it, no matter what the +consequences might be. + +"I don't fear you, Aaron Woodward," I replied, as steadily as I could. +"I am in the right and shall stick up for it, no matter what comes." + +"You defy me?" he cried in a rage. + +"Yes, I do." + +I had hardly uttered the words before he caught up a heavy cane +standing beside his desk and made for me. There was a wicked +determination in his eyes, and I could see that all the evil passions +within him were aroused. + +"We'll see who is master here," he went on. + +"Stand back!" I cried. "Don't come a step nearer! If you do, you'll be +sorry for it!" + +He paid no attention to my warning, but kept on advancing, raising the +cane over his head as he did so. + +When he was within three feet of me he aimed a blow at my head. Had he +hit me, I am certain he would have cracked my skull open. + +But I was too quick for him, I dodged, and the cane struck the back of +the chair. + +Before he could recover from his onslaught I hurled the album at him +with all force. It struck him full in the face, and must have loosened +several of his teeth, for he put his hand up to his mouth as he reeled +over backward. + +I was not astonished. I had accomplished just what I had set out to +do. My one thought now was to make my escape. How was it to be done? + +The key to the door was in the merchant's pocket, and this I could, +not obtain. The windows were closed, and the blinds drawn down. + +I had but an instant to think. Spluttering to himself, my assailant +was endeavoring to rise to his feet. + +A hasty glance around the room revealed a door partly hidden by a +curtain next the mantelpiece. Where it led to I did not know, but +concluding that any place would be better than to remain in the +library, I tried the door, found it open, and slipped out. + +"Stop, stop!" roared Mr. Woodward. "Stop, this instant!" + +But I did not stop. I found myself in the dining room, and at once put +the long table between us. + +"Don't you come any nearer," I called out sharply. "If you do, it may +be at the cost of your life." + +As I spoke I picked up a fancy silver knife that lay on the table. It +had a rough resemblance to a pocket pistol, and gave me the idea of +palming it off as such. + +"Would you shoot me?" cried the merchant, in sudden terror, as he saw +what he supposed was the barrel of a revolver pointed at his head. + +"Why shouldn't I?" was the reply. "You have no right to detain me." + +"I don't want to detain you. I only want to come to a settlement," he +returned lamely. + +"And I want nothing more to do with you. I'll give you one minute to +show me the way to the front door." + +"Yes, but, Strong--" + +"No more talk, if you please. Do you intend to show me the way out, or +shall I fire?" + +Then Mr. Aaron Woodward showed what a coward he really was. He gave a +cry of horror and sank completely out of sight. + +"Don't shoot, Strong. I pray you, take care. I'll show you the way +out, indeed I will!" + +"Well, hurry about it. I don't intend to stand any more nonsense." + +"Here, this way. Please stop pointing that pistol at me; it might go +off, you know." + +"Then the sooner you show me the way out, the better for you," I +returned coolly, inwardly amused at his sudden change of manner + +"This way, then. I--I trust you will keep this--this little meeting +of ours a secret." + +"Why should I?" + +"Because it--it would do no good to have it made public." + +"I'll see about it," was my reply. + +By this time we had reached the front door, and with unwilling hands +the merchant opened it. + +"Now stand aside and let me pass," I commanded. + +"I will. But, Strong--" + +"No more words are needed," I returned. "I have had enough of you, Mr. +Aaron Woodward. The next time you hear from me it will be in quite a +different shape." + +"What do you mean?" he cried, in sudden alarm. + +"You will find out soon enough. In the meantime let me return your +fancy knife. I have no further use for it." + +I tossed the article over. He looked at it and then at me. Clearly he +was mad enough to "chew me up." Bidding him a mocking good night, I +ran down the steps and hurried away. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +AT THE PRISON + + +Mr. Woodward's actions had aroused me as I had never been aroused +before. My eyes were wide open at last. I realized that if I ever +expected to gain our family rights I must fight for them--and fight +unflinchingly to the bitter end. + +It was nearly ten o'clock when I reached the Widow Canby's house. I +met my Uncle Enos on the porch. He had grown impatient, and was about +to start for Darbyville in search of me. + +In the dining room I told my story. All laughed heartily at the ruse I +had played upon the merchant, but were indignant at the treatment I +had received. + +"Wish I'd been with you," remarked my uncle, with a vigorous shake of +his head. "I'd a-smashed in his figurehead, keelhaul me if I +wouldn't!" + +"What do you intend to do now?" asked Kate. + +"Let's see; to-day is Friday. If you will take us to Trenton +to-morrow, Uncle Enos, I'll start for Chicago on Monday." + +"Don't you think you had better have this Woodward arrested first?" +asked Captain Enos. + +"No; I would rather let him think that for the present I had dropped +the whole matter. It may throw him off his guard and enable me to pick +up more clews against him." + +"That's an idea. Roger, you've got a level head on your shoulders, and +we can't do any better than follow your advice," returned my uncle. + +I did but little sleeping that night. For a long time I lay awake +thinking over my future actions. Then when I did fall into a doze my +rest was broken by dreams of the fire at the tool house and Mr. +Woodward's attack. + +I was up at five o'clock in the morning, attending to the regular +chores. I did not know who would do them during my absence, and as +soon as the widow appeared I spoke to her on the subject. + +"Your uncle mentioned the matter last night," said Mrs. Canby. "He +said he would do all that was required until you came back. He doesn't +want to remain idle all day, and thought the work would just suit +him." + +This was kind of Uncle Enos, and I told him so when an hour later he +appeared, dressed in his best, his trunk having arrived the evening +before. + +"Yes, Roger, I'd rather do it than sit twirling my thumbs, a-waiting +for you to come back," said he. "I used to do such work years ago, +before I shipped on the Anna Siegel, and to do it again will make me +feel like a boy once more. But come; let's go to mess and then hoist +anchor and away." + +A few minutes later we were at breakfast. Then I put on my good +clothes and brought around the horse and carriage, for the Widow Canby +insisted upon driving us down to Newville by way of Darbyville just to +show folks, as she said, that she had not lost confidence in me. + +Kate was in a flutter of excitement. She had wished to see my father +every day since he had been taken away. As for myself, I was fully as +impatient. My father was very dear to me, and every time I thought of +him I prayed that God would place it within my power to clear his name +from the stain that now rested upon him. + +We reached the station in Newville five minutes before train time. My +uncle procured our tickets and also checked the basket of delicacies +the Widow Canby had prepared. + +"Remember me to Mr. Strong," said the widow, as we boarded the train. +"Tell him I don't believe he's guilty, and perhaps other people in +Darbyville won't think so either before long." + +A moment later and we were off. Kate and Uncle Enos occupied one seat, +and I sat directly behind them. A ride of an hour followed, and +finally, after crossing a number of other railroads, we rolled into a +brick station, and the conductor sang out:-- + +"Trenton!" + +It was eleven o'clock when we crossed the wooden foot-bridge of the +station and emerged upon the street. + +"We'll go to the prison at once," said my uncle. "Perhaps it isn't +'visiting day,' as they call it, but I reckon I can fix it. Sailors on +shore have special privileges," he added with a laugh. + +"Which way is it?" asked Kate. + +"I don't know. We'll take a carriage and trust to the driver." + +He called a coach, and soon we were rolling off. + +Finally the coach stopped, and the driver sprang from his box. + +"Here you are, sir," he said, as he opened the door. + +I looked up at the big stone buildings before us. My father was behind +those walls. I glanced at Kate. The poor girl was in tears. + +"You had better stay on board here till I go in and take soundings," +said Captain Enos. "I won't be gone long." + +Jumping to the pavement, he walked up to the big open door and +entered. + +"What a dreadful place!" said my sister, as she strained her eyes to +catch sight of some prisoner. + +My uncle was gone not over ten minutes, yet the wait seemed an age. He +returned with a brightened face. + +"I had hard work to get permission, but we are to have half an hour's +talk with your father under the supervision of a deputy," he +explained. + +In another moment we were inside. We walked along a wide corridor and +into an office, and then a short, stout man, Mr. Carr, the deputy, +joined us. + +"This way, please," he said, and gave a kindly glance at Kate and +myself. "You will have to leave the basket here. I will see that it +reaches the--the--your father." + +He led the way. How my heart beat! Why, I cannot tell. + +"I'll go in first," said my Uncle Enos. + +We entered a room. In a moment the deputy brought in a man dressed in +striped clothing, and with his hair cut close. It was my father. + +My uncle and I rushed forward. But we were too late. With a cry Kate +was in his arms. It was a great moment all around. + +"My children! My Katie and my Roger!" was all my father could say, but +the words went straight home. + +"I am heartily glad that you are back," he said then to my uncle. "You +will look after them, Enos, until I am free." + +"Indeed I will," replied Captain Enos, heartily. "But you must listen +to Roger. He has a long story to tell." + +"Then tell it. I am dying to hear news from home." We sat down, and I +told my story. Perhaps the deputy ought not to have allowed me to say +all I did, but he pretended not to hear. + +My father listened with keen attention to every word, and as I went +on, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. + +"Roger, my faithful boy, you almost make me hope for freedom," he +cried. "Oh, how I long to be set right before the world!" + +"God make it so," put in my uncle, solemnly. "To suffer unjustly is +terrible." + +Then I told of my interview with Mr. Woodward in his library and of +Holtzmann. + +"Holtzmann was one of the principal witnesses against me," said my +father. "So was Nicholas Weaver, who managed the Brooklyn business for +Holland & Mack. Who John Stumpy can be I do not know. Perhaps I would +if I saw him face to face. There was another man--he was quite bald, +with a red blotch on the front of his hand--who was brought forward +by Woodward to prove that he had nothing to do with the presentation +of the forged checks and notes, but what his name was I have +forgotten." + +"This can't be the man, for he has a heavy head of hair," I replied. +"But I am sure Stumpy is not his true name." + +"Probably not. Well, Roger, do your best, not only for me but for +Katie's sake and your own." + +Then the conversation became general, and all too soon the half hour +was at an end. My father sent his regards to Mrs. Canby, with many +thanks for the basket of delicacies, and then with a kiss for Kate and +a shake of the hand to Uncle Enos and me, we parted. + +Little was said on the way back. No one cared to go to a restaurant, +and we took the first train homeward. + +It was dark when we reached Newville. The Widow Canby's carriage was +at the depot waiting for us. + +"Suppose I get my ticket for Chicago now," said I. "It will save time +Monday, and I can find out all about the train." + +"A good idea," returned my uncle. "I'll go with you." + +So while Kate joined Mrs. Canby we entered the depot. + +The ticket was soon in my possession, and then I asked the ticket +seller a number of questions concerning the route and the time I would +reach my destination. + +Suddenly instinct prompted me to turn quickly. I did so and found John +Stumpy at my shoulder. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE + + +Mr. John Stumpy had evidently been watching my proceedings closely, +for when I turned to him he was quite startled. However, it did not +take him long to recover, and then, bracing up, he hurried away +without a word. + +He was now neatly dressed and had had his face shaved. I conjectured +that Mr. Woodward had advised this change in order to more fully carry +out the deception in relation to the tramp's real character. + +"There's that Stumpy," I whispered to Captain Enos, as I pointed my +finger at the man. "He has been watching us." + +"How do you know?" asked my uncle. + +"Because he was just looking over my shoulder," I replied. "Shall I +speak to him? I'd like to know what he intends to do next." + +"It won't do any good. It ain't likely he'd tell you anything, and if +he did, it wouldn't be the truth." + +"Maybe it might." + +"Well, do as you think best, Roger, only don't be too long--the widow +and Kate are waiting, you know." + +Pushing through the crowd, I tapped Stumpy on the shoulder. He looked +around in assumed surprise. + +"Hullo!" he exclaimed sharply. "What do you want?" + +"Nothing much," I returned. "I just saw you were greatly interested in +what I was doing." + +"Why, I didn't see you before." + +"You were just looking over my shoulder." + +"You're mistaken, young man, just as you are in several other things." + +"I'm not mistaken in several other things." + +"What do you intend to do?" he asked curiously. + +"That's my business." + +"Where have you been?" + +"That is my business also." + +"Strong, you're a fool," he whispered. "Do you think you can hurt men +like Mr. Woodward and myself?" + +"I can bring you to justice." + +"Bah! I suppose you think you can do wonders by going to Chicago." + +"How do you know I am going to Chicago?" I questioned quickly. + +Stumpy's face fell, as he realized the slip he had made. + +"Never mind. But you won't gain anything," he went on. "Better stay +home and save your money." + +And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the crowd and was +lost to sight. + +A moment later I joined the others in the carriage. While driving home +I related the conversation recorded above. + +"It's too bad he found out you were going to Chicago," said my uncle. +"He may try to stop you." + +"I'll keep my eyes open," I replied. + +The remainder of the day was spent in active work around the widow's +place. Not only did I labor all the afternoon, but far into the +evening as well, to show that I did not intend to shirk my duty even +though I was going away. Besides, Mrs. Canby had treated me so well +that I was almost willing to work my fingers to the bone to serve her. + +The following day was Sunday. Kate and I were in the habit of +attending church and Sunday-school over in Darbyville, but we shrank +from doing so now. But Uncle Enos and I went to church, and despite +the many curious eyes levelled at me, I managed to give attention to +an excellent sermon. I noticed that the Woodward pew was empty, but +then this was of common occurrence and excited no comment. + +On Sunday evening my handbag stood in my room packed, ready for my +departure. Dick Blair came over to see me and brought strange and sad +news. + +Duncan Woodward and Pultzer, his intimate crony, had gotten into a row +in a pool room down in Newville and were both under arrest. Mr. +Woodward and Mr. Pultzer had gone off to get their sons out of jail. +Dick did not know how the row had started, but had heard that the +young men had been drinking heavily. + +I was much shocked at the news, and so were the others. If affairs +kept on like this, Mr. Aaron Woodward would certainly have his hands +full. + +I retired early so as to be on hand the next day. Sleep was out of the +question. I had never been a hundred miles away from Darbyville, and +the prospect of leaving filled me with excitement. + +I was up long before it was necessary, but found Kate ahead of me. + +"You're going to have a good, hot breakfast before you go," she said. +"Sit right down. It's all ready." + +Presently, as I was eating, my uncle and Mrs. Canby joined me. They +were full of advice as to what to do and what to avoid, and I listened +to all they had to say attentively. + +But all things must come to an end, and at length breakfast was over. +My Uncle Enos and Kate drove me to Newville, and waited till the train +rolled in. + +"Good-by, Roger," said Kate. "Please, please, now do keep out of +trouble." + +"I will, Kate," I returned, and kissed her. Then I shook hands with my +uncle. + +"Keep a clear weather eye and a strong hand at the wheel, Roger, my +boy," he said, "and you'll make port all safe." + +"I'll try, Uncle Enos." + +A moment more and I was on the cars. Then with an "All aboard" the +conductor gave the signal, and the train moved off. + +I passed into the car and took a vacant seat near the centre. I had +hardly sat down before a well-dressed stranger took the seat beside +me. + +"Hot day," said he, after he had arranged his bag on the floor beside +my own. + +"Yes, it is," I replied, "and dry, too." + +"Meanest part of the country I've struck yet," he went on. "Don't have +any such climate as this out West." + +"I should think that would depend on where you come from," I returned, +with a short laugh. + +"I hail from Chicago. It's hot there, but we get plenty of breeze from +the lakes." + +I looked at the man with some attention. He came from the city I +intended to visit, and perhaps he might give me some information. + +He was a burly man of middle age, and, as I have said, well dressed, +though a trifle loud. His hair was black, as was also his mustache, +which he continually kept smoothing down with one hand. I did not like +his looks particularly, nor his tone of voice. They reminded me +strongly of some one, but whom I could not remember. + +"You come from Chicago," I said. "I am going there." + +"Is that so? Then we can travel together. I like to have some one +going along, don't you?" + +I felt like saying that that would depend on who the some one was, but +thinking this would hardly be polite, I returned:-- + +"I don't know. I've never travelled before." + +"No? Well, it's fun at first, but you soon get tired of it. My name is +Allen Price; what is yours?" + +"Roger Strong." + +"Glad to meet you." He extended his hand. "You're rather young to be +travelling alone--that is, going a distance. Do you smoke? We'll go +into the smoker and take it easy. I have some prime cigars." + +"Thank you, I don't smoke." + +"That's too bad. Nothing like a good cigar to quiet a man's nerves +when he's riding. So you're going to Chicago? On a visit?" + +"No, sir; on business." + +"Yes? Rather young for business--excuse me for saying so." + +"It is a personal business." + +"Oh, I see. Going to claim a dead uncle's property or something like +that, I suppose. Ha! ha! well, I wish you luck." + +Mr. Allen Price rattled on in this fashion for some time, and at +length I grew interested in the man in spite of myself. I was positive +I had seen him before, but where I could not tell. I asked him if he +had ever been to Darbyville. + +"Never heard of the place," he replied. "Only been in Jersey a month, +and that time was spent principally in Jersey City and Camden. I'm in +the pottery business. Our principal office is in Chicago." + +"Do you know much about that city?" + +"Lived there all my life." + +I was on the point of asking him about Holtzmann, but on second +thought decided to remain silent. + +On and on sped the train, making but few stops. There was a dining-car +attached but I was travelling on a cheap scale, and made my dinner and +supper from the generous lunch the widow had provided. + +Mr. Price went to the dining-car and also the smoker. He returned +about nine o'clock in the evening, just as I was falling into a light +doze. + +"Thought I'd get a sleeper," he explained. "But they are all full, so +I'll have to snooze beside you here." + +His breath smelt strongly of liquor, but I had no right to object, and +he dropped heavily into the seat. + +Presently I went sound asleep. How long I slept I do not know. When I +awoke it was with a sharp, stinging sensation in the head. A pungent +odor filled my nose, the scent coming from a handkerchief some one had +thrown over my face. + +With a gasp I pulled the handkerchief aside and sat up. Beside me sat +Mr. Allen Price with my handbag on his lap. He had a number of keys in +his hand and was trying to unlock the bag. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +A TELEGRAM + + +I was startled and indignant when I discovered Mr. Allen Price with my +handbag, trying to open it. It looked very much as if my +fellow-passenger was endeavoring to rob me. + +I had suspected from the start that this man was not "straight." There +was that peculiar something about his manner which I did not like. He +had been altogether too familiar from the first; too willing to make +himself agreeable. + +What he expected to find in my bag I could not imagine. If his mission +was robbery pure and simple, why had he not selected some one who +looked richer than myself? There was, I am certain, nothing about me +to make him believe I had anything of great value in the bag. + +"What are you doing with my valise?" I demanded as I straightened up. + +My sudden question made the man almost jump to his feet. The bag +dropped from his lap to the floor, and the keys in his hand jingled +after it. + +"I--I--didn't think you were awake," he stammered. + +"You didn't?" I repeated, puzzled as to what to say. + +"No--I--I--" + +"You were trying to open my bag." + +"So I was--but it's all a mistake, I assure you." + +"A mistake?" + +"Quite a mistake, Strong." He cleared his throat. "The fact is, I'm +suffering so from the toothache that I'm hardly able to judge of what +I'm doing. I thought your bag was my own." + +"They are not much alike," I returned bluntly. + +"Well, you see mine is a new one, and I'm not used to it yet. I hope +you don't think I was trying to rob you?" he went on, with a look of +reproach. + +I was silent. I did think that that was just what he was trying to do, +but I hardly cared to say so. + +"It's awful to have such toothaches as I get," he continued, putting +his hand to his cheek. "They come on me unawares, and drive me +frantic. I wanted to get my teeth attended to in Jersey City when I +was there, but I didn't have time." + +"What's this on the handkerchief?" I asked. + +"Oh, I guess I spilled some of my toothache cure on it," he replied, +after some hesitation. "I used some and then put the bottle back in +the valise. That's how I came to look for the bottle again. I hope +you're not offended. It was all a mistake." + +"It's all right if that's the case," I returned coolly. + +Holding my valise on my lap, I settled back in the seat again, but not +to sleep. The little adventure had aroused me thoroughly. Mr. Allen +Price sat beside me for a few moments in silence. + +"Guess I'll go into the smoker," he said finally, as he rose. "Maybe a +cigar will help me," and taking up his handbag, he walked down the +aisle. + +In a dreamy way I meditated over what had occurred. I could not help +but think that the handkerchief I had found spread over my face had +been saturated with chloroform, and that my fellow-passenger had +endeavored to put me in a sound sleep and then rifle my bag. Of course +I might be mistaken, but still I was positive that Mr. Allen Price +would bear watching. + +About four o'clock in the morning the train came to a sudden stop. The +jar was so pronounced that it woke nearly all of the passengers. + +Thinking that possibly we had arrived at our destination, I raised the +window and peered out. + +Instead of being in the heart of a city, however, I soon discovered we +were in a belt of timber land. Huge trees lined the road on both +sides, and ahead I could hear the flowing of a mountain stream. + +The train hands were out with their lanterns, and by their movements +it was plain to see that something was up. + +I waited in my seat for ten minutes or more, and then as a number of +passengers left the car, I took up my bag and did the same. + +A walk to the front of the train soon made known the cause of the +delay. Over a small mountain stream a strong wooden bridge with iron +frame had been built. Near the bridge grew a number of tall trees, and +one of these had been washed loose by the water and overturned in such +a manner that the largest branch blocked the progress of the +locomotive. The strong headlight had revealed the state of affairs to +the engineer, and he had stopped within five feet of the obstruction. +Had he run on, it is impossible to calculate what amount of damage +might have been done. + +"Don't see what we are going to do, except to run back to +Smalleyville," said the engineer, who was in consultation with the +conductor. + +"Can't we roll the tree out of the way?" asked the latter official. + +The engineer shook his head. + +"Too heavy. All the men on the train couldn't budge it." + +They stood in silence for a moment. + +"If you had a rope, you could make the engine haul it," I suggested to +the fireman, who was a young fellow. + +"A good idea," he exclaimed, and reported it to his superior. + +"First-class plan; but we haven't got the rope," said the engineer. + +"Have you got an axe?" + +"Yes." + +"Then why not chop it off?" + +"That's so! Larry, bring the axes." + +"It won't do any good," said one of the brakemen who had just come up. +"The bridge has shifted." + +An examination proved his assertion to be correct. As soon as this +became known, a danger light was hung at either end of the structure, +and then we started running backward to Smalleyville. + +"How long will this delay us?" I asked of the conductor as he came +through, explaining matters. + +"I can't tell. Perhaps only a few hours, perhaps more. It depends on +how soon the wrecking gang arrive on the spot. As soon as they get +there, they will go right to work, and it won't take them long to fix +matters up." + +Smalleyville proved to be a small town of not over five hundred +inhabitants. There was quite an excitement around the depot when the +train came in, and despatches were sent in various directions. + +Presently a shower came up, and this drove the passengers to the cars +and the station. I got aboard the train at first to listen to what the +train hands might have to say. I found one of the brakemen quite a +friendly fellow, and willing to talk. + +"This rain will make matters worse," said he. "That tree was leaning +against the bridge for all it was worth, and if it loosens any more it +will carry the thing away clean." + +"Isn't there danger of trains coming from the other way?" + +"Not now. We've telegraphed to Chicago, and no train will leave till +everything is in running order." + +"When does the next train arrive behind us?" + +"At 9.30 this morning." + +We chatted for quite a while. Then there was a commotion on the +platform, and we found that part of the wrecking gang had arrived on a +hand-car. + +They brought with them a great lot of tools, and soon a flat car with +a hoisting machine was run out of a shed, and they were off. + +By this time it was raining in torrents, and the station platform was +deserted. Not caring to get wet, I again took my seat in the car, and +presently fell asleep. + +When I awoke I found it was six o'clock. The rain still fell steadily, +without signs of abating. + +I was decidedly hungry, and buttoning my coat up tightly about my +neck, I sallied forth in search of a restaurant. + +I found one within a block of the depot, and entering, I called for +some coffee and muffins--first, however, assuring myself that my +train was not likely to leave for fully an hour. + +While busy with what the waiter had brought, I saw Mr. Allen Price +enter. Luckily the table I sat at was full, and he was compelled to +take a seat some distance from me. + +"Good morning, my young friend," said he, as he stopped for an instant +in front of me. + +I was surprised at his pleasant manner. He acted as if nothing had +ever happened to bring up a coolness between us. + +"Good morning," I replied briefly. + +"Terrible rain, this, isn't it?" + +"It is." + +"My toothache's much better," he went on, "and I feel like myself once +more. Funny I mistook your valise for mine, last night, wasn't it?" + +"I don't know," I replied flatly. + +I returned to my breakfast, and, seeing I would not converse further, +the man passed on and sat down. But I felt that his eyes were on me, +and instinctively I made up my mind to be on my guard. + +As I was about to leave the place, several more passengers came in, +and by what they said I learned that the train would not start for +Chicago till noon, the bridge being so badly damaged that the road +engineer would not let anything cross until it was propped up. + +Not caring to go back to the train, I entered the waiting-room and +took in all there was to be seen. At one end of the place was a news +stand, and I walked up to this to look at the picture papers that were +displayed. + +I was deeply interested in a cartoon on the middle pages of an +illustrated paper when I heard Mr. Price's voice asking for some +Chicago daily, and then making inquiries as to where the telegraph +once was located. + +He did not see me, and I at once stepped out of sight behind him. + +Having received his directions, Mr. Price sat down to write out his +telegram. Evidently what he wrote did not satisfy him, for he tore up +several slips of paper before he managed to prepare one that suited +him. + +Then he arose, and throwing the scraps in a wad on the floor, walked +away. + +Unobserved, I picked up the wad. Right or wrong, I was bound to see +what it contained. Perhaps it might be of no earthly interest to me; +on the other hand, it might contain much I would desire to know. +Strange things had happened lately, and I was prepared for all sorts +of surprises. + +A number of the slips of paper were missing and the remainder were so +crumpled that the pencil marks were nearly illegible. + +At length I managed to fit one of the sheets together and then read +these words:-- + + C. Hholtzmann, Chicago: + + Look out for a young man claiming to-- + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +IN CHICAGO + + +I had not been mistaken in my opinion of Mr. Allen Price. He was +following me, and doing it with no good intention. + +I concluded the man must be employed by Mr. Woodward. Perhaps I had +seen him at some time in Darbyville, and so thought his face familiar. + +I was glad that if he was a detective I was aware of the fact. I would +now know how to trust him, and I made up my mind that if he got the +best of me it would be my own fault. + +One thing struck me quite forcibly. The merchant and John Stumpy both +considered my proposed visit to Chris Holtzmann of importance. They +would not have put themselves to the trouble and expense of hiring +some one to follow me if this was not so. Though Mr. Aaron Woodward +was rich, he was close, and did not spend an extra dollar except upon +himself. + +I was chagrined at the thought that Holtzmann would be prepared to +receive me. I had hoped to come upon him unawares, and get into his +confidence before he could realize what I was after. + +I began to wonder when the telegram would reach Chicago. Perhaps +something by good fortune might delay it. + +Mr. Allen Price walked over to the telegraph office, and following him +with my eyes I saw him pay for the message and then stroll away. + +Hardly had he gone before I too stepped up to the counter. + +"How long will it take to send a message to Chicago?" I asked of the +clerk in charge. + +"Probably till noon," was the reply. "The storm has crippled us, and +we are having trouble with our lineman." + +"It won't go before noon!" I repeated, and my heart gave a bound. "Are +you sure?" + +"Yes; perhaps even longer." + +"How about the message that gentleman just handed in?" + +"I told him I would send it as soon as possible," + +"Did you tell him it wouldn't go before noon?" + +"No; he didn't ask," returned the clerk, coolly. He was evidently not +going to let any business slip if he could help it. + +"Is there any possible way I can get to Chicago before noon?" I went +on. + +The clerk shook his head. "I don't think there is," he replied. + +"What is the nearest station on the other side of the bridge?" + +"Foley." + +"And how far is that from Chicago?" + +"Twelve miles." + +"Thank you." + +I walked away from the counter filled with a sudden resolve. I must +reach Chicago before the telegram or Mr. Allen Price. If I did not, my +trip to the city of the lakes would be a failure. + +How was the thing to be accomplished? Walking out on the covered +platform, out of sight of the man who was following me, I tried to +solve the problem. + +Smalleyville was a good ten miles from the misplaced bridge, and in a +soaking rain such a distance was too far to walk. Perhaps I might get +a carriage to take me to the spot. I supposed the cost would be +several dollars, but decided not to stand on that amount. + +I had about made up my mind to hunt up a livery stable, when some +workingmen rolled up to the station on a hand-car. + +"Where are you going?" I inquired of one of them. + +"Down to the Foley bridge," was the reply, + +"Will you take a passenger?" I went on quickly. + +"You'll have to ask the boss." + +The boss proved to be a jolly German. + +"Vont ter haf a ride, does you!" he laughed. + +"I'm not over particular about the ride," I explained. "I've got to +get to Chicago as soon as possible, even if I have to walk." + +"Vell, jump on, den." + +I did so, and a moment later we were off. I was pretty confident that +Mr. Allen Price had not witnessed my departure, and I hoped he would +not find it out for some hours to come. + +The rain had now slackened, so there was no further danger of getting +soaked to the skin. There were four men on the car besides the boss, +and seeing they were short a hand I took hold with a will. + +Fortunately the grade was downward, and we had but little difficulty +in sending the car on its way. At the end of half an hour the stream +came in sight, and then as we slackened up I hopped off. + +Down by the water's edge I found that the bridge had shifted fully six +inches out of line with the roadbed. It was, however, in a pretty safe +condition, and I had no difficulty in crossing to the other side. + +Despite the storm a goodly number of men were assembled on the +opposite bank, anxiously watching the efforts of the workmen. Among +them I found a man, evidently a cabman, standing near a coupe, the +horses of which were still smoking from a long run. + +"Are you from Foley?" I asked, stepping up. + +"No; just come all the way from Chicago," was the reply. "Had to bring +two men down that wanted to get to Smalleyville." + +This was interesting news. Perhaps I could get the man to take me back +with him. Of course he would take me if I hired him in the regular +way, but if I did this, I was certain he would charge me a small +fortune. + +"I am going to Chicago," I said. "I just came from Smalleyville." + +"That so? Want to hire my rig?" + +"You charge too much," I returned. "A fellow like me can't afford +luxuries." + +"Take you there for two dollars. It's worth five--those two men gave +me ten." + +"What time will you land me in Chicago?" + +"Where do you want to go?" + +That question was a poser. I knew no more of the city of Chicago than +I did of Paris or Pekin. Yet I did not wish to be set down on the +outskirts, and not to show my ignorance I answered cautiously:-- + +"To the railroad depot." + +"Have you the time now?" + +"It is about seven o'clock." + +"I'll be there by nine." + +"All right. Land me there by that time, and I'll pay you the two +dollars." + +"It's a go. Jump in," he declared. + +I did so. A moment later he gathered up the reins, and we went +whirling down the road. + +The ride was an easy one, and as we bowled along I had ample +opportunity to ponder over my situation. I wondered what Mr. Allen +Price would think when he discovered I was nowhere to be found. I +could well imagine his chagrin, and I could not help smiling at the +way I had outwitted him. I was not certain what sort of a man Chris +Holtzmann would prove to be, and therefore it was utterly useless to +plan a means of approaching him. + +At length we reached the suburbs of Chicago, and rolled down one of +the broad avenues. It was now clear and bright, and the clean broad +street with its handsome houses pleased me very much. + +In half an hour we reached the business portion of the city, and soon +the coupe came to a halt and the driver opened the door. + +"Here we are," said he. + +I jumped to the ground and gazed around. Opposite was the railroad +station, true enough, and beyond blocks and blocks of tall business +buildings, which reminded me strongly of New York. + +I paid the cabman the two dollars I had promised, and he drove off. + +In Chicago at last! I looked around. I was in the heart of a great +city, knowing no one, and with no idea of where to go. + +Yet my heart did not fail me. My mind was too full of the object of my +quest to allow me to become faint-hearted. I was there for a purpose, +and that purpose must be accomplished. + +My clothes were still damp, but the sunshine was fast drying them. +Near by was a bootblack's chair, and dropping into this, I had him +polish my shoes and brush me up generally. + +While he was performing the operation I questioned him concerning the +streets and gained considerable information. + +"Did you ever hear of a man by the name of Chris Holtzmann?" I asked. + +"I dunno," was the slow reply. "What does he do?" + +"I don't know what business he is in. He came from Brooklyn." + +The bootblack shook his head. + +"This city is a big place. There might be a dozen men by his name +here. The street what you spoke about has lots of saloons and theatres +on it. Maybe he's in that business." + +"Maybe he is," I returned. "I must find out somehow." + +"You can look him up in the directory. You'll find one over in the +drug store on the corner." + +"Thank you; I guess that's what I'll do," I replied. + +When he had finished, I paid him ten cents for his work, and walked +over to the place he had mentioned. + +A polite clerk waited on me and pointed out the directory lying on a +stand. + +I looked it over carefully, and three minutes later walked out with +Chris Holtzmann's new address in my pocket. + +As I did so, I saw a stream of people issue from the depot. Some of +them looked familiar. Was it possible that the train from Smalleyville +had managed to come through, after all? It certainly looked like it. + +I was not kept long in doubt. I crossed over to make sure, and an +instant later found myself face to face with Allen Price! + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +WHO MR. ALLEN PRICE WAS + + +I will not deny that I was considerably taken aback by my unexpected +meeting with the man who had been following me. I had been firmly +under the impression that he was still lolling around Smalleyville, +waiting for a chance to continue his journey. + +But if I was surprised, so was Mr. Allen Price. Every indication +showed that he had not missed me at my departure, and that he was +under the belief that I had been left behind. + +He stopped short and gazed at me in blank astonishment. + +"Why--why--where did you come from?" he stammered. + +"From Smalleyville," I returned as coolly as I could. "And that's +where you came from, too," I added. + +"I didn't see you on the train," he went on, ignoring my last remark. + +"I didn't come up by train." + +"Maybe you walked," he went on, with some anxiety. + +"Oh no; I rode in a carriage." + +"Humph! It seems to me you must have been in a tremendous hurry." + +"Perhaps I was." + +"Why, you excite my curiosity. May I ask the cause of your sudden +impatience?" + +He put the question in an apparently careless fashion, but his sharp +eyes betrayed his keen interest. + +"You may." + +"And what, was it?" + +I looked at him for a moment in silence. + +"I came to see a man." + +"Ah! A friend? Perhaps he is seriously sick." + +"I don't know if he is sick or not." + +"And yet you hurried to see him?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, that--that is out of the ordinary." He hesitated for a moment. +"Of course it is none of my business, but I am interested. Perhaps I +know the party and can help you. May I ask his name?" + +"It's the same man you telegraphed to," I returned. + +Mr. Allen Price stopped short and nearly dropped his handbag. My +unexpected reply had taken the "wind out of his sails." + +"I telegraphed to?" he repeated. + +"Exactly." + +"But--but I telegraphed to no one." + +"Yes, you did." + +"Why, my dear young friend, you are mistaken." + +"I'm not your dear friend," I returned with spirit. "You telegraphed +to Chris Holtzmann to beware of me. Why did you do it?" + +The man's face fell considerably, and he did not answer. I went on:-- + +"You are following me and trying to defeat the object of my trip to +Chicago. But you shall not do it. You pretend to be an ordinary +traveller, but you are nothing more than a spy sent on by Mr. Aaron +Woodward to stop me. But I have found you out, and now you can go back +to him and tell him that his little plan didn't work." + +The man's brow grew black with anger. He was very angry, and I could +see that it was with difficulty he kept his hands off me. + +"Think you're smart, don't you?" he sneered. + +"I was too smart for you." + +"But you don't know it all," he went on. "You don't know it all--not +by a jugful." + +"I know enough to steer clear of you." + +"Maybe you do." + +The man evidently did not know what to say, and as a matter of fact, +neither did I. I had told him some plain truths, and now I was anxious +to get away from him and think out my future course of action. + +"What's your idea of calling on Chris Holtzmann?" he went an after a +long pause. + +"That's my business." + +"It won't do you any good." + +"Perhaps it may." + +"I know it won't," he replied in decided tones. + +"What do you know about it?" I said sharply. "A moment ago you denied +knowing anything about me. Now I've done with you, and I want you to +leave me alone." + +"You needn't get mad about it." + +"I'll do as I please." + +"No, you won't," he growled. "If you don't do as I want you to, I'll +have you arrested." + +This was strong language, and I hardly knew what to say in reply. Not +that I was frightened by his threat, but what made the man take such a +strong personal interest in the matter? + +As I have said, I was almost certain I had seen the fellow before, +though where and when was more than I could determine. Perhaps he was +disguised. + +"Perhaps you don't think I know who you are," I said quickly. + +My words were a perfect shock to Mr. Allen Price. In spite of his +bronzed face he turned pale. + +"You know who I am? Why, I am as I tell you,--Allen Price," he +faltered. + +"Really," I replied, with assumed sarcasm. + +"Yes, really." + +"I know better," I returned boldly. + +I was hardly prepared for what was to follow. The man caught me by the +arm. + +"Then what you know shall cost you dear," he cried. "I'm not to be +outwitted by a country boy. Help! Police! Police!" + +As he uttered his call for assistance he let drop his handbag and drew +his purse from his pocket. + +"I've got you, you young thief!" he cried, letting the purse fall to +the sidewalk. "You didn't think to be caught as easily, did you? Help! +Po--Oh, officer, I'm glad you've come!" the last to a policeman who +had just hurried to the scene. + +"What's the matter here?" demanded the minion of the law. + +"I just caught this young fellow picking my pocket," exclaimed Mr. +Allen. "Where's my pocketbook?" + +"There's a pocketbook on the sidewalk," put in a man in the crowd that +had quickly gathered. + +"So it is." He picked it up. "You rascal! You thought to get away in +fine style, didn't you?" he continued to me. + +For a moment I was too stunned to speak. The un-looked-for turn of +affairs took away my breath. + +"I didn't pick his pocket," I burst out. + +"Yes, you did." + +"It isn't so. He's a swindler and is trying to get me into trouble." + +"Here! here! none of that!" broke in the officer. "Tell me your +story," he said to Mr. Allen Price. + +"I was coming along looking in the shop windows," began my accuser, +"when I felt a hand in my pocket. I turned quickly and just in time to +catch this fellow trying to make off with my pocketbook." + +"It is a falsehood, every word of it," I declared. + +"Shut up!" said the officer, sternly. "Please go on." + +"He is evidently a smart thief," continued Mr. Allen Price. "I must +see if I have lost anything else." + +He began a pretended examination of his clothes. In the meantime the +crowd began to grow larger and larger. + +"We can't stay here all day," said the policeman, roughly. "What have +you got to say to the charge?" + +"I say it isn't true," I replied. "This man is a humbug. He is +following me for a purpose, and is trying to get me into trouble." + +"Ridiculous!" cried my accuser. "Why, I never heard of such a thing +before!" + +"That story won't wash," said the officer to me. "Do you make a +charge?" he continued to Mr. Allen Price. + +My accuser hesitated. "I will, if it is not necessary for me to go +along," he said. "I am pressed for time. My name is Sylvester Manners. +I am a partner in the Manners Clothing Company. You know the firm, I +presume." + +"Oh, yes, sir," replied the officer. He knew the Manners Clothing +Company to be a rich concern. + +"I will stop at the station house to-morrow morning and make a +complaint," continued Mr. Allen Price. "Don't let the young rascal +escape." + +"No fear, sir. Come on!" the last to me. + +"I've done no wrong. I want that man arrested!" I cried. "He is no +more a merchant here in Chicago than I am. He--" + +But the officer would not listen. He took a strong hold upon my collar +and began to march me off. Mr. Allen Price walked beside us until we +reached the corner. + +"I will leave you here, officer," he said. "I'll be down in the +morning, sure. As for you," he continued to me, "I trust you will soon +see the error of your ways and try to mend them, and--" he continued +in a whisper, as the officer's attention was distracted for a moment, +"never try to outwit John Stumpy again!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +AN EXCITING ADVENTURE + + +Mr. Allen Price and John Stumpy were one and the same person! For a +moment so great was my surprise that I forgot I was under arrest, and +walked on beside the officer without a protest. + +Now that I knew the truth it was easy to trace the resemblance, and I +blamed myself greatly for not having discovered it when we first met. + +Of a certainty the man was bent upon frustrating my plans, partly for +his own safety, and more so upon Mr. Aaron Woodward's account. No +doubt the merchant was paying him well for his work, and John Stumpy +intended to do all he could to crush me. + +But I was not to be crushed. The forces brought against me only made +my will stronger to go ahead. It was do or die, and that was all there +was to it. + +I could easily understand why John Stumpy wished to obtain possession +of my handbag. In it he hoped to find the papers Mr. Woodward had lost +and Nicholas Weaver's confession. I could not help but smile at the +thought that, notwithstanding all I had said to the contrary, the two +plotters still believed I had the lost documents. + +One thing perplexed me. Why was my visit to Chris Holtzmann considered +of such importance that every possible means was taken to prevent it? +Did this man possess the entire key to the situation? And were they +afraid he could be bought up or threatened into a confession? It +looked so. + +"You are not from Chicago, young fellow?" said the policeman who had +me in charge. + +"No; I'm from the East." + +"Humph! Got taken in short, didn't you?" + +"I'm not guilty of any crime," I returned, "and you'll find it out +when it comes to the examination." + +"I'll chance it," replied the officer, grimly. + +"That man is a fraud. If you call on the Manners Clothing Company, you +will find it so." + +"That's not part of my duty. I'll take you to the station house, and +you can tell the judge your story," replied the policeman. + +Yet I could see by the way his brow contracted that my assertion had +had its effect upon him. Probably had he given the matter proper +thought in the first place, he would have compelled John Stumpy to +accompany him. + +Still, this did me no good. Here I was being taken to the jail while +the man who should have been under arrest was free. I would probably +have to remain in confinement until the following morning, and in the +meantime John Stumpy could call on Chris Holtzmann and arrange plans +to suit himself. + +This would never do, as it would defeat the whole object of my trip +West, and send me home to be laughed at by Mr. Aaron Woodward and +Duncan. + +"Can I ask for an examination at once?" I inquired. + +"Maybe; if the judge is there." + +"And if he isn't?" + +"You'll have to wait till to-morrow morning. You see it isn't--Hello! +thunder and lightning! what's that?" + +As the officer uttered the exclamation there was a wild cry on the +streets, and the next instant the crowds of people scattered in every +direction. + +And no wonder, for down the pavement came an infuriated bull, charging +everybody and everything before him. + +The animal had evidently broken away from a herd that was being driven +to the stock-yards, and his nose, where the ring was fastened, was +torn and covered with blood, and he breathed hard, as if he had run a +great distance. + +"It's a mad bull!" I cried. "Take care, or he'll horn both of us!" + +My words of caution were unnecessary, for no sooner had the bull +turned in our direction than the officer let go his hold upon me and +fled into a doorway near at hand. + +For an instant I was on the point of following him. Then came the +sudden thought that now would be a good chance to escape. + +To think was to act. No sooner had the policeman jumped into the +doorway than I dodged through the crowd and hurried across the street. +Reaching the opposite side, I ran into an alley. It was long and led +directly into the back garden of a handsome stone mansion. + +The garden was filled with beautiful flowers and plants, and in the +centre a tiny fountain sent a thin spray into the air. At one side, +under a small arbor, stood a garden bench, and on this sat a little +girl playing with a number of dolls. + +Her golden hair hung heavy over her shoulders, and she looked +supremely happy. She greeted my entrance with a smile, and took me at +once into her confidence. + +"This is my new dolly," she explained, holding the article up. + +"Is it?" I asked, hardly knowing what to say. + +"Yes; papa bringed it home yesterday. Does oo like dollies?" + +"Oh, yes, nice ones like that. You must have lots of fun. I--" + +I did not finish the sentence. There was a noise in the alley, and the +next instant the mad bull came crashing into the garden! + +For a second I was too surprised to move or speak. The little girl +uttered a piercing scream, and gathering her dolls in her arms huddled +into a corner of the bench. + +Why the animal had followed so closely behind me I could not tell, but +once in the garden, it was plain to see he was bent upon doing +considerable damage. He was more enraged than ever, and scattered the +sodding about in every direction. + +At first some red flowers attracted his attention, and he charged upon +these with a fury that wrecked the entire flower-bed in which they +were standing. + +While the bull was at this work I partly recovered my senses, and then +the first thought that came to my mind was the necessity of getting +the little girl to a place of safety. Let the bull once get at her, +and her life might pay the penalty. I was not many feet away from the +little miss, and a few bounds took me to her side. + +"Come, let me take you into the house," I said, and picked her up. + +She made no reply, but continued to scream and clung to me with all +the strength of her little arms. + +There was a back piazza to the mansion five or six steps high. I knew +that if we once reached this we would be safe, for no matter what the +bull might do, he could not climb. + +"Oh, Millie, my child!" came s voice from the house, and I saw a lady +at one of the windows. "Oh, save her! Bring her here!" she cried, as +she caught sight of the bull. + +I uttered no reply, but sprang toward the steps. + +But though I wasted no time, the bull was too quick for me. Springing +over the flower-bed, he planted himself directly in my path. + +It made my blood run cold to have him face me with that vicious look +and those glaring eyes. One prod of those horns and all would be over. + +"Oh, save Millie! Save my child!" The lady had opened the door and now +came running out upon the piazza. + +"I will if I can!" I returned. "Don't come down here. He'll tear you +all to pieces!" + +Even as I spoke the bull made a plunge for me. I darted to one side +and sprang over to the edge of the piazza corner. + +"Give her to me! Hand her up!" exclaimed the lady, as she rushed over, +and as I held the little one on my shoulder, the lady drew her up and +clasped the child, dolls and all, to her breast. + +Hardly had I got rid of my charge than the bull came for me again. The +trick I had played on him only served to increase his rage, and he +snorted loudly. + +I was in a bad fix. Between the piazza and the next-door fence was a +distance of but ten feet, and behind me was the solid stone wall of +the house. Escape on any side was impossible. Had I had time I might +have climbed up to the piazza, but now this was not to be thought of, +and another means of getting out of danger must be instantly devised. + +"Oh, he will be killed!" cried the lady, in horror. "Help! help!" + +I glanced around for some weapon with which to defend myself. I had +nothing with me. Even my valise lay at the other end of the garden, +where I had dropped it when the animal first made his appearance. + +As I said, I looked around, and behind me found a heavy spade the +gardener had at one time or another used for digging post holes. It +was a strong and sharp implement, and I took it up with a good deal of +satisfaction. + +The bull charged on me with fury. As he did so, I took the spade and +held it on a level with my waist, resting the butt end on the wall +behind me. + +The next instant there was a terrific crash that made me sick from +head to foot. With all his force the bull had sprung forward, only to +receive the sharp end of the spade straight between his eyes. + +The blow was as if it had been delivered by an axe. It made a +frightful cut, and the blood rushed forth in a torrent. + +With a mad cry of pain the bull backed out. At first I thought he was +going to charge me again, but evidently the blow was too much for him, +for with several moans he turned, and with his head hanging down, he +staggered across the garden to the alley and disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +SAMMY SIMPSON + + +I gave a sigh of relief when the bull was gone. The encounter with the +mad animal had been no laughing matter. I had once heard of a man +being gored to death by just such an infuriated creature, and I +considered that I had had a narrow escape. I put my hand to my +forehead and found the cold sweat standing out upon it. Taking my +handkerchief, I mopped it away. + +"Are you hurt?" inquired the lady, with great solicitation. + +"No, ma'am," I replied. "But it was a close shave!" + +"Indeed it was. And you saved my Millie's life! How can I thank you!" + +"I didn't do so much. I guess she's scared a good bit." + +"She hardly realized the danger, dear child. Did you, Millie, my pet?" + +"The bad cow wanted to eat up my dollies!" exclaimed the little miss, +with a grave shake of the head. "But oo helped me," she added, to me. + +"I'm glad I was here," I returned. + +"May I ask how you happened to come in?" continued the lady. + +In a few words I told my story. I had hardly finished when the back +door opened and a gentleman stepped out. + +"What is the trouble here?" he asked anxiously. "I just heard that a +mad bull had run into the garden." + +"So he did, James; a savage monster indeed. This young man just beat +him off and saved Millie's life." + +"Hardly that," I put in modestly. I did not want more praise than I +was justly entitled to receive. + +"Indeed, but he did. See the spade covered with blood? Had he not hit +the animal over the head with that, something dreadful would have +happened." + +"I didn't hit him exactly," I laughed. "I held it up and he ran +against it," and once more I told my story. + +"You have done us a great service, young man," said the gentleman when +I had concluded. "I was once in the butcher business myself,--in +fact, I am in it yet, but only in the export trade,--and I know full +well how dangerous bulls can get. Had it not been for you my little +girl might have been torn to pieces. One of her dolls is dressed in +red, and this would have attracted the bull's immediate attention. I +thank you deeply." He grasped my hand warmly. "May I ask your name?" + +"Roger Strong, sir." + +"My name is Harrison--James Harrison. You live here in Chicago, I +suppose?" + +"No, sir, I come from Darbyville, New Jersey." + +"Darbyville?" He thought a moment. "I never heard of such a town." + +"It is only a small place several miles from New York. I came to +Chicago on business. I arrived about half an hour ago." + +"Really? Your introduction into our city has been rather an exciting +one." + +"I've had other adventures fully as exciting in the past few days," I +returned. + +"Yes?" and Mr. Harrison eyed me curiously. + +"Yes. Our train was delayed, I almost had my handbag stolen, and I've +been arrested as a thief." + +"And all in a half an hour?" The gentleman and his wife both looked +incredulous. + +"No, sir; since I've left home." + +"I should like to hear your story--that is, if you care to tell it." + +"I will tell you the whole thing if you care to listen," I returned, +reflecting that my newly made friend might give me some material +assistance in my quest. + +"Then come into the house." + +"I'd better shut the alley gate first," said I, and running down I did +so, and picked up my handbag as well. + +Mr. Harrison led the way inside. I could not help but note the rich +furnishings of the place--the soft carpets, artistically papered +walls, the costly pictures and bric-a-brac, all telling of wealth. + +Mrs. Harrison and the little girl had disappeared up the stairs. Mr. +Harrison ushered me into his library and motioned me to a seat. + +I hardly knew how to begin my story. To show how John Stumpy had had +me arrested, it would be necessary to go back to affairs at +Darbyville, and this I hesitated about doing. + +"If you have time I would like to tell you about my affairs before I +started to come to Chicago," I said. "I would like your advice." + +The gentleman looked at the clock resting upon the mantel shelf. + +"I have an engagement at eleven o'clock," he returned. "Until then I +am entirely at your service, and will be in the afternoon if you +desire it. I'll promise to give you the best advice I can." + +"Thank you. I am a stranger here, and most people won't pay much +attention to a boy," I replied. + +Then I told my story in full just as I have written it here. Mr. +Harrison was deeply interested. + +"It is a strange case," he said, when I had concluded. "These men must +be thorough rascals, every one of them. Of course it yet remains to be +seen what this Chris Holtzmann has to do with the affair. He may be +made to give evidence for or against your father just as he is +approached. I think I would be careful at the first meeting." + +"I did not intend to let him know who I was." + +"A good plan." + +"But now if I venture on the street I may be arrested," I went on. + +"It is not likely. Chicago is a big city, and unless the officer who +arrested you before meets you, it is improbable that he can give an +accurate enough description of you for others to identify you. Then +again, having failed in his duty, he may not report the case at all." + +"That's so; but if I do run across him--" + +"Then send for me. Here is my card. If I can be of service to you, I +shall be glad." + +Mr. Harrison gave me minute directions how to reach Holtzmann's place. +Then it was time for him to go, and we left the house together. I +promised to call on him again before quitting Chicago. + +It was with a lighter heart that I went on my way. In some manner I +felt that I had at least one friend in the big city, to whom I could +turn for advice and assistance. + +Guided by the directions Mr. Harrison had given me, I had no +difficulty in making my way in the direction of Chris Holtzmann's +place of business or house, whatever it might prove to be. + +As I passed up one street and down another, I could not help but look +about me with great curiosity. If Chicago was not New York, it was +"next door" to it, and I could have easily spent the entire day in +sightseeing. + +But though my eyes were taking in all that was to be seen, my mind was +busy speculating upon the future. What would Chris Holtzmann think of +my visit, and what would be the result of our interview? + +At length I turned down the street upon which his place was located. +It was a wide and busy thoroughfare, lined with shops of all kinds. +Saloons were numerous, and from several of them came the sounds of +lively music. + +"Can you tell me where Chris Holtzmann's place is?" I asked of a man +on the corner. + +"Holtzmann's? Sure! Down on the next corner." + +"Thank you." + +"Variety actor?" went on the man, curiously. + +"Oh, no!" I laughed. + +"Thought not. They're generally pretty tough--the ones Chris hires." + +"Does he have a variety theatre?" + +"That's what he calls it. But it's nothing but a concert hall with +jugglers and tumblers thrown in." + +I did not relish the idea of going into such a place, and I knew that +my sister Kate and the Widow Canby would be horrified when they heard +of it. + +"What kind of a man is this Holtzmann?" I continued, seeing that the +man I had accosted was inclined to talk. + +"Oh, he's a good enough kind of a fellow if you know how to take him," +was the reply. "He's a bit cranky if he's had a glass too much, but +that don't happen often." + +"Does he run the place himself?" + +"What, tend bar and so?" + +"Yes." + +"Oh, no; he's too high-toned for that. He only bosses things. They say +he's rich. Be came from the East some years ago with quite a little +money, and he's been adding to it ever since." + +"Then you know him quite well?" + +"Worked for him two years. Then he up one day and declared I was +robbing him. We had a big row, and I got out." + +"Did he have you arrested?" + +"Arrested? Not much. He knew better than to try such a game on me. +When I was in his employ I kept my eyes and ears open, and I knew too +much about his private affairs for him to push me, even if I had been +guilty. Oh, Sammy Simpson knows a thing or two." + +"That is your name?" + +"Yes; Samuel A. Simpson. Generally called Sammy for short. I was his +bookkeeper and corresponding clerk." + +"Maybe you're just the man I want to see," I said. "Do you know +anything about Mr. Holtzmann's private affairs in the East?" + +"In Brooklyn?" + +"Yes." + +Sammy Simpson hesitated for a moment. + +"Maybe I do," he replied, with a shrewd look in his eyes. "Is there +anything to be made out of it?" + +"I will pay you for whatever you do for me." + +"Then I'm your huckleberry. Who are you and what do you want to know?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE PALACE OF PLEASURE + + +Mr. Sammy Simpson was a character. He was tall and slim, certainly not +less than fifty years of age, but with an evident desire to appear +much younger. His face was cleanly shaven, and when he removed his hat +to scratch his head I saw that he was nearly bald. + +He was dressed in a light check suit and wore patent-leather shoes. I +put him down as a dandy, but fond of drink, and that he proved to be. + +"Whom do you work for now?" I asked. + +"No one. To tell the truth, I'm down on my luck and I'm waiting for +something to turn up." + +"You say you worked for Holtzmann two years ago?" + +"No, I said I worked for him two years. I only left last month." + +"And he accused you of stealing?" + +"Yes; but it was only to get rid of me because I knew too much of his +private affairs." + +"What do you know of his private affairs?" + +Sammy Simpson rubbed his chin. + +"Excuse me, but who am I talking to?" he asked abruptly. + +"Never mind who I am. I am here to get all the information I can about +Chris Holtzmann, and I'm willing to pay for it. Of course I'm not +rich, but I've got a few dollars. If you can't help me I'll have to go +elsewhere." + +My plain speech startled Sammy Simpson. + +"Hold up; don't get mad because I asked your name. You've a perfect +right to keep it to yourself if you want to. Only make it sure to me +that I'll get paid for what I tell and it will be all right." + +I was perplexed. I had half a mind to mention Mr. Harrison's name, but +if I did that, the man might expect altogether too much. + +"I will promise you that you lose nothing," I said. "But we can't talk +things over in the street. Tell me where I can meet you later on." + +"Want to see Holtzmann first?" + +"Yes." + +"You won't get anything out of him, I'll wager you that." + +"I don't expect to. I want to see what kind of a man he is." + +"Well, you'll find me at 28 Hallock Street generally. If I'm not in, +you can find out there where I've gone to." + +"I'll remember it. In the meantime don't speak of this meeting to any +one." + +"Mum's the word," rejoined Sammy Simpson. + +I went on my way deep in thought. I considered it a stroke of luck +that I had fallen in with Chris Holtzmann's former clerk. No doubt the +man knew much that would prove of value to me. + +I doubted if this man was perfectly honest. I was satisfied that the +concert-hall manager had had good grounds for discharging him. But it +often "takes a rogue to catch a rogue," and I was willing to profit by +any advantage that came to hand. + +At length I reached the next corner. On it stood a splendid building +of marble, having over the door in raised letters:-- + + CHRIS HOLTZMANN'S + PALACE OF PLEASURE. + Open all the Time. Admission Free! + +For a moment I hesitated. Should I enter such a hole of iniquity? + +Then came the thought of my mission; how I wished to clear the family +name from the stain that rested upon it and free my father from +imprisonment, and I went in. + +I do not care to describe the scene that met my eyes. The magnificent +decorations of the place were to my mind entirely out of keeping with +its character. The foulness of a subcellar would have been more +appropriate. + +In the back, where a stage was located, were a number of small tables. +I sat down at one of these and had a waiter bring me a glass of soda +water. + +"Is Mr. Holtzmann about?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir. There he is over by the cigar counter. Shall I call him?" + +"No." + +I paid for my soda and sipped it leisurely. The place was about half +full, and all attention was being paid to "Master Ardon, the Wonderful +Boy Dancer," who was doing a clog on the stage. + +Mr. Chris Holtzmann was very much the style of a man I had imagined +him to be. He was short and stout, with a thick neck and a double +chin. He was loudly dressed, including several seal rings and a heavy +gold watch chain. + +I calculated that he would be a hard man to approach, and now that I +was face to face with him I hardly knew how to proceed. + +At first I thought to ask him for a situation of some kind and thus +get on speaking terms with him, but concluded that openness would pay +best in the end, and so, rising, I approached him. + +"Mr. Holtzmann, I believe?" I began. + +"Yes," he said slowly, looking me over from head to foot. + +"If you please I would like to have a talk with you," I went on. + +"What is it?" and he turned his ear toward me. + +"I have come all the way from Darbyville, New Jersey, to see you." + +"What!" He started. "And what is your business with me, sir?" he went +on sharply. + +"I would like to see you in private," and I glanced at the clerk and +several others who were staring at us. + +"Come to my office," he returned, and led the way through a door at +one side, into a handsomely furnished apartment facing the side +street. + +"Ross, you can post the letters," he said to a clerk who was writing +at a desk. "Be back in half an hour." + +It was a hint that we were to be left alone, and the clerk was not +long in gathering up the letters that had been written, and leaving. + +"I suppose Woodward sent you," began Chris Holtzmann, when we were +seated. + +This remark nearly took away my breath. I thought he would deny all +knowledge of having ever known the merchant, and here he was +mentioning the man at the very start. + +I hardly knew how to reply, and he continued:-- + +"I've been expecting him for several days." + +"Well, you know there was an accident on the railroad," I began as +coolly as I could. "The bridge shifted and the trains couldn't run." + +"Yes, I heard of that." He paused for a moment. "What brought you?" + +This was a home question. I plunged in like a swimmer into a deep +stream. + +"I came to get the papers relating to the Strong forgeries. You have +all of them, I suppose." + +I was surprised at my own boldness. So was my listener. + +"Sh! not so loud," he exclaimed. "Who said I had the papers?" + +"John Stumpy spoke about them to Mr. Woodward." + +"He did, eh?" sneered Chris Holtzmann. "He had better keep his mouth +shut. How does he know but what the papers were destroyed long ago?" + +"I hope not," I replied earnestly. + +"What does Woodward want of the papers?" + +"I don't know exactly. The Strong family are going to have the case +opened again, and he's afraid they may be dragged in." + +"No one knows I have them but him, Stumpy--and you." He gave me a +suspicious glance. "Who are--" + +"The Strongs know," I put in hastily, thus cutting him off. + +"What!" He jumped up from his chair. "Who was fool enough to tell +them?" + +"Nicholas Weaver left a dying statement--" + +"The idiot! I always said he was a weak-minded fool!" cried Chris +Holtzmann. "Who has this statement?" + +"I don't know where it is now, but Carson Strong's son had it." + +"Strong's son! Great Scott! Then Woodward's goose is cooked. I always +told him he hadn't covered up his tracks." + +"Yes, but he paid you pretty well for your share of the work," I +returned. I was getting mixed. The deception could not be kept up much +longer, and I wondered what would happen when the truth became known. + +"Didn't pay me half of what I should have got. I helped him not only +in Brooklyn, but here in Chicago as well. How would he have accounted +for all his money if I hadn't had a rich aunt die and leave it to +him?" Chris Holtzmann gave a short laugh. "I reckon that was a neat +plan of mine." + +"You ran a big risk." + +"So we did--but it paid." + +"And John Stumpy helped, too." + +"He did in a way. But he drank too much to be of any great use. By the +way, do you drink?" + +As Holtzmann spoke he opened a closet at one side of the room, behind +a screen, and brought forth a bottle of liquor and a pair of glasses. + +"No, thank you," I replied. + +"No? Have a cigar, then." + +"Thank you; I don't smoke." + +"What! Don't smoke or drink! That's queer. Wish I could say the same. +Mighty expensive habits. What did you say your name was?" + +At this instant there was a knock on the door, and Chris Holtzmann +walked back of the screen and opened it. + +"A man to see you, sir," I heard a voice say. + +"Who is it?" asked Chris Holtzmann. + +"Says his name is Aaron Woodward." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +A DEAL FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS + + +I was thunderstruck by the announcement that Mr. Aaron Woodward was +waiting to come in. Had it been John Stumpy who was announced, I would +not have been so much surprised. But Aaron Woodward! The chase after +me was indeed getting hot. + +Evidently the merchant was not satisfied to leave affairs in Chicago +entirely in his confederate's hands. Either he did not trust Stumpy or +else the matter was of too much importance. + +I did not give these thoughts close attention at the time, but +revolved them in my mind later. Just now I was trying to resolve what +was best to do. Would it be advisable for me to remain or had I better +get out? + +To retire precipitately might not be "good form," but it might save me +a deal of trouble. I had had one "round" with the merchant in his +mansion in Darbyville, and I was not particularly anxious for another +encounter. I was but a boy, and between the two men they might carry +"too many guns" for me. + +I looked around for some immediate means of escape. As I have said, +the office was located on the side street. Directly in front of the +desk was a large window, opened to let in the fresh morning air. For +me to think was to act. In less than a minute I was seated on the desk +with my legs dangling over the window sill. + +"Aaron Woodward!" repeated Chris Holtzmann, in evident surprise. + +"Yes, sir, and he says he must see you at once." + +"Did you hear that?" called out Holtzmann to me. + +"Yes, I did," I returned as coolly as I could. + +"Did you expect him?" + +"No." + +"Humph!" + +Holtzmann made a movement as if to step into view, and I prepared to +vanish from the scene. But he changed his mind and walked from the +office. + +I was in a quandary. To remain would place me in great peril, yet I +was anxious to know the result of the meeting between the two men. +They were the prime movers in my father's downfall, and nothing must +be left undone to bring them to justice. + +I resolved to remain, even if it were at the peril of my life. I was +not an over-brave boy, but the thought of my father languishing in +prison because of these men's misdeeds, nerved me to stay. + +The closet door was still open, and that gave me a sudden idea. + +As I jumped from the desk another idea struck me, and without any +hesitation I scattered the papers on the floor and upset the ink-well. + +Then I squeezed myself into the closet, crouching down into one +corner, behind several canes and umbrellas. + +I was not an instant too soon, for hardly had I settled myself than +the door opened, and Chris Holtzmann reentered, followed by Mr. Aaron +Woodward. + +Both men were highly excited, and both uttered an exclamation when +they saw the room was empty. + +"He's gone!" cried Holtzmann. + +"Gone?" repeated the merchant. "Get out, Holtzmann! He was never +here." + +"I say he was, less than two minutes ago." + +"Well, where is he now?" + +"I don't know. Ha! I see it! He has jumped through the windows. See +how he has upset the ink and scattered the papers. It's as clear as +day." + +"Can you see anything of him outside?" + +Chris Holtzmann leaned out of the window. + +"No; he's up and around the corner long ago." + +"We must catch the rascal," went on Mr. Woodward, in a high voice. "He +knows too much; he will ruin us both." + +"Ruin us both?" sneered the proprietor of the Palace of Pleasure. "I +don't see how he can ruin me." + +"You're in it just as deep as I am--just as deep." + +"Not a bit of it," returned Holtzmann, with spirit. "You are the only +one who profited by the whole transaction, and you are the one to take +the blame." + +"See here, Chris, you're not going back on me in this way," exclaimed +the merchant, in a tone of reproach. + +"I'm not going back on you at all, Woody. But you can't use me as you +used John Stumpy. It won't go down." + +"Now don't get excited, Chris." + +"I'm not excited. But I know a thing or two just as well as you do. If +there is any exposure to take place, you must stand the brunt of it. +You were a fool to let the boy get ahead of you." + +"I didn't; it was Stumpy. He let the boy get hold of Nick Weaver's +statement, and that started the thing. Then the boy stole some of my +papers that were in my desk, and how much information he has now I +don't know." + +"All your own fault," responded Holtzmann, coolly. "Why don't you +destroy all the evidence on hand?" + +"Do you do that?" asked Mr. Woodward, furiously. + +"I do when I think it isn't going to do me any more good," replied +Holtzmann, evasively. + +"Have you destroyed all the evidence in this matter?" + +Holtzmann closed one eye. "I'm not so green as you take me to be," he +replied impressively. "All my evidence against you is locked up in my +safe." + +"You intend to use it against me?" said the merchant. + +"Only if it becomes necessary." + +"And yet you pretend to be a friend of mine." + +"I was until you cheated me out of my fair share of the spoils. But I +am satisfied, and willing to let the whole matter rest." + +"What will you take for the papers you hold?" + +"Wouldn't sell them at any price. I'm not running my head into any +trap." + +"It will be all right." + +"Maybe it will, but I'll run no risk," He paused a moment. "I'll tell +you what I will do. Give me a thousand dollars and I'll let you see me +burn them up. + +I was intensely surprised at this proposition, more so, I believe, +than was Mr. Woodward. + +"A thousand dollars!" he exclaimed. "Chris, you're crazy." + +"No, indeed. I know a thing or two. What do you suppose the Strongs +would pay for them?" + +"You don't mean to say you would play me false?" ejaculated the +merchant, hoarsely. + +"I mean to say I'd do anything to save myself if you got us into a +hole. As far as I can see, you have allowed this boy to get the best +of you at every turn." + +"Humph! You needn't talk. You let him walk right into your confidence +the first thing." + +"Only when he told me all about your affairs." + +"Well, let that drop. Can't you let me have the papers cheaper?" + +"I said I wouldn't let you have the papers at all. I'll burn them up." + +"Will you let me see them?" + +Chris Holtzmann's brow contracted. + +"What for?" + +"Oh, I only want to make sure of what you've got. + +"Will you pay the price?" + +"Make them cheaper." + +"No." + +"I'll take them." + +"You mean have them burnt up." + +"Yes. But I must examine them first." + +"I'm willing. And I must have my check before they go into the fire." + +"You are very suspicious, Chris, very suspicious." + +"No more so than you, Woody. I wasn't born yesterday." + +"Well, let's have the papers and I'll write out the check. But it must +be understood that you give no more information to the boy." + +"Give him information!" cried Holtzmann. "Let him show his face here +again and I'll break every bone in his body," he added grimly. + +This was certainly an interesting bit of news. I made up my mind that +to be seen would render matters decidedly warm for me. + +But I was even more interested over the fact that the two men intended +to burn up part of the evidence that might clear my father's name. +Such a thing must not happen. I must use every means in my power to +prevent it. + +Yet what was to be done? If the documents were produced at once, how +could I save them from destruction? + +A bold dash for them seemed the only way. Once snatched from +Holtzmann's or Aaron Woodward's hands, and escape through the window +or the door would be difficult, but not impossible. + +Yet while I was revolving these thoughts over in my mind the same +thing evidently suggested itself to the proprietor of the Palace of +Pleasure. + +"Wait till I lock the door," he said. "We don't want to be +interrupted." + +"No indeed," returned Mr. Woodward; "interruptions don't pay." + +"And I'll close the window, too," went on Holtzmann; "it's cool enough +without having it open." + +"So it is." + +So the window and the door were both closed and fastened. I was +chagrined, but could do nothing. + +A moment later I heard Chris Holtzmann at his safe, and then the +rattle of something on his desk. + +"The papers are in this tin box," he said. "I placed them there over +six months ago." + +He opened the box, and I heard a rustling of documents. + +"Why--why--what does this mean!" he ejaculated. "They are not here!" + +"What!" cried Mr. Aaron Woodward, aghast. + +"The papers are not here!" Holtzmann hurried over to his safe and +began a hasty search. "As sure as you're born, Woody, they have been +stolen!" + +"It's that boy," exclaimed the merchant. "He's a wizard of a sly one. +He has stolen them, and we are lost!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +THE PRECIOUS PAPERS + + +I was not as much surprised over the situation as were the two men. I +could put two and two together as quickly as any one, and I knew +exactly where the papers were to be found. + +Sammy Simpson, of 28 Hallock Street, was the thief. He had intimated +that he had evidence against Chris Holtzmann, and these papers were +that evidence. + +This being so, there was no further use for my remaining in my cramped +position in the closet, and I longed for a chance for escape. It was +not long in coming. + +"I don't see how that boy managed it," said Holtzmann. "He was alone +only a few minutes." + +"Never mind. He's as smart as a steel trap. Was the safe door open?" + +"Yes. My clerk left it open. He is a new one and rather careless. +What's to be done?" + +"I'm going after the rascal," cried Aaron Woodward. + +"You'd have a fine time finding him here in Chicago." + +"I must find him. Most likely when he discovers how valuable the +papers are he'll be off at once for home with them. I can intercept +him at the depot." + +"That's an idea, if you can locate the right depot." + +"I'll be off at once," went on Mr. Woodward. + +"I'll go with you," returned Chris Holtzmann, and three minutes later +the two men quitted the office, locking the door after them. + +I waited several minutes to make sure they were not returning, and +then emerged from my hiding-place. + +I was stiff in every joint and nearly stifled from the hot air in the +closet. But at present I gave these personal matters scant attention, +my mind being bent upon escape. + +Even if the door had been unlocked, I would not have chosen it as a +means of egress. It led into the main hall of the Palace of Pleasure, +and here I might meet some one to bar my escape. + +The window was close at hand, and I threw it open. The noise I made +did not frighten me, for in the main hall a loud orchestra was +drowning out every other sound. + +I looked out and saw a number of people walking up and down the +street. No one appeared to be watching me, and waiting a favorable +opportunity, I slid out of the window to the sidewalk below. + +With my ever present handbag beside me I hurried down the side street +as fast as my feet would carry me. The neighborhood of the Palace of +Pleasure was dangerous for me, and I wished to get away from it as +quickly as possible. + +After travelling several blocks I slackened my pace and dropped into a +rapid walk. Coming to a fruit-stand, I invested in a couple of +bananas, and then asked its proprietor where Hallock Street was. + +"Sure an' it's the first street beyant the cable road," was the reply. + +"And where is the cable road?" I queried. + +"Two squares that way, sor," and the woman pointed it out. + +I thanked her and hurried on. When I reached the street, I found the +numbers ran in the three hundreds, and I had quite a walk to the +southward to reach No. 28. + +At length I stood in front of the house. It was a common-looking +affair, and the vicinity was not one to be chosen by fastidious +people. The street, sidewalks, and doorways all looked dirty and +neglected. I concluded that since being discharged Sammy Simpson had +come down in the world. + +"Does Mr. Simpson live here?" I asked of a slip of a girl who sat on +the stoop, nursing a ragged doll. + +"Yes, sir; on the third floor in the front," she replied. + +I climbed up the creaky stairs two flights, and rapped on the door. + +"Come," said a voice, and I entered. The room was the barest kind of a +kitchen. By the open window sat a thin, pale woman, holding a child. + +"Does Mr. Samuel Simpson live here?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir, but he's not in now," she returned. "Can I do anything for +you?" + +"I guess not." + +"I hope--I hope there is nothing wrong," she went on falteringly. + +"Wrong?" I queried. I did not quite understand her. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Not exactly. What makes you think so?" + +"Because he drinks so," she replied. + +"I wish to get some information from him; that is all," I returned. + +As I concluded a heavy step sounded in the hall, and an instant later +Sammy Simpson appeared. He had evidently been imbibing freely, for his +voice was thick and his sentences muddled. + +"Hello!" he cried. "You here already, eh! What brought you? Want to +find out all about Chris Holtzmann?" + +"Yes." + +"Thought so. Saw it in your eye. Yes, sir, your optic betrayed you. +Sit down. Mag, give Mr. What's-his-name a chair. I'll sit down +myself." And he sank heavily down on a low bench, threw one leg over +the other, and clasped his hands on his knee. + +"I want to see those documents you took from Mr. Holtzmann's safe," I +began boldly. + +He started slightly and stared at me. + +"Who said I took any document out of his safe?" + +"Didn't you say so? I mean the ones relating to Holtzmann's affairs in +Brooklyn." + +"Well, yes, I did." + +"I want to see them." + +"Again I ask, what is there in it?" he exclaimed dramatically. + +"If they really prove of value to me, I will pay you well for all your +trouble," I replied. + +"Is that straight?" he asked thickly. + +"It is," I replied, and, I may as well add, I was thoroughly disgusted +with the man. + +"Then I'm yours truly, and no mistake. Excuse me till I get them." + +Be rose unsteadily and left the room. Hardly had he gone before his +wife hurried to my side. + +"Oh, sir, I hope you are not getting him into trouble?" she cried. "He +is a good man when he is sober; indeed he is," + +"I am not going to harm him, madam. A great wrong has been done, and I +only want your husband to assist me in righting it. He has papers that +can do it." + +"You are telling me the truth?" she questioned earnestly. + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"I think I can trust you," she said slowly. "You look honest. And +these papers--ought you to have them?" + +"Yes. If your husband does not give them up, he will certainly get +into great trouble." + +"You are young, and you don't look as if you would lie. If Sam has the +papers, he shall give them to you. He's coming now." + +"Here's all the evidence in the case," said Sammy Simpson, on +returning. He held a thick and long envelope. "What's the value to +you?" + +"I can tell better after I have examined them," I returned. + +"Will you give them back if I let you see them?" + +"Yes." + +He handed the precious papers to me and then sat down. + +Oh, how eagerly I grasped the envelope! How much of importance it +might contain for me! + +There were three letters and four legal papers. Like Nicholas Weaver's +statement, all were badly written, and I had a hard job to decipher +even a portion of the manuscript. + +Yet I made out enough to learn that Aaron Woodward was the forger of +the notes and checks that had sent my father to prison, and that the +death of a relative in Chicago was only a pretence. The work had been +done in Brooklyn through that branch of Holland & Mack's +establishment. Chris Holtzmann had helped in the scheme, and John +Stumpy had presented one of the checks, for which service he had +received six hundred dollars. This much was clear to me. But two other +points still remained dark. + +One was of a certain Ferguson connected with the scheme, who seemed to +be intimate with my father. He was probably the man my father had +mentioned when we had visited him at the prison. His connection with +the affair was far from clear. + +The other dark point in the case was concerning Agatha Mitts, of 648 +Vannack Avenue, Brooklyn. She was a boarding-mistress, and the three +or four men had stopped at her house. But how much she knew of their +doings I could not tell. + +"Well, what do you think?" muttered Sammy Simpson. "Mighty important, +I'll be bound." + +"Not so very important," I returned, as coolly as I could. "They will +be if I can get hold of other papers to use with them." + +"Exactly, sir; just as I always said. Well, you can get them easily +enough, no doubt." + +"I don't know about that," I said doubtfully. + +"No trouble at all. Come, what will you give?" + +"Five dollars." + +"Ha! ha! They're worth a million." He blinked hard at me. "Say, you're +a friend of mine, a good boy. Meg, shall I give them to him?" + +"You ought to do what's right, Sam," replied his wife, severely. + +"So I ought. You're a good woman; big improvement on a chap like me. +Say, young man, give my lady ten dollars, keep the papers, and clear +out. I'm drunk, and when Sammy Simpson's drunk he's a fool." + +I handed over the money without a word. Perhaps I was taking advantage +of the man's present state, but I considered I was doing things for +the best. + +A minute later, with the precious papers in my pocket, I left. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +THE TRAIN FOR NEW YORK + + +Down in the street I hesitated as to where to go next. I felt that the +case on hand was getting too complicated for me, and that I needed +assistance. + +I did not relish calling on the police for help. They were probably on +the watch for me, and even if not, they would deem me only a boy, and +give me scant attention. + +My mind reverted to the adventure earlier in the day, and I remembered +Mr. Harrison's kind offer. I had done his little daughter a good turn, +and I was positive the gentleman would assist me to the best of his +ability. + +I decided to call on him at once. I had his address still in my +pocket, and though I was quite tired, I hurried along at a rapid rate. + +On the way I revolved in my mind all that had occurred within the past +two hours, and by the time I reached Mr. Harrison's place I had the +matter in such shape that I could tell a clear, straightforward story. + +I found the gentleman in, and pleased at my return. + +"I was afraid you had gotten into more difficulties," he explained, +with a smile. + +"So I did but I got out of them again," I replied. + +Sitting down, I gave him the particulars of my visit to Chris +Holtzmann and to Sammy Simpson, and handed over the documents for +inspection. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested, and examined the +papers with great care. It took him nearly an hour to do so, and then +he plied me with numerous questions. + +"Do you know what my advice is?" he asked, at length. + +"No, sir." + +"I advise you to have both Holtzmann and Woodward arrested at once. +They are thorough rascals, and your father is the innocent victim of +their cupidity." + +"But how can I do that? No one knows me here in Chicago." + +"Hold up, you make a mistake. I know you." + +"Yes, but you don't know anything about me," I began. + +"I know you to be a brave fellow, and brave people are generally +honest. Besides, your face speaks for itself." + +"You are very kind." + +"I have not forgotten the debt I owe you, and whatever I do for you +will never fully repay it." + +"And you advise me--" + +"To put the case in the hands of the police without delay. Come, I +will go with you. Perhaps this Holtzmann may be frightened into a +confession." + +"I trust so. It will save a good deal of trouble." + +"Woodward can be taken into custody as soon as the necessary papers +are made out," concluded. Mr. Harrison. + +An instant later we were on the way. I wondered what had become of +John Stumpy. It was strange that he had not turned up at the Palace of +Pleasure. Perhaps Mr. Aaron Woodward had intercepted him and either +scared or bought him off. + +The fellow held much evidence that I wished to obtain, for every +letter or paper against Mr. Woodward would make my father's case so +much stronger, and I determined with all my heart that when once +brought to trial there should be no failure to punish the guilty, so +that the innocent might be acquitted. + +At the police station we found the sergeant in charge. Mr. Harrison +was well known in the locality, and his presence gained at once for us +a private audience. + +The officer of the law gave the case his closest attention, and asked +me even more questions than had been put to me before. + +"I remember reading of this affair in the court records," he said. +"Judge Fowler and I were saying what a peculiar case it was. Chris +Holtzmann claims to keep a first-class resort, and I would hardly dare +to proceed against him were it not for these papers, and you, Mr. +Harrison." + +"You will arrest him at once?" questioned the gentleman. + +"If you say so." + +"I do, most assuredly." + +"You are interested in the case?" queried the sergeant, as he prepared +to leave. + +"Only on this young man's account. He saved my little daughter from a +horrible death this morning." + +"Indeed? How so?" + +"There was a mad bull broke into my back garden from the street, and +was about to gore her, when this young man, who had been driven into +the garden in the first place, came between and drove the bull out." + +"Oh, I heard of that bull." + +"What became of him?" I put in curiously. + +"He was killed by a couple of officers on the next block. He was +nearly dead before they shot him, having received a terrible cut +between the eyes." + +"Given by this young man," explained Mr. Harrison. + +"You don't mean it!" cried the officer, in admiration. "Phew! but you +must be strong!" + +"It was more by good luck than strength," I returned modestly. + +"Nonsense!" said Mr. Harrison. "My wife witnessed the whole +occurrence, and she says it was pure bravery." + +Five minutes later a cab was called, and we all got in. I was not +sorry to ride, for my long tramp from one place to another on the +stone pavement had made me footsore. I did not mind walking, but the +Darbyville roads were softer than those of Chicago. + +It did not take long to reach the Palace of Pleasure. + +"Just wait in the cab for a minute or two," said the sergeant to me. +"If he sees you first, he may make a scene." + +"Most likely he's gone out," I returned. + +The sergeant and Mr. Harrison left the carriage and entered the +building. + +I awaited their return impatiently. Would they get their man? And +would Mr. Aaron Woodward be along? + +Five--ten minutes dragged slowly by. Then the two returned. + +"He's not in the place, and no one knows where he has gone," said the +officer. + +"He can't be far off," I replied. "No doubt he and Mr. Woodward have +gone off to look for me." + +"And where?" put in Mr. Harrison. I thought a moment. + +"The depot!" I exclaimed. "He spoke about looking for me there." + +"Then we'll be off at once," returned the sergeant. + +As he spoke, a familiar figure came shambling around the corner. It +was Sammy Simpson. + +"Hello, you!" he cried, on catching sight of me. "I want those papers +back." + +"Why do you want them back?" I asked. + +"You didn't pay the value of 'em, didn't pay enough," he hiccoughed. + +"I paid all I agreed to." + +"Can't say anything about that. But 'tain't enough." He glared at me. +"Holtzmann said he'd pay me a hundred dollars. Yes, sir, ten times as +much as you." + +"When de you see Holtzmann?" I cried, in great interest. + +"Saw him about half an hour ago. He came to see me--came to see Sammy +Simpson--climbed the stairs to my abode. Wanted the papers--said I +must have 'em. Went wild with rage when I let slip you had 'em. So did +the other gent." + +"Who? Mr. Woodward?" + +"That's the identical name. Yes, sir--the correct handle. And they +wanted the papers. Offered a hundred dollars for 'em. Think of it. +Here's the ten dollars--give 'em back." + +Had Sammy Simpson been sober he would not have made such a simple +proposition. + +"No, sir," I replied decidedly. "A bargain's a bargain. I've got the +papers, and I intend to keep them." + +"No, you don't." + +"What's that?" broke in the sergeant of police. + +"I want those papers." + +"Do you know who I am?" + +"No, and don't care." + +"I am sergeant of police, and I want you to behave yourself, or I'll +run you in," was the decided reply. + +At the mention of an officer Sammy Simpson grew pale. + +"No, no, don't do that. I've never been arrested in my life." + +"The papers are in the hands of the proper parties," went on the +sergeant. + +"Then I can't have 'em back?" + +"No; and the less you have to do with the whole matter, the better off +you'll be. Where has Holtzmann gone?" + +"To Brooklyn." + +I was astonished. To Brooklyn, and so soon! + +"You are sure?" I queried. + +"Yes; he and the other gent intended to take the first train." + +Here was indeed news. This sudden and unexpected departure must +portend something of importance. + +"We must catch them!" I exclaimed. + +"Do you know anything about the trains?" asked Mr. Harrison. + +"No." + +"Jump in, and we'll be off to the depot," said the sergeant. + +In an instant we had started, leaving Sammy Simpson standing in the +middle of the pavement too astonished to speak. It was the last I ever +saw of the man. + +We made the driver urge his horse at the top of his speed. I +calculated that the pair would take the same line that had brought me +to Chicago. + +I was not mistaken; for when we reached the depot a few questions put +by the sergeant revealed the fact that the two men had purchased +tickets for New York but a minute before. + +"And when does the train leave?" I asked. + +"Her time's up now." + +At that instant a bell rang. + +"There's the bell." + +"We must catch her," I cried, and ran though the gate and on to the +platform. + +But the train was already moving. I tried to catch her, but failed; +and a minute later the cars rolled out of sight. + +Mr. Aaron Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had escaped me. + +What was to be done next? + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +IN THE METROPOLIS + + +I was thoroughly chagrined when I stood on the platform and saw the +train roll away. Now that I had Mr. Harrison and the sergeant of +police with me I had fondly hoped to capture the two men, even if it +was at the last minute. + +But now that chance was gone, and as I turned back to my two +companions I felt utterly nonplussed. + +One thing was perfectly clear in my mind. The two men had gone to +Brooklyn to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts. No doubt they thought that now I +had the papers Sammy Simpson had stolen in my possession I would +follow up the train of evidence by calling on the woman--a thing I +most likely would have done. They intended to head me off, and by this +means break down my case against them at its last stage. + +Yet though I was disappointed I was not disheartened. I was fighting +for honor and intended to keep on until not a single thing remained to +do. My evidence against Woodward and Holtzmann was gradually +accumulating, and sooner or later it must bring them to the bar of +justice. + +"Well, they're gone," I exclaimed, as I joined the others. "That is, +if they were on that train." + +"We'll ask the gateman and make sure," said the sergeant. + +This was done, and we soon learned that beyond a doubt Mr. Woodward +and Chris Holtzmann had been among the departed passengers. + +"My work in Chicago is at an end," remarked the sergeant, as we stood +in the waiting-room discussing the situation. + +"And so is mine," I replied. "I've got the papers, and now the two men +are gone, there is no use of my remaining." + +"What do you intend to do?" asked Mr. Harrison. + +"Follow them to Brooklyn." + +"To Brooklyn? It's a good distance." + +"I can't help it; I must go. As for the distance, it is not many miles +from my home." + +Mr. Harrison mused for a moment. + +"I have an idea of going along with you," he said at length. + +"Going along with me!" I repeated, astonished by his offer. + +"Yes; I intended to take a trip to New York, on special business next +week, but I can go to-day instead. You no doubt need help, and I want +to give it to you." + +"You are very kind," I replied. + +"I would like to see you and your family get your rights," he went on. +"I wonder when the next train leaves." + +"I'll find out at the ticket office," I replied. + +I walked over to the box, and at the window learned that the next +train would not start for two hours and a half. + +"That will give me time to go home, pack my valise, and arrange my +affairs," said Mr. Harrison. "Come, you can go with me, and we can +dine together." + +"Thank you," was my answer. + +"And you, sergeant. I will be pleased to have you, too," continued Mr. +Harrison, turning to the officer. + +"You're kind, Mr. Harrison, but duty calls me elsewhere. I'll have to +return to the station. But you've forgotten one thing." + +"What?" + +"That you can telegraph to New York and have the two men arrested as +soon as they arrive." + +"That's so! What do you say, Strong?" + +I thought for a moment. It would be the simplest way to do, but would +it be the best? + +"Don't you think we had better let them go ahead?" I returned. "We +know exactly where they are going, and by following them up may gain +some additional information." + +"I don't know but what you are right," replied Mr. Harrison. + +"Then, in that case, my duty here is at an end," said the sergeant. + +"I'm very much obliged for the trouble you've taken. Are there any +charges to pay?" + +"None at all. Good day. Hope you will meet with success in the +future." + +"Thank you. If we do, I'll write you." + +"Now we'll jump into a cab at once," said Mr. Harrison, when we were +alone. + +A minute later we were whirling along in the direction of his mansion. + +"I hope you are not taking too much trouble on my account," I +observed. + +"I don't consider it too much," he replied. "Even if I had no business +of my own to call me to New York I would go along if I thought I would +be of service to you. You saved my little girl's life, and that debt, +as I have told you before, I can never repay you." + +We soon reached Mr. Harrison's mansion. Of course Mrs. Harrison was +surprised at her husband's sudden determination, but when the +situation was explained to her, she urged him to do his best for me. + +The dinner served was the most elegant I had ever eaten, and despite +the excited state of mind I was in, I did ample justice to it. Little +Millie was present, and during the progress of the meal we became +great friends. + +But all good things must come to an end, and an hour later, each with +his handbag, we entered the cab and were off. + +On the way we stopped at Mr. Harrison's office, where that gentleman +left directions concerning things to be done during his absence. +Evidently he was a thorough business man, and I could not help but +wonder what he was worth when I saw him place several hundred dollars +in bills in his pocketbook. + +Arriving at the depot, we found we had just five minutes to spare. +This Mr. Harrison spent in the purchase of a ticket for himself--I +had mine--and in getting parlor-car seats for both of us. + +It was a novelty to me to have such a soft chair to sit in, and I +thoroughly enjoyed it. + +As we rode along, my kind friend questioned me closely about myself, +and I ended by giving him my entire history. + +"You've had rather a hard row to hoe, and no mistake," he said. "It is +a dreadful thing to have one's family honor assailed. Many a man has +broken down completely under it." + +"It is so with my father," I replied. "He used to be as bright as any +one, but now he doesn't have much hope of any kind left." + +In the evening another surprise awaited me. Instead of remaining in +the comfortable chair, Mr. Harrison bade me follow him to the +sleeping-car, and I was assigned as soft a bed as I had ever occupied. +I slept "like a top," resolved to get the full value of so elegant an +accommodation. When I awoke, it was broad daylight. + +I climbed down from my bed and made my toilet leisurely. When I had +finished, Mr. Harrison appeared, and together we had breakfast, and, +five hours later, dinner. + +It was six o'clock in the evening when we rolled into the station at +Jersey City, and alighted. I was a little stiff from the long ride, +but not near as much so as I would have been had I travelled in the +ordinary cars. + +"We'll cross the ferry at once," said Mr. Harrison. "The sooner we get +to New York, the better." + +"And the sooner we get to Brooklyn, the better," I added. "Do you +think it will be advisable for me to hunt up Mrs. Agatha Mitts +to-night?" + +"I think it would. Even if you don't call on her, you can find out +about her and see how the land lies. We will find a hotel to stop at +first." + +We were soon in New York and on our way up Broadway. Opposite the +post-office we found an elegant hotel, where Mr. Harrison hired a room +for himself. + +He insisted on my having supper with him. Then leaving our handbags in +his room, we started for the Fulton Street ferry to Brooklyn. + +It was now growing dark, and the streets were filled with people +hurrying homeward. I tried to keep as close to Mr. Harrison as +possible, but something in a window attracted my attention, and when I +looked around he was gone. + +I supposed he had gone on ahead and hurried to catch him. But in this +I was mistaken, for in no direction could I catch sight of the +gentleman. + +Deeply concerned, I stood on the corner of a narrow street or alley, +undecided what to do. Should I go on to Brooklyn or retrace my steps +to the hotel? + +I had about made up my mind to go on, when a disturbance down the +alley attracted my attention. + +Straining my eyes in the semi-darkness, I discovered several +rough-looking young fellows in a group. + +"Give it to him, Bandy; hit him over the head!" I heard one of them +exclaim. + +"Fair share of plunder, Mickey," cried another. + +And then I saw a helpless young man in their midst, who was being +beaten and no doubt robbed. + +I did not give thought to the great risk I ran, but hurried at once to +the scene. + +"What are you doing here?" I asked. + +"Help me! help me!" called out the young man, in a beseeching voice. + +I stared at him in amazement. And no wonder. The young man was Duncan +Woodward. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +A NIGHT AT THE HOTEL + + +"Duncan Woodward!" I exclaimed. "Is it possible?" + +He gave me a quick look of wonder. "Roger Strong!" he gasped. Oh, save +me, Roger! These rowdies want to kill me!" + +Even as he spoke he received a cruel blow in the side. + +"I'll help you all I can," I replied promptly. + +I knew it would be a waste of words to try to argue with the gang of +toughs, so I simply went at them in a physical way. + +I hit out right and left with all my might, and as quickly as I could, +repeated the blows. + +The suddenness of my attack disconcerted the three footpads, and when +Duncan recovered sufficiently to lend a hand, one of them took to his +heels and disappeared up the alley. + +The two remaining ones stood their ground, and called on their +companions to come back and bring "Noxy an' de rest." + +I received a blow in the shoulder that nearly threw me over on my +back. But I straightened up, and in return gave my assailant a hard +one in the nose that drew blood. + +"Duncan, you clear out to the street," I whispered. "I'll come after." + +The young man followed my advice, first, however, stopping to pick up +several things he had dropped or that had been taken from him. + +When he was twenty or thirty feet away I started after him. As I did +so, I noticed he had left a large note-book lying on the ground. I +took it up, and hurried on. For a moment more we were safe upon the +street again, and the two toughs slunk away up the alley. + +Then, for the first time, I noted something about Duncan that I +thought shameful beyond words. + +He had been drinking heavily. The smell of liquor was in his breath, +and it was with difficulty that he kept from staggering. + +"You're my best, friend," he mumbled. "My enemy and my friend." + +"What are you doing in New York, Duncan?" I asked. + +"Come on important business, Roger. Say, take me to the hotel, will +you? That's a good fellow." + +"Where are you staying?" + +"Staying? Nowhere." + +"Then why don't you take the train to Newville and go home?" + +"Can't do that." + +"Why not?" + +"The old gent would kill me. He says I spend too much money. Well, +maybe I do." + +"You've bean drinking, Duncan." + +"So I have, Roger. Take me to a hotel." + +"Will you promise to go to bed and not to drink any more if I do?" + +"Yes. I've had enough." + +"Then brace up and come with me." + +Not without a good deal of difficulty did I manage to make him walk +several blocks to a good though not stylish hotel. Here I took him +into the office and explained the situation to the clerk in charge, +who promptly assigned us to a room on the third floor. + +The charge was three dollars, which Duncan with some difficulty +managed to pay; and then we took the elevator to the third floor. + +The room was a good one, with a soft bed. No sooner did Duncan reach +it than he sank down, and in five minutes he was fast asleep. + +I was in a quandary as to what to do. I did not care to leave him in +his present state, and at the same time I was anxious to find Mr. +Harrison and visit Mrs. Agatha Mitts in Brooklyn. + +I wondered if my kind friend from Chicago had gone on without me, +until I suddenly remembered that the Brooklyn address was in my +pocket, and that he probably did not remember the street and number. + +This being the case, he had no doubt returned to the hotel and was +awaiting me. + +I looked at Duncan, and made up my mind that he would sleep several +hours, if not longer, without awaking. + +Making him as comfortable as possible on the bed, I left the room, +locking the door behind me. + +Down in the office I explained the situation to the clerk when I left +the key, and he promised to attend to matters if anything unusual +happened. + +I was not very well acquainted with New York City, and in trying to +find my way to the hotel at which Mr. Harrison was stopping, I nearly +lost my way. + +But several inquiries, made here and there, set me right, and at +length I reached the large, open corridor. + +As I was about to step into the office, a well-known voice hailed me. + +"Well, here you are at last." Of course it was Mr. Harrison. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did I lose you, or vice versa?" he went on. + +"I don't know. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, anyway." + +"Have you been over to Brooklyn?" he continued curiously. + +"No, sir." + +"I thought you had; it is so long since we parted." + +"I've had quite an adventure in the meantime." + +"Indeed? You didn't meet Chris Holtzmann or this Aaron Woodward, did +you?" + +"I met Mr. Woodward's son," I replied, and in a brief way I related my +adventures. Mr. Harrison listened with deep interest. + +"It is too bad that the son has started in such a wrong path," he +said. "I trust it teaches him a lesson to let liquor alone. What do +you intend to do now?" + +"I suppose I had better go back and stay all night with him. It is now +too late to go to Brooklyn." + +"I think you are right. I can call for you at, say, eight o'clock in +the morning." + +This was agreed upon, and as it was then after nine o'clock, I hurried +back to Duncan at once. I found him still sleeping, and I did not +disturb him. There was a lounge in the room, and throwing off my coat, +vest, and shoes, I made my bed upon this. + +For once I found it difficult to sleep. It seemed to me that my +adventures must soon come to an end. Was it the foreshadowing of +coming events that disturbed me? I could not tell. I wondered how all +were at home; my sister Kate, Uncle Enos, and the Widow Canby, and I +prayed God that I might be permitted to bring good news to them. + +About midnight I fell into a light doze. Half an hour later I awoke +with a start. Some one was talking in the room. Sitting up, I listened +intently. It was Duncan, muttering in his sleep. + +"Lift the spring, Pultzer," he said in a whisper. "Hist! don't make so +much noise, the old gent may hear you." He paused for a moment. "There +wasn't any money. But I've got the papers, yes, I've got the papers, +and when I find out their true value the old gent shall pay me to keep +quiet." + +I could not help but start at Duncan's words. Like a flash of +lightning came the revelation to me. He had entered his father's +library and taken the papers which Mr. Woodward had accused me of +stealing. + +It was as clear as day. It explained why Pultzer, accompanied by +another, who must have been of the party, had been out so late the +night of the robbery. They had helped Duncan in his nefarious work, +hoping they would be rewarded by the finding of a sum of money. +Evidently the Models were a bad set, and I was thoroughly glad Dick +Blair had turned his back upon them. + +I waited with bated breath for Duncan to continue his speaking, but +was disappointed. He turned over on his side and dreamed on, without a +word. + +At length I fell asleep. When I awoke it was daylight. I jumped up and +looked at Duncan. He was just stirring, and a moment later he opened +his eyes. + +"Where am I?" he asked, with a puzzled look at me. + +"You're all right, Duncan," I replied. "Don't you remember?" + +"Oh, yes, I do now. How my head hurts. Is there any water around?" + +I went over to the faucet and drew him a glass. He sat up and gulped +it down. + +"Have we been here all night?" + +"Yes." + +"You saved me from those toughs that wanted to rob me last night?" + +"Yes." + +"I'm not dreaming?" + +"No, you're not," I laughed. "I was just in the nick of time." + +"I know it all. You saved me, brought me to this place, and put me to +bed. Roger, you're a better fellow than I thought you were. You're a +better fellow than I am." + +"You ought to turn over a new leaf," I said. + +"Don't preach, Roger." + +"I'm not preaching. I'm only telling you something for your own good." + +"I know it. I don't blame you. I've been doing wrong--sowing my wild +oats. But they're all gone now. Just let me get straightened out and +I'll be a different fellow, see if I'm not." + +"I hope so with all my heart. What brought you to New York?" + +He started. + +"I--I came--I don't care to tell," he stammered. + +"Were you going to Brooklyn?" I questioned, struck by a sudden idea. + +"Why, how did you know?" he exclaimed. + +"You have certain papers," I continued. + +"Yes, I--" he felt in his pockets. "Why, where are they?" + +"Are they in this?" I asked, suddenly remembering the note-book I had +picked up, and producing it. + +"Yes, yes, give them to me." + +"I think I had better keep them," I replied decidedly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +IN BROOKLYN + + +I fully understood the value of the papers that were contained in the +note-book. Mr. Aaron Woodward would not have persecuted me so closely +had he not deemed them of great importance. + +And when I told Duncan I would keep them, I meant what I said. It +might not be right legally, but I was sure it was right morally, and +that was enough to quiet my conscience. + +"Better keep them?" repeated Duncan, as he sprang to his feet. + +"Exactly." + +"You have no right to do that." + +"I don't know about that. I was arrested for having them, and what's +the use of my having the name without the game?" + +Duncan sank down on the edge of the bed again. + +"If you had spoken to me like that yesterday, I'd have wanted to punch +your head," he said. "But you're a good fellow, Roger, and I don't +blame you for acting as you do. Do you know what the papers contain?" + +"I think I do." + +"They concern my father's affairs," he went on uneasily. + +"And my father's as well," I added. + +"Not so very much." + +"I think so." + +"Let me show you. Hand the papers over." + +"Excuse me, Duncan, if I decline to do so. You, aided by Pultzer and +others, stole them from your father's library, and then threw +suspicion on me." + +"I didn't throw suspicion on you. My father did that himself." + +"You had nothing to do with that handkerchief?" + +"I took the handkerchief by accident." + +"Then I beg your pardon for having said so," I said heartily. + +"Never mind, let that pass. I'll tell you what I'll do. Give me the +papers and I will restore them to my father and tell him the truth." + +"I must decline your offer." + +"Why? Don't you believe I'll confess? If you don't I'll give you a +written confession." + +"No, it isn't that. I am going to keep the papers because they are +valuable to me." + +"What do you mean by valuable?" asked Duncan, his curiosity +increasing. + +"Just what I say." + +"What will the old gent say when he hears of it?" + +"I don't care what he says. He'll hear of a good deal more before +long." + +"How about the robbery at the Widow Canby's?" + +"That will be straightened out, too." + +There was a knock on the door, and, opening it, I was confronted by +one of the servants. + +"Mr. Strong here, sir?" he asked. + +"That's my name." + +"A gentleman below to see you, sir. Gave his name as Mr. Harrison." + +"Tell him I will be down in a minute," I said. + +"Now I'm ready to leave you," I went on to Duncan, when the servant +had departed. "I advise you to take a good wash, get your breakfast, +and take the first train home. Good-by." + +"Yes, but, Roger--" + +"By doing that you may be doing your father a greater service than in +any other way. You say you will turn over a new leaf, and I hope you +will. If all goes as it should you will have a hard trial to stand +before long. But do as I did when things went wrong in our family, +bear up under it, and if you do what's right somebody is bound to +respect you." + +And, without waiting for a reply, I caught up my hat and hurried from +the room. + +I found Mr. Harrison waiting for me in the parlor. + +"I thought I'd come over early," he explained. "I know young blood is +impatient, and I half expected to find you gone." + +"I didn't want to make a call before folks were up," I answered. +"Besides, I have made quite an important discovery since we parted." + +"Indeed." + +"Yes. Come away from this place and I'll tell you. I don't want to +meet Duncan Woodward again." + +And as we walked away from the hotel I related the particulars about +the note-book. + +"You are gathering evidence by the wholesale," laughed Mr. Harrison. +"You'll have more than enough to convict." + +"I don't want to make a failure of it," I said firmly. "When I go to +court I want a clear case from start to finish." + +"Good! Strong, I admire your grit. Come in the restaurant, and while +we have a bit of breakfast let us look over the papers. I declare, I +was never before so interested in some one else's affairs." + +And as we waited for our rolls, eggs, and coffee, we read the papers +through carefully. + +They gave much information, the most startling of which was that John +Stumpy and Ferguson were one and the same person. + +"That explains why Mr. Woodward made so many slips of the tongue when +addressing him," I said. + +"Here is another important thing," remarked Mr. Harrison; "a letter +from this John Woodward stating that Mrs. Agatha Mitts knows of the +forgeries. Now, if you can get this woman to testify against the two +culprits, I think you will have a clear case." + +"And that is just what I will force her to do," I said, with strong +determination. + +I could hardly wait to finish breakfast. Fortunately it did not take +Mr. Harrison long to do so, and, five minutes later we were on our way +to the ferry. The trip over the East River, near the big bridge, did +not take long, and we soon stood on the opposite shore. Vannack Avenue +was pretty well up town, and we took the elevated train to reach it. + +"There is No. 648," said Mr. Harrison, pointing to a neat three-story +brick building that stood in the middle of the block; "let us walk +past first, and see if there is any name on the door." + +We did so, and found a highly polished silver plate bearing the +words:-- + + MRS. AGATHA MITTS + Boarding + +"Perhaps it would be a good plan to find out something about the woman +before we call on her," suggested my companion, after we had passed +the house. + +"There is a drug store on the corner," I said. "We can stop in there. +No doubt they'll think we are looking for board." + +"An excellent idea." + +We walked down to the drug store. On entering, Mr. Harrison ordered a +couple of glasses of soda water and then called the proprietor aside. + +"Can you tell me anything about the lady that keeps the boarding-house +below here?" he asked. + +"Which one?" + +"Mrs. Agatha Mitts." + +"I've heard it's a very good house," was the noncommittal reply. + +"You know the lady?" + +"She comes in here once in a while for drugs." + +"May I ask what kind of a woman she is?" + +"Well, she's good enough in her way, though rather eccentric. I +understand she furnishes good board, however. She has kept the house +for many years." + +"Has she many boarders?" + +"Eight or ten. She used to have more. But they were rather a lively +set and hurt the reputation of the place." + +Mr. Harrison paid for the soda, and a second later we quitted the +place. + +"Not much information gained there," said my Chicago friend, when we +were once again on the street. + +"One thing is certain," I replied. "She is the right party. It would +never have done to have tackled the wrong person." + +"I guess the best thing for us to do is to call on the woman without +waiting further." + +"So I think." + +"She may be a very hard person to manage. Strong, you must be careful +of what you say." + +"I shall, Mr. Harrison," I replied. "But that woman must do what is +right or go to prison." + +"I agree with you." + +Ascending the steps of the house, I rang the bell. A tidy Irish girl +answered the summons. + +"Is Mrs. Agatha Mitts in?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir." + +"We would like to see her." + +"Will you please step into the parlor?" went on the girl, and we did +so. + +"Who shall I say it is?" + +"Mr. Harrison," put in my Western friend. + +"Yes, sir." + +The girl disappeared. My heart beat strongly. It seemed to me as if +life and death hung upon the meeting that was to follow. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +MRS. AGATHA. MITTS + + +I could not help but wonder, as I sat in the parlor with my friend Mr. +Harrison, waiting for the appearance of Mrs. Agatha Mitts, what kind +of a person the keeper of the boarding-house would prove to be. + +For some reason the name suggested to me a tall, gaunt female with +sharp features; and I was taken by surprise when a short, dumpy woman, +with a round face, came wobbling in and asked what was wanted. + +"This is Mrs. Agatha Mitts?" asked Mr. Harrison, as he arose. + +"Yes, sir. And you are Mr. Harrison, I suppose. I don't remember you." + +"I didn't think you would," laughed my friend from Chicago. "I am from +the West, and have never before been in Brooklyn." + +"Yes? Then your business with me is--? Perhaps you desire board?" and +she smiled; first at him and then at me. + +"No; we do not wish board," was the quiet reply. "We come to see you +on business." + +"And what is it?" + +"We would like to see you privately." + +"Certainly. Pray take a seat. I will close the doors." + +She shut the folding doors leading to the sitting room, and then the +door to the hall. + +"Now I am quite at your service," she said, and peered at us rather +sharply. + +There was an awkward pause for a moment, and then Mr. Harrison went on +bluntly:-- + +"Has Mr. Aaron Woodward or Chris Holtzmann been here since yesterday, +madam?" + +Mrs. Mitts started at the mention of the two names. Then she recovered +herself. + +"Whom did you say, sir?" she queried innocently. + +Mr. Harrison repeated his question. + +"Why, I really haven't heard of those two gentlemen in so long a time +I've nearly forgotten them," she said sweetly. + +"They weren't here yesterday?" I put in. + +"No." And this time her tone was a trifle cold. + +"Do you expect them to-day?" I went on. + +"No, I don't." She paused a second. "Is that all you wish to know?" + +"No, ma'am," I replied promptly. "There is a good deal more I wish to +know." + +"Who are you, if I may ask?" + +"My name is Strong." + +She looked puzzled for a moment. + +"I don't recognize the name," she said, and then she suddenly turned +pale. + +"I am the son of Carson Strong, who was sent to prison for alleged +forgery and the passing of worthless checks," I continued. "I suppose +you remember the case." + +"Har--hardly," she faltered. "I--I heard something of it, but not +the particulars." + +"That is strange, when you were so interested in it." + +"I?" she repeated, in pretended surprise. + +"Yes, madam," said Mr. Harrison. "You were very much interested." + +"Who says so?" + +"I say so," said I. + +"You! You are only a boy." + +"I suppose I am, but that doesn't make any difference. You know all +about the great wrong that has been done, and--" + +"It is false! I know nothing!" she cried in anger. + +"You know all, and we want you to tell as all you know before we leave +this house." + +Mrs. Agatha Mitts arose in a passion. + +"I want you to get out of my house at once!" she ejaculated. "I won't +stand your presence here another minute." + +"Excuse me, madam; not so fast," said Mr. Harrison, calmly. "My young +friend Strong is quite right in what he says." + +"I don't care what you think about it," she snapped. + +"Oh, yes, you do. Perhaps you don't know who I am," went on my Western +friend, deliberately. + +The sly insinuation had its effect. Evidently the woman had a swift +vision of a detective in citizens' clothes before her mind's eye. + +"You come in authority," she said faintly. + +"We won't speak about that now," said Mr. Harrison. "All we want you +to do is to make a complete confession of your knowledge of the +affair." + +"I haven't any knowledge." + +"You have," I said. "You know everything. I have papers here belonging +to Woodward, Holtzmann, and Ferguson to prove it. There is no use for +you to deny it, and if you insist and make it necessary to call in the +police--" + +"No, no! Please don't do that, I beg of you," she cried. + +"Then will you do as I wish?" + +"But my reputation? It will be gone forever," she moaned. + +"It will be gone anyway, if you have to go to prison," observed Mr. +Harrison, sagely. + +"And if I make a clean confession you will not prosecute me?" she +asked eagerly. + +"I'll promise you that," I said. + +"You are not fooling me?" + +"No, ma'am." + +She sprang to her feet and paced the room several times. + +"I'll do it," she cried. "They have never treated me right, and I do +not care what becomes of them so long as I go clear. What do you wish +me to do, gentlemen?" + +I was nonplussed for an instant. Mr. Harrison helped me out. + +"I will write out your confession and you can sign it," he said. "Have +you ink and paper handy?" + +"Yes." + +Mrs. Mitts brought forth the material, and we all sat down again. + +"Remember to give us only the plain facts," I said. + +"I will," she returned sharply. + +In a rather roundabout way she made her confession, if it could be +called such. It filled several sheets of paper, and it took over half +an hour. It contained but little more than what my readers already +know or suspect. She knew positively that Mr. Aaron Woodward was the +forger of the checks, Holtzmann had presented them, and Ferguson had +so altered the daily reports that my father had unwittingly made a +false showing on his books. About Weaver she knew nothing. + +When once explained the whole matter was as clear as day. + +When he had finished the writing, Mr. Harrison read the paper out +loud, and after some hesitation the woman signed it, and then we both +witnessed it. + +"I guess our business here is at an end," said my Western friend. + +"I think so," I replied. "But one thing more, Mrs. Mitts," I +continued, turning to her. "If Mr. Woodward or Chris Holtzmann calls, +I think you will find it advisable to keep this affair a secret." + +"I will not be at home to them," she replied briefly. + +"A good plan," said Mr. Harrison. "Now that you have done the right +thing, the less you say about the matter the better for you." + +A few minutes later, with the paper tucked safely in my pocket, we +left the house. Mrs. Mitts watched us sharply from behind the +half-closed blinds. + +In half an hour we were down town and across the ferry once more. + +"I suppose you wish to get home as soon as possible," said Mr. +Harrison, as we boarded a street-car to take us to his hotel. + +"Yes, sir. My sister and the rest will be anxious to hear how I've +made out, and besides I'm anxious to learn how things have gone since +I have been away." + +"I've no doubt of it." + +"What do you intend to do?" + +"I hardly know. I have some business, but I am quite interested in +your case, and--" + +"Would you like to go along! You'll be heartily welcome, sir." + +"Thank you, I will. I want to see how this drama ends," said Mr. +Harrison. + +A little later I procured my valise, and we set out for Darbyville. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +THE WIDOW CANBY'S MONEY + + +I am sure my readers will well understand why my thoughts were busy as +the train rolled on its way to Newville. I could hardly realize that I +held the proofs of my father's innocence in my possession; and I was +strongly tempted several times to ask my kind Western friend to pinch +me to make sure that I was really awake, and was not merely dreaming +my good fortune. + +Mr. Harrison probably guessed what was passing in my mind, for he +placed a kindly hand upon my shoulder, and said, with a smile:-- + +"Does it seem almost too good to be true?" + +"That's just it," I returned. "The events of the past week have so +crowded on each other that I'm in a perfect whirl." + +"You will have a little more excitement before it is over." + +"I suppose so. But now that I know it is all right I shall not mind +it. I wonder if I couldn't send my father the good news by telegraph?" + +"You can easily enough. But don't you think you had better wait until +all is settled? You might raise false hopes." + +"No fear; Aaron Woodward is guilty beyond a doubt. But I will wait if +you think best." + +It was not long before the train rolled into Newville. On alighting +Mr. Harrison insisted on hiring a cab, and in this we bowled swiftly +on our way to Darbyville. As we passed out of the city and up on the +country road I wondered how matters had progressed during my absence. +Had the merchant returned home? + +At Darbyville a crowd of men gazed at us with curious eyes. Among them +was Parsons the constable and others who knew me. + +"Hello, you back again?" shouted Parsons. + +"Yes, indeed," I replied. "I suppose you didn't expect me so soon?" + +"I'll allow as how I didn't expect you at all," he returned, with a +grin. + +"Well, you were mistaken. I'm back, and back to stay," said I. + +My heart beat high as we turned into the side road that led to the +Widow Canby's house. I strained my eyes to catch sight of the first +one who might appear. It was my Uncle Enos. He was doing a bit of +mending on the front fence. As soon as he saw me he threw down his +hammer, and ran toward us. + +"Well, well, Roger, struck port again, have you? Glad you're back." + +And he shook my right hand hard. + +"My friend, Mr. Harrison, from Chicago," said I. "This is my uncle, +Captain Enos Moss." + +They had hardly finished hand-shaking, when Kate and the Widow Canby +came out of the house. + +"Oh, Roger, I'm so glad you're back!" cried Kate. And then she looked +earnestly into my eyes. "Did you--did, you--" + +"Yes, Kate, I've succeeded. Father's innocence can be proven." + +"Oh, thank God!" cried my sister, and the tears of joy started from +her eyes. I felt like crying, too, and soon, somehow, there was hardly +a dry eye in the group. + +"You must have had a hard time of it," sail the Widow Canby. + +"My kind friend here helped me a good deal," I said. + +Mr. Harrison was introduced to the others, and soon we were seated, on +the piazza, and I was relating my experiences. + +The interest of my listeners grew as I went on. They could hardly +believe it possible that Mr. Aaron Woodward, with all his outward show +of gentlemanliness, was such a thoroughly bad man. When I came to +speak of John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, Kate burst out:-- + +"I declare, I've almost forgotten. I've got good news, too. This very +morning I went hunting again and picked up the paper that was lost. I +was trying to read it when you drove up. Here it is." + +And my sister handed over Nicholas Weaver's dying statement. + +"It is hardly of use now," I said. "Still, it will make the evidence +against Mr. Woodward so much stronger." + +"I've discovered that this Nick Weaver was a chum of Woodward's," said +Uncle Enos. + +"A chum?" + +"Yes. He came from Chicago." + +"From Chicago!" I ejaculated. + +"Exactly." + +Meanwhile Mr. Harrison was examining the statement, which Kate had +produced from her dress pocket. + +"I see it all," he cried. "Nicholas Weaver was the man who helped +Holtzmann concoct the scheme whereby a relative in Chicago was +supposed to have died and willed Aaron Woodward all his money." + +"I see. But why did he leave the statement?" I asked. + +"Because, he says here, Woodward did not treat him right. This +Ferguson or Stumpy was a friend to Weaver, and the paper was gotten up +to bring Woodward to terms." + +That explanation was clear enough, and I could easily understand why +John Stumpy had come to Darbyville, and how it was the merchant had +treated him with so much consideration. + +"And there is another thing to tell you, Roger," put in the Widow +Canby. "Something I know you will be greatly pleased to hear." + +"What is it?" I asked, in considerable curiosity. + +"I have evidence to show that this John Stumpy was the man who robbed +me of my money. Of course I knew it was so when Kate and you said so, +but outsiders now know it." + +"And how?" + +"Miles Nanson saw the man running from the house. He was hurrying to +get a doctor for his wife, who was very sick, and he didn't stop to +question the fellow." + +"But why didn't he speak of it before?" I asked. "He might have saved +us a deal of trouble." + +"He never heard of the robbery until last night, his wife has been so +sick. He can testify to seeing the man." + +"I'm glad of that," I said. "But unfortunately, that doesn't restore +the money." + +"No, I suppose not. This Stumpy still has it." + +"No; he claims to have lost it," I returned, and I related the +particulars as I had overheard them in the boarding-house on the +opposite side of the Pass River. + +"I wish I could find it--the money, I mean--as I did the papers," +put in Kate. + +"Where did he jump over the fence?" I asked suddenly. + +"Down by the crab-apple tree," said Uncle Enos. + +"Have you looked there?" queried Mr. Harrison. + +"No," said Kate; "you don't think--" she began. + +"There is nothing like looking," said my Western friend, slowly. + +"I guess you're right," I replied, "and the sooner the better." + +In a minute I was out of the house. Kate was close on my heels, and +together we made our way to the orchard, followed by the others. + +"Now, let me see," I went on. "If he went over the fence here he must +have vaulted over. I'll try that, and note how the money might have +dropped." + +I placed my hands on the top rail and sprang up to vault over. As my +head bent over, my eyes caught sight of an object lying in the hole of +the fence post. + +I picked it up. It was the Widow Canby's pocketbook. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL" + + +Of course I was highly delighted with the success of my search, and as +I brought forth the pocketbook all the others gave a cry of surprise. + +"You've got it, Roger!" ejaculated my uncle. "You've got it, just as +sure as guns is guns!" + +"So I have," I replied, as coolly as I could, though I was at the top +notch of excitement. + +"Better examine it," put in Mr. Harrison, cautiously. "It may be +empty." + +"Empty!" cried Kate in dismay, and the word sent a chill through my +own heart. + +With nervous fingers I tore the pocketbook open. I suppose I ought to +have given it to the widow, but I was too excited to think of what was +just right and what was not. + +"The money was in a piece of newspaper," said the Widow Canby. "I +had--ah, there it is!" + +And sure enough, there it was--nearly three hundred dollars--safe +and sound. + +I almost felt like dancing a jig, and could not refrain from throwing +up my hat, which I did in such a way that it caught in a limb of a +tree, and forced me to climb up to recover it. + +As I was about jumping to the ground I heard a buggy pass on the road. +Looking down, I was surprised to see that it contained Mr. Aaron +Woodward and Chris Holtzmann. On seeing the party on the ground below, +the merchant stopped his horse and jumped out. + +"How do you do, Mrs. Canby?" he said, as he came over to the fence +without catching sight of me. + +"Pretty well, Mr. Woodward," was the widow's reply. + +"Have you heard anything of your money yet?" went on the merchant, +with apparent concern. + +"Oh, yes--" and the widow hesitated. + +My sister whispered something in her ear. + +"It was just found," said Kate. + +The merchant gave a start. + +"You don't mean it!" he cried. "Where?" + +"Down here by the fence." + +"Who put it there?" asked Mr. Woodward, sharply. + +"No one. It was dropped by John Stumpy." + +"Humph! Perhaps so!" sneered the merchant. + +"It's true," exclaimed Kate, stoutly. + +"More likely by your brother Roger." + +"Avast there!" cried Uncle Enos. "You're saying too much." + +"I don't think so," replied Mr. Woodward, in deep sarcasm. "Of course +you want to shield the boy all you can, but I 'm sure in my mind that +he is guilty." + +"And I'm positive in my own mind that I'm innocent," said I, and I +jumped to the ground. + +"Roger Strong!" he cried, stepping back in surprise; and I saw Chris +Holtzmann give a start. "Where did you come from?" + +"I came from--up a tree," I returned lightly, and I may add that +never before had I felt in such particularly good humor. + +"Don't trifle with me," he cried in anger. "Answer my question." + +"I will when I get ready." + +"You refuse?" + +"Oh, no. But I'm not compelled to answer, understand that, Mr. Aaron +Woodward. I'll answer because I choose to do so." + +"Never mind," he snapped. "Where have you been?" + +"To Chicago--as you know--and to Brooklyn." + +"To Brooklyn!" he cried, growing pale. + +"Yes, sir, to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts." + +"And did you see her?" he faltered. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And she--" he began. + +"What she said or did will be produced in court later on," put in Mr. +Harrison. + +"Eh?" the merchant wheeled around. "Who are you?" + +"My name is James Harrison. I am from Chicago. I am this boy's friend, +and I am here to see justice done." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I mean that you and your colleagues--Chris Holtzmann there, John +Stumpy, alias Ferguson, and the late Nicholas Weaver--have foully +wronged this boy's father." + +"It's a lie!" cried Aaron Woodward, with a quivering lip. + +"It's the truth," I said. "The plain truth, and I can prove every word +of it." + +"Prove it!" + +"Yes, in every detail, Mr. Aaron Woodward. I have worked hard fighting +for honor, but I have won. Soon my father shall be free, and for aught +I know to the contrary, you will occupy his place in prison." + +"I!" cried the merchant, in horror. "A likely thing!" + +"We shall see," I said. "In the meantime be careful of what you say +against me, or I will have you arrested before sundown." + +Mr. Woodward gave me a look that was savageness itself. Apparently he +was on the verge of giving way to a burst of temper. But he seemed to +think better of it, and turning, he jumped into his buggy and drove +away. + +It was the last time I ever saw him. On the following day Mr. +Harrison, Uncle Enos, and myself drove down to Newville and engaged a +first-class lawyer to take up the case. This legal gentleman pushed +matters so fast that on the following Monday all the papers necessary +for Woodward's arrest were ready for execution. + +The officers came to Darbyville late in the afternoon to secure their +man. They were told that Mr. Woodward had gone to New York on +business. They waited for him the remainder of the day and all of the +next. + +It was useless. The highly respected head merchant of Darbyville did +not appear; and an examination showed that he had mortgaged his house +and his business, and taken every cent of cash with him. + +It was an open acknowledgment of his guilt, and Kate was for letting +it go at that. + +"It will do no good to have him locked up," she said. + +"One thing is certain, sech a rascal ain't fit to be at liberty," put +in my Uncle Enos. + +"He may turn around and rob somebody else," added the Widow Canby. + +"That's just it," I said; and determined to bring the man to justice, +I set a detective on his track. + +The search was successful, for in a week Aaron Woodward was caught in +Boston, preparing to embark for Europe. He was brought back to +Newville to await the action of the grand jury. But he never came to +trial. In less than a week he was found in his cell one morning, +dying. Rather than face the humiliation of going to jail he had taken +his life. What became of Duncan I did not know for a long while until, +through Mr. Harrison, I learned that he was in Chicago working for one +of the railroads. He had the making of a good fellow in him, and I +trust that he became one. Chris Holtzmann disappeared, and his Palace +of Pleasure is a thing of the past. John Stumpy went to Texas, and I +heard that Pultzer went with him. + +It was not long before my father received his pardon and came home. I +cannot express the joy that all of us experienced when he came forth +from prison, not only a free man, but also bearing the proofs of his +innocence. We were all there to greet him, and as my sister Kate +rushed into his arms I felt that fighting for honor meant a good deal. + +Five years have gone by. My father and I are now in business in +Newville. We live in Darbyville, along with my uncle,--who married +the Widow Canby,--and my sister Kate. + +Holland & Mack have recovered all that was stolen from them. They were +profuse in their apologies to my father, and offered him a good +situation, which he declined. + +We are all happy--especially Kate and I. During off hours we are all +but inseparable. I like my work, and expect some day to be a leading +merchant. The clouds that hung over the family honor have passed, and +sunshine seems to have come to stay, and that being so I will bid my +readers good-by. + + + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of True to Himself, by Edward Stratemeyer + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + +***** This file should be named 4995.txt or 4995.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/9/9/4995/ + +Produced by Jim Weller + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: True to Himself + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4995] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 7, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + + + + +This eBook was produced by Jim Weiler, xooqi.com + + + + TRUE TO HIMSELF + + ROGER STRONG'S STRUGGLE FOR PLACE + + BY + +EDWARD STRATEMEYER + + + PREFACE + +"True to himself," while a complete story in itself, forms the third +volume of the "Ship and Shore Series," tales of adventure on land and +sea, written for both boys and girls. + +In this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typical American +country lad, and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combination of +events, are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make +their own way in the world. + +To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficult enough; but +when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficulty +becomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious +charge, Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with +either himself or his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times +almost more than he can bear. But he is "true to himself" in the best +meaning of that saying, rising above those who would pull him down, +and, in the end, not only succeeds in making a place for himself in +the world, but also scores a worthy triumph over those who had caused +his parents' downfall. + +When this story was first printed as a serial, the author has every +reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls for whom +it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet with +equal commendation. + + Edward Stratemeyer. + + Newark, N.J., + April 15, 1900. + _________________________________________________________________ + + CHAPTER I + + THE TROUBLE IN THE ORCHARD + +"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I called out. "What are you doing in +Widow Canby's orchard?" + +"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the only son of the +wealthiest merchant in Darbyville. + +"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pockets are full of +them." + +"See here, Roger Strong, just you mind your own business and leave me +alone." + +"I am minding my business," I rejoined warmly. + +"Indeed!" And Duncan put as much of a sneer as was possible in the +word. + +"Yes, indeed. Widow Canby pays me for taking care of her orchard, and +that includes keeping an eye on these pear trees," and I approached +the tree upon the lowest branch of which Duncan was standing. + +"Humph! You think you're mighty big!" he blustered, as he jumped to +the ground. "What right has a fellow like you to talk to me in this +manner? You are getting too big for your boots." + +"I don't think so. I'm guarding this property, and I want you to hand +over what you've taken and leave the premises," I retorted, for I did +not fancy the style in which I was being addressed. + +"Pooh! Do you expect me to pay any attention to that?" + +"You had better, Duncan. If you don't you may get into trouble." + +"I suppose you intend to tell the widow what I've done." + +"I certainly shall; unless you do as I've told you to." + +Duncan bit his lip. "How do you know but what the widow said I could +have the pears?" he ventured. + +"If she did, it's all right," I returned, astonished, not so much over +the fact that Widow Canby had granted the permission, as that such a +high-toned young gentleman as Duncan Woodward should desire that +privilege. + +"You've no business to jump at conclusions," he added sharply. + +"If I judged you wrongly, I beg your pardon, Duncan. I'll speak to the +widow about it." + +I began to move off toward the house. Duncan hurried after me and +caught me by the arm. + +"You fool you, what do you mean?" he demanded. + +"I'm going to find out if you are telling the truth." + +"Isn't my word enough?" + +"It will do no harm to ask," I replied evasively, not caring to pick a +quarrel, and yet morally sure that he was prevaricating. + +"So you think I'm telling you a falsehood? I've a good mind to give +you a sound drubbing," he cried angrily. + +Duncan Woodward had many of the traits of a bully about him. He was +the only son of a widower who nearly idolized him, and, lacking a +mother's guiding influence, he had grown up wayward in the extreme. + +He was a tall, well-built fellow, strong from constant athletic +exercise, and given, on this account, to having his way among his +associates. + +Yet I was not afraid of him. Indeed, to tell the truth, I was not +afraid of any one. For eight years I had been shoved in life from +pillar to post, until now threats had no terrors for me. + +Both of my parents were dead to me. My mother died when I was but five +years old. She was of a delicate nature, and, strange as it may seem, +I am inclined to believe that it was for the best that her death +occurred when it did. The reason I believe this is, because she was +thus spared the disgrace that came upon our family several years +later. + +At her death my father was employed as head clerk by the firm of +Holland & Mack, wholesale provision merchants of Newville, a thriving +city which was but a few miles from Darbyville, a pretty village +located on the Pass River. + +We occupied a handsome house in the centre of the village. Our family, +besides my parents and myself, contained but one other member-- my +sister Kate, who was several years my senior. + +When our beloved mother died, Kate took the management of our home +upon her shoulders, and as she had learned, during my mother's long +illness, how everything should be done, our domestic affairs ran +smoothly. All this time I attended the Darbyville school, and was +laying the foundation for a commercial education, intending at some +later day to follow in the footsteps of my father. + +Two years passed, and then my father's manner changed. From being +bright and cheerful toward us he became moody and silent. What the +cause was I could not guess, and it did not help matters to be told by +Duncan Woodward, whose father was also employed by Holland & Mack, +that "some folks would soon learn what was what, and no mistake." + +At length the thunderbolt fell. Returning from school one day, I found +Kate in tears. + +"Oh, Roger!" she burst out. "They say father has stolen money from +Holland & Mack, and they have just arrested him for a thief!" + +The blow was a terrible one. I was but a boy of fourteen, and the news +completely bewildered me. I put on my cap, and together with Kate, +took the first horse car to Newville to find out what it all meant. + +We found my father in jail, where he had been placed to await the +action of the grand jury. It was with difficulty that we obtained +permission to see him, and ascertained the facts of the case. + +The charge against him was for raising money upon forged cheeks, eight +in number, the total amount being nearly twelve thousand dollars. The +name of the firm had been forged, and the money collected in New York +and Brooklyn. I was not old enough to understand the particulars. + +My father protested his innocence, but it was of no avail. The forgery +was declared to be his work, and, though it was said that he must have +had an accomplice to obtain the money, he was adjudged the guilty +party. + +"Ten years in the State's prison." That was the penalty. My father +grew deadly white, while as for me, my very heart seemed to stop +beating. Kate fainted, and two days later the doctor announced that +she had an attack of brain fever. + +Two months dragged slowly by. Then my sister was declared to be out of +danger. Next the house was sold over our heads, and we were turned out +upon the world, branded as the children of a thief, to get a living as +best we could. + +Both of us would willingly have left Darbyville, but where should we +go? The only relation we had was an uncle,-- Captain Enos Moss,-- and +he was on an extended trip to South America, and when he would return +no one knew. + +All the friends we had had before deserted us. The girls "turned up +their noses" at Kate,-- which made my blood boil,-- and the boys +fought shy of me. + +I tried to find work, but without success. Even in places where help +was wanted excuses were made to me-- trivial excuses that meant but +one thing-- that they did not desire any one in their employ who had a +stain upon his name. + +Kate was equally unsuccessful; and we might have starved but for a +lucky incident that happened just as we were ready to give up in +despair. + +Walking along the road one day, I saw Farmer Tilford's bull tearing +across the field toward a gate which had been accidentally left open. +The Widow Canby, absorbed in thought and quite unconscious of the +danger that threatened her, was just passing this gate, when I darted +forward and closed it just a second before the bull reached it. I did +not consider my act an heroic one, but the Widow Canby declared it +otherwise. + +"You are a brave boy," she said. "Who are you?" + +I told her, coloring as I spoke. But she laid a kindly hand upon my +shoulder. + +"Even if your father was guilty, you are not to blame," she said, and +she made me tell her all about myself, and about Kate, and the hard +luck we were having. + +The Widow Canby lived in an old-fashioned house, surrounded on three +sides by orchards several acres in extent. She was well to do, but +made no pretence to style. Many thought her extremely eccentric but +that was only because they did not know her. + +The day I came to her assistance she made me stay to supper, and when +I left it was under promise to call the next day and bring my sister +along. + +This I did, and a long conversation took place, which resulted in Kate +and myself going to live with the widow-- I to take care of the garden +and the orchards, and my sister to help with the housekeeping, for +which we received our board and joint wages of fifteen dollars per +month. + +We could not have fallen into better hands. Mrs. Canby was as +considerate as one would wish, and had it not been for the cloud upon +our name we would have been content. + +But the stain upon our family was a source of unpleasantness to us. I +fully believed my father innocent, and I wondered if the time would +ever come when his character would be cleared. + +My duties around Widow Canby's place were not onerous, and I had +plenty of chance for self-improvement. I had finished my course at the +village school in spite of the calumny that was cast upon me, and now +I continued my studies in private whenever the opportunity offered. + +I was looked down upon by nearly every one in the village. To +strangers I was pointed out as the convict's son, and people reckoned +that the "Widder Canby wasn't right sharp when she took in them as +wasn't to be trusted." + +I was not over-sensitive, but these remarks, which generally reached +my ears sooner or later, made me very angry. What right had people to +look down on my sister and myself? It was not fair to Kate and me, and +I proposed to stand it no longer. + +It was a lovely morning in September, but I was in no mood to enjoy +the bright sunshine and clear air that flooded the orchard. I had just +come from the depot with the mail for Mrs. Canby, and down there I had +heard two men pass opinions on my father's case that were not only +uncharitable but unjust. + +I was therefore in no frame of mind to put up with Duncan Woodward's +actions, and when he spoke of giving me a good drubbing I prepared to +defend myself. + +"Two can play at that game, Duncan," I replied. + +"Ho! ho! Do you mean to say you can stand up against me?" he asked +derisively. + +"I can try," I returned stoutly. "I'm sure now that you have no +business here." + +"Why, you miserable little thief--" + +"Stop that! I'm no thief, if you please." + +"Well, you're the son of one, and that's the same thing." + +"My father is innocent, and I won't allow any one, big or little, to +call him a thief," I burst out. "Some day he will be cleared." + +"Not much!" laughed Duncan. "My father knows all about the case. I can +tell you that." + +"Then perhaps he knows where the money went to," I replied quickly. "I +know he was very intimate with my father at that time." + +Had I stopped to think I would not have spoken as I did. My remark +made the young man furious, and I had hardly spoken before Duncan hit +me a stinging blow on the forehead, and, springing upon me, bore me to +the ground. + + CHAPTER II + + AN ASSAULT ON THE ROAD + +I knew Duncan Woodward would not hesitate to attack me. He was a much +larger fellow than myself, and always ready to fight any one he +thought he could whip. + +Yet I was not prepared for the sudden onslaught that had been made. +Had I been, I might have parried his blow. + +But I did not intend to be subdued as easily as he imagined. The blow +on my forehead pained not a little, and it made me mad "clear +through." + +"Get off of me!" I cried, as Duncan brought his full weight down upon +my chest. + +"Not much! Not until you promise to keep quiet about this affair," he +replied. + +"If you don't get off, you'll be mighty sorry;" was my reply, as I +squirmed around in an effort to throw him aside. + +Suddenly he caught me by the ear, and gave that member a twist that +caused me to cry out with pain. + +"Now will you do as I say?" he demanded. + +"No" + +Again he caught my ear. But now I was ready for him. It was useless to +try to shake him off. He was too heavy and powerful for that. So I +brought a small, but effective weapon into play. The weapon was +nothing more than a pin that held together a rent in my trousers made +the day previous. Without hesitation I pulled it out and ran it a good +half-inch into his leg. + +The yell be gave would have done credit to a wild Indian, and he +bounded a distance of several feet. I was not slow to take advantage +of this movement, and in an instant I was on my feet and several yards +away. + +Duncan's rage knew no bounds. He was mad enough to "chew me up," and +with a loud exclamation he sprang after me, aiming a blow at my head +as he did so. + +I dodged his arm, and then, gathering myself together, landed my fist +fairly and squarely upon the tip of his nose, a blow that knocked him +off his feet and sent him rolling to the ground. + +To say that I was astonished at what I had done would not express my +entire feelings. I was amazed, and could hardly credit my own +eyesight. Yet there he lay, the blood flowing from the end of his +nasal organ. He was completely knocked out, and I had done the deed. I +did not fear for consequences. I felt justified in what I had done. +But I wondered how Duncan would stand the punishment. + +With a look of intense bitterness on his face he rose slowly to his +feet. The blood was running down his chin, and there were several +stains upon his white collar and his shirt front. If a look could have +crushed me I would have been instantly annihilated. + +"I'll fix you for that!" he roared. "Roger Strong, I'll get even with +you, if it takes ten years!" + +"Do what you please, Duncan Woodward," I rejoined. "I don't fear you. +Only beware how you address me in the future. You will get yourself +into trouble." + +"I imagine you will be the one to get into trouble," he returned +insinuatingly. + +"I'm not afraid. But-- hold up there!" I added, for Duncan had begun +to move off toward the fence. + +"What for?" + +"I want you to hand over the pears you picked." + +"I won't." + +"Very well. Then I'll report the case to Mrs. Canby." + +Duncan grew white. + +"Take your confounded fruit," he howled, throwing a dozen or more of +the luscious pears at my feet. "If I don't get even with you, my name +isn't Duncan Woodward!" + +And with this parting threat he turned to the fence, jumped over, and +strode down the road. + +In spite of the seriousness of the affair I could not help but laugh. +Duncan had no doubt thought it a great lark to rob the widow's +orchard, never dreaming of the wrong he was doing or of the injury to +the trees. Now his nose was swollen, his clothes soiled, and he had +suffered defeat in every way. + +I had no doubt that he would do all in his power to get even with me. +He hated me and always had. At school I had surpassed him in our +studies, and on the ball field I had proved myself a superior player. +I do not wish to brag about what I did, but it is necessary to show +why Duncan disliked me. + +Nor was there much love lost on my side, though I always treated him +fairly. The reason for this was plain. + +As I have stated, his father, Aaron Woodward, was at one tune a +fellow-clerk with my father. At the time my father was arrested, +Woodward was one of his principal accusers. Duncan had, of course, +taken up the matter. Since then Mr. Woodward had received a large +legacy from a dead relative in Chicago, or its suburbs, and started +the finest general store in Darbyville. But his bitterness toward us +still continued. + +That the man knew something about the money that had been stolen I did +not doubt, but how to prove it was a difficult problem that I had +pondered many times without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. + +I watched Duncan out of sight and then turned and walked slowly toward +the house. + +"Roger!" + +It was Mrs. Canby who called me. She stood on the side porch with a +letter in her hand. + +"You want me?" + +"Yes, I have quite important news," she continued. "My sister in +Norfolk is very ill, and I must go to her at once. I have spoken to +Kate about it. Do you think you can get along while I am gone?" + +"Yes, ma'am. How long do you expect to be away?" + +"If she is not seriously ill I shall be back by day after to-morrow. +You can hitch up Jerry at once. The train leaves in an hour." + +"I'll have him at the door in five minutes." + +"And, Roger, you and Kate must take good care of things while I am +gone. There are several hundred dollars locked up in my desk. I would +take the money to the bank in Newville, only I hate to lose the time." + +"I reckon it will be safe," I replied; "I'll keep good watch against +burglars." + +"Do you think you can handle a pistol?" she went on. + +"I think I could," I replied, with all the interest of the average +American boy in firearms. + +"There is a pistol upstairs in my bureau that belonged to Mr. Canby. I +will let you have that, though of course I trust you won't need it." + +"Is it loaded?" + +"Yes; I loaded it last week. I will lay it out before I go. Be very +careful with it." + +"I will," I promised her. + +I hurried down to the barn, and in a few moments had Jerry hooked up +to the family turnout. As I was about to jump in and drive to the +house, a man confronted me. + +He was a stranger, about forty years of age, with black hair and +shaggy beard and eyebrows. He was seedily dressed, and altogether +looked to be a disreputable character. + +"Say, young man, can you help a fellow as is down on his luck?" he +asked in a hoarse tone. + +"Who are you?" I responded. + +"I'm a moulder from Factoryville. The shop's shut down, and I'm out of +money and out of work." + +"How long have you been out?" + +"Two weeks." + +"And you haven't found work anywhere?" + +"Not a stroke." + +"Been to Newville?" + +"All through it, and everything full." + +I thought this was queer. I had glanced at the Want column of a +Newville newspaper and had noted that moulders were wanted in several +places. + +The man's appearance did not strike me favorably, and when he came +closer to me I noted that his breath smelt strongly of liquor. + +"I don't think I can help you," said I. "I have nothing for you to +do." + +"Give me a quarter, then, will you? I ain't had nothing to eat since +yesterday." + +"But you've had something to drink," I could not help remark. + +The man scowled, "How do you know?" + +"I can smell it on you." + +"I only had one glass,-- just to knock out a cold I caught. Come, make +it half a dollar. I'll pay you back when I get work." + +"I don't care to lend." + +"Make it ten cents." + +"Not a cent." + +"You're mighty independent about it," he sneered. + +"I have to be when such fellows as you tackle me," I returned with +spirit. + +"You're mighty high toned for a boy of your age." + +"I'm too high toned to let you talk to me in this fashion. I want you +to leave at once." + +The tramp-- for the man was nothing else-- scowled worse than before. + +"I'll leave when I please," he returned coolly. + +I was nonplussed. I was in a hurry to get away to drive Widow Canby to +the station. To leave the man hanging about the house with no one but +my sister Kate home was simply out of the question. + +Suddenly an idea struck me. Like most people who live in the country, +Mrs. Canby kept a watch-dog-- a large and powerful mastiff called +Major. He was tied up near the back stoop out of sight, but could be +pressed into service on short notice. + +"If you don't go at once, I'll set the dog on you." + +"Huh! You can't fool me!" + +"No fooling about it. Major! Major!" I called. + +There was a rattling of chain as the animal tried to break away, and +then a loud barking. The noise seemed to strike terror to the tramp's +heart. + +"I'll get even with you, young fellow!" he growled, and running to the +fence he scrambled over and out of sight. I did not wait to see in +what direction he went. + +When I reached the porch I found Mrs. Canby bidding my sister good-by. +A moment more and she was on the seat. I touched up Jerry and we were +off. + +"It took you a long time to hitch up," the widow remarked as we drove +along. + +"It wasn't that," I replied, and told her about the tramp. + +"You must be very careful of those men," she said anxiously. "Some of +them will not stop at anything." + +"I'll be wide awake," I rejoined reassuringly. + +It was not a long drive to the station. When we arrived there, Mrs. +Canby had over five minutes to spare, and this time was spent in +buying a ticket and giving me final instructions. + +At length the train came along and she was off. I waited a few moments +longer and then drove away. + +I had several purchases to make in the village-- a pruning-knife, a +bag of feed, and some groceries, and these took some time to buy, so +it was nearly noon when I started home. + +Several times I imagined that a couple of the village young men +noticed me very closely, but I paid no attention and went on my way, +never dreaming of what was in store for me. + +The road to the widow's house ran for half a mile or more through a +heavy belt of timber land. We were jogging along at a fair pace, and I +was looking over a newspaper I had picked up on the station platform. +Suddenly some one sprang out from the bushes and seized Jerry by the +bridle. + +Astonished and alarmed, I sprang up to see what was the matter. As I +did so I received a stinging blow on the side of the head, and the +next instant was dragged rudely from the carriage. + + CHAPTER III + + THE MODELS + +I had been taken completely off my guard, but by instinct I tried to +ward off my assailants. My effort was a useless one. In a trice I +found myself on the ground, surrounded by half a dozen of the fastest +young men to be found in Darbyville. + +Prominent among them was Duncan Woodward, and I rightfully guessed +that it was he who had organized the attack. + +"Take it easy, Strong," exclaimed a fellow named Moran, "unless you +want to be all broke up." + +"What do you mean by treating me in this way?" I cried indignantly. + +"You'll find out soon enough," said Phillips, another of the young +men. "Come, stop your struggling." + +"I'll do nothing of the kind. You have no right to molest me." + +"Pooh!" sniffed Duncan. "The Models have a right to do anything." + +"The Models?" I queried, in perplexity. "Who are they?" + +"The Models are a band of young gentlemen organized for the purpose of +social enjoyment and to teach cads lessons that they are not likely to +forget," replied Moran. + +"I suppose you are the members," I said, surveying the half-dozen. + +"We have that honor," rejoined a boy named Barton, who had not yet +spoken. + +"And we intend to teach you a lesson," added Pultzer, a short, stout +chap, whose father had once been a butcher. + +"What for?" + +"For your unwarranted attack upon our illustrious president." + +"Your president? You mean Duncan?" + +"Mr. Woodward, if you please," interrupted Duncan, loftily. "I won't +have such a low-bred fellow as you calling me by my first name." + +"I'm no lower bred than you are," I retorted. + +"Come, none of that!"cried Moran. "We all know you well. We shall at +once proceed to teach you a lesson." + +I could not help smile-- the whole affair seemed so ridiculous that +had it not been for the rough handling I had received when pulled from +the carriage, I would have considered it a joke. + +"You'll find it no laughing matter," said Duncan, savagely, angry, no +doubt, because I did not show more signs of fear. "Just wait till we +are through with you. You'll grin on the other side of your face." + +"What do you intend to do with me?" + +"You'll see soon enough." + +I began to think the affair might be more serious than I had imagined. +Six to one was heavy odds, and who could tell what these wild fellows +would not do? + +"I want you to let me go at once," I said decidedly. "If you don't, it +will be the worse for you." + +"Not a bit of it. We intend that you shall remember this occasion as +long as you live," returned Moran. "Come, march along with us." + +"Where to?" + +"Never mind. March!" + +For reply I turned, and made a hasty jump for the carriage, intending +to utilize Jerry in a bold dash for liberty. I had just placed my foot +upon the step and called to the horse when Moran caught me by the +jacket and dragged me to the ground. + +"No you don't!" he ejaculated roughly. + +"There, Dunc, catch hold of him; and you too, Ellery. We mustn't let +him escape after we've watched two hours to catch him!" + +In an instant, I was surrounded. Now that Duncan had his friends to +back him he was brave enough and held my arm in a grip of iron. + +"Any one bring a rope?" went on Moran. + +"Here's one," replied Ellery Blake. + +"Hand it over. We had better bind his hands." + +Knowing that it would be folly to resist, I allowed them to do as +Moran had advised. My wrists were knotted together behind my back, and +then the cord was drawn tightly about my waist. + +"Now march!" + +"How about the horse and carriage?" + +"They'll be O. K." + +There seemed to be no help for it, so I walked along with them. Had +there been the slightest chance offered to escape I would have taken +it, but warned by experience, all six kept close watch over me. + +Away we went through the woods that lined the east side of the road. +It was bad walking, and with both my hands behind me I was several +times in danger of stumbling. Indeed, once I did go down, but the firm +grasp of my captors saved me from injury. + +Presently we came to a long clearing, where it had once been the +intention of some capitalists to build a railroad. But the matter had +drifted into litigation, and nothing was done but to build a tool +house and cut away the trees and brush. + +The building had often been the resort of tramps, and was in a +dilapidated condition. It was probably fifteen feet square, having a +door at one end and a window at the other. The roof was flat and full +of holes, but otherwise the building was fairly strong. + +"Here we are, fellows," said Duncan, as we stopped in front of the +door. "Just let go of him." + +The others did as he requested. But they formed a small circle around +me that I might not escape. + +"Now that I have got you in a place free from interruption I intend to +square up accounts with you," continued the president of the Models. +"You hit me a foul blow this morning." + +"You brought it on yourself, Duncan," I replied, as coolly as I could, +though I was keenly interested. + +"Stop! How many times must I tell you not to call me by my first +name." + +"Well, then, Woodward, if that suits you better." + +"Mr. Woodward, if you please." + +"Oh, come, Dunc, hurry up," interrupted Moran. "We don't want to stay +here all day." + +"I'm only teaching this fellow a lesson in politeness." + +"All right; only cut it short." + +"See here, Moran, who's the president of this club?" + +"You are." + +"Well, then, I'll take my own time," replied Duncan, loftily. + +"Go ahead then. But you'll have to do without me," rejoined Moran, +considerably provoked by the other's domineering tone. + +"I will?" + +"Yes. I've got other things to do besides standing here gassing all +day." + +"Indeed!" sneered Duncan. + +"Yes, indeed!" + +I enjoyed the scene. It looked very much as if there would be lively +times without my aid. + +"You're getting up on your dignity mighty quick, Dan Moran." + +"I don't intend to play servant-in-waiting for any one, Duncan +Woodward." + +"Who asked you to?" + +" 'Actions speak louder than words.' " + +"I'm the president of the Models, am I not?" + +"Yes, but you're not a model president." + +I could not help smiling at Moran's pun. He was not a bad chap, and +had he not been to a great extent under Duncan's influence he might +have been a first-rate fellow. + +Of course, as is the fashion among men as well as boys, all the others +groaned at the pun; and then Ellery broke in:-- + +"Come, come, this will never do. Go ahead with Strong, Dunc." + +"I intend to," was the president's rejoinder. "But you all promised to +stick by me, and I don't want any one to back out." + +"I'm not backing out," put in Moran. "I only want to hurry matters +up." + +There was a pause after this speech, then Duncan addressed me:-- + +"Perhaps you are anxious to know why I brought you here?" + +"Not particularly," I returned coldly. + +Duncan gave a sniff. + +"I guess that's all put on." + +"Not at all. What I am anxious to know is, what you intend to do with +me." + +"Well, first of all I want you to get down on your knees and apologize +for your conduct toward me this morning." + +"Not much!" I cried. + +"You are in my power." + +"I don't care. Go ahead and do your worst," I replied recklessly, +willing to suffer almost anything rather than apologize to such a chap +as Duncan Woodward. + +Besides, what had I done to call for an apology? I had certainly +treated him no worse than he deserved. He was a spoilt boy and a +bully, and I would die rather than go down on my knees to him. + +"You don't know what's in store for you," said Dunce, nonplussed by my +manner. + +"As I said before, I'll risk it." + +"Very well. Where is the rope, boys?" + +"Here you are," answered Pultzer. "Plenty of it." + +As he spoke he produced a stout clothes line, five or six yards in +length. + +"We'll bind his hands a little tighter first," instructed Duncan, "and +then his legs. Be sure and make the knots strong, so they won't slip. +He must not escape us." + +I tried to protest against these proceedings, but with my hands +already bound it was useless. + +In five minutes the clothes line had been passed around my body from +head to feet, and I was almost as stiff as an Egyptian mummy. + +"Now catch hold, and we'll carry him into the tool house," said +Duncan. "I guess after he has spent twenty-four hours in that place +without food or water he'll be mighty anxious to come to terms." + +I was half dragged and half carried to the tool house and dropped upon +the floor. Then the door was closed upon me, and I was left to my +fate. + + CHAPTER IV + + THE TRAMP AGAIN + +I am sure that all will admit that the prospect before me was not a +particularly bright one. I was bound hand and foot and left without +food or water. + +Yet as I lay upon the hard floor of the tool house I was not so much +concerned about myself as I was about matters at Widow Canby's house. +It would be a hardship to pass the night where I was, to say nothing +of how I might be treated when Duncan Woodward and his followers +returned. But in the meantime, how would Kate fare? + +I knew that my sister would be greatly alarmed at my continued +absence. She fully expected me to be home long before this. As near as +I could judge it was now an hour or so after noon, and she would have +dinner kept warm on the kitchen stove, expecting every minute to see +me drive up the lane. + +Then again I was worried over the fact that the widow had left the +house and her money in my charge. To be sure, the latter was locked up +in her private secretary; but I felt it to be as much in my care as if +it had been placed in my shirt bosom or the bottom of my trunk. + +I concluded that it was my duty, then, to free myself as quickly as +possible from the bonds which the members of the Model Club had placed +upon me. But this idea was more easily conceived than carried out. + +In vain I tugged at the clothes line that held my arms and hands fast +to my body. Duncan and the others had done their work well, and the +only result of my efforts was to make the cord cut so deep into my +flesh that several times I was ready to cry out from pain. + +In my attempts I tried to rise to my feet, but found it an +impossibility, and only succeeded in bumping my head severely against +the wall. + +There was no use in calling for help, and though I halloed several +times I soon gave it up. I was fully three-quarters of a mile from any +house and half that distance from the road, and who would be likely to +hear me so far off? + +The afternoon dragged slowly along, and finally the sun went down and +the evening shadows crept up. By this time I was quite hungry and +tremendously thirsty. But with nothing at hand to satisfy the one or +allay the other I resolutely put all thoughts of both out of my head. + +In the old tool house there had been left several empty barrels, +behind which was a quantity of shavings that I found far more +comfortable to rest upon than the bare floor. + +As the evening wore on I wondered if I would be able to sleep. There +was no use worrying about matters, as it would do no good, so I was +inclined to treat the affair philosophically and make the best of it. + +An hour passed, and I was just dropping into a light doze when a noise +outside attracted my attention. I listened intently and heard a man's +footsteps. + +I was inclined to call out, and, in fact, was on the point of so +doing, when the door of the tool house opened and in the dim light I +recognized the form of the tramp moulder who earlier in the day had so +impudently asked me for help. + +I was not greatly surprised to see him, for, as mentioned before, the +old tool house was frequently used by men of his stamp. He had as much +right there as I had, and though I was chagrined to see him enter I +was in no position to protest. + +On the contrary, I deemed it advisable to keep quiet. If he did not +see me, so much the better. If he did, who could tell what indignities +he might visit upon me? + +So I crouched down behind the empty barrels, hardly daring to breathe. +The man stumbled into the building, leaving the door wide open. + +By his manner I was certain that he had been drinking heavily, and his +rambling soliloquy proved it. + +"The same old shebang," he mumbled to himself, as he swayed around in +the middle of the floor, "the same old shebang where Aaron Woodward +and I parted company four years ago. He's took care of his money, and +I've gone to the dogs," and he gave a yawn and sat down on top of a +barrel. + +I was thoroughly surprised at his words. Was it possible that this +seedy-looking individual had once been intimate with Duncan Woodward's +father? It hardly seemed reasonable. I made a rapid calculation and +concluded that the meeting must have had something to do with the +proposed railroad in which I knew Mr. Woodward had held an interest. +Perhaps this tramp had once been a prosperous contractor. + +"Great times them were. Plenty of money and nothing to do," continued +the man. "Wonder if any one in Darbyville would recognize-- hold up, +Stumpy, you mustn't repeat that name too often or you'll be mentioning +it in public when it ain't no interest for you to do it. Stumpy, John +Stumpy, is good enough for the likes of you." + +And with great deliberation Mr. John Stumpy brought forth a short clay +pipe which he proceeded to fill and light with evident satisfaction. + +During the brief period of lighting up I caught a good glance at his +face, and fancied that I saw beneath the surface of dirt and +dissipation a look of shrewdness and intelligence. Evidently he was +one of the unfortunates who allowed drink to make off with their +brains. + +Mr. John Stumpy puffed on in silence for several minutes. I wondered +what he intended to do, and was not prepared for the surprises that +were to follow. + +"Times are changed and no mistake," he went on. "Here I am, down at +the bottom, Nick Weaver dead, Woodward a rich man, and Carson Strong +in jail. Humph! but times do change!" + +Carson Strong! My heart gave a bound. This man was speaking of my +father. What did it mean? What did the tramp know of the events of the +past? As I lay behind the barrels, I earnestly hoped he would go on +with his talk. I had heard just enough to arouse my curiosity. + +I was certain that I had never, until that day, seen the man. What, +then, could he have in common with my father? + +Instinctively I connected the man with the cause of my father's +imprisonment-- I will not say downfall, because I firmly believed him +innocent. Why I should do so I cannot to this day explain, but from +the instant he mentioned my parent's name the man was firmly fixed in +my memory. + +In a few moments Mr. John Stumpy had puffed his pipe out, leaving the +place filled with a heavy and vile smoke which gave me all I could do +to keep from coughing. Then he slowly knocked the ashes from the bowl +and restored the pipe to his pocket. + +"Now I reckon I'm in pretty good trim to go ahead," he muttered as he +arose. "No use of talking; there ain't anything like a good puff to +steady a man's nerves. Was a time when I didn't need it, but them +times are gone, and the least little job on hand upsets me. Wonder how +much that old woman left behind." + +I nearly uttered an ejaculation of astonishment. Was this man speaking +of Mrs. Canby? What was the job that he contemplated? + +Clearly there could be but one answer to that question. He knew the +widow had gone away, and in her absence he contemplated robbing her +house. Perhaps he had overheard her make mention of the money locked +up in her desk, and the temptation to obtain possession of it was too +strong to resist. + +"I'll have to get rid of that boy and the dog, I suppose," he went on. +"If it wasn't for the noise I'd shoot the dog; but it won't do to +arouse the neighborhood. As for the lad, I reckon the sight of a +pistol will scare him to death." + +I was not so sure of that, and I grated my teeth at the thought of my +present helplessness. Had I been free, I am sure I could have escaped +easily, and perhaps have had the tramp arrested. + +It was an alarming prospect. Kate was the only occupant of the house, +and the nearest neighbor lived a full five hundred feet away. If +attacked in the middle of the night, what would my sister do? + +For a moment I felt like exposing myself, but then I reflected that +such a course would not liberate me, and he would know that he had +nothing to fear from me at the house, whereas, if I kept quiet, he +might, by some lucky incident, be kept at bay. + +So I lay still, wondering when he would start on his criminal quest. + +"Now, one more drink and then I'll be off," he continued, and, +producing a bottle, he took a deep draught. "Ha! That's the stuff to +brace a man's nerves! But you mustn't drink too much, John Stumpy, or +you'll be no good at all. If you'd only let liquor alone you might be +as rich as Aaron Woodward, remember that." He gave something like a +sigh. "Oh, well; let it pass. I'll get the tools and be on the way. +The money in my pocket, I'll take the first train in the morning for +the West." He paused a moment. "But no; I won't go until I've seen +Woodward. He owes me a little on the old score, and I'll not go until +he has settled up." + +There was an interval of silence, during which Stumpy must have been +feeling around in his pockets for a match; for a moment later there +were several slight scratches, and then a tiny flame lit up the +interior of the tool house. + +"Let's see, where did I leave them tools? Ah, yes; I remember now. +Behind those barrels." + +And Stumpy moved over to where I was in hiding. + + CHAPTER V + + FOLLOWING JOHN STUMPY + +I expected to be discovered. I could not see how it could possibly be +avoided. John Stumpy was but a few feet away. In a second more he +would be in full sight of me. + +What the outcome of the discovery would be I could not imagine. I was +at the man's mercy, and I was inclined to think that, our interview of +the morning would not tend to soften his feelings toward me. + +But at that instant a small, yet extremely lucky incident occurred. A +draught of wind came in at the partly open door and blew out the +match, leaving the place in darkness. + +"Confound the luck!" ejaculated John Stumpy, in high irritation. +"There goes the light, and it's the last match I've got, too." + +This bit of information was gratifying to me, and, without making any +noise, I rolled back into the corner as far as possible. + +"Well, I'll have to find them tools in the dark, that's all." He +groped around for several seconds, during which I held my breath. "Ah, +here they are, just as I left 'em last night. Reckon no one visits +this shanty, and maybe it will be a good place to bring the booty, +especially if I happen to be closely pushed." + +I sincerely hoped that he would be closely pushed, and in fact so +closely pushed that he would have no booty to bring. But if he did +succeed in his nefarious plans, I was glad that I would know where to +look for him. + +No sooner had the man found the bag of tools,-- which was nothing more +nor less than a burglar's kit,-- than he quitted the place, and I was +left to my own reflections. + +My thoughts alarmed me. Beyond a doubt John Stumpy intended to rob the +Widow Canby's house. The only one at home was Kate, and I groaned as I +thought of the alarm and terror that she might be called upon to +suffer. As it was, I was sure she was worried about my continued +absence. In my anguish I strove with all my might to burst asunder the +bonds that held me. At the end of five minutes' struggle I remained as +securely tied as ever. + +What was to be done? It was a puzzling, but pertinent question. By +hook or by crook I must get free. At great risk of hurting my head I +rolled to the door of the tool house, which Stumpy had left wide open. +Outside, the stars were shining brightly, and in the southwest the +pale crescent of the new moon was falling behind the tree-tops, +casting ghostly shadows that would have made a timid person shiver. +But as the reader may by this time know, I was not of a timid nature, +and I gave the shadows scant attention until a sudden movement among +the trees attracted my notice. It was the figure of some person coming +rapidly toward me. + +At first I judged it must be Stumpy returning, and I was on the point +of rolling back to my hiding-place when I saw that the newcomer was a +boy. + +When he reached the edge of the clearing he paused, and approached +slowly. + +"Roger Strong!" he called out. I instantly recognized the voice of +Dick Blair, one of the youngest members of the Models, who, during my +capture, had had little to say or do. He was the son of a wealthy +farmer who lived but a short distance down the road from the Widow +Canby's place. + +I had always considered Dick a pretty good chap, and had been +disagreeably surprised to see him in company with Duncan Woodward's +crowd. How Duncan had ever taken up with him I could not imagine, +except it might have been on account of the money Dick's father +allowed him to have. + +"Roger Strong!" he repeated. "Are you still here?" + +I could, not imagine what had brought him to this place at such an +hour of the night. Yet I answered at once. + +"Yes, I am, Dick Blair." + +"I thought maybe you had managed to get away," he continued, as he +came closer. + +"No; you fellows did your work pretty well," I replied as lightly as I +could, for I did not want to show the white feather. + +"Precious little I had to do with it," he went on, as he struck a +match and lit a lantern that he carried. + +"You were with the crowd." + +"I know it; but I wouldn't have been if I'd known what they were up +to. I hope you will not think too badly of me, Roger." + +"I thought it was strange you would go into anything of this kind, +Dick. What brings you back to-night?" + +"I am ashamed of the whole thing," he answered earnestly, "and I came +to release you-- that is, on certain conditions." + +My heart gave a bound. "What conditions, Dick?" + +"I want you to promise that you won't tell who set you free," he +explained. "If Dunc or the rest heard of it, they would never forgive +me." + +"What of it, Dick? Their opinion isn't worth anything." + +"I know it-- now. But they could tell mighty mean stories about me if +they wanted to." And Dick Blair turned away and shuffled his foot on +the ground to hide his shame. + +"Don't mind them, Dick. If they start any bad report about you, do as +I'm doing with the stain on our name-- live it down." + +"I'll try it. But you'll promise, won't you?" + +"If you wish it, yes." + +"All right; I know I can trust you," said Dick. Producing his pocket +knife, he quickly cut the cords that bound me. Somewhat stiff from the +position in which I had been forced to remain, I rose slowly to my +feet. + +"I don't know whether to thank you or not for what you've done for me, +Dick," I began. "But I appreciate your actions." + +"I don't deserve any thanks. It was a mean trick, and I guess legally +I was as guilty as any one. Just keep quiet about it and don't think +too hard of me." + +"I'll do both," I responded quickly. + +"It's a mighty lonely place to spend the night in," he went on. "I'm +no coward, but I wouldn't care to do it, all alone." + +"I haven't been alone." + +"No." And Dick looked intensely surprised. "Who has been here?" + +I hesitated. Should I tell him? + +"A tramp," I began. + +"Why didn't he untie you?" + +"He didn't see me." + +"Oh, I suppose you hid away. What did he want, I wonder?" + +"He was after some tools." + +"Tools! There are none here, any more." + +"But there were." + +"What kind of tools?" + +I hesitated again. Should I tell Dick the secret? Perhaps he might +give me some timely assistance. + +"Will you promise to keep silent if I tell?" + +"Why, what do you mean, Roger?" + +"It is very important." + +"All right. Fire away." + +"He came after some burglar's tools." + +Dick stepped back in astonishment. "You surely don't mean it!" he +gasped "Who was he going to rob?" + +"The widow's house. He knows she is away and has left considerable +money in her desk." + +And in a rapid manner I told Dick of what I had overheard, omitting +the mentioning of my father's and Mr. Woodward's names. Of course he +was tremendously excited. What healthy country boy would not be? + +"What are you going to do about it?" he questioned. + +"Now I'm free I'm going to catch the fellow," I returned decidedly. +"He shall not rob Mrs. Canby's house if I can help it." + +"Aren't you afraid?" + +"I intend to be cautious." + +"He may have a pistol." + +"The widow left one in the house. Maybe I can secure it. Then we'll be +on an equal footing." + +"I've got a pistol, Roger." + +"You!" + +"Yes, the Models all carry them. Dunc always insisted that it was the +proper thing." + +As Dick spoke, he produced a highly polished nickel-plated +five-shooter. + +"It looks like a good one," I said, after examining it. "Is it +loaded?" + +"Oh, yes; and I've got a box of cartridges in my pocket besides." + +"Lend it to me, Dick." + +"If you don't mind I'll-- I'll go along with you, Roger," he returned. +"You won't find me such a terrible coward." + +"All right. But we must hurry. That fellow has got a good start, and +he may even now be in the house." + +"Hardly. He'll want to take a look around first." + +Nevertheless, we lost no time in getting away from the tool house. We +walked side by side, I with the pistol in the pocket of my jacket, and +Dick with the lantern held aloft, that we might see to make rapid +progress over the unaccustomed road. + +It was a good walk to the widow's, and once Dick stumbled down in a +heap, while the lantern rolled several yards away. But he picked +himself up without grumbling and went along faster than ever. + +"If I'm not mistaken, I saw that tramp down at the depot this +morning," said he, as we drew near to the main road. "He was hanging +around, and I thought he looked like a suspicious character." + +"Did you see him yesterday?" + +"No." + +"Did you ever hear of him before?" + +"I guess not. He was near the baggage room when I saw him. Then Mr. +Woodward came up to see about a trunk, and the tramp made right off." + +I was interested. John Stumpy had intimately that he intended to have +an interview with Duncan Woodward's father, and if this was so, why +had he not taken advantage of the opportunity thus offered? + +I could arrive at but one conclusion. The tramp wished their meeting +to be a strictly private one. He did not care to be seen in Mr. +Woodward's presence, or else the wealthy merchant would not tolerate +such a thing. + +If the meeting was to be of a private nature, it would no doubt be of +importance. Had my father's name not been mentioned I would not have +cared; but as it was, I was deeply interested. + +Perhaps it would be better to merely scare the fellow off. If he was +captured, all chance of finding out his secrets might be lost. + +By this time the reader may be aware that I thought John Stumpy's +secrets important. Such was a fact. Try as hard as I was able, I could +not but imagine that they concerned my father and his alleged +downfall. + +In five minutes Dick and I came within sight of Widow Canby's house. +There was a light burning in the kitchen and another in the +dining-room. + +"Everything seems to be all right," said Dick, as we stood near a +corner of the front fence. "I guess the fellow hasn't put in an +appearance yet." + +"I don't know. See I the side porch door is open. We generally keep it +closed, and Kate would certainly have it shut if she was alone." + +"What do you intend to do? Go into the house?" + +"Guess we had better. I'd like to know where that fellow is," I +replied. "Likely as not he is prowling about here somewhere. If we can +only catch sight of him, we can-- Hark!" + +As I uttered the last word, a shrill cry reached our ears. It was +Kate's voice; and with my heart jumping wildly I made a dash for the +house, with Dick Blair following me. + + CHAPTER VI + + A STRANGE ENVELOPE + +I was sure that my sister's cry could mean but one thing-- that the +tramp had made a raid on the house. I was thoroughly alarmed, and ran +with all possible speed in the direction of the dining-room, from +whence the sound proceeded. + +As I tore across the lawn, regardless of the bed of flowers which was +Mrs. Canby's pride, Kate's cry was repeated, this time in a more +intense tone. An instant later I dashed across the porch and into the +room through the door that, as I have said, stood wide open. + +I found my sister standing in the middle of the floor, holding in her +hand a heavy umbrella with which she had evidently been defending +herself. She was pale, and trembled from head to foot. + +"What is it, Kate?" I exclaimed. "Where is the fellow?" + +"Oh, Roger!" she gasped. "I'm so glad you've come. A tramp was here-- +he robbed-- robbed the desk-- the window--" + +She pointed to the open window on the opposite side of the room. Then +her breast heaved, the umbrella slipped from her grasp, and she sank +into a chair. + +"Are you hurt?" I cried anxiously. + +"No, no-- but the money-- it is gone! What will Mrs. Canby say?" + +And overcome with the dreadful thought, my sister fainted dead away. + +As for myself I felt sick at heart. John Stumpy had been there-- the +widow's money had been stolen. What could be done? + +Meanwhile, Dick Blair had come in. His common sense told him what had +happened, and he set to work to restore my sister to consciousness. + +"Will you stay here with Kate?" I asked. + +"Certainly," he returned promptly. "But where are you going? After +that tramp?" + +"Yes." + +"Be careful, for he may be a desperate character." + +"I'm not afraid of him. I'm going to get that money back or know the +reason why," was my determined reply; and I meant every word I said. + +To my mind it was absolutely necessary that I recover the stolen +property. It would have been bad enough to have had it taken when the +Widow Canby was at home, but it had been stolen when left in my +charge, and that was enough to make me turn Darbyville district up +side down before letting the matter drop. + +Besides, there was still another important factor in the case. I knew +well enough that if the money was not recovered, there would be plenty +of people mean enough to intimate that I had had something to do with +its disappearance. The Strong honor was considered low by many, and +they would not hesitate to declare that I was only following in my +father's footsteps. + +To a person already suffering under an unjust accusation such an +intimation is doubly stinging, and when I told Dick that I was not +afraid of Mr. John Stumpy, I meant that I would rather face the robber +now than the Darbyville people later on. + +"I want to take the pistol," I added. + +"All right. There is the box of extra cartridges. Do you want the +lantern?" + +"Yes; I may want to use it before I return. I'll blow it out now." + +Our conversation had lasted but a few seconds, and an instant after I +was on my way, the lantern on my left arm and the pistol in my right +hand. + +"Take good care of Kate," I called back as I passed out. + +"I will," replied Dick. "Don't stay away too long, if you don't find +the fellow." + +I passed around to the other side of the garden, where an open gateway +led to the pear orchard. I felt pretty certain that John Stumpy had +pursued this course, and I entered the orchard on a run. + +The thief, I reckoned, was not over five minutes ahead of me. To be +sure, he could easily hide, but it was not likely that he would care +to remain in the neighborhood, unless it was really necessary for him +to see Mr. Aaron Woodward. + +When I got well into the orchard, where it was darker than in the +garden, I listened intently, hoping that I might hear some sound that +would guide me. + +But all was silent. Occasionally a night bird fluttered through the +trees and a frog gave a dismal croak, but otherwise not a sound broke +the stillness. + +I continued on my way toward the road, and reaching the fence, paused +again. + +Had the thief jumped over? If so, which way had he gone, up, down, or +into the woods beyond? It was a perplexing question. Perhaps if I had +been in a story book I might have found some clew to direct me. But I +was not that kind of a hero. I was only an everyday boy, and +consequently no clew presented itself. + +I stood by the fence for several minutes, my eyes and ears on the +alert to catch anything worthy of notice. I judged it was near +midnight, and hardly had I thought of the matter before the distant +town bells tolled the hour of twelve. + +As the echo of the last stroke died away, two figures came slowly up +the road. As they drew nearer, I recognized Moran and Pultzer, the two +Models members who had assisted at my capture. + +I was astonished at their appearance. What on earth could they be +doing out at this time of night? + +As they drew near I thought for many reasons that it would not be +advisable to show myself, and I stepped behind a tree. + +"I don't care what you say," said Pultzer, "Dunc was half scared to +death when we came away." + +"I guess he didn't think what a serious matter it was when he asked us +to go into it," returned Moran. "It's the worst affair I ever got +into." + +"Ditto myself," responded Pultzer. + +"And if we get out without being caught, you'll never find me in +another such," continued the other earnestly. + +"I wonder what Dunc's father will say when he hears of it?" + +"And all the rest of the Darbyville people? Of course they've got to +lay it to some one." + +I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had done to me. I +never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more serious. + +"I'm glad Dick Blair wasn't along to-night," went on Moran. "Dick is +not to be trusted any more. He kicked awfully at the idea of tying up +Strong this noon." + +I was gratified to hear this bit of news. I liked Dick in many +respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend. + +"Strong didn't give in quite as much as Dunc thought he would. Hang +it, if I didn't admire his grit." + +"So did I. Wonder how he's getting along in the old tool house. We +must release him first thing in the morning." + +"No need of doing that, gentlemen," I put in, stepping out from behind +the tree. "I am--" + +But it would have been useless for me to say more, as no one would +have heard me. + +At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had started in +alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast as +their feet could carry them. + +At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the +ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled. "A guilty +conscience needeth no accuser," it is said, and this truth was +verified to the letter. + +Yet I was sorry that I had not had a chance to speak to them. I wanted +to question them in regard to the thief. Perhaps they had seen him, +and if so, I did not want to miss my chance of getting upon his track. + +Jumping over the fence, I walked slowly down the road, but not in +hopes of meeting John Stumpy. If he was anywhere near, the approach of +the two boys had certainly driven him into hiding. + +Suddenly I thought of the tool house. The tramp had spoken of +returning to the place. He evidently knew the road. I determined to go +to the spot and make a search at once. + +It was no easy matter to find my way back to the tool house, and at +the risk of being seen I lit the lantern. + +As I walked along I wondered how my sister and Dick were faring. No +doubt Kate had been much surprised to see who was with her on her +recovery, and I sincerely hoped that the shock Stumpy had given her +would not have any evil effects. She was a sensitive girl, and such +happenings were calculated to try her nerves severely. + +At length I came within sight of the clearing. Here I hesitated for an +instant, and then, pistol in hand, approached the tool house boldly. + +The door was still open, and I entered, only to find the place empty. + +With a sigh I realized that my journey thither was a useless one. +Nothing remained but to go back to the road, and I was about to leave +again when the rays of the lantern fell upon a white object lying on +the floor. + +I picked it up. It was a common square envelope. Thinking it contained +a letter I turned it over to read the address. Judge of my +astonishment when I read the following:-- + +Dying Statement of Nicholas Weaver Concerning the Forgeries for which +Carson Strong Was Sent to State's Prison. + + CHAPTER VII + + A WAR OF WORDS + +No words of mine can express the feeling that came over me as I read +the superscription written on the envelope I had picked up in the old +tool house. + +Was it possible that this envelope contained the solution of the +mystery that had taken away our good name and sent my father to +prison? The very thought made me tremble. + +The packet was not a thick one. In fact, it was so thin that for an +instant I imagined the envelope was empty. But a hasty examination +proved my fears groundless. + +In nervous excitement I put the lantern down on the top of a barrel, +and then drew from the envelope the single shoot of foolscap that it +contained. A glance showed me that the pages were closely written in a +cramped hand extremely difficult to read. + +For the moment I forgot everything else-- forgot that the Widow +Canby's house had been robbed and that I was on the track of the +robber-- and drawing close to the feeble light the lantern afforded, +strove with straining eyes and palpitating heart to decipher the +contents of the written pages. + + "I, Nicholas Weaver, being on the point of death from pneumonia, do + make this my last statement, which I hereby swear is true in every + particular." + +This was the beginning of the document which I hoped would in some way +free my father's character from the stain that now rested on it. + +Exactly who Nicholas Weaver was I did not know, though it ran in my +mind that I had heard this name mentioned by my father during the +trial. + +Beyond the opening paragraph I have quoted the handwriting was almost +illegible, and in the dim light it was only here and there that I +could pick out such words as "bank," "assumed," "risk," "name," and so +forth, which gave but an inkling of the real contents of the precious +document. + +"It's too bad," was my thought. "I'd give all I possess to be able to +read this right off, word for word." + +Hardly had the reflection crossed my mind when a noise outside +startled me. I had just time enough to thrust the paper into my pocket +when the door was swung open and the tramp appeared. + +He was evidently as much surprised as I was, for he stopped short in +amazement, while the short pipe he carried between his lips fell +unnoticed to the floor. + +I rightly conjectured he had not noticed the light of the lantern and +fully believed the tool house tenantless. + +"You here!" he cried. + +"It looks like it, doesn't it?" was all I could find to reply, and as +I spoke my hand sought the pistol I carried. + +"What brought you here?" he demanded roughly. + +"I came after you," I returned as coolly as I could; and by this time +I had the pistol where it could be brought into instant use. + +"What do you want of me?" + +"I want you to hand over the money you stole awhile ago." + +"What are you talking about? I never stole any money." + +"You did. You broke into the Widow Canby's house less than an hour +ago. Come, hand over that money." + +The fellow gave a coarse laugh. "Ha! ha! do you think I'm to be +bluffed by a boy? Get home with you, before I hammer you for calling +me a thief." + +"That's just what you are, and I don't intend to go until you hand +over the money, John Stumpy," I returned decidedly. + +"Ha! you know my name?" + +I bit my lip. I was sorry for the slip I had made. But I put on a bold +front. "I know what you are called," I replied. + +"What I am called?" + +"Yes." + +"What do you mean? Come, out with it." + +"I will when I please. In the meantime hand over that money." + +"You talk like a fool!" he cried. + +"Never mind. You'll find I won't act like one." + +"What do you know about me?" he went on curiously, believing, no +doubt, that he was perfectly safe from attack. + +"I know more than you think. I know you are a burglar, and may be +worse." + +"I'll kill you!" he cried, rushing forward. + +"Stand where you are!" I returned, pulling out the pistol. "Don't stir +a step." + +He did not see the weapon until he was fairly upon me. The glint of +the nickeled steel made him shiver. + +"Don't shoot!" he cried in sudden terror, that showed he was a coward +at heart. "Don't-- don't shoot." + +"I won't if you do as I tell you." + +"Do what?" + +"Give up the widow's money." + +"See here, young fellow, you've made a mistake. I never was near the +widow's house, 'cepting this morning." + +"I know better. You just broke open her desk and stole over two +hundred dollars." + +"It's a mistake. Put down the pistol and I'll tell you all about it." + +"I'm not such a fool, Mr. John Stumpy, or whatever your name is," was +my decided reply. + +The tone of my voice disconcerted the man, for he paused as if not +knowing what to say next. + +"Say, young feller, do you want to make some money?" he asked +suddenly, after a short pause. + +The change in his manner surprised me. + +"How?" I asked, although I knew about what was coming. + +"I've got nearly three hundred dollars in cash with me. I'll give you +fifty of it if you'll go home and say you couldn't find me." + +"Thank you; I'm not doing business that way," I rejoined coldly. + +"Fifty dollars ain't to be sneezed at," he went on insinuatingly. + +"I wouldn't care if you offered me fifty thousand," I cried sharply. +"I'm no thief." + +"Humph; don't you suppose I know who you are?" he went on. "You're the +son of a thief. Do you hear that?-- the son of a thief! What right +have you got to set yourself up to be any better than your father was +afore you?" + +"Take care!" I cried, my blood fairly boiling as I spoke. He saw his +mistake. + +"I didn't mean no harm, partner. But what's the use of being high +toned when it don't pay?" + +"It always pays to be honest," I said firmly. + +"There are those who don't think so any more than I," he replied. + +"My father never was a thief. They may say all they please, I will +always think him innocent." + +"Humph!" + +"If it hadn't been for men like you and Nicholas Weaver, my father +would never be in prison." + +The words were out before I knew it. They were most injudicious ones. + +"What do you mean?" gasped the man. "What do you know about Nick +Weaver?" + +"More than you imagine. When he died he made a confession--" + +"It's false. Nick Weaver wasn't in his right mind when he died, +anyhow." + +"Perhaps he was." + +"What you--" began the man. Then he paused and began a rapid search in +his pockets. "You've got that paper," he cried hoarsely. "Give it up," +and as he spoke, John Stumpy took a threatening step toward me. + +"Stand back!" and I raised the pistol. + +I was trembling in every limb, but I actually believe I would have +fired it if he had rushed upon me. + +"I won't. Give up that paper." + +"Never. I'll die first." + +And die I would. His earnestness convinced me of the letter's worth. +If it contained that which could clear my father's name, only death +would be the means of parting me from it. + +"Give it up, I say! Do you think I'm to be defeated by a boy?" + +"Stand back!" + +I raised the pistol on a level with his head. As I did so, he made a +dash forward and caught up a stick which was lying near. + +"I'll fix you!" he roared, and swinging the billet over his head, he +brought it down with all his force on my arm, causing the pistol to +fly from my hand into a corner beyond. + +"Now we'll see who's master here," he cried exultingly. "You're a +smart boy, but you don't know everything!" Rushing over to the corner, +he secured the pistol and aimed it at me. "Now, we'll settle this +matter according to my notions," he went on triumphantly. + + CHAPTER VIII + + THE STRUGGLE + +I was deeply chagrined at the unexpected turn affairs had taken, and I +felt decidedly uncomfortable as John Stumpy levelled the weapon at my +head. I could readily see that the battle of words was at an end. +Action was now the order of the day. I wondered what the fellow would +do next; but I was not kept long in suspense. + +"Now, it's my turn, young fellow," he remarked, with a shrewd grin, as +I fell back. + +"Well, what do you want?" I asked, as coolly as I could recognizing +the fact that nothing was to be gained by "stirring him up." + +"You'll see fast enough. In the first place, hand over that paper." + +I was silent. I did not intend to tell a falsehood by saying I did not +have it, nor did I intend to give it up if it could possibly be +avoided. + +"Did you hear what I said?" continued Stumpy, after a pause. + +"I thought you said the paper wasn't valuable," I returned, more to +gain time than anything else. + +"Neither it ain't, but, just the same, I want it. Come, hand it over." + +He was getting ugly now, and no mistake. What was to be done? + +As I have mentioned before, it would have been useless to call for +help, as no one would have heard the calls. + +Suddenly the thought struck me to try a bit of deception. I put my +hand in my pocket and drew out the empty envelope. + +"Is that what you want?" I asked, holding it up. + +"Reckon it is," he returned eagerly. "Just toss it over." + +Somewhat disappointed that he did not approach me and thus give me a +chance of attacking him, I did as requested. It fell at his feet, and +he was not long in transferring it to his pocket. + +"Next time don't try to walk over a man like me," he said sharply. "I +know a thing or two, and I'm not to be downed by a boy." + +"Are you satisfied?" I asked calmly, though secretly exultant that he +had not discovered my trick. + +"Not yet. You followed me when you had no business to, and now you've +got to take the consequences." + +"What are you going to do?" + +"You'll see soon enough. I ain't the one to make many mistakes. Years +ago I made a few, but I ain't making no more." + +"You knew my father quite well, didn't you?" I inquired in deep +curiosity. + +"As the old saying goes, 'Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no +lies.' Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." + +"I know you did." + +"Well, what of it? So did lots of other people." + +"But not quite as well as you and Nicholas Weaver and Mr. Aaron +Woodward," I continued, determined to learn all I could. + +"Ha! What do you know of them?" He scowled at me. "Reckon you've been +reading that paper of Nick's putty closely. I was a fool for not +tearing it up long ago." + +"Why did you keep it-- to deliver it to Mr. Wentworth?" + +It was a bold stroke and it told. Stumpy grew pale in spite of the +dirt that covered his face, and the hand that held the pistol +trembled. + +"Say, young fellow, you know too much, you do. I suppose you read that +paper clear through, did you?" + +"As you say: Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." + +"Perhaps you wasn't careful of it. Maybe I'd better examine it," he +added. + +My heart sank within me. In another moment the deception I had +practised would be known-- and then? + +He fumbled in his pocket and drew forth the envelope. He could not +extract the letter he supposed it contained with one hand very well, +and so lowered the pistol for a moment. + +This was my chance. Unarmed I was evidently in his power. If I could +only escape from the tool house! + +The door still stood partly open, and the darkness of night-- for the +moon had gone down-- was beyond. A dash and I would be outside. Still +the tramp stood between me and liberty. Should I attack him or +endeavor to slip to one side? + +I had but an instant to think; another, and it would be too late. John +Stumpy was fumbling in the envelope. His eyes were searching for the +precious document. + +With a single bound I sprang against him, knocking him completely off +his feet. Then I made another jump for the door. + +But he was too quick for me. Dropping the envelope and the pistol, he +caught me by the foot, and in an instant both of us were rolling on +the floor. + +It was an unequal struggle. Strong as I was for a boy of my age, I was +no match for this burly man. Turn and twist all I could, he held me in +his grip while he heaped loud imprecations upon my head. + +In our movements on the floor we came in contact with the lantern and +upset it, smashing the frame as well as the glass. + +For a moment darkness reigned. Then a tiny light from the corner lit +up the place. The flames had caught the shavings. + +"The place is on fire!" I cried in horror. + +"Yes, and you did it," replied the tramp. + +"It was you!" I returned stoutly, and, as a matter of fact, it may be +as well to state that John Stumpy's foot had caused the accident. + +"Not much; it was your fault, and you've got to take the blame." + +As the rascal spoke, he caught me by the throat, squeezing it so +tightly that I was in great danger of being choked to death. + +"Let-- let up!" I gasped. + +The choking continued. My head began to grow dizzy, and strange lights +danced before my eyes. I protested against this proceeding as +vigorously as I could by kicking the man sharply and rapidly. + +But Stumpy now meant to do me real injury. He realized that I knew too +much for his future welfare. In fact, he, no doubt, imagined I knew +far more than I really did. If I was out of the way for all time so +much the better for him. + +"Take that!" he suddenly cried, and springing up he brought his heel +down with great force on my head. + +I cannot describe the sensation that followed. It was as if a sharp, +blinding pain had stung me to the very heart. Then my senses forsook +me. + +How long I lay in a comatose state I do not know. Certainly it could +not have been a very long time-- probably not over five or six +minutes. + +In the meantime the fire rapidly spread igniting the barrels that were +stored in the tool house, and climbing up the walls of the building to +the roof. + +When I recovered my senses, my face was fairly scorched, and no sooner +had I opened my eyes than they were blinded by smoke and flame. + +By instinct rather than reason I staggered to my feet. I was so weak I +could hardly stand, and my head spun around like a top. Where was the +door? + +I tottered to one side and felt around. There was the window tightly +closed. The door I knew was opposite. + +Reeling, I made my way through the smoke that now seemed to fill my +lungs, to where I knew the door to be. Oh, horror! it was closed and +secured! + +"Heaven help me now!" burst from my parched lips. "Am I to be roasted +alive?" + +With all my remaining strength I threw myself against the door. Once, +and again, and still it did not budge. + +"Help! help!" I called at the top of my voice. + +No answer came to my cry. The fire behind me became hotter and hotter. +The roof had now caught, and the sparks fell down upon me in a perfect +shower. + +Another moment and it would be all over. With a brief prayer to God +for help in my dire need, I attacked the door for the last time. + +At first it did not budge. Then there was a creaking, a sharp crack, +and at last it flew wide open. + +Oh, how grateful was the breath of fresh air that struck me! I +stumbled out into the clearing and opened wide my throat to take in +the pure draught. + +Then for the first time I realized how nearly I had been overcome. I +could no longer stand, and swooning, sank in a heap to the ground. + + CHAPTER IX + + NEW TROUBLE + +"He's alive, boys." + +These were the words that greeted my ears on recovering my senses. I +opened my eyes and saw that I was surrounded by a number of boys and +men. + +"How did you come here?" asked Henry Morse, a sturdy farmer who lived +in the neighborhood. + +I was too much confused to make any intelligent reply. Rising to a +sitting position, I gazed around. + +The tool house had burned to the ground, there being no means at hand +to extinguish the fire. The glare of the conflagration had called out +several dozens of people from Darbyville and the vicinity, several of +whom had stumbled upon me as I lay in the clearing. + +"What's the matter, Roger?" asked Larry Simpson, a young man who kept +a bookstore in the town. + +"The matter is that I nearly lost my life in that fire," I replied. + +"How did you come here?" + +As briefly as I could I related my story, leaving out all references +to my personal affairs and the finding of Nicholas Weaver's statement. +At present I considered it would do no good to disclose what I knew on +those points. + +"I think I saw that tramp yesterday," said Larry after I had finished. +"He bought a sheet of paper and an envelope in my store, and then +asked if he could write a letter there." + +"And did he?" I asked in curiosity. + +"Yes. At first I hated to let him do it,-- he looked so +disreputable,-- but then I thought it might be an application for a +position, and so told him to go ahead." + +"Who did he write to? do you know?" + +"Somebody in Chicago, I think." + +"Do you remember the name?" + +"He tried the pen on a slip of paper first. It wouldn't work very +well. But I think the name was Holtzmann, or something similar." + +I determined to remember the name, thinking it might prove of value +sometime. + +"The thing of it is," broke in Henry Morse, "what has become of this +Stumpy? If he stole the Widow Canby's money, it's high time somebody +was after him." + +"That's true," ejaculated another. "Have you any idea which way the +fellow went?" + +Of course I had not. Indeed, I was hardly in condition to do any +rational thinking, much less form an opinion. The thief might be in +hiding close at hand, or he might be miles away. + +"Some of us had better make a search," put in another. "Come, boys, +we'll spread out and scour the woods." + +"That's a good idea," said Tony Parsons, the constable of the town. +"Meanwhile, Roger Strong, let us go to Judge Penfold's house and put +the case in his hands. He'll get out a warrant, and perhaps a reward." + +I thought this was a good idea, and readily assented, first, however, +getting one of the boys to promise that he would call at the widow's +house and quiet Kate's fears concerning my whereabouts. + +It was now early morning, and we had no difficulty in making our way +through the woods to the main road. + +"Guess we won't find the judge up yet," remarked Tony Parsons as we +hurried along. "I've never yet found him out of bed afore seven +o'clock. It will make him mighty mad to get up afore this time." + +"I'm sorry to disturb him," I replied, with something of awe at the +thought of rousing a magistrate of the law. + +"But it's got to be done," went on Parsons, with a grave shake of his +head, "unless we all want to be murdered and robbed in our beds!" + +"That's true. I'd give all I'm worth to catch that tramp." + +"Reckon Widow Canby'll be dreadfully cut up when she hears about the +robbery." + +"I suppose so." + +"She may blame you, Roger. You see if it was anybody else, it would be +different. But being as it's you, why--" + +"I know what you mean," I returned bitterly. "No one in Darbyville +believes I can be honest." + +"I ain't saying nothing against you, Roger," returned Parsons, +hastily. "I reckon you ain't no worse than any other boy. But you know +what public sentiment is." + +"So I do; but public sentiment isn't always right," was my spirited +answer. + +"Who did you say those boys were that tied you up?" went on the +constable, to change the subject. + +"Duncan Woodward was the principal one." + +"Phew! Reckon he didn't think tying you up would prove such a serious +matter." + +"If it hadn't been for that, the robbery might have been prevented. I +would have been home guarding the widow's property, as she expected me +to do." + +"Reckon so you would." + +"In a certain sense I hold Duncan Woodward and his followers +responsible for what has occurred." + +"Phew! What will Mr. Woodward say to that, I wonder?" + +"I can't help what he says. I'm not going to bear all the blame when +it isn't my fault." + +"No, neither would I." + +At length we reached the outskirts of the town. Judge Penfold lived at +the top of what was termed the Hill, the aristocratic district of the +place, and thither we made our way. + +"Indeed, but the judge ain't stirring yet!" exclaimed the Irish girl +who came to answer our summons at the door. + +"Then wake him at once," said Parsons. "Tell him there has been a most +atrocious robbery and assault committed." + +"Mercy on us!" said the girl, lifting up her hands in horror. "And who +was it, Mr. Parsons?" + +"Never mind who it was. Go at once." + +"I will that! Robbery and assault. Mercy on us!" + +And leaving us standing in the hall, the hired girl sped up the front +stairway. + +"The judge will be down as soon as he can," she reported on her +return. + +We waited as patiently as we could. While doing so I revolved what had +occurred over in my mind, and came to the conclusion that the crime +would be a difficult one to trace. John Stumpy had probably made good +use of his time, knowing that even if I had lost my life in the fire +my sister would still recognize him as the thief. + +Suddenly I thought of the written confession that must yet remain in +my pocket, and I was on the point of assuring myself that it was still +safe when a heavy foot-step sounded overhead, and Judge Penfold came +down. + +The judge was a tall, slender men of fifty, with hollow cheeks, a +pointed nose, and a sharp chin. His voice was of a peculiarly high and +rasping tone, and his manner far from agreeable. + +"What's the trouble?" he demanded, and it was plain to see that he did +not relish having his early morning sleep broken. + +"Widow Canby's house was robbed last night," replied the constable; +and he gave the particulars. + +Judge Penfold was all ears at once. Indeed, it may be as well to state +that he was a widower and had paid Widow Canby much attention, which, +however, I well knew that good lady heartily resented. No doubt he +thought if he could render her any assistance it would help along his +suit. + +"We must catch the fellow at once," he said. "Parsons, you must catch +him without fail." + +"Easier said than done, judge," replied the constable, doubtfully. +"Where am I to look for him? The country around here is pretty large." + +"No matter. You are constable, and it is your duty to seek him out. I +will sign the warrant for his arrest, and you must have him in jail by +to-night, without fail." + +"I'll do what I can, judge," returns Parsons, meekly. + +"Strong, I'll have to bind you over as a witness." + +"Bind me over?" I queried in perplexity. "What do you mean?" + +"Hold you, unless you can give a bond to appear when wanted." + +"But I had nothing to do with the burglary." + +"You are principal accuser of this John Stumpy." + +"Well, I'll promise to be on hand whenever wanted." + +"That is not sufficient. Your character is-- is not-- ahem! of the +best, and--" + +"Why is my character not of the best?" I demanded. + +"Well, ahem! Your father, you see--" + +"Is innocent." + +"Perhaps-- perhaps, but, nevertheless, I will have to hold you. +Parsons, I will leave him in your charge." + +"You have no right to arrest me," I cried, for I knew very little of +the law. + +"What's that?" demanded Judge Penfold, pompously. "You forget I am the +judge of that." + +"I don't care," I burst out. "I have done no wrong." + +"It ain't that, Roger. Many innocent men are held as witnesses," put +in Parsons. + +"But I've got to attend to Mrs. Canby's business," I explained. + +"I fancy Mrs. Canby would rather get on the track of her money," said +Judge Penfold severely. "Can you furnish bail?" + +I did not know that I could. The woman who had been robbed was my only +friend, and she was away. + +"Then you'll have to take him to the lockup, Parsons." + +This news was far from agreeable. It would be no pleasant thing to be +confined in the Darbyville jail, not to say anything of the anxiety it +might cause Kate. Besides, I wanted to follow up John Stumpy. I was +certain I could do it fully as well as the constable. + +"Come, Roger, there is no help for it," said Parsons, as I still +lingered. "It's the law, and it won't do any good to kick." + +"Maybe not, but, nevertheless, it isn't fair." + +We walked out into the front hall, the judge following us. + +"Of course if you can get bail any time during the day I will let you +go," he said; "I will be down in my office from nine to twelve and two +to four." + +"Will you offer a reward for the capture of the man?" I asked. + +"I cannot do that. The freeholders of the county attend to all such +matters. Parsons, no doubt, will find the scoundrel." + +As the judge finished there was a violent ringing of the door bell. +Judge Penfold opened the door and was confronted by Mr. Aaron +Woodward, who looked pale and excited. + +"Judge, I want you-- hello! that boy! Judge, I want that boy arrested +at once! Don't you let him escape!" + +"Want me arrested?" I ejaculated in astonishment. "What for?" + +"You know well enough. You thought to hide your tracks, but I have +found you out. Parsons, don't let him get out of the door. He's a +worse villain than his father was!" + + CHAPTER X + + UNDER ARREST + +I will not hesitate to state that I was nearly stunned by Mr. Aaron +Woodward's unexpected statement. I knew that when he announced that I +was a worse villain than my father he meant a good deal. + +Yet try as hard as I could it was impossible for me to discover what +he really did mean. I was not conscious of having done him any injury, +either bodily or otherwise. Indeed, of late I had hardly seen the man. +The Widow Canby was not partial to dealings with him, and I never went +near him on my own account. + +It was plain to see that the merchant was thoroughly aroused. His face +was pale with anger, and the look he cast upon me was one of bitter +resentment. For the instant he eyed me as if he intended to spring +upon me and choke the life out of my body, and involuntarily I shrank +back. But then I recollected that the minions of the law who stood +beside me would not allow such a course of procedure, and this made me +breathe more freely. + +"Yes, sir; he's a worse villain than his father!" repeated Mr. Aaron +Woodward, turning to Judge Penfold; "a most accomplished villain, +sir." And he shook his fist within an inch of my nose. + +"What have I done to you, Mr. Woodward?" I demanded, as soon as I +could speak. + +"Done, sir? You know very well what you've done, you young rascal!" +puffed the merchant. "Oh, but I'll make you pay dearly for your +villainy." + +"I've committed no villainy," I returned warmly. "If you refer to the +way I treated Duncan this morning, why all I've got to say is that it +was his own fault, and I can prove it." + +"Treated Duncan? Oh, pshaw! This is far more serious affair than a +boy's quarrel. Don't let him escape, Parsons"-- the last to the +constable, who had his hand on my shoulder. + +"No fear, sir," was Parson's reply. "He's already under arrest." + +"Under arrest?" repeated the merchant quickly. "Then you've already +heard--" + +"He is ahem-- only under detention as a witness," spoke up Judge +Penfold. "I do not think he had anything to do with the theft of the +widow's money." + +"Widow's money! What do you mean?" + +In a few words Judge Penfold explained the situation. "Isn't this what +you came about?" he asked then. + +"Indeed, no, sir. My affair is far more important-- at least to me. +But you can make up your mind that Strong's story is purely fiction. +He is undoubtedly the real culprit, undoubtedly. Takes after his +father." + +"My father was an honest man!" I cried out. "I don't care what you or +any one may say! Some day he will be cleared of the stain on his +name." + +"Oh, undoubtedly," sneered Mr. Woodward. "Mean while, however, the +community at large had better keep a sharp eye on his son. Whom do you +assert stole the Widow Canby's money?" + +"A tramp." + +"Humph! A likely story." + +"It's true. His name was John Stumpy." + +"John Stumpy!" + +As Mr. Aaron Woodwind uttered the name, all the color forsook his +face. + +"Yes, sir. And he claimed to know you," I went on, my curiosity amused +over the merchant's show of feeling. + +"It's a falsehood! I never heard of such a man," cried Mr. Woodward, +but his face belied his words. + +"Well, what is your charge against Strong?" asked Judge Penfold, +impatiently, probably tired of being so utterly ignored in the +discussion. + +The merchant hesitated. + +"I prefer to speak to you about the matter in private," he said +sourly. + +"That isn't fair. He ought to tell me what I am accused of," I cried, +"Every one who is arrested has a right to know that. I have done no +wrong and I am not afraid." + +"All assumed bravery, Judge Penfold; quite assumed, sir." + +"No, sir. Tell me why you want me locked up," I repeated. + +But instead of replying Mr. Woodward drew Judge Penfold to the rear +end of the hall and began to speak in so low a tone that I could not +catch a word. + +"You don't mean it!" I heard the judge say presently. "Come into the +library and give me the particulars." + +The two men passed into the room, closing the door tightly behind +them. They were gone nearly quarter of an hour-- a long wait for me. I +wondered what could be the nature of Mr. Woodward's accusation against +me, but failed to solve the mystery. + +At length they came out. Judge Penfold's face was a trifle sterner +than before. Mr. Woodward looked pleased, as if his argument had +proven conclusive. + +"You will take Strong to the jail at once," said the judge to Parsons +"and tell Booth to be careful of his prisoner." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Don't let him escape," added Aaron Woodward, anxiously. "Don't let +him escape, sir, under any circumstances." + +"No fear," was Parsons's ready answer. "I never had one of 'em give me +the slip yet." + +And with great gravity he drew from his pocket a pair of ancient +handcuffs, one of which he attached to my wrist and the other to his +own. + +"Come, Roger. Better take it easy," he said. "No use of kicking. +March!" + +"But I'd like to know something about this," I protested. "What +right--" + +"It is all quite legal," put in Judge Penfold, pompously. "I +understand the law perfectly." + +"But--" + +"Say no more. Parsons, take him away." + +"I shall see you later," whispered Mr. Woodward in my ear as the +constable hurried me off. + +The next instant we were on the street. Arrests in Darbyville were +rare, and by the time we reached the jail we had a goodly following of +boys and idle men, all anxious to know what was up. + +"He stole the Widow Canby's money," I heard one man whisper, to which +another replied:-- + +"Light fingered, eh? Must take after his father. I always knew the +Strongs couldn't be trusted." + +The jail was a small affair, being nothing more than the loft over a +carpenter shop. The jailer was a round-faced man named Booth, who +filled in his spare time by doing odd jobs of carpentering in the shop +downstairs. We found him hard at work glueing some doors together. I +knew him tolerably well, and he evinced considerable surprise at +seeing me in custody. + +"What, Roger; arrested! What for?" + +"That's what I would like to know," I returned. + +In a few words Parsons told him what was to be done, and Booth led the +way upstairs. + +" 'Tain't a very secure place," he returned. "Reckon I'll have to nail +down some of the windows unless you'll give me your word not to run +away." + +"I'll promise nothing," was my reply. "I'm being treated unfairly, and +I shall do as I think best." + +"Then I'll fasten everything as tight as a drum," returned Booth. + +Going below, he secured a hammer and some nails, with which he secured +the windows and the scuttle on the roof. + +"Reckon it's tight enough now," he said. "Just wait, Parsons, till I +get him a bucket of water." + +This was done, and then the two men left me, closing and locking the +door of the enclosed staircase behind them. + +The loft was empty, saving a nail keg that stood in one corner of the +floor. Pulling this out, I sat down to think matters over. + +Try my best I could not imagine what charge Mr. Aaron Woodward had +brought against me. Yet such had been his earnestness that for the +nonce everything else was driven from my mind. + +The sounds of talking below interrupted my meditations. I recognized +Kate's voice, and the next moment my sister stood beside me. + +"Oh, Roger!" was all she could say, and catching me by the arm she +burst into tears. + +"Don't take it so hard, Kate," I said. "Make sure it will all come out +right in the end." + +"But to be arrested like-- like a thief! Oh, Roger, it is dreadful!" + +"Never mind. I have done no wrong, and I'm not afraid of the result. +Have they heard anything of John Stumpy yet?" + +"Dick Blair says not. Mr. Parsons and the rest are after him, but he +seems to have disappeared for good-- and Mrs. Canby's money with him." + +"Have you heard from her yet?" + +"No; but I've written her a letter and just posted it to Norfolk." + +"She won't get it till day after to-morrow." + +"What will she say? Oh, Roger, do you think--" + +"No, I don't. The widow always trusted me, and I know she'll take my +word now. She is not so narrow-minded as the very folks who look down +on her." + +"But it is awful! Over two hundred dollars! We can never make it up. +We've only got twenty-eight!" + +"We can't exactly be called upon to make it up--" I began. + +"But we'll want to," put in Kate, hastily. + +"I'd feel better if we did. The widow has always been so kind to us." + +"How long must you stay here?" + +"I don't know. As long as Judge Penfold sees fit, I suppose." + +"If only they could catch this John Stumpy." + +"I hope so-- for other reasons than those you know, Kate." + +"Other reasons?" + +"Yes; very important ones, too. John Stumpy knew father well. And he +was mixed up in that-- that miserable affair." + +"Oh, Roger, how do you know?" + +"I heard him say so. Besides, he dropped a letter that proved it. I +have the letter in my pocket now. It's the dying statement of one +Nicholas Weaver--" + +"Nicholas Weaver! He was a clerk with father!" + +"So I thought. Who Stumpy is, though, I don't know. Do you?" + +"No; but his face I'm sure I've seen before. Let me see the letter. +Have you read it?" + +"No; I hadn't time to spell it out, it is so badly written. Maybe you +can read it." + +"I'll try," replied Kate. "Hand it over." + +I put my hand in my pocket to do so. The statement was gone! + + CHAPTER XI + + AARON WOODWARD'S VISIT + +Puzzled and dismayed, I made a rapid search of my clothes-- first one +pocket and then another. It was useless. Beyond a doubt the statement +was nowhere about my person. + +I was quite sure it had not been taken from me. Strange as it may +seem, neither Parsons nor Booth had searched me. Perhaps they deemed +it useless to take away the possessions of a poor country boy. My +jack-knife and other odds and ends were still in their accustomed +places. + +"It's gone!" I gasped, when I was certain that such was a fact. + +"Gone?" repeated Kate. + +"Yes, gone, and I don't know where. They didn't take it from me. I +must have lost it." + +"Oh, Roger, and it was so important!" + +"I know it, Kate. It must have dropped from my pocket down at the tool +house. Perhaps if I go down I can find it." + +"Go down?" she queried. + +"Oh, I forgot I was a prisoner." + +"Never mind, Roger. I'll go down myself." + +"Aren't you afraid?" + +"Not now. I wouldn't have been of this Stumpy only he came on me so +suddenly. I'll go at once." + +"You'd better," said a voice behind her. "Your five minutes is up, +Miss Kate." And Booth appeared at the head of the stairs and motioned +her down. + +"Good-by, Roger. I'm so sorry to leave you here alone." + +"It's not such a dreadful place," I rejoined lightly. "If you discover +anything, let me know at once." + +"Be sure I will." And with this assurance Kate was gone. + +I was as sorry for her as I was for myself. I knew all she would have +to face in public-- the mean things people would say to her, the +snubbing she would be called on to bear. + +The loss of the statement rendered me doubly downhearted. Oh, how much +I had counted on it, assuring myself over and over again that it would +surely clear my father's name! + +Hardly had my sister left me than there were more voices below, and I +heard Mr. Woodward tell Booth that he had an order from Judge Penfold +for a private interview with me. + +"Better go right upstairs then, Mr. Woodward," was the jailer's reply. +"He's all alone." + +I wondered what the merchant's visit could portend, but had little +time for speculation. + +"So, sir, they've got you fast," said Mr. Woodward sharply as he faced +me. "Fast, and no mistake." + +"What do you want?" I demanded boldly, coming at once to the front. + +"What do I want?" repeated the merchant, looking behind him to make +sure that Booth had not followed him. "What do I want? Why, I want to +help you, Strong, that's what I want." + +I could not help but smile. The idea of Mr. Woodward helping any one, +least of all myself! + +"The only way you can help me is to set me free," I returned. + +"Oh, I can't do that. You are held on the Canby charge solely." + +"But you told me you wanted me arrested." + +"So I did, but I intend to give you a chance-- that is, if you will do +what I want." + +"But why did you want me arrested?" + +"You know well enough, Strong." + +"On the contrary, I haven't the least idea." + +"Stuff and nonsense. See here, if you want to get off without further +trouble, hand over those papers." + +"What papers?" + +"The papers you took last night," replied Mr. Woodward, sharply. + +I was truly astonished. How in the world had he found out about the +statement dropped by Stumpy? Was it possible there had been a meeting +between the two? It looked like it. + +"I haven't got the papers," I rejoined. + +"Don't tell me a falsehood sir," he thundered. + +"It's true." + +"Do you deny you have the packet?" + +"I do." + +"Come, Strong, that story won't answer. Hand it over." + +"I haven't it." + +"Where is it?" + +"I lost it," I replied, before I had time to think. + +"Lost it!" he cried anxiously. + +"Yes, sir," I returned boldly, resolved to make the best of it, now +the cat was out of the bag. "Either that or it was stolen from me." + +He looked at me in silence for a moment. + +"Do you expect me to believe all your lies?" he demanded finally. + +"I don't care what you believe," I answered. "I tell the truth. And +one question I want to ask you, Aaron Woodward. Why are you so anxious +to gain possession of Nicholas Weaver's dying statement?" + +The merchant gave a cry of astonishment, nay, horror. He turned pale +and glared at me fiercely. + +"Nicholas Weaver's dying statement!" he ejaculated. "What do you know +of Nicholas Weaver?" + +Now I had spoken I was almost sorry I had said what I had. Yet I could +not but notice the tremendous effect my words had produced. + +"Never mind what I know," I replied. "Why do you take an interest in +it?" + +"I? I don't know anything about it," he faltered. "I hardly knew +Nicholas Weaver." + +"Indeed? Yet you want his statement." + +"No, I don't. I don't know anything about his statement," he continued +doggedly. "I want my papers. I don't care a rap about any one else's." + +It was now my turn to be astonished. Evidently I had been on the wrong +track from the beginning. + +"If you don't want his statement, I'm sure I don't know what you do +want," I rejoined, and I spoke the exact truth. + +"Don't tell lies, Strong. You know well enough. Hand them over." + +"Hand what over?" + +"The packet of papers." + +"I haven't any packet." + +"Strong, if you don't do as I demand, I'll send you to prison after +your father." + +"I can't help it. I haven't any papers. If you don't believe me, +search me." + +"Where have you hidden them?" + +"I never had them to hide." + +"I know better, sir, I know better," he fumed. + +I made no reply. What could I say? + +"Do you hear me, Strong?" + +For reply I walked over to the slatted window and began to whistle. My +action only increased the merchant's anger. + +"For the last time, Strong, will you give up the papers?" he cried. + +"For the last time, Mr. Woodward, let me say I haven't got them, never +had them, and, therefore, cannot possibly give them up." + +"Then you shall go to prison, sir. Mark my word,-- you shall go to +prison!" + +And with this parting threat the merchant hurried down the loft steps +and rapped loudly for Booth to come and let him out. + +When he was gone, I sat down again to think over the demand he had +made upon me. To what papers did he refer? In vain I cudgelled my +brain to elicit an answer. + +He spoke about sending me to prison, and in such tones as if it were +an easy matter to do. Assuredly he must have some grounds upon which +to base so positive an assertion. + +No doubt he was now on his way to Judge Penfold's office to swear out +the necessary papers. I did not know much about the law, but I +objected strongly to going to prison. Once in a regular lockup, the +chances of getting out would be indeed slim. + +I reasoned that the best thing to do was to escape while there was a +chance. Perhaps I was wrong in this conclusion, but I was only a +country boy, and I had a horror of stone walls and iron bars. + +Escape! No sooner had the thought entered my mind than I was wrapped +up in it. Undoubtedly it was the best thing to do. Freedom meant not +only liberty, but also a chance to hunt down John Stumpy and clear my +father's name. + +I looked about the loft for the best means of accomplishing my +purpose. As I have said, the place was over a carpenter shop. The roof +was sloping to the floor, and at each end was a small window heavily +slatted. + +The distance to the ground from the window was not less than fifteen +feet, rather a long drop even if I could manage to get the slats +loose, which I doubted, for I had no tools at hand. + +I resolved to try the door, and was about to do so when I heard the +bolts shoot back and Booth appeared. + +For an instant I thought to trip him up and rush past him, but he +stood on the steps completely blocking the way. + +"All right, Roger?" he asked. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Quite com'table, boy?" + +"As comfortable as any one could be in such a place," I rejoined +lightly. + +" 'Tain't exactly a parlor," he chuckled. "No easy chairs or sofys; +but the food's good. I'm a-going to get it for you now. Then after +that maybe the judge will call around. I'll bring the dinner in a +minute." + +He climbed downstairs, bolting the door after him. + +In five minutes-- or ten at the most-- I knew he would be back. After +that there was no telling how long he would stay. + +Now, therefore, was the proper time to escape, now or never! + + CHAPTER XII + + A SURPRISE + +No time must be lost. Booth lived but a short hundred feet from the +jail, if such it might be called, and if his wife had dinner ready it +would not take him long to bring it. + +I surveyed the room in which I was incarcerated critically. Escape by +either window was, as I have intimated, out of the question. On +account of its height, the scuttle was also not to be considered. + +Apparently nothing remained to try but the door. Running down the +steps, I looked it over. It was of solid oak planking, an inch thick, +and fastened at both top and bottom. + +It was a hard thing to tackle, especially with no tools, and, after +surveying it, I went upstairs again to search for something that might +do as a pry. + +I could see nothing but the empty nail keg, and I could discover no +use at first in this until the idea struck me of wedging it between +one of the lower steps and the door, and, by jumping upon it, forcing +the bottom bolt. + +With some difficulty I placed the keg in position and brought down my +full weight upon it. The first time the bolt merely creaked, but the +second there was a snap, and the lower part of the door burst outward +several inches. + +The bottom bolt had yielded, and now only the top one remained. But to +reach this was a difficult matter, as no purchase could be had against +it. + +While considering the situation, I imagined I heard my jailer +returning, and my heart jumped into my throat. What if Booth should +see the damage I had done? I reckoned that things would go hard with +me if it became known that I had attempted to break jail. Judge +Penfold would surely give me the full penalty of the law. + +But the approach of Booth was only imaginary, and, after a brief +interval of silence, I breathed freer. + +I ascends the stairs once more to see if I could not find something +besides the keg to assist me. If only I had a plank or a beam, I might +use it as a battering-ram. + +The thought of a plank led me to examine the floor, and, going over it +carefully, I soon came to a short board, one end of which was loose. +Raising it, I pulled with all my might, and the board came up. + +I was astonished to see that it made an opening into the shop below. I +had imagined that the floor or ceiling was of double thickness. + +This gave me a new idea. Why not escape through the floor? To pry up +another board would perhaps be easier than to force the door. + +I tried the board next to the opening. The end was somewhat rotted, +and it came up with hardly an effort. + +In another moment the opening would be large enough to allow the +passage of my body. Putting the first board under the edge of the +second, I bore down upon it. + +As I did so I heard a noise that alarmed me greatly. It was the sound +of Booth returning, and the next instant the carpenter had opened the +outer door and entered. + +In one hand he carried a tray containing my dinner. He crossed the +floor directly under me without looking up. Then his eyes caught the +shattered door and he gave a loud exclamation. + +"By ginger! If that boy ain't gone and escaped!" + +He set down the tray with a rattle and tried to pull the door open. +But the top bolt had become displaced, and it was several seconds +before it could be shot back. + +Meanwhile I was not idle. As quietly as I could I tore up the second +board. The deed was done just as Booth stumbled over the keg on his +way up the stairs. + +As my jailer appeared at the top, I let my body through the opening. +It was a tight squeeze, especially when accomplished in a hurry. I +landed in a heap on a pile of shavings. + +"Stop! stop!" called out Booth. "Roger, don't you hear me?" + +I certainly did hear him, but paid no attention to his words. My one +thought was to get away as quickly as possible. + +"If you don't stop, I'll shoot you," went on Booth at the top of his +voice. "Don't you know breaking jail is a-- a felony?" + +I did not know what kind of a crime it was. I had made up my mind to +escape, and intended to do so, even if such a deed constituted +manslaughter. I made a break for the door and passed out just as Booth +came tramping down the stairs. + +I ran across the yard that separated the carpenter shop from the +house. As I did so, Mrs. Booth appeared at the back door. Upon seeing +me she held up her hands in horror. + +"Mercy on us! Roger Strong! Where be you a-running to? 'Zekel! 'Zekel! +the prisoner's broke loose!" + +"I know it, Mandy!" I heard Ezekiel Booth answer. "Dunno how he did +it, though. Stop, Roger, it's best now; jest you mark my word!" + +I heard no more. Jumping the side fence, I ran through a bit of +orchard and across a stony lot until I reached the Pass River. + +At this point this body of water was several hundred feet wide. The +bank sloped directly to the water's edge. Near at hand were several +private boat-houses, one belonging to Mr. Aaron Woodward, he having +built it to please Duncan. + +At the end of the boat-house pier lay a skiff, the oars resting upon +the seats. I knew it was wrong to make use of the craft, but +"necessity knows no law," and my need was great. + +Running down to the end of the pier, I dropped into the boat and +shoved off. As I did so, Duncan Woodward, accompanied by Pultzer, came +out of the boat-house. + +"Hi, there, what are you doing in my boat?" he sang out. "What, Roger +Strong!" he continued as he came nearer. + +"You must lend me the boat, Duncan," I returned. "I've got to cross +the river in a hurry." + +"Not much! I thought you were in jail." + +"Not just now," I replied. "You can get your boat on the other side." + +"Hold up! You shan't have her. Come back!" + +But I was already pulling out into the stream. He continued to shout +after me, and presently I saw the two joined by Booth, and all watched +me in dismay as I made for the opposite shore. + +Reaching the bank, I beached the boat high up and then climbed to the +roadway that ran beside the stream. Trees and bushes were thick here, +and I had but little difficulty in hiding from the view of those +opposite. + +For a moment I hesitated as to which way to proceed. A number of miles +down the stream lay Newville, of which I have already spoken. Probably +my pursuers would think I had gone in that direction. If so, they +would hasten to the bridge below, with the intention of cutting me +off. + +I therefore started immediately on my way up the river road, resolved +to put as much ground as possible between myself and my pursuers. I +had no definite destination in view, but thought to gain some +hiding-place where I might rest secure and think things over. + +It was now going on to two o'clock in the afternoon, and as I had not +had anything to eat since the noon previous, I began to feel decidedly +hungry. I felt in my pocket and discovered that I was the possessor of +sixty-five cents, and with this amount of cash I did not see any +reason for my remaining hungry any longer. + +Presently I came to a small, white cottage, upon the front porch of +which was displayed the sign + + BOARDING + +Ascending the steps, I knocked at the door, and a comely, middle-aged +woman answered my summons. + +"I see that you take boarders here," I said, "I am hungry, and several +miles from any restaurant. Can you furnish me with dinner?" + +She looked me over rather sharply before replying. Then I realize for +the first time that my appearance was not of the best. My clothes were +considerably the worse for having rolled over and over in the old tool +house, and in escaping from my prison I had made several rents in my +coat. + +"I will pay you whatever you charge," I added hastily, "and I would +like to wash and brush up, too; I have had a tumble," which was +literally true. + +"I can let you have dinner for twenty-five cent," she said finally. "I +won't charge you anything for cleaning up," she added, with something +like a smile. "Will you mind paying in advance?" + +"No, ma'am," and I handed over the money. "I suppose I won't have to +wait very long." + +"Oh, no, the regular boarders have just finished. You can sit right +down." + +"If you don't mind, I'll take a wash first." + +The woman led the way to an ante-room, in which were placed a bowl of +water, towel, and soap, as well as a dust brush. It did not take me +long to fix myself up, and then I flattered myself I did not present +an unbecoming appearance. + +The dinner that the woman served was not as good as that which my +sister Kate helped to prepare at the Widow Canby's, but it was +wholesome food, and my sharpened appetite made it disappear rapidly. + +As I ate I reflected upon my situation. For the life of me I did not +know what to do next. I longed to see my sister and tell her that I +was safe. This done, I intended to devote my time to hunting up the +man who I firmly believed held my father's reputation in his hand. I +was sure I would discover him sooner or later, and this accomplished, +I would not let him out of my sight until he had confessed his secret. +I wondered if Kate had succeeded in finding that precious statement I +had lost. Heartily did I reproach myself for not having taken better +care of it. + +Having satisfied myself upon the substantial things set before me, I +finished my meal with a small cut of apple pie. + +As I was swallowing the last mouthful I glanced out of the window up +the road, and gave a cry of surprise. And no wonder, for coming toward +the house was Mr. Aaron Woodward, and beside him walked John Stumpy! + + CHAPTER XIII + + AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION + +I could hardly believe the evidence of my senses when I saw Mr. Aaron +Woodward coming up the road with John Stumpy beside him. It would have +astonished me to have seen the merchant alone, but to see him in +company with the very man I was looking for was more than I had +thought possible. + +Yet I reflected that the tramp-- or whatever the man was-- had evinced +a determination to secure an interview with Mr. Woodward before +quitting Darbyville. There was important business to be transacted +between them. Mr. John Stumpy intended to have his say, whatever that +might mean. + +What was to be done? It would never do for me to be seen. Nothing +short of arrest would follow. I must get out of the way as quickly as +possible. + +During the time I had been eating, the sky had become overcast as if a +shower was imminent. Taking advantage of this fact I rose quickly and +reached for my hat. + +"Guess we're going to have a thunder shower," I remarked. "Hope it +holds off. I don't want to get wet." + +"Then you'll have to hurry," rejoined the woman as she looked out of +the door. "Looks as if it would be here in less than quarter of an +hour." + +"Then I'm off. Good day." + +"Good day. Come again." + +I slipped out of the door, and passing behind a hedge, made my way to +the road. As I did so, Mr. Woodward and Stumpy turned from the highway +and walked directly up the gravel path that led to the house! + +I was dumfounded by this movement. What did they mean by going to the +very place I had just vacated? Was it possible they had seen me? + +I earnestly hoped not; for if so, it would spoil a little plan that +had just come to me, which was to follow them, see what they were up +to, and, if possible, overhear whatever might be said. + +I was soon convinced that neither of the men was aware of my presence. +They were talking earnestly and stepped up on the porch just as +ordinary visitors would have done. In a moment the woman let them in +and the door closed behind them. + +My curiosity was aroused to its highest pitch, and at the risk of +being discovered by any one who might chance to be passing by I walked +cautiously back along the hedge until I reached a clump of rose bushes +that grew directly under one of the dining-room windows. + +The window was open, and by a little manoeuvring I easily managed to +see and hear what was going on within. + +"You came for the rent, I suppose, Mr. Woodward," the woman was +saying. "Joel was going to bring it up to-night. He would have brought +it over this morning, only he thought it was going to rain and he had +some hay he wanted to get in." + +"Yes, I did come for the rent, Mrs. Decker," replied the merchant. +"It's due several days now." + +"I have it here-- thirty dollars. Here is the receipt book." + +There was the rustle of bills and the scratching of a pen. + +"Here you are, Mrs. Decker." + +"Thank you, sir. Now we'll be worry free for another month." + +"So you are. Nothing like being prompt." + +"My husband was going to speak to you about the roof. It leaks +dreadfully." + +"Pooh! That can't be. Why, it was patched only two years ago." + +"You are wrong, Mr. Woodward. It is four years, and then but very +little was done to it." + +"It cost near twelve dollars," growled the merchant. "You can't expect +me to be fixing up the house all the time." + +"It leaks very badly." + +"Then your husband will have to attend to it. I can't spend any more +money this year." + +"I don't know what we'll do. I wish you would just step outside and +look up at the shingles. Nearly all of them are ready to fall off." + +I was alarmed by Mrs. Decker's request. Suppose the trio should come +out? I would surely be discovered. But my fears were groundless, as +the next words of Mr. Woodward proved. + +"I can't go out now, madam, not now. I haven't time. I have a little +business to transact with this man, and then I must return to +Darbyville." + +"I'm sorry--" began the woman. + +"So am I; but it cannot be helped. Can I use this room for a while?" + +By the look upon Mrs. Decker's face it was plain to see she wanted to +say, "No, you can't," but she hardly dared to speak the words, so she +gave an icy assent and withdrew. + +The merchant followed her to the door and saw that it was closed +tightly behind her. Then he strode across the room and faced John +Stumpy. + +"Wall, sir, now we'll have an accounting," he began in an +authoritative voice. + +"So we will, Woody," returned John Stumpy, in no wise abashed by the +other's manner. + +The merchant winced at the use of a nickname, but after an instant's +hesitation passed it over. + +"What do you mean by coming to Darbyville, sir, when I have repeatedly +written you to stay away?" + +"Oh, come, Woody, don't get on your high horse," was Stumpy's +response, as he swung back in the rocker he occupied. "You know I +never could stand your high-toned ways." + +"I flatter myself I am a trifle above common people," returned Mr. +Woodward, and it was plain to see where Duncan got his arrogant +manner. + +"Oh, pshaw! don't make me tired," yawned Stumpy. "Come, let's to +business." + +"I am at business. Why did you come here?" + +"You know well enough. Didn't I write to you?" + +"Yes, and got my answer. We've squared up accounts, sir." + +"Don't 'sir' me,-- it don't go down," cried Stumpy, angrily. "We +haven't squared up, not by a jugful,-- not till you hand over some +more cash." + +"I've handed over enough now." + +"No, you hain't. Do you think I'm going to do all your work for +nothing?" + +"You were well paid." + +"It's only you as thinks so; I don't." + +"How much more do you want?" + +"A thousand dollars." + +The largeness of the demand fairly took away my breath. As for Mr. +Aaron Woodward, he was beside himself. + +"A thousand dollars!" he said. "Why, you're crazy, sir." + +"No, I ain't; I mean just what I say." + +"You expect me to pay you a thousand dollars?" + +"Of course I do. I wouldn't ask it if I didn't." + +"See here, Fer--" + +"Sh!-- John Stumpy, if you please." + +"That's so, I forgot. But see here, a thousand dollars! Why, I've +already paid you that." + +"So you have. Now I want another thousand and then we'll cry quits." + +Mr. Aaron Woodward grew white with rage. "I never heard of such an +outrageous demand," he cried. "I'll never pay it." + +"Oh, yes, you will," rejoined the other, coolly. "Aaron Woodward never +yet acted rashly." + +"Suppose I refuse to pay?" + +"Better not; I'm a bad man when I am aroused." + +"I don't fear you. You can do nothing to me." + +"Oh, yes, I can. I can tell ugly stories about Mr. Aaron Woodward; +stories concerning his doings when he was collector for Holland & +Mack." + +"And who would believe you?" sneered the merchant. "You, a common +tramp--" + +"Tramp, am I--" interrupted John Stumpy, with a scowl. "If I am, who +made me so?" + +"Your own self and the bottle. Do you think you can hurt me? +Nonsense!" + +"I can try." + +"And who will believe you, I repeat? A common tramp-- whom the police +are now hunting for, because of a robbery that occurred only last +night." + +" 'Tain't so!" + +"It is. You broke into the Widow Canby's house and stole over two +hundred dollars." + +In spite of the dirt on his face, John Stumpy grew pale. + +"Who can prove it?" + +"Several people. Carson Strong's son, for one." + +Stumpy sprang to his feet. Then almost as suddenly sat down. + +"Didn't know he had a son," he said, as carelessly as he could. + +"Yes, you did," returned the merchant, flatly. "I think, Fer-- Stumpy, +I know a little more about you than you do about me." + +Bitter hatred spread itself over the tramp's face. + +"Oh, ho, you do, do you? Well, we'll see. 'Them laughs best as laughs +last.' If you won't pay, I'm off." + +He rose to his feet and reached for his hat, Mr. Woodward intercepted +him. + +"Where are you going?" + +"That's my business. I want you to know I didn't come on all the way +from Chicago for nothing." + +"Are you hard up?" + +"Yes, I am. I want money, and I'm going to have it." + +"How about the two hundred dollars you stole last night?" + +Stumpy hesitated. + +"Well, if you want to know the truth, I lost the money," he said. + + CHAPTER XIV + + THE PRICE OF SILENCE + +For a moment I was staggered by John Stumpy's announcement. Was it +possible he was telling the truth? If so, the chances of recovering +the Widow Canby's money would assume a different shape. To arrest him +would prove a moral satisfaction, but it would not restore the stolen +dollars. + +Occupying the position I did, I was more interested in restoring the +stolen money than I was in having the tramp incarcerated. + +Nothing would have given me greater satisfaction than to have met the +Widow Canby at the depot with the two hundred odd dollars in my +pocket. It would have silenced the public tongue and made my breaking +jail of no consequence. + +But perhaps John Stumpy was telling a falsehood. He was not above such +a thing, and would not hesitate if he thought anything could be gained +thereby. That Mr. Aaron Woodward also guessed such to be a fact was +proven by the words that followed Stumpy's statement. + +"Lost the money?" he ejaculated. "Do you expect me to believe you, +sir?" + +"It's true." + +"Nonsense, sir. Jack Fer--" + +"Sh!" + +"John Stumpy isn't the one to lose over two hundred dollars!" + +"Just what I always said myself, partner, and--" + +"Don't 'partner ' me, sir!" + +"Well, wasn't we all partners in the good times gone by?" + +"No, sir!" + +"I reckon we were. Howsomever, let it pass. Well, as I was saying, I +reckoned I'd never lose any money, leasewise a small pile, but that's +what I have done, and that's why I want you to come down." + +And John Stumpy leaned back in the rocker in a defiant fashion. + +The merchant eyed him sharply in silence for a moment. + +"Where did you lose the money?" he asked at length. + +"How do I know? If I did, don't you suppose I'd go back and pick it +up?" + +"I thought perhaps you were afraid of discovery." + +"Humph! I'm not skeered of any such constables as they have in +Darbyville." + +"But you must have some idea where you dropped it," went on Mr. +Woodward, and I was astonished to see how coolly this man, who always +pretended to be so straightforward, could inquire about stolen money. + +"Not the least," responded John Stumpy. "There was two hundred and +sixty dollars in all. I took out ten and left the rest in the +pocketbook it was in. I've got the ten dollars, and that's all. And +that's why you've got to come down," he went on deliberately. "I'm off +for Chicago to-night, and I'm not going back empty handed." + +"You think I ought to pay you for your own carelessness," returned Mr. +Woodward, coolly. + +"Not a bit of it. You owe me every cent I ask." + +"I don't owe you a penny." + +"You owe me a thousand dollars, and for the last time let me tell you, +you've got to pay or take the consequences." And John Stumpy brought +his fist down on the table with a bang. + +"Hold on; don't make so much noise," cried Mr. Aaron Woodward in +alarm. "There is no use of rousing the household." + +"I don't care. Either you'll come down or I'll rouse the whole of +Darbyville," cried the tramp, vehemently. + +"I haven't any money." + +"You can't tell me that." + +"It's true. Times are getting worse every day." + +"Didn't the woman who lives here just pay you?" + +"Yes; thirty dollars--" + +"And didn't you put the bills in with a big roll in your vest pocket?" +went on Stumpy, triumphantly. + +The merchant bit his lip. + +"That money is to pay a bill that falls due to-morrow," he replied. + +"Well, my 'bill' falls due to-day, and it's got to be met. So come; no +more beating about the bush. We've talked long enough. Now to +business. Do you intend to pay or not?" + +The merchant hesitated. Evidently he was afraid to oppose the other +too strongly. + +"Well, I don't want to let you go without anything," he began. "I'll +let you have twenty-five dollars--" + +John Stumpy jumped up in a passion. "That settles it. I'm done with +you. To-night I'll send a letter to Chris Holtzmann, 897 Sherman +Street, Chicago, and tell him a few things he wants to know, and--" + +"You dare!" almost shrieked Mr. Woodward. "Write a single word to him +and I'll-- I'll--" + +"So! ho! You're afraid of him, are you?" + +"No, I'm not, but what's the use of letting him know anything?" + +"Humph! Do you suppose I'd tell him without pay? Not much! I can +easily get him to fork over fifty or a hundred dollars. And he'll make +you pay it back, ten times over." + +Mr. Aaron Woodward sank back in a chair without a word. Evidently he +was completely baffled, and knew not which way to turn. + +As for myself, I was very much in the dark as to what all this was +about. I was certain the past events spoken of pertained to my +father's affairs, but failed to "make connections." + +One thing, however, I did do, and that was to make a note of Mr. Chris +Holtzmann's address. He was the man Stumpy had written to just +previous to the robbery, and he was perhaps one of the persons +concerned in my father's downfall. + +"See here," said the merchant at last. "It's too late for us to +quarrel. What good would an exposure to Holtzmann do?" + +"Never mind. If you won't come to time, I shall do as I please," +growled Stumpy. + +"But a thousand dollars! I haven't got it in cash." + +"You can easily get it." + +"Not so easily as you think. Tell you what I will do. I'll give you a +hundred. But you must give up all evidence you have against me." + +Stumpy gave a short, contemptuous laugh. "You must think me as green +as grass," he sneered. "I'm not giving up any evidence. I'm holding on +to all I've got and gathering more." + +"You have Nicholas Weaver's statement," went on Mr. Woodward, with +interest. + +"So I have. Nick told the truth in it, too." + +"I would like to see it" + +"Of course you would. So would some other people,-- Carson Strong's +boy, for instance." + +"Sh!-- not so loud." + +"Well, then, don't bring the subject up." + +"Have you the statement with you?" + +"Maybe I haven't; maybe I have." + +"Perhaps it was taken from you," went on Mr. Woodward, curiously. + +"What do you know about that?" Stumpy again jumped to his feet. +"You've been talking to that Strong boy," he cried. + +"Supposing I have?" + +"Well, it didn't do you no good. Say, how much does the young cub +know?" + +"He knows too much for the good of either of us," responded the +merchant. + +"Sorry he wasn't found in the ruins of that tool house," growled the +tramp, savagely. + +This was certainly a fine assertion for me to hear. Yet it was no more +than I would expect from John Stumpy. He was a villain through and +through. + +"You meant to burn him up, did you?" asked Mr. Woodward. + +"And if I had, Mr. Aaron Woodward would never have shed a tear," +laughed John Stumpy. + +"Let me see the statement." + +John Stumpy hesitated. "Hand over the money first, and maybe I will." + +"The hundred dollars?" + +"No, a thousand." + +"Do you suppose I carry so much money with me?" + +"Give me what you have in that roll, and I'll take your word for the +rest." + +The merchant gave something that sounded very much like a groan. + +"Well, I suppose if you insist on it, I must," he said. "I'll give you +what I have, but I won't promise you any more." + +"Hand it over," was Stumpy's laconic reply. He probably thought half a +loaf better than no bread, at all. + +With a heavy sigh Mr. Woodward drew the roll of bills from his pocket +and began to count them over. I was eager to catch sight of them. I +stood on tiptoe and peered into the window. It was an interesting +scene; the sour look upon the merchant's face; the look of greed in +the tramp's eye. In a moment the counting was finished. + +"A hundred and seventy dollars," said Mr. Aaron Woodward. "Here you +are." And he held them out. Stumpy almost snatched them from his hand. + +"There, now that's settled," he said. "Now about-- What was that?" + +A noise had disturbed him. While absorbed in what the two were doing I +had given an involuntary cough. + +"Somebody listening," he declared as he thrust the money into his +pocket. + +"We ought to be more careful." + +"Only some one coughing in the next room," returned Mr. Woodward. +"Don't get scared." + +"I ain't scared, but I don't want other folks to know my business. +Reckon you don't either." + +"No, indeed. It's bad enough for me to be seen in your company," +returned Mr. Aaron Woodward, with just a trace of his former lofty +manner. + +"No insinuations, please," was the ready reply. "My hands ain't any +dirtier than yours." + +"Well, well, let's stop quarrelling. Let me see the statement." + +"Will you promise to hand it back if I do?" + +"Why not let me have it?" + +"Never mind why. Will you give it back?" + +"If you insist on it, you shall have it back," was Mr. Woodward's +final reply, seeing that he could gain nothing by parleying. + +Stumpy drew forth the envelope. I anticipated what was coming. + +"Here it is," he said, and handed it over, as he supposed. + +"The envelope is empty," said Mr. Woodward. + +Stumpy looked dumfounded. + + CHAPTER XV + + AN ODD STATEMENT + +Before Mr. Woodward made the announcement just recorded he had walked +close up to the window, probably to get into the light, for the sky +was now darkening rapidly, portending the near breaking out of the +storm I have mentioned. + +In doing this the merchant's back was turned upon his companion, and +for an instant Stumpy had been unable to see what the other was doing. + +When therefore Mr. Woodward declared the envelope to be empty every +action of the tramp indicated that he did not believe the statement. + +"Empty?" he cried hoarsely. + +"Yes, empty," replied the merchant; "and you knew it," he added. + +"No such thing. The statement was inside. Woody, you're trying to play +a sharp game, but it won't work." + +"What do you mean, sir?" + +"You're trying to rob me." + +"Nonsense. I say the envelope was empty." + +"And I say it wasn't. Come, hand over my property." + +"I tell you, Fer-- Stumpy, I haven't it." + +"I don't care what you say. You can't play any such game off on me," +rejoined John Stumpy, with increasing anger. + +"I'm only speaking the truth." + +"You ain't. Hand it over, or I'll--" + +John Stumpy caught the merchant by the coat collar. + +"What would you do?" cried Mr. Woodward in alarm, and it was plain to +see he was a coward at heart. + +"I'll choke the life out of you; that's what I'll do. Hand over the +statement." + +"I haven't it, upon my honor." + +"Your honor? Bah! What does that amount to?" + +John Stumpy suddenly shifted his hand from its grasp on the collar to +the merchant's throat. For a moment I thought Mr. Woodward was in +danger of being choked to death. + +"Stop! Stop! Se-- search me if you-- you want to," he gasped. + +But John Stumpy's passion seemed to have got the better of his reason. +He did not relax his hold in the least. + +A short struggle ensued. The two backed up against the table, and +presently a chair was upset. Of course all this made considerable +noise. Yet neither of the men heeded it. + +Presently the door from the other room swung open, and the two had +hardly time to separate before a tall, lank farmer entered. + +"Hello, what's up?" he asked in a loud, drawling tone. + +For an instant neither spoke, evidently not knowing what to say. + +"We were-- were-- ahem-- trying to-- to catch a rat," replied Mr. +Woodward, with an effort. + +"A rat?" + +"Exactly, sir. Had a terrible time with him, Mr. Decker." + +The farmer looked surprised. "So I supposed by the row that was going +on," he said. "Curious. I knew there were rats down to the barn, but I +didn't suppose they came up to the house. What became of him?" + +"Slipped out of the door just now," put in John Stumpy. "There he +goes!" he added, pointing out into the hall. + +Mr. Decker made a spring out of the room. + +"I must ketch him, by gopher!" he cried. "There's enough eat up here +now without having the vermin taking a hand in." + +Mr. Woodward closed the door after the man. + +"Now see to what your actions have brought us," he exclaimed. "If it +hadn't been for my quick wit we'd been in a pretty mess." + +"Not my fault," growled John Stumpy. "Why don't you give up the +statement?" + +I could not help but feel amused at his persistency. His demands upon +the merchant were about on a footing with those Mr. Woodward had made +upon me. + +"If you'll only listen to reason," began the merchant, "I will +prove--" + +The rest of his remark was drowned out in a clap of thunder. Somewhat +startled, I looked up at the sky. + +The black clouds in the south had rolled up rapidly, until now the +entire horizon was covered. The first burst of thunder was succeeded +directly by several others, and then large drops of rain began to +fall. + +The wind blew the drops directly into the window. I crouched down out +of sight, and the next moment Mr. Woodward said:-- + +"It's raining in the window. We'd better close it up." + +Of course directly the window was closed I could hear no longer. I +remained in my position for half a minute or more, and then as the +rain began to pour down rapidly I made a break for better shelter. + +I sought the barn. It was a low, rambling structure, with great wide +doors. No one seemed to be around, and I rushed in without ceremony. I +was pretty fairly soaked, but as it was warm I did not mind the +ducking. I shook out my hat and coat and then sat down to think +matters over. + +What I had heard had not given me much satisfaction. To be sure, it +had proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Aaron Woodward was a thorough +scoundrel, but of this I had been already satisfied in my own mind. + +What was I to do? I had asked myself that question several times, and +now I asked it again. + +If only I could get John Stumpy arrested, perhaps it would be possible +to force him to make a confession. But how was this to be done? + +While I sat on the edge of a feed box, a form darkened the doorway, +and Farmer Decker appeared. + +"Hello!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" + +"I took the liberty to come in out of the rain," I replied. "Have you +any objections to my remaining until the shower is over?" + +"No, guess not. It's a mighty heavy one. Where're you from? Newville?" + +"No, sir, Darbyville." + +"Yes? Had quite a robbery down there, I understand." + +"Is that so?" + +"Yes, a chap named Strong robbed an old woman of nearly five hundred +dollars. Do you know him or the woman?" + +"I know the woman quite well," was my reply, and I hoped he would not +question me further. + +"They've got him in jail, I believe. The fellow and his sister tried +to make out that a tramp had taken the money, but I understand no one +would listen to the story." + +"No?" + +"No. It seems this Strong boy's father is in jail now for stealing, so +it ain't strange the boy's a thief." + +"But maybe he isn't guilty," I put in, by way of a mild protest. + +"Maybe. Of course it's rather tough on him if he isn't. But you can't +tell nowadays; boys is so all-fired high toned, and want to play big +fiddle." + +"Some boys are, but not all of them." + +"Some of them. Now there's our landlord, who is in the house now, he's +got a son as extravagant as can be, and if it wasn't for Mr. Woodward +keeping him in funds I don't know what that boy might not do. He-- +whoa, there, Billy, whoa!" + +The last remark was addressed to a horse standing in one of the +stalls. A clap of thunder had set the animal to prancing. + +"Your horse feels rather uneasy," I remarked, glad of a chance to +change the subject. + +"Allers acts that way when there's a storm going on. Too bad, too, for +I want to hitch him up and take Mr. Woodward and another man that's +with him over to Darbyville." + +As Mr. Decker spoke he led the horse from the stall and backed him up +between the shafts of the carriage that stood near the rear of the +barn. + +While he was hitching up I set myself to thinking. While I was +perfectly willing that Mr. Woodward should return to Darbyville, I did +not wish to allow John Stumpy out of my sight. Once away, and I might +not be able to lay hands on him. + +Had I been sure that Kate had succeeded in finding the lost statement, +I would not have cared, but the chances in her favor were slim, and I +did not wish to run any risks. + +"Are you going to drive around to the house for them?" I asked as the +farmer finished the job. + +"Guess I'll have to. It will be a beastly drive. Sorry I can't offer +you a seat-- it would be better than walking." + +"I think I'll wait till it clears off," I returned. "I'm not on +business, and--" + +"Say, Decker, how long is it going to take you to hitch up?" +interrupted a voice from the doorway, and the next instant Mr. +Woodward strode into the barn, followed by John Stumpy. + +I did not have time to conceal myself. I tried to step behind a +partition, but before I could do so the merchant's eye was on me. + +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. + +"Yes, sir," I replied, as boldly as I could. + +"How did you get here?" he demanded. + +"Walked, just as you did." + +"Thought you were in jail." + +"So do most people." + +"Who is this chap?" asked the farmer, staring at me with open eyes. + +"It's the boy who was arrested for that robbery last night," explained +the merchant. + +"Shoo-- you don't say? And I was talking to him about that very thing. +You rascal, you!" + +"How did you get out?" put in John Stumpy. + +"None of your business," I replied briskly. "If you'd had your way I'd +been burnt up in the tool house last night." + +"No such thing," was the tramp's reply. "Never saw you before." + +"You're the fellow who stole the Widow Canby's money." + +"You must be crazy, young fellow. I don't know anything about the +Widow Canby or her money." + +"I can prove it. My sister can prove it, too." + +"Then your sister must be as crazy as yourself." + +"Stop there! You're the thief and you know it." + +"I know nothing of the kind." + +"Your story is nonsensical, Strong," broke in Mr. Woodward. "Gentlemen +like Mr. Stumpy here do not break into people's houses and commit +robberies." + +"Gentlemen! He's nothing but a tramp, and you know it." + +"Tramp? How dare you?" cried Stumpy, in suddenly assumed dignity, put +on for the farmer's benefit. "I am a ranchero from Texas and an honest +man. I am visiting Mr. Woodward, and know nothing more of the robbery +excepting having heard that it occurred-- ahem!" And John Stumpy drew +himself up. + +Under other circumstances I would have laughed at his effrontery. But +the situation was too serious to indulge in any humor. + +"Being placed under arrest has turned your head, Strong," said the +merchant. "You seem to be quite out of your mind." + +"When was the robbery committed?" put in John Stumpy, suddenly. + +"You know well enough," I cried. + +"I heard it was about two o'clock in the morning," vouchsafed Farmer +Decker. + +"Then I can easily prove an alibi," said the tramp, triumphantly. "I +can prove I was with my esteemed friend Mr. Woodward at that hour. +Isn't it so, Aaron?" + +The merchant hesitated. I fairly held my breath to catch his answer. +Would he commit deliberate perjury? + +"Quite true," he replied slowly. "Mr. Stumpy was with me last night. +We sat up in the library, smoking, and playing cards until after +midnight, and then I showed him to bed. He could not possibly have +committed the crime of which Strong speaks." + +"Then the boy must be the guilty one hisself," said the farmer. "And +so young, too. Who would a-thought it! What shall we do with him, Mr. +Woodward?" + +"You had better help me take him back to Darbyville jail," responded +the merchant. + + CHAPTER XVI + + MY UNCLE ENOS + +John Stumpy gave a smile of triumph. As for myself, I stood aghast. +Mr. Aaron Woodward had committed deliberate perjury, or at least, +something that amounted to the same thing. He had positively declared +that John Stumpy was at his house at the time of the robbery of Widow +Canby's house, and could not, therefore, be the guilty party. + +It was easy to guess that in this statement it was his intention to +screen his partner in iniquity. To be sure, he had been forced to take +the position by Stumpy himself, but once having taken it, I was +morally certain he would not back down. + +His action would make it harder than ever for me to clear myself and +bring the tramp to justice. His word in a court of law would carry +more weight than mine or my sister's, and consequently our case would +fall to the ground. + +I was glad that Dick Blair could testify concerning my whereabouts and +the scene in the dining room directly after the robbery. The merchant +knew nothing of Blair's presence on the occasion-- at least I imagined +so from his conversation-- and might, by saying too much, "put his +foot in it." + +But now my mind was filled with only one thought. The three men +intended to take me to the Darbyville jail. I was to be ignominiously +dragged back to the prison from which I had escaped. + +Once again in Ezekiel Booth's custody I was certain he would keep so +strict a guard over me that further breaking away would be out of the +question. Perhaps Judge Penfold would consider me so dangerous a +prisoner as to send me to the county jail for safe keeping, in which +case it would be harder than ever for me to clear myself or see Kate. + +For an instant I meditated taking to my legs and running my chances, +but this idea was knocked in the head by Farmer Decker grasping me by +the collar. + +"Maybe he might take a notion and run away," he explained. "He did it +once, you say." + +"A good idea to hold him," said Mr. Woodward. "Have you finished +hitching up?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you room for him?" + +"I might put in another seat." + +"Do so. And hurry; the rain has slackened up a bit, and we may reach +Darbyville before it starts again." + +The extra seat was soon placed in the carriage. Then the farmer +procured a couple of rubber blankets. + +"All ready now," he said. "How shall we sit?" + +"You and Mr. Stumpy sit in front. I and the boy will occupy the back +seat. Come, Strong, get in." + +For an instant I thought of refusing. The merchant had no right to +order me. But then I reflected that a refusal would do no good, and +might do harm, so without a word I entered the carriage. + +The others were not slow to follow. Then Farmer Decker chirruped to +Billy, and we rolled out of the farm yard and down the road. + +But little was said on the way. I was busy with my own thoughts, and +so were Mr. Woodward and Stumpy. The farmer asked several questions, +but the merchant said he would learn all he wished to know at the +judge's office, and this quieted him. + +About five o'clock in the afternoon we rolled into Darbyville. While +crossing the Pass River the sun had burst through the clouds, and now +all was as bright and fresh as ever. + +Judge Penfold's office was situated in the centre of the principal +business block. When we arrived there we found a number of men +standing about the door, no doubt discussing my escape, for they +uttered many exclamations of surprise on seeing me. + +Chief among them was Parsons, who looked pale and worried. + +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. "Where have you been?" + +"Took a walk for my health," I replied as lightly as I could, though +my heart was heavy. + +"Well, I guess we'll make sure it shan't happen again," he returned. +"Hi, there, Booth! Here's your prisoner come back!" + +In a moment the carpenter appeared upon the scene. + +"You rascal, you!" he cried in angry tones. "A fine peck of trouble +you've got yourself into!" + +"What's all this about?" asked a heavy voice from the stairs, and +Judge Penfold stood before me. + +"I have brought your prisoner back, judge," replied Mr. Woodward. + +"So I see. Well, Strong, what have you to say for yourself? Do you +know breaking jail is a serious offence?" + +"I don't know anything about it. I know I was locked up for nothing at +all, and I escaped at the first chance offered." + +"There was no chance offered at all, judge," broke in Booth, fearful +of having a reflection cast upon his character. "He just went and +ripped the hull floor up, that's what he did." + +"Silence, Booth! Come upstairs and we will hear the particulars." + +In a moment we were in Judge Penfold's office. I was told to take a +seat on a bench, with Booth on one side of me and Parsons on the +other. + +Then Mr. Woodward introduced John Stumpy as a friend from San Antonio, +Texas, and the two told their story, corroborated at its end by Farmer +Decker, who trembled from head to foot at the idea of addressing as +high a dignitary as Judge Penfold. + +"What have you to say to this, Strong?" I was asked. + +In a plain, straightforward way I told my story from beginning to end, +told it in a manner that did not fail to impress nearly every one in +the court-room but the judge and my accusers. + +Of course Mr. Woodward and John Stumpy stoutly denied all I said, and +their denial carried the day. + +"Until we can have a real trial I will send you back to jail," said +Judge Penfold. + +"Why don't you send John Stumpy to jail, too?" I asked. "He is as much +accused as I." + +"We have only your word for that." + +"Then let me send for my sister Kate and Dick Blair." + +Judge Penfold rubbed his chin reflectively. + +"I think I'll have to put you under bonds," he said to John Stumpy. + +"Why so? The boy's word doesn't amount to anything," put in Mr. +Woodward. + +"Only a matter of form, Mr. Woodward. I will make it a thousand +dollars. Will you go his bondsman?" + +"Of course he will," said John Stumpy, hastily. "Won't you?" + +The merchant winced. "I-- I guess so," he stammered. "But it's a +strange proceeding." + +In a few moments, by the aid of two other men, the bond was made out. + +"I will make your bail a thousand dollars also," said Judge Penfold, +turning to me. "I suppose it's quite useless though," he added +sarcastically. + +"Not quite so useless as you might think," exclaimed a hearty voice +from the rear of the court-room. + +I thought I recognized the tones, and turned hastily. There beside my +sister Kate stood my uncle, Enos Moss, of whom I have already spoken. + +He was a grizzly bearded sea-captain of seventy, with manner and +speech suggestive of the brine. + +Breaking from Parsons and Booth, I ran to meet him. He shook both my +hands and then clapped me on the shoulder. + +"Cast up on a lee shore, are you, Roger?" he exclaimed. "And the wind +a-blowing a hurricane." + +"Yes, I am," I replied, "and I'm mighty glad you've come, Uncle Enos." + +"Just dropped anchor in time," he went on. "Judge Penfold, do you +remember me?" + +"You are Carson Strong's brother-in-law, I believe?" replied the +judge. + +"You've hit it. Captain Enos Moss, part owner and sailing master of +the Hattie Baker, as trim a craft as ever rounded the Horn. Been away +for three years, and now on shore to stay." + +"You're not going on any more voyages?" I queried. + +"No, my hearty. I've made enough to keep me, and I'm getting too old +to walk the quarter-deck. Besides, I've heard of your father's +troubles from Kate, and I reckon they need sounding." + +"Indeed they do." + +"Well, now about your difficulty. A thousand-dollar bond, eh. It's +pretty stiff, but I guess I can stand it." + +"Thank you, sir," was all I could say. + +"Don't say a word. Didn't your father put in a good word for me when I +was a-courting your aunt that's dead and gone-- God bless her! Indeed, +he did! And I'll stand by you, Roger, no matter how hard the gale +blows." + +"Then you don't think I'm guilty?" + +"What! a lad with your bearing a thief? Not much. The people in this +village must be asleep-- not to know better'n that?" + +"Ahem!" coughed Judge Penfold, sternly. He considered my uncle's +remarks decidedly impertinent. "Are you able to go his bail?" he +asked. + +"Reckon I am. I've just deposited ten thousand dollars in the bank +here, and I've got twenty and more in New York. How will you have it-- +in cash?" + +"A conditional check, certified, will do," replied Judge Penfold, +shortly. + +What he meant had to be explained, and then we all went to the +banker's office. My uncle's account was found to be as he had stated, +and about ten minutes later my bond was signed and I was at liberty to +go where I pleased until called upon to appear. + +Mr. Aaron Woodward and John Stumpy apparently did not relish the turn +affairs had taken. But I paid no attention to them, and the business +over, I hurried off with my sister and my newly arrived uncle. + +"Did you find the statement?" I asked of Kate, as soon as we were out +of hearing of the crowd. + +"No, Roger, I looked and looked, but it wasn't anywhere, either at the +tool house or on the way to Judge Penfold's." + +"Have you heard from Mrs. Canby yet?" + +"Yes, she is coming home." + +"Does she blame me for what has happened?" + +"She doesn't say." + +"Never mind, Roger. We'll stick up for you," put in Uncle Enos, +kindly. + +I was considerably disturbed. What if Mrs. Canby should consider me at +fault? + +As we drew near to the cottage, I saw a lady standing by the gate, +watching our approach. It was the Widow Canby. + + CHAPTER XVII + + A SUDDEN RESOLVE + +My heart beat rapidly as I walked up to the gate. How would the good +lady who had done so much for Kate and myself receive me? + +An unkind word or an unfavorable insinuation from her would have hurt +me worse than a thousand from any one else. She had been so generous +that to have her turn would have made me feel as if I had lost my last +friend on earth. + +But as she had taken me in before when others had cast me out, so she +now proved the friend in need. + +"So they've thought better of it and set you free, Roger?" she said as +I hurried up. + +"Yes, Mrs. Canby," I returned. "I hope-- I hope--" I began, and then +came to a full stop. + +"What?" and she caught my hand. + +"I hope you don't think I had anything to do with the robbery," I +stammered. + +"No, Roger, I don't. I think you're an honest boy, and I've got to +have more proof against you than I've heard yet before I'll believe +otherwise." + +"Thank you, ma'am, oh, thank you!" I blurted out, and the tears +started to my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. + +The events of which I am writing occurred several years ago, but I am +not ashamed of those tears. They were the outcome of long-pent-up +feelings, and I could not hold them back. My sister cried, too, and +the Widow Canby and Uncle Enos looked very much as if they wished to +join in. + +"I knew you wouldn't think Roger did it," cried Kate. "I said all +along you wouldn't, though everybody said you would." + +"Folks don't appear to know me very well," returned Widow Canby, with +a bit of grim humor in her tone. "I don't always think as others do. +Come into the house and give me full particulars. Who is this man? +Why, really! Captain Moss, I believe?" + +"Yes, ma'am, Captain Moss-- Roger's uncle, at your service," replied +he, taking off his cap and bowing low. "I thought you'd remember me. +Your husband as was once sailed to Boston with me." + +"Oh, yes, I remember you. Will you come in?" + +"Thank you, reckon I will. I have no home now, and hotels is scarce in +Darbyville. I only arrived this noon, and I've been with Kate ever +since. I must hunt up a boarding-house to stay at. Do you know of any +close at hand?" + +"Perhaps I do. Let us talk of that later on. I want to hear Roger's +story first." + +"Just as you say, ma'am. Only I must get a place to stop at to-night." + +"You shall be provided for, Captain Moss. I have a spare room." + +"You are very kind to an old sea-dog like myself, Mrs. Canby," said +Uncle Enos. + +The widow led the way into the dining room. The lamp was already +lighted, and while my sister Kate busied herself with preparing +supper, Mrs. Canby and my uncle sat down to listen to my story. + +For the first time I told it with all the details that concerned +myself,-- how I had been waylaid by the Models, how Dick Blair had +released me, what Stumpy had done at the tool house, and all, not +forgetting about the statement Kate and I wished so much to find. + +The Widow Canby and my uncle listened with close attention until I had +finished. + +"It's a strange story, Roger," said the widow, at its conclusion. "One +hard to believe. But I know you tell the truth." + +"What a rascal this Woodward must be!" broke in my uncle "He's a far +greater villain in his way than this John Stumpy. I am strongly +inclined to figure that you're right, and he is the one that ran your +father up on a lee shore." + +"I don't think father did a single thing that was wrong-- that is, +knowingly," I returned. "If he did do wrong, I'm sure Mr. Woodward +made it appear as if it was all right." + +"No doubt, no doubt. If you could only get to the bottom of this +Weaver's statement." + +"And when is this trial to come off?" put in Mrs. Canby. "Really I +don't see what good it will do me if this man has lost the money." + +"I'd like to find that, too," I returned. + +Presently Kate announced that supper was ready, and we all sat down. +The widow said that she had found her sister much better, and on +receiving Kate's letter had started for her home at once. The loss of +the money did not disturb her as much as I had anticipated, and as +every one was hungry, the meal passed off tolerably well. + +When we had nearly finished there was a knock on the door, and Kate +admitted Mr. Woodward's errand boy. He had a note for me. It contained +but a single sentence:-- + +"Please call at my house this evening about nine o'clock." + +I read the note over with interest, and then informed the others of +what it contained. + +"Shall you go?" asked Kate, anxiously. + +"I suppose I might." + +"Maybe it's a plot," suggested the widow. + +"Might waylay you," added Uncle Enos. "A man like him is liable to do +'most anything." + +"I don't think he would dare do me any bodily injury," I replied. "He +would know I had told some one where I was going, and that my absence +would be noticed." + +"If you go, take me in tow," said my uncle. "I needn't go in with you, +but I can hang around outside, and if anything goes wrong, all you've +got to do is to holler like all creation, and I'll come to the +rescue." + +"Oh, if Roger runs any risk, I'd rather he wouldn't go," exclaimed +Kate, in alarm. + +"I don't think the risk is very great," I returned. "Besides, I may +find the missing statement. That is worth trying for." + +"I shall be in dread until you return," she replied, with a grave +shake of her head. + +"When will you start?" asked Uncle Enos. + +"About half past eight. It won't take over half an hour to reach his +house." + +We continued to discuss Mr. Woodward for some time, and also the +action of the Models and what I should do on their score. My Uncle +Enos was for prosecuting them, but the Widow Canby said that the +future would bring its own punishment, and on this we rested. + +"And now about my board," began Uncle Enos, during a dull in the +conversation. "I must find a boarding-house for after to-night." + +"Wouldn't you like to stay with the children?" asked Mrs. Canby. + +"Yes, ma'am; indeed I would. To tell the truth, it's my intention +sooner or later to offer them a home with me." + +"I should hate to have them leave me," returned the widow, quickly. + +"I suppose so." + +"How would you like to board with me? As I have said, there is lots of +room, and you have just eaten a sample meal. We do not live in style-- +but--" + +"Plenty good enough style," interrupted Captain Enos, "and better grub +then we had on the Hattie Baker, I'll be bound. I'd like it first rate +here if the terms wasn't too high." + +"What do you think fair?" + +"I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. I haven't paid a week's board in three +years." + +"Would five dollars a week be too much?" + +"No, ma'am. Are you sure it's enough? I don't want to crowd your +hospitality." + +"I'd be satisfied with five dollars. Of course boarders are out of my +line, but there are exceptions to all cases. Besides, I'll feel safer +with another man about the house. No reflection on you, Roger, but you +won't always be here together." + +"No, ma'am," replied my uncle. "I must visit my brother-in-law at the +prison-- that will take several days." + +"Will you take me with you?" asked Kate, eagerly. + +"Certainly, and you, too, Roger, if you want to go." + +"I would like to very much," was my reply. "But I want to ask even a +bigger favor than that, Uncle Enos." + +"Yes?" + +"Yes, sir. You may think it a good deal, but you've been so kind, and +I haven't any one else to go to." + +"Well, what is it, my boy? I'll do it if I can." + +"Lend me about fifty dollars." + +My Uncle Enos raised his eyebrows in surprise. + +"Fifty dollars?" he repeated. + +"Yes, sir. That is, if you can spare it. I'll promise to pay it back +some day." + +"And what do you intend to do with it?" + +"I want to go to Chicago, sir." + +"To Chicago?" + +All three of my listeners repeated the words in chorus; then Captain +Enos continued:-- + +"And what are you going to do there?" + +"I want to hunt up this Holtzmann, and find out what he knows about my +father's affairs. I'm satisfied that he is as deep in it as Mr. +Woodward or John Stumpy, and if I can only by some means get him to +tell what he knows, I may accomplish a good deal." + +My Uncle Enos put his hand upon my shoulder; "Well, Roger, you're a +brave boy, and I'll trust you. You shall have fifty dollars, and a +hundred, if you want it, to do as you think best. Only don't get into +trouble." + +"Thank you Uncle Enos, thank you!" I cried heartily. "Some day I'll +pay you back." + +"I don't want it back, my lad. If you can catch any proofs that will +help clear your father, I shall be more than satisfied." + +"And when shall you go?" asked Kate. + +"I don't know. It will depend on my interview with Mr. Woodward and +also on what John Stumpy does. Not inside of several days, at least. +Besides, we want to see father first, you know." + +"Of course." + +"We can go to Trenton tomorrow," said Uncle Enos. At Trenton was +located the State prison. After consulting a time table printed in the +Darbyville Record, we found we could catch a train for that city at +8.25 from Newville the next morning, and this we decided to take. + +Having settled this matter, we returned again to the discussion of the +incidents surrounding the robbery, and what would probably be the next +movements of those fighting against me. Uncle Enos grew greatly +interested, and said he knew a lawyer in New York who might secure +some good private detective who could take the case in hand. + +Finally it came half past eight, and putting on my hat, I started for +Mr. Woodward's residence. + + CHAPTER XVIII + + IN MR. WOODWARD'S LIBRARY + +Though outwardly calm, I was considerably agitated as I walked to +Darbyville. Why the merchant had sent for me I could not surmise. Of +course it was on account of the robbery, but so far as I knew both of +us had taken a separate stand, and neither would turn back. I thought +it barely possible that he wished to intimidate me into receding from +my position. He was as much of a bully in his way as Duncan, and would +not hesitate to use every means in his power to bring me to terms. + +Arriving at Mr. Woodward's house, I ascended the steps and rang the +bell. + +"Is Mr. Woodward in?" I asked of the girl who answered the summons. + +"I'll see, sir," she replied. "Who shall I say it is?" + +"Roger Strong." + +The girl left me standing in the hall. While waiting for her return I +could not help but remember the old lines:-- + + " 'Will you walk into my parlor?' + Said the spider to the fly." + +But if I was walking into the spider's parlor, it would be my own +fault if I got hurt, for I was entering with my eyes open. I +determined to be on my guard, and take nothing for granted. + +"Mr. Woodward will be pleased to see you in his library," said the +girl upon her return, and then, having indicated the door, she +vanished down the back hall. + +As I put my hand upon the door-knob, I heard steps upon the stairs, +and looking up saw Duncan Woodward descending. + +His face was still swollen from the punishment I had inflicted upon +him. Nevertheless, he was faultlessly dressed in full evening costume, +and I rightly conjectured he was going to spend the night in some +fashionable dissipation such as dancing or card-playing. + +"Hello! how did you get in here?" he exclaimed. + +"Was let in," was my mild reply, not caring to pick a quarrel with +him. + +"Was, eh? And what for, I'd like to know?" + +"That's your father's business, Duncan." + +"Don't Duncan me any more, Roger Strong. What's my father's business?" + +"What I came for. He sent for me." + +"Oh, he did. Reckon he's going to square accounts with you." + +"I don't know what accounts he's going to square," I went on in +curiosity. + +"Didn't you as much as try to intimate he was lying-- down in Judge +Penfold's court this afternoon?" + +"I only told what I knew to be the truth," I replied calmly. + +"The truth. Humph! I believe you took the widow's money yourself." + +"Take care what you're saying," I replied angrily. "I don't propose to +stand any such talk from you." + +Duncan grew speechless. "Why, you-- you--" he began. + +"Hold up now before you say something that you'll be sorry for. This +is your house, but you have no right to insult me in it." + +"Quite right, Strong, quite right." The library door had opened, and +Mr. Woodward stood upon the threshold, gazing sharply at his son. +"Strong is here upon my invitation, Duncan; you ought to treat him +with more politeness," he added. + +If Duncan was amazed at this speech, so was I. The merchant taking my +part? What did it mean? + +"Why, I-- I--" began Duncan, but he could really get no further. + +"No explanation is necessary," interrupted his father, coolly. + +"Strong, please step in, will you?" + +"Yes, sir," and I suited the action to the word. + +As I did so Duncan passed on to the front door. + +"I'll get even with you yet, you cad!" he muttered under his breath; +but I paid no attention to his words. I had "bigger fish to fry." + +Once inside of Mr. Woodward's library, the merchant closed the door +behind me and then invited me to take a seat beside his desk, at the +same time throwing himself back in his easy chair. + +"I suppose you thought it rather singular that I should send for you," +he said by way of an opening. + +"Yes, sir, I did," was all I could reply. + +"I thought as much. It was only an impulse of mine, sir, only an +impulse. I wished to see if we cannot arrange this-- this little +difficulty without publicity. I would rather lose a good deal, yes, +sir, a good deal, than have my name dragged into court." + +"All I ask is for justice," I replied calmly. "I am under arrest for a +crime of which I am innocent. On the other hand, you are trying to +shield a man I know is guilty." + +I expected a storm of indignation from Mr. Woodward because of the +last remark. Yet he showed no sign of resentment. + +"Don't you think you might be mistaken in your identification of Mr. +Stumpy?" he replied, and I noticed that again he nearly stumbled in +pronouncing the tramp's name. + +"No, sir," I replied promptly. + +"Remember that you saw him only by lantern light, and then but for a +few minutes." + +"I saw him by daylight as well." + +"When?" + +"In the morning. He came as a beggar." + +"A beggar? Impossible!" The merchant held, up his hands in assumed +amazement. "Why, Strong, the idea of Mr. Stumpy begging is +ridiculous." + +"Just the same it is true, Mr. Woodward. And what is more, he is the +thief, and you know it." + +"That's a strong assertion to make, sir, a very strong assertion." + +"Nevertheless, I believe I can prove my words." + +Mr. Woodward turned slightly pale. + +"You can prove no such thing," he cried. + +"Yes, I can. Didn't Stumpy admit he had taken the money?" + +"Never, sir." + +"He did." + +"When?" + +"This afternoon while you were at Decker's place." + +Had I slapped the merchant in the face he would not have been more +surprised. He sprang to his feet and glared at me. + +"You-- you-- Who says he made such an admission?" + +"I say so." + +"Ah! I see, you were spying on us. You rascal!" + +"It strikes me that you are the rascal," I returned. "You try +deliberately to shield a thief." + +"What!" + +"Yes, it's true." + +"Can you prove it?" + +Mr. Woodward asked the question sneeringly, but there was much of +curiosity in his tones. + +"Perhaps I can." + +The merchant pulled his mustache nervously. + +"Strong, you are greatly mistaken. But don't let us quarrel any more." + +"I don't want to quarrel." + +"I feel badly over the whole affair, and Mr. Stumpy is fairly sick. I +suppose you think you are right, but you are mistaken. Now I have a +proposition to make to you." Mr. Woodward leaned forward in his chair. +"Suppose you admit that you are mistaken-- that Mr. Stumpy is not the +man? Do this, and I will not prosecute you for having taken my +papers." + +I was surprised and indignant; surprised that Mr. Woodward should +still insist upon my having taken his papers, and indignant because of +his outrageous offer. + +"Mr. Woodward," I began firmly, "you can prosecute me or not; Stumpy +is the guilty man, and I shall always stick to it." + +"Then you will go to jail, too." + +"For the last time let me say I have not seen your papers." + +"It is false. You took them from this room last night. At the very +time you pretend you were after the robber at Mrs. Canby's house you +were here ransacking my desk." + +"Mr. Woodward--" + +"There is no use in denying it. I have abundant proofs. The girl who +cleaned up here this morning found a handkerchief with your name on it +lying on the floor. If you weren't here, how did that come here?" + +"My handkerchief?" + +"Yes, sir, your handkerchief; and Mary O'Brien can identify it and +tell where she found it." + +"Some one else must have had it," I stammered, and then suddenly: "I +know who the party is-- Duncan." + +"Duncan!" + +"Yes, sir. He took that handkerchief away from me when the Models +waylaid me!" + +"My son! Really, Strong, you are mad! But I will take you in hand, +sir; yes, indeed, I will." + +"No, you won't, Aaron Woodward!" I cried, for once letting my temper +get the better of me. "You are awfully cunning, but I am not afraid of +you. I am willing to have all these matters sifted to the bottom, and +the sooner the better. What papers have you missed? Were they the ones +that Holtzmann of Chicago is after? How is it that my father is in +prison while you live in style on money you never earned? Who is the +relative that left it to you? Did you ever make a clear statement +concerning the transactions that took away my father's honest name?" + +"Stop! Stop!" + +"I will not stop! You want an investigation; so do I. Luckily my +uncle, Captain Enos Moss, has just returned from a voyage. He has +quite some money, and I know he will use it to bring the guilty +parties to justice. And then--" + +I did not finish. Mr. Woodward had strode over to the door and locked +it, putting the key in his pocket. + +"You know too much, Strong," he muttered between his set teeth, as he +caught me by the collar; "too much entirely. We must come to a +settlement before you leave this room." + + CHAPTER XIX + + A CLEVER RUSE + +I must confess I was frightened when Mr. Woodward locked the door of +his library and caught me by the collar. Was it possible that he +contemplated doing me physical harm? It looked that way. + +I was not accustomed to such rough treatment, and I resented it +instantly. I was not very large for my age, but I was strong, and +ducking my head I wrenched myself free from his grasp and sprang to +the other side of the small table that stood in the centre of the +room. + +"What do you mean by treating me in this manner!" I cried. "Unlock +that door at once!" + +"Not much, sir," replied Mr. Woodward, vehemently. "You've made some +remarkable statements, young man, and I demand a clear explanation +before you leave." + +"Well, you demand too much, Aaron Woodward," I replied firmly. "Unlock +that door." + +"Not just yet. I want to know what you know of Holtzmann of Chicago?" + +"You won't learn by treating me in this manner," was my determined +reply. "Unlock that door, or, take my word for it, I'll arouse the +whole neighborhood." + +"You'll do nothing of the kind, young man," he rejoined. + +"I will." + +"Make the least disturbance and you shall pay dearly for it. +Understand, sir, I'm not to be trifled with." + +"And I'm not to be frightened into submission," I returned with +spirit. "I have a right to leave when I please and I shall do so." + +"Not till I am ready," said he, coolly. + +I was nonplussed and alarmed-- nonplussed over the question of how to +get away, and alarmed at the thought of what might happen if I was +compelled to remain. + +I began to understand Mr. Aaron Woodward's true character. Like +Duncan, he was not only a bully, but also a brute. Words having +failed, he was now evidently going to see what physical force could +accomplish. + +"Forewarned is forearmed" is an old saying, and now I applied it to +myself. In other words, I prepared for an encounter. On the centre +table lay a photograph album. It was thick and heavy and capable of +proving quite a formidable article of defence. I picked it up, and +stepping behind a large easy chair, stood on my guard. + +Seeing the action, the merchant paused. + +"What are going to do with that?" he asked. + +"You'll see if you keep on," I replied. "I don't intend to stand this +much longer. You had better open the door." + +"You think you're a brainy boy, Strong," he sneered. + +"I've got too much brain to let you ride over me." + +"You think you have a case against me and Mr. Stumpy, and you intend +to drag it into court and make a great fuss over it," he went on. + +"I'm going to get back my father's honest name." + +"What you mean is that you intend to drag my name in the mire," he +stormed. + +"You can have it so, if you please." + +"I shall not allow it. You, a young upstart!" + +"Take care, Mr. Woodward!" + +"Do you think I will submit to it?" He glared at me and threw a hasty +glance around the room. "Not much!" + +Suddenly he stepped to the windows and pulled down the shades. Then he +took out his watch and looked at the time. I wondered what he was up +to now. I was not long in finding out. + +"Listen to me," he said in a low, intense tone, "We are alone in this +house-- you and I-- and will be for half an hour or more. You are in +my power. What will you do? Give up all the papers you possess and +promise to keep silent about what you know or take the consequences." + +It would be telling an untruth to say I was not thoroughly startled by +the merchant's sudden change of manner. He was about to assault me, +that was plain to see, and he wished me to understand that no one was +near either to assist me or to bear witness against his dark doings. + +I must fight my own battles, not only in a war of words, but also in a +war of blows. I was not afraid after the first shock was over. My +cause was a just one, and I would stand by it, no matter what the +consequences might be. + +"I don't fear you, Aaron Woodward," I replied, as steadily as I could. +"I am in the right and shall stick up for it, no matter what comes." + +"You defy me?" he cried in a rage. + +"Yes, I do." + +I had hardly uttered the words before he caught up a heavy cane +standing beside his desk and made for me. There was a wicked +determination in his eyes, and I could see that all the evil passions +within him were aroused. + +"We'll see who is master here," he went on. + +"Stand back!" I cried. "Don't come a step nearer! If you do, you'll be +sorry for it!" + +He paid no attention to my warning, but kept on advancing, raising the +cane over his head as he did so. + +When he was within three feet of me he aimed a blow at my head. Had he +hit me, I am certain he would have cracked my skull open. + +But I was too quick for him, I dodged, and the cane struck the back of +the chair. + +Before he could recover from his onslaught I hurled the album at him +with all force. It struck him full in the face, and must have loosened +several of his teeth, for he put his hand up to his mouth as he reeled +over backward. + +I was not astonished. I had accomplished just what I had set out to +do. My one thought now was to make my escape. How was it to be done? + +The key to the door was in the merchant's pocket, and this I could, +not obtain. The windows were closed, and the blinds drawn down. + +I had but an instant to think. Spluttering to himself, my assailant +was endeavoring to rise to his feet. + +A hasty glance around the room revealed a door partly hidden by a +curtain next the mantelpiece. Where it led to I did not know, but +concluding that any place would be better than to remain in the +library, I tried the door, found it open, and slipped out. + +"Stop, stop!" roared Mr. Woodward. "Stop, this instant!" + +But I did not stop. I found myself in the dining room, and at once put +the long table between us. + +"Don't you come any nearer," I called out sharply. "If you do, it may +be at the cost of your life." + +As I spoke I picked up a fancy silver knife that lay on the table. It +had a rough resemblance to a pocket pistol, and gave me the idea of +palming it off as such. + +"Would you shoot me?" cried the merchant, in sudden terror, as he saw +what he supposed was the barrel of a revolver pointed at his head. + +"Why shouldn't I?" was the reply. "You have no right to detain me." + +"I don't want to detain you. I only want to come to a settlement," he +returned lamely. + +"And I want nothing more to do with you. I'll give you one minute to +show me the way to the front door." + +"Yes, but, Strong--" + +"No more talk, if you please. Do you intend to show me the way out, or +shall I fire?" + +Then Mr. Aaron Woodward showed what a coward he really was. He gave a +cry of horror and sank completely out of sight. + +"Don't shoot, Strong. I pray you, take care. I'll show you the way +out, indeed I will!" + +"Well, hurry about it. I don't intend to stand any more nonsense." + +"Here, this way. Please stop pointing that pistol at me; it might go +off, you know." + +"Then the sooner you show me the way out, the better for you," I +returned coolly, inwardly amused at his sudden change of manner + +"This way, then. I-- I trust you will keep this-- this little meeting +of ours a secret." + +"Why should I?" + +"Because it-- it would do no good to have it made public." + +"I'll see about it," was my reply. + +By this time we had reached the front door, and with unwilling hands +the merchant opened it. + +"Now stand aside and let me pass," I commanded. + +"I will. But, Strong--" + +"No more words are needed," I returned. "I have had enough of you, Mr. +Aaron Woodward. The next time you hear from me it will be in quite a +different shape." + +"What do you mean?" he cried, in sudden alarm. + +"You will find out soon enough. In the meantime let me return your +fancy knife. I have no further use for it." + +I tossed the article over. He looked at it and then at me. Clearly he +was mad enough to "chew me up." Bidding him a mocking good night, I +ran down the steps and hurried away. + + CHAPTER XX + + AT THE PRISON + +Mr. Woodward's actions had aroused me as I had never been aroused +before. My eyes were wide open at last. I realized that if I ever +expected to gain our family rights I must fight for them-- and fight +unflinchingly to the bitter end. + +It was nearly ten o'clock when I reached the Widow Canby's house. I +met my Uncle Enos on the porch. He had grown impatient, and was about +to start for Darbyville in search of me. + +In the dining room I told my story. All laughed heartily at the ruse I +had played upon the merchant, but were indignant at the treatment I +had received. + +"Wish I'd been with you," remarked my uncle, with a vigorous shake of +his head. "I'd a-smashed in his figurehead, keelhaul me if I +wouldn't!" + +"What do you intend to do now?" asked Kate. + +"Let's see; to-day is Friday. If you will take us to Trenton +to-morrow, Uncle Enos, I'll start for Chicago on Monday." + +"Don't you think you had better have this Woodward arrested first?" +asked Captain Enos. + +"No; I would rather let him think that for the present I had dropped +the whole matter. It may throw him off his guard and enable me to pick +up more clews against him." + +"That's an idea. Roger, you've got a level head on your shoulders, and +we can't do any better than follow your advice," returned my uncle. + +I did but little sleeping that night. For a long time I lay awake +thinking over my future actions. Then when I did fall into a doze my +rest was broken by dreams of the fire at the tool house and Mr. +Woodward's attack. + +I was up at five o'clock in the morning, attending to the regular +chores. I did not know who would do them during my absence, and as +soon as the widow appeared I spoke to her on the subject. + +"Your uncle mentioned the matter last night," said Mrs. Canby. "He +said he would do all that was required until you came back. He doesn't +want to remain idle all day, and thought the work would just suit +him." + +This was kind of Uncle Enos, and I told him so when an hour later he +appeared, dressed in his best, his trunk having arrived the evening +before. + +"Yes, Roger, I'd rather do it than sit twirling my thumbs, a-waiting +for you to come back," said he. "I used to do such work years ago, +before I shipped on the Anna Siegel, and to do it again will make me +feel like a boy once more. But come; let's go to mess and then hoist +anchor and away." + +A few minutes later we were at breakfast. Then I put on my good +clothes and brought around the horse and carriage, for the Widow Canby +insisted upon driving us down to Newville by way of Darbyville just to +show folks, as she said, that she had not lost confidence in me. + +Kate was in a flutter of excitement. She had wished to see my father +every day since he had been taken away. As for myself, I was fully as +impatient. My father was very dear to me, and every time I thought of +him I prayed that God would place it within my power to clear his name +from the stain that now rested upon him. + +We reached the station in Newville five minutes before train time. My +uncle procured our tickets and also checked the basket of delicacies +the Widow Canby had prepared. + +"Remember me to Mr. Strong," said the widow, as we boarded the train. +"Tell him I don't believe he's guilty, and perhaps other people in +Darbyville won't think so either before long." + +A moment later and we were off. Kate and Uncle Enos occupied one seat, +and I sat directly behind them. A ride of an hour followed, and +finally, after crossing a number of other railroads, we rolled into a +brick station, and the conductor sang out:-- + +"Trenton!" + +It was eleven o'clock when we crossed the wooden foot-bridge of the +station and emerged upon the street. + +"We'll go to the prison at once," said my uncle. "Perhaps it isn't +'visiting day,' as they call it, but I reckon I can fix it. Sailors on +shore have special privileges," he added with a laugh. + +"Which way is it?" asked Kate. + +"I don't know. We'll take a carriage and trust to the driver." + +He called a coach, and soon we were rolling off. + +Finally the coach stopped, and the driver sprang from his box. + +"Here you are, sir," he said, as he opened the door. + +I looked up at the big stone buildings before us. My father was behind +those walls. I glanced at Kate. The poor girl was in tears. + +"You had better stay on board here till I go in and take soundings," +said Captain Enos. "I won't be gone long." + +Jumping to the pavement, he walked up to the big open door and +entered. + +"What a dreadful place!" said my sister, as she strained her eyes to +catch sight of some prisoner. + +My uncle was gone not over ten minutes, yet the wait seemed an age. He +returned with a brightened face. + +"I had hard work to get permission, but we are to have half an hour's +talk with your father under the supervision of a deputy," he +explained. + +In another moment we were inside. We walked along a wide corridor and +into an office, and then a short, stout man, Mr. Carr, the deputy, +joined us. + +"This way, please," he said, and gave a kindly glance at Kate and +myself. "You will have to leave the basket here. I will see that it +reaches the-- the-- your father." + +He led the way. How my heart beat! Why, I cannot tell. + +"I'll go in first," said my Uncle Enos. + +We entered a room. In a moment the deputy brought in a man dressed in +striped clothing, and with his hair cut close. It was my father. + +My uncle and I rushed forward. But we were too late. With a cry Kate +was in his arms. It was a great moment all around. + +"My children! My Katie and my Roger!" was all my father could say, but +the words went straight home. + +"I am heartily glad that you are back," he said then to my uncle. "You +will look after them, Enos, until I am free." + +"Indeed I will," replied Captain Enos, heartily. "But you must listen +to Roger. He has a long story to tell." + +"Then tell it. I am dying to hear news from home." We sat down, and I +told my story. Perhaps the deputy ought not to have allowed me to say +all I did, but he pretended not to hear. + +My father listened with keen attention to every word, and as I went +on, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. + +"Roger, my faithful boy, you almost make me hope for freedom," he +cried. "Oh, how I long to be set right before the world!" + +"God make it so," put in my uncle, solemnly. "To suffer unjustly is +terrible." + +Then I told of my interview with Mr. Woodward in his library and of +Holtzmann. + +"Holtzmann was one of the principal witnesses against me," said my +father. "So was Nicholas Weaver, who managed the Brooklyn business for +Holland & Mack. Who John Stumpy can be I do not know. Perhaps I would +if I saw him face to face. There was another man-- he was quite bald, +with a red blotch on the front of his hand-- who was brought forward +by Woodward to prove that he had nothing to do with the presentation +of the forged checks and notes, but what his name was I have +forgotten." + +"This can't be the man, for he has a heavy head of hair," I replied. +"But I am sure Stumpy is not his true name." + +"Probably not. Well, Roger, do your best, not only for me but for +Katie's sake and your own." + +Then the conversation became general, and all too soon the half hour +was at an end. My father sent his regards to Mrs. Canby, with many +thanks for the basket of delicacies, and then with a kiss for Kate and +a shake of the hand to Uncle Enos and me, we parted. + +Little was said on the way back. No one cared to go to a restaurant, +and we took the first train homeward. + +It was dark when we reached Newville. The Widow Canby's carriage was +at the depot waiting for us. + +"Suppose I get my ticket for Chicago now," said I. "It will save time +Monday, and I can find out all about the train." + +"A good idea," returned my uncle. "I'll go with you." + +So while Kate joined Mrs. Canby we entered the depot. + +The ticket was soon in my possession, and then I asked the ticket +seller a number of questions concerning the route and the time I would +reach my destination. + +Suddenly instinct prompted me to turn quickly. I did so and found John +Stumpy at my shoulder. + + CHAPTER XXI + + A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE + +Mr. John Stumpy had evidently been watching my proceedings closely, +for when I turned to him he was quite startled. However, it did not +take him long to recover, and then, bracing up, he hurried away +without a word. + +He was now neatly dressed and had had his face shaved. I conjectured +that Mr. Woodward had advised this change in order to more fully carry +out the deception in relation to the tramp's real character. + +"There's that Stumpy," I whispered to Captain Enos, as I pointed my +finger at the man. "He has been watching us." + +"How do you know?" asked my uncle. + +"Because he was just looking over my shoulder," I replied. "Shall I +speak to him? I'd like to know what he intends to do next." + +"It won't do any good. It ain't likely he'd tell you anything, and if +he did, it wouldn't be the truth." + +"Maybe it might." + +"Well, do as you think best, Roger, only don't be too long-- the widow +and Kate are waiting, you know." + +Pushing through the crowd, I tapped Stumpy on the shoulder. He looked +around in assumed surprise. + +"Hullo!" he exclaimed sharply. "What do you want?" + +"Nothing much," I returned. "I just saw you were greatly interested in +what I was doing." + +"Why, I didn't see you before." + +"You were just looking over my shoulder." + +"You're mistaken, young man, just as you are in several other things." + +"I'm not mistaken in several other things." + +"What do you intend to do?" he asked curiously. + +"That's my business." + +"Where have you been?" + +"That is my business also." + +"Strong, you're a fool," he whispered. "Do you think you can hurt men +like Mr. Woodward and myself?" + +"I can bring you to justice." + +"Bah! I suppose you think you can do wonders by going to Chicago." + +"How do you know I am going to Chicago?" I questioned quickly. + +Stumpy's face fell, as he realized the slip he had made. + +"Never mind. But you won't gain anything," he went on. "Better stay +home and save your money." + +And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the crowd and was +lost to sight. + +A moment later I joined the others in the carriage. While driving home +I related the conversation recorded above. + +"It's too bad he found out you were going to Chicago," said my uncle. +"He may try to stop you." + +"I'll keep my eyes open," I replied. + +The remainder of the day was spent in active work around the widow's +place. Not only did I labor all the afternoon, but far into the +evening as well, to show that I did not intend to shirk my duty even +though I was going away. Besides, Mrs. Canby had treated me so well +that I was almost willing to work my fingers to the bone to serve her. + +The following day was Sunday. Kate and I were in the habit of +attending church and Sunday-school over in Darbyville, but we shrank +from doing so now. But Uncle Enos and I went to church, and despite +the many curious eyes levelled at me, I managed to give attention to +an excellent sermon. I noticed that the Woodward pew was empty, but +then this was of common occurrence and excited no comment. + +On Sunday evening my handbag stood in my room packed, ready for my +departure. Dick Blair came over to see me and brought strange and sad +news. + +Duncan Woodward and Pultzer, his intimate crony, had gotten into a row +in a pool room down in Newville and were both under arrest. Mr. +Woodward and Mr. Pultzer had gone off to get their sons out of jail. +Dick did not know how the row had started, but had heard that the +young men had been drinking heavily. + +I was much shocked at the news, and so were the others. If affairs +kept on like this, Mr. Aaron Woodward would certainly have his hands +full. + +I retired early so as to be on hand the next day. Sleep was out of the +question. I had never been a hundred miles away from Darbyville, and +the prospect of leaving filled me with excitement. + +I was up long before it was necessary, but found Kate ahead of me. + +"You're going to have a good, hot breakfast before you go," she said. +"Sit right down. It's all ready." + +Presently, as I was eating, my uncle and Mrs. Canby joined me. They +were full of advice as to what to do and what to avoid, and I listened +to all they had to say attentively. + +But all things must come to an end, and at length breakfast was over. +My Uncle Enos and Kate drove me to Newville, and waited till the train +rolled in. + +"Good-by, Roger," said Kate. "Please, please, now do keep out of +trouble." + +"I will, Kate," I returned, and kissed her. Then I shook hands with my +uncle. + +"Keep a clear weather eye and a strong hand at the wheel, Roger, my +boy," he said, "and you'll make port all safe." + +"I'll try, Uncle Enos." + +A moment more and I was on the cars. Then with an "All aboard" the +conductor gave the signal, and the train moved off. + +I passed into the car and took a vacant seat near the centre. I had +hardly sat down before a well-dressed stranger took the seat beside +me. + +"Hot day," said he, after he had arranged his bag on the floor beside +my own. + +"Yes, it is," I replied, "and dry, too." + +"Meanest part of the country I've struck yet," he went on. "Don't have +any such climate as this out West." + +"I should think that would depend on where you come from," I returned, +with a short laugh. + +"I hail from Chicago. It's hot there, but we get plenty of breeze from +the lakes." + +I looked at the man with some attention. He came from the city I +intended to visit, and perhaps he might give me some information. + +He was a burly man of middle age, and, as I have said, well dressed, +though a trifle loud. His hair was black, as was also his mustache, +which he continually kept smoothing down with one hand. I did not like +his looks particularly, nor his tone of voice. They reminded me +strongly of some one, but whom I could not remember. + +"You come from Chicago," I said. "I am going there." + +"Is that so? Then we can travel together. I like to have some one +going along, don't you?" + +I felt like saying that that would depend on who the some one was, but +thinking this would hardly be polite, I returned:-- + +"I don't know. I've never travelled before." + +"No? Well, it's fun at first, but you soon get tired of it. My name is +Allen Price; what is yours?" + +"Roger Strong." + +"Glad to meet you." He extended his hand. "You're rather young to be +travelling alone-- that is, going a distance. Do you smoke? We'll go +into the smoker and take it easy. I have some prime cigars." + +"Thank you, I don't smoke." + +"That's too bad. Nothing like a good cigar to quiet a man's nerves +when he's riding. So you're going to Chicago? On a visit?" + +"No, sir; on business." + +"Yes? Rather young for business-- excuse me for saying so." + +"It is a personal business." + +"Oh, I see. Going to claim a dead uncle's property or something like +that, I suppose. Ha! ha! well, I wish you luck." + +Mr. Allen Price rattled on in this fashion for some time, and at +length I grew interested in the man in spite of myself. I was positive +I had seen him before, but where I could not tell. I asked him if he +had ever been to Darbyville. + +"Never heard of the place," he replied. "Only been in Jersey a month, +and that time was spent principally in Jersey City and Camden. I'm in +the pottery business. Our principal office is in Chicago." + +"Do you know much about that city?" + +"Lived there all my life." + +I was on the point of asking him about Holtzmann, but on second +thought decided to remain silent. + +On and on sped the train, making but few stops. There was a dining-car +attached but I was travelling on a cheap scale, and made my dinner and +supper from the generous lunch the widow had provided. + +Mr. Price went to the dining-car and also the smoker. He returned +about nine o'clock in the evening, just as I was falling into a light +doze. + +"Thought I'd get a sleeper," he explained. "But they are all full, so +I'll have to snooze beside you here." + +His breath smelt strongly of liquor, but I had no right to object, and +he dropped heavily into the seat. + +Presently I went sound asleep. How long I slept I do not know. When I +awoke it was with a sharp, stinging sensation in the head. A pungent +odor filled my nose, the scent coming from a handkerchief some one had +thrown over my face. + +With a gasp I pulled the handkerchief aside and sat up. Beside me sat +Mr. Allen Price with my handbag on his lap. He had a number of keys in +his hand and was trying to unlock the bag. + + CHAPTER XXII + + A TELEGRAM + +I was startled and indignant when I discovered Mr. Allen Price with my +handbag, trying to open it. It looked very much as if my +fellow-passenger was endeavoring to rob me. + +I had suspected from the start that this man was not "straight." There +was that peculiar something about his manner which I did not like. He +had been altogether too familiar from the first; too willing to make +himself agreeable. + +What he expected to find in my bag I could not imagine. If his mission +was robbery pure and simple, why had he not selected some one who +looked richer than myself? There was, I am certain, nothing about me +to make him believe I had anything of great value in the bag. + +"What are you doing with my valise?" I demanded as I straightened up. + +My sudden question made the man almost jump to his feet. The bag +dropped from his lap to the floor, and the keys in his hand jingled +after it. + +"I-- I-- didn't think you were awake," he stammered. + +"You didn't?" I repeated, puzzled as to what to say. + +"No-- I-- I--" + +"You were trying to open my bag." + +"So I was-- but it's all a mistake, I assure you." + +"A mistake?" + +"Quite a mistake, Strong." He cleared his throat. "The fact is, I'm +suffering so from the toothache that I'm hardly able to judge of what +I'm doing. I thought your bag was my own." + +"They are not much alike," I returned bluntly. + +"Well, you see mine is a new one, and I'm not used to it yet. I hope +you don't think I was trying to rob you?" he went on, with a look of +reproach. + +I was silent. I did think that that was just what he was trying to do, +but I hardly cared to say so. + +"It's awful to have such toothaches as I get," he continued, putting +his hand to his cheek. "They come on me unawares, and drive me +frantic. I wanted to get my teeth attended to in Jersey City when I +was there, but I didn't have time." + +"What's this on the handkerchief?" I asked. + +"Oh, I guess I spilled some of my toothache cure on it," he replied, +after some hesitation. "I used some and then put the bottle back in +the valise. That's how I came to look for the bottle again. I hope +you're not offended. It was all a mistake." + +"It's all right if that's the case," I returned coolly. + +Holding my valise on my lap, I settled back in the seat again, but not +to sleep. The little adventure had aroused me thoroughly. Mr. Allen +Price sat beside me for a few moments in silence. + +"Guess I'll go into the smoker," he said finally, as he rose. "Maybe a +cigar will help me," and taking up his handbag, he walked down the +aisle. + +In a dreamy way I meditated over what had occurred. I could not help +but think that the handkerchief I had found spread over my face had +been saturated with chloroform, and that my fellow-passenger had +endeavored to put me in a sound sleep and then rifle my bag. Of course +I might be mistaken, but still I was positive that Mr. Allen Price +would bear watching. + +About four o'clock in the morning the train came to a sudden stop. The +jar was so pronounced that it woke nearly all of the passengers. + +Thinking that possibly we had arrived at our destination, I raised the +window and peered out. + +Instead of being in the heart of a city, however, I soon discovered we +were in a belt of timber land. Huge trees lined the road on both +sides, and ahead I could hear the flowing of a mountain stream. + +The train hands were out with their lanterns, and by their movements +it was plain to see that something was up. + +I waited in my seat for ten minutes or more, and then as a number of +passengers left the car, I took up my bag and did the same. + +A walk to the front of the train soon made known the cause of the +delay. Over a small mountain stream a strong wooden bridge with iron +frame had been built. Near the bridge grew a number of tall trees, and +one of these had been washed loose by the water and overturned in such +a manner that the largest branch blocked the progress of the +locomotive. The strong headlight had revealed the state of affairs to +the engineer, and he had stopped within five feet of the obstruction. +Had he run on, it is impossible to calculate what amount of damage +might have been done. + +"Don't see what we are going to do, except to run back to +Smalleyville," said the engineer, who was in consultation with the +conductor. + +"Can't we roll the tree out of the way?" asked the latter official. + +The engineer shook his head. + +"Too heavy. All the men on the train couldn't budge it." + +They stood in silence for a moment. + +"If you had a rope, you could make the engine haul it," I suggested to +the fireman, who was a young fellow. + +"A good idea," he exclaimed, and reported it to his superior. + +"First-class plan; but we haven't got the rope," said the engineer. + +"Have you got an axe?" + +"Yes." + +"Then why not chop it off?" + +"That's so! Larry, bring the axes." + +"It won't do any good," said one of the brakemen who had just come up. +"The bridge has shifted." + +An examination proved his assertion to be correct. As soon as this +became known, a danger light was hung at either end of the structure, +and then we started running backward to Smalleyville. + +"How long will this delay us?" I asked of the conductor as he came +through, explaining matters. + +"I can't tell. Perhaps only a few hours, perhaps more. It depends on +how soon the wrecking gang arrive on the spot. As soon as they get +there, they will go right to work, and it won't take them long to fix +matters up." + +Smalleyville proved to be a small town of not over five hundred +inhabitants. There was quite an excitement around the depot when the +train came in, and despatches were sent in various directions. + +Presently a shower came up, and this drove the passengers to the cars +and the station. I got aboard the train at first to listen to what the +train hands might have to say. I found one of the brakemen quite a +friendly fellow, and willing to talk. + +"This rain will make matters worse," said he. "That tree was leaning +against the bridge for all it was worth, and if it loosens any more it +will carry the thing away clean." + +"Isn't there danger of trains coming from the other way?" + +"Not now. We've telegraphed to Chicago, and no train will leave till +everything is in running order." + +"When does the next train arrive behind us?" + +"At 9.30 this morning." + +We chatted for quite a while. Then there was a commotion on the +platform, and we found that part of the wrecking gang had arrived on a +hand-car. + +They brought with them a great lot of tools, and soon a flat car with +a hoisting machine was run out of a shed, and they were off. + +By this time it was raining in torrents, and the station platform was +deserted. Not caring to get wet, I again took my seat in the car, and +presently fell asleep. + +When I awoke I found it was six o'clock. The rain still fell steadily, +without signs of abating. + +I was decidedly hungry, and buttoning my coat up tightly about my +neck, I sallied forth in search of a restaurant. + +I found one within a block of the depot, and entering, I called for +some coffee and muffins-- first, however, assuring myself that my +train was not likely to leave for fully an hour. + +While busy with what the waiter had brought, I saw Mr. Allen Price +enter. Luckily the table I sat at was full, and he was compelled to +take a seat some distance from me. + +"Good morning, my young friend," said he, as he stopped for an instant +in front of me. + +I was surprised at his pleasant manner. He acted as if nothing had +ever happened to bring up a coolness between us. + +"Good morning," I replied briefly. + +"Terrible rain, this, isn't it?" + +"It is." + +"My toothache's much better," he went on, "and I feel like myself once +more. Funny I mistook your valise for mine, last night, wasn't it?" + +"I don't know," I replied flatly. + +I returned to my breakfast, and, seeing I would not converse further, +the man passed on and sat down. But I felt that his eyes were on me, +and instinctively I made up my mind to be on my guard. + +As I was about to leave the place, several more passengers came in, +and by what they said I learned that the train would not start for +Chicago till noon, the bridge being so badly damaged that the road +engineer would not let anything cross until it was propped up. + +Not caring to go back to the train, I entered the waiting-room and +took in all there was to be seen. At one end of the place was a news +stand, and I walked up to this to look at the picture papers that were +displayed. + +I was deeply interested in a cartoon on the middle pages of an +illustrated paper when I heard Mr. Price's voice asking for some +Chicago daily, and then making inquiries as to where the telegraph +once was located. + +He did not see me, and I at once stepped out of sight behind him. + +Having received his directions, Mr. Price sat down to write out his +telegram. Evidently what he wrote did not satisfy him, for he tore up +several slips of paper before he managed to prepare one that suited +him. + +Then he arose, and throwing the scraps in a wad on the floor, walked +away. + +Unobserved, I picked up the wad. Right or wrong, I was bound to see +what it contained. Perhaps it might be of no earthly interest to me; +on the other hand, it might contain much I would desire to know. +Strange things had happened lately, and I was prepared for all sorts +of surprises. + +A number of the slips of paper were missing and the remainder were so +crumpled that the pencil marks were nearly illegible. + +At length I managed to fit one of the sheets together and then read +these words:-- + + C. Hholtzmann>, Chicago: + + Look out for a young man claiming to-- + + CHAPTER XXIII + + IN CHICAGO + +I had not been mistaken in my opinion of Mr. Allen Price. He was +following me, and doing it with no good intention. + +I concluded the man must be employed by Mr. Woodward. Perhaps I had +seen him at some time in Darbyville, and so thought his face familiar. + +I was glad that if he was a detective I was aware of the fact. I would +now know how to trust him, and I made up my mind that if he got the +best of me it would be my own fault. + +One thing struck me quite forcibly. The merchant and John Stumpy both +considered my proposed visit to Chris Holtzmann of importance. They +would not have put themselves to the trouble and expense of hiring +some one to follow me if this was not so. Though Mr. Aaron Woodward +was rich, he was close, and did not spend an extra dollar except upon +himself. + +I was chagrined at the thought that Holtzmann would be prepared to +receive me. I had hoped to come upon him unawares, and get into his +confidence before he could realize what I was after. + +I began to wonder when the telegram would reach Chicago. Perhaps +something by good fortune might delay it. + +Mr. Allen Price walked over to the telegraph office, and following him +with my eyes I saw him pay for the message and then stroll away. + +Hardly had he gone before I too stepped up to the counter. + +"How long will it take to send a message to Chicago?" I asked of the +clerk in charge. + +"Probably till noon," was the reply. "The storm has crippled us, and +we are having trouble with our lineman." + +"It won't go before noon!" I repeated, and my heart gave a bound. "Are +you sure?" + +"Yes; perhaps even longer." + +"How about the message that gentleman just handed in?" + +"I told him I would send it as soon as possible," + +"Did you tell him it wouldn't go before noon?" + +"No; he didn't ask," returned the clerk, coolly. He was evidently not +going to let any business slip if he could help it. + +"Is there any possible way I can get to Chicago before noon?" I went +on. + +The clerk shook his head. "I don't think there is," he replied. + +"What is the nearest station on the other side of the bridge?" + +"Foley." + +"And how far is that from Chicago?" + +"Twelve miles." + +"Thank you." + +I walked away from the counter filled with a sudden resolve. I must +reach Chicago before the telegram or Mr. Allen Price. If I did not, my +trip to the city of the lakes would be a failure. + +How was the thing to be accomplished? Walking out on the covered +platform, out of sight of the man who was following me, I tried to +solve the problem. + +Smalleyville was a good ten miles from the misplaced bridge, and in a +soaking rain such a distance was too far to walk. Perhaps I might get +a carriage to take me to the spot. I supposed the cost would be +several dollars, but decided not to stand on that amount. + +I had about made up my mind to hunt up a livery stable, when some +workingmen rolled up to the station on a hand-car. + +"Where are you going?" I inquired of one of them. + +"Down to the Foley bridge," was the reply, + +"Will you take a passenger?" I went on quickly. + +"You'll have to ask the boss." + +The boss proved to be a jolly German. + +"Vont ter haf a ride, does you!" he laughed. + +"I'm not over particular about the ride," I explained. "I've got to +get to Chicago as soon as possible, even if I have to walk." + +"Vell, jump on, den." + +I did so, and a moment later we were off. I was pretty confident that +Mr. Allen Price had not witnessed my departure, and I hoped he would +not find it out for some hours to come. + +The rain had now slackened, so there was no further danger of getting +soaked to the skin. There were four men on the car besides the boss, +and seeing they were short a hand I took hold with a will. + +Fortunately the grade was downward, and we had but little difficulty +in sending the car on its way. At the end of half an hour the stream +came in sight, and then as we slackened up I hopped off. + +Down by the water's edge I found that the bridge had shifted fully six +inches out of line with the roadbed. It was, however, in a pretty safe +condition, and I had no difficulty in crossing to the other side. + +Despite the storm a goodly number of men were assembled on the +opposite bank, anxiously watching the efforts of the workmen. Among +them I found a man, evidently a cabman, standing near a coupe, the +horses of which were still smoking from a long run. + +"Are you from Foley?" I asked, stepping up. + +"No; just come all the way from Chicago," was the reply. "Had to bring +two men down that wanted to get to Smalleyville." + +This was interesting news. Perhaps I could get the man to take me back +with him. Of course he would take me if I hired him in the regular +way, but if I did this, I was certain he would charge me a small +fortune. + +"I am going to Chicago," I said. "I just came from Smalleyville." + +"That so? Want to hire my rig?" + +"You charge too much," I returned. "A fellow like me can't afford +luxuries." + +"Take you there for two dollars. It's worth five-- those two men gave +me ten." + +"What time will you land me in Chicago?" + +"Where do you want to go?" + +That question was a poser. I knew no more of the city of Chicago than +I did of Paris or Pekin. Yet I did not wish to be set down on the +outskirts, and not to show my ignorance I answered cautiously:-- + +"To the railroad depot." + +"Have you the time now?" + +"It is about seven o'clock." + +"I'll be there by nine." + +"All right. Land me there by that time, and I'll pay you the two +dollars." + +"It's a go. Jump in," he declared. + +I did so. A moment later he gathered up the reins, and we went +whirling down the road. + +The ride was an easy one, and as we bowled along I had ample +opportunity to ponder over my situation. I wondered what Mr. Allen +Price would think when he discovered I was nowhere to be found. I +could well imagine his chagrin, and I could not help smiling at the +way I had outwitted him. I was not certain what sort of a man Chris +Holtzmann would prove to be, and therefore it was utterly useless to +plan a means of approaching him. + +At length we reached the suburbs of Chicago, and rolled down one of +the broad avenues. It was now clear and bright, and the clean broad +street with its handsome houses pleased me very much. + +In half an hour we reached the business portion of the city, and soon +the coupe came to a halt and the driver opened the door. + +"Here we are," said he. + +I jumped to the ground and gazed around. Opposite was the railroad +station, true enough, and beyond blocks and blocks of tall business +buildings, which reminded me strongly of New York. + +I paid the cabman the two dollars I had promised, and he drove off. + +In Chicago at last! I looked around. I was in the heart of a great +city, knowing no one, and with no idea of where to go. + +Yet my heart did not fail me. My mind was too full of the object of my +quest to allow me to become faint-hearted. I was there for a purpose, +and that purpose must be accomplished. + +My clothes were still damp, but the sunshine was fast drying them. +Near by was a bootblack's chair, and dropping into this, I had him +polish my shoes and brush me up generally. + +While he was performing the operation I questioned him concerning the +streets and gained considerable information. + +"Did you ever hear of a man by the name of Chris Holtzmann?" I asked. + +"I dunno," was the slow reply. "What does he do?" + +"I don't know what business he is in. He came from Brooklyn." + +The bootblack shook his head. + +"This city is a big place. There might be a dozen men by his name +here. The street what you spoke about has lots of saloons and theatres +on it. Maybe he's in that business." + +"Maybe he is," I returned. "I must find out somehow." + +"You can look him up in the directory. You'll find one over in the +drug store on the corner." + +"Thank you; I guess that's what I'll do," I replied. + +When he had finished, I paid him ten cents for his work, and walked +over to the place he had mentioned. + +A polite clerk waited on me and pointed out the directory lying on a +stand. + +I looked it over carefully, and three minutes later walked out with +Chris Holtzmann's new address in my pocket. + +As I did so, I saw a stream of people issue from the depot. Some of +them looked familiar. Was it possible that the train from Smalleyville +had managed to come through, after all? It certainly looked like it. + +I was not kept long in doubt. I crossed over to make sure, and an +instant later found myself face to face with Allen Price! + + CHAPTER XXIV + + WHO MR. ALLEN PRICE WAS + +I will not deny that I was considerably taken aback by my unexpected +meeting with the man who had been following me. I had been firmly +under the impression that he was still lolling around Smalleyville, +waiting for a chance to continue his journey. + +But if I was surprised, so was Mr. Allen Price. Every indication +showed that he had not missed me at my departure, and that he was +under the belief that I had been left behind. + +He stopped short and gazed at me in blank astonishment. + +"Why-- why-- where did you come from?" he stammered. + +"From Smalleyville," I returned as coolly as I could. "And that's +where you came from, too," I added. + +"I didn't see you on the train," he went on, ignoring my last remark. + +"I didn't come up by train." + +"Maybe you walked," he went on, with some anxiety. + +"Oh no; I rode in a carriage." + +"Humph! It seems to me you must have been in a tremendous hurry." + +"Perhaps I was." + +"Why, you excite my curiosity. May I ask the cause of your sudden +impatience?" + +He put the question in an apparently careless fashion, but his sharp +eyes betrayed his keen interest. + +"You may." + +"And what, was it?" + +I looked at him for a moment in silence. + +"I came to see a man." + +"Ah! A friend? Perhaps he is seriously sick." + +"I don't know if he is sick or not." + +"And yet you hurried to see him?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, that-- that is out of the ordinary." He hesitated for a moment. +"Of course it is none of my business, but I am interested. Perhaps I +know the party and can help you. May I ask his name?" + +"It's the same man you telegraphed to," I returned. + +Mr. Allen Price stopped short and nearly dropped his handbag. My +unexpected reply had taken the "wind out of his sails." + +"I telegraphed to?" he repeated. + +"Exactly." + +"But-- but I telegraphed to no one." + +"Yes, you did." + +"Why, my dear young friend, you are mistaken." + +"I'm not your dear friend," I returned with spirit. "You telegraphed +to Chris Holtzmann to beware of me. Why did you do it?" + +The man's face fell considerably, and he did not answer. I went on:-- + +"You are following me and trying to defeat the object of my trip to +Chicago. But you shall not do it. You pretend to be an ordinary +traveller, but you are nothing more than a spy sent on by Mr. Aaron +Woodward to stop me. But I have found you out, and now you can go back +to him and tell him that his little plan didn't work." + +The man's brow grew black with anger. He was very angry, and I could +see that it was with difficulty he kept his hands off me. + +"Think you're smart, don't you?" he sneered. + +"I was too smart for you." + +"But you don't know it all," he went on. "You don't know it all-- not +by a jugful." + +"I know enough to steer clear of you." + +"Maybe you do." + +The man evidently did not know what to say, and as a matter of fact, +neither did I. I had told him some plain truths, and now I was anxious +to get away from him and think out my future course of action. + +"What's your idea of calling on Chris Holtzmann?" he went an after a +long pause. + +"That's my business." + +"It won't do you any good." + +"Perhaps it may." + +"I know it won't," he replied in decided tones. + +"What do you know about it?" I said sharply. "A moment ago you denied +knowing anything about me. Now I've done with you, and I want you to +leave me alone." + +"You needn't get mad about it." + +"I'll do as I please." + +"No, you won't," he growled. "If you don't do as I want you to, I'll +have you arrested." + +This was strong language, and I hardly knew what to say in reply. Not +that I was frightened by his threat, but what made the man take such a +strong personal interest in the matter? + +As I have said, I was almost certain I had seen the fellow before, +though where and when was more than I could determine. Perhaps he was +disguised. + +"Perhaps you don't think I know who you are," I said quickly. + +My words were a perfect shock to Mr. Allen Price. In spite of his +bronzed face he turned pale. + +"You know who I am? Why, I am as I tell you,-- Allen Price," he +faltered. + +"Really," I replied, with assumed sarcasm. + +"Yes, really." + +"I know better," I returned boldly. + +I was hardly prepared for what was to follow. The man caught me by the +arm. + +"Then what you know shall cost you dear," he cried. "I'm not to be +outwitted by a country boy. Help! Police! Police!" + +As he uttered his call for assistance he let drop his handbag and drew +his purse from his pocket. + +"I've got you, you young thief!" he cried, letting the purse fall to +the sidewalk. "You didn't think to be caught as easily, did you? Help! +Po-- Oh, officer, I'm glad you've come!" the last to a policeman who +had just hurried to the scene. + +"What's the matter here?" demanded the minion of the law. + +"I just caught this young fellow picking my pocket," exclaimed Mr. +Allen. "Where's my pocketbook?" + +"There's a pocketbook on the sidewalk," put in a man in the crowd that +had quickly gathered. + +"So it is." He picked it up. "You rascal! You thought to get away in +fine style, didn't you?" he continued to me. + +For a moment I was too stunned to speak. The un-looked-for turn of +affairs took away my breath. + +"I didn't pick his pocket," I burst out. + +"Yes, you did." + +"It isn't so. He's a swindler and is trying to get me into trouble." + +"Here! here! none of that!" broke in the officer. "Tell me your +story," he said to Mr. Allen Price. + +"I was coming along looking in the shop windows," began my accuser, +"when I felt a hand in my pocket. I turned quickly and just in time to +catch this fellow trying to make off with my pocketbook." + +"It is a falsehood, every word of it," I declared. + +"Shut up!" said the officer, sternly. "Please go on." + +"He is evidently a smart thief," continued Mr. Allen Price. "I must +see if I have lost anything else." + +He began a pretended examination of his clothes. In the meantime the +crowd began to grow larger and larger. + +"We can't stay here all day," said the policeman, roughly. "What have +you got to say to the charge?" + +"I say it isn't true," I replied. "This man is a humbug. He is +following me for a purpose, and is trying to get me into trouble." + +"Ridiculous!" cried my accuser. "Why, I never heard of such a thing +before!" + +"That story won't wash," said the officer to me. "Do you make a +charge?" he continued to Mr. Allen Price. + +My accuser hesitated. "I will, if it is not necessary for me to go +along," he said. "I am pressed for time. My name is Sylvester Manners. +I am a partner in the Manners Clothing Company. You know the firm, I +presume." + +"Oh, yes, sir," replied the officer. He knew the Manners Clothing +Company to be a rich concern. + +"I will stop at the station house to-morrow morning and make a +complaint," continued Mr. Allen Price. "Don't let the young rascal +escape." + +"No fear, sir. Come on!" the last to me. + +"I've done no wrong. I want that man arrested!" I cried. "He is no +more a merchant here in Chicago than I am. He--" + +But the officer would not listen. He took a strong hold upon my collar +and began to march me off. Mr. Allen Price walked beside us until we +reached the corner. + +"I will leave you here, officer," he said. "I'll be down in the +morning, sure. As for you," he continued to me, "I trust you will soon +see the error of your ways and try to mend them, and--" he continued +in a whisper, as the officer's attention was distracted for a moment, +"never try to outwit John Stumpy again!" + + CHAPTER XXV + + AN EXCITING ADVENTURE + +Mr. Allen Price and John Stumpy were one and the same person! For a +moment so great was my surprise that I forgot I was under arrest, and +walked on beside the officer without a protest. + +Now that I knew the truth it was easy to trace the resemblance, and I +blamed myself greatly for not having discovered it when we first met. + +Of a certainty the man was bent upon frustrating my plans, partly for +his own safety, and more so upon Mr. Aaron Woodward's account. No +doubt the merchant was paying him well for his work, and John Stumpy +intended to do all he could to crush me. + +But I was not to be crushed. The forces brought against me only made +my will stronger to go ahead. It was do or die, and that was all there +was to it. + +I could easily understand why John Stumpy wished to obtain possession +of my handbag. In it he hoped to find the papers Mr. Woodward had lost +and Nicholas Weaver's confession. I could not help but smile at the +thought that, notwithstanding all I had said to the contrary, the two +plotters still believed I had the lost documents. + +One thing perplexed me. Why was my visit to Chris Holtzmann considered +of such importance that every possible means was taken to prevent it? +Did this man possess the entire key to the situation? And were they +afraid he could be bought up or threatened into a confession? It +looked so. + +"You are not from Chicago, young fellow?" said the policeman who had +me in charge. + +"No; I'm from the East." + +"Humph! Got taken in short, didn't you?" + +"I'm not guilty of any crime," I returned, "and you'll find it out +when it comes to the examination." + +"I'll chance it," replied the officer, grimly. + +"That man is a fraud. If you call on the Manners Clothing Company, you +will find it so." + +"That's not part of my duty. I'll take you to the station house, and +you can tell the judge your story," replied the policeman. + +Yet I could see by the way his brow contracted that my assertion had +had its effect upon him. Probably had he given the matter proper +thought in the first place, he would have compelled John Stumpy to +accompany him. + +Still, this did me no good. Here I was being taken to the jail while +the man who should have been under arrest was free. I would probably +have to remain in confinement until the following morning, and in the +meantime John Stumpy could call on Chris Holtzmann and arrange plans +to suit himself. + +This would never do, as it would defeat the whole object of my trip +West, and send me home to be laughed at by Mr. Aaron Woodward and +Duncan. + +"Can I ask for an examination at once?" I inquired. + +"Maybe; if the judge is there." + +"And if he isn't?" + +"You'll have to wait till to-morrow morning. You see it isn't-- Hello! +thunder and lightning! what's that?" + +As the officer uttered the exclamation there was a wild cry on the +streets, and the next instant the crowds of people scattered in every +direction. + +And no wonder, for down the pavement came an infuriated bull, charging +everybody and everything before him. + +The animal had evidently broken away from a herd that was being driven +to the stock-yards, and his nose, where the ring was fastened, was +torn and covered with blood, and he breathed hard, as if he had run a +great distance. + +"It's a mad bull!" I cried. "Take care, or he'll horn both of us!" + +My words of caution were unnecessary, for no sooner had the bull +turned in our direction than the officer let go his hold upon me and +fled into a doorway near at hand. + +For an instant I was on the point of following him. Then came the +sudden thought that now would be a good chance to escape. + +To think was to act. No sooner had the policeman jumped into the +doorway than I dodged through the crowd and hurried across the street. +Reaching the opposite side, I ran into an alley. It was long and led +directly into the back garden of a handsome stone mansion. + +The garden was filled with beautiful flowers and plants, and in the +centre a tiny fountain sent a thin spray into the air. At one side, +under a small arbor, stood a garden bench, and on this sat a little +girl playing with a number of dolls. + +Her golden hair hung heavy over her shoulders, and she looked +supremely happy. She greeted my entrance with a smile, and took me at +once into her confidence. + +"This is my new dolly," she explained, holding the article up. + +"Is it?" I asked, hardly knowing what to say. + +"Yes; papa bringed it home yesterday. Does oo like dollies?" + +"Oh, yes, nice ones like that. You must have lots of fun. I--" + +I did not finish the sentence. There was a noise in the alley, and the +next instant the mad bull came crashing into the garden! + +For a second I was too surprised to move or speak. The little girl +uttered a piercing scream, and gathering her dolls in her arms huddled +into a corner of the bench. + +Why the animal had followed so closely behind me I could not tell, but +once in the garden, it was plain to see he was bent upon doing +considerable damage. He was more enraged than ever, and scattered the +sodding about in every direction. + +At first some red flowers attracted his attention, and he charged upon +these with a fury that wrecked the entire flower-bed in which they +were standing. + +While the bull was at this work I partly recovered my senses, and then +the first thought that came to my mind was the necessity of getting +the little girl to a place of safety. Let the bull once get at her, +and her life might pay the penalty. I was not many feet away from the +little miss, and a few bounds took me to her side. + +"Come, let me take you into the house," I said, and picked her up. + +She made no reply, but continued to scream and clung to me with all +the strength of her little arms. + +There was a back piazza to the mansion five or six steps high. I knew +that if we once reached this we would be safe, for no matter what the +bull might do, he could not climb. + +"Oh, Millie, my child!" came s voice from the house, and I saw a lady +at one of the windows. "Oh, save her! Bring her here!" she cried, as +she caught sight of the bull. + +I uttered no reply, but sprang toward the steps. + +But though I wasted no time, the bull was too quick for me. Springing +over the flower-bed, he planted himself directly in my path. + +It made my blood run cold to have him face me with that vicious look +and those glaring eyes. One prod of those horns and all would be over. + +"Oh, save Millie! Save my child!" The lady had opened the door and now +came running out upon the piazza. + +"I will if I can!" I returned. "Don't come down here. He'll tear you +all to pieces!" + +Even as I spoke the bull made a plunge for me. I darted to one side +and sprang over to the edge of the piazza corner. + +"Give her to me! Hand her up!" exclaimed the lady, as she rushed over, +and as I held the little one on my shoulder, the lady drew her up and +clasped the child, dolls and all, to her breast. + +Hardly had I got rid of my charge than the bull came for me again. The +trick I had played on him only served to increase his rage, and he +snorted loudly. + +I was in a bad fix. Between the piazza and the next-door fence was a +distance of but ten feet, and behind me was the solid stone wall of +the house. Escape on any side was impossible. Had I had time I might +have climbed up to the piazza, but now this was not to be thought of, +and another means of getting out of danger must be instantly devised. + +"Oh, he will be killed!" cried the lady, in horror. "Help! help!" + +I glanced around for some weapon with which to defend myself. I had +nothing with me. Even my valise lay at the other end of the garden, +where I had dropped it when the animal first made his appearance. + +As I said, I looked around, and behind me found a heavy spade the +gardener had at one time or another used for digging post holes. It +was a strong and sharp implement, and I took it up with a good deal of +satisfaction. + +The bull charged on me with fury. As he did so, I took the spade and +held it on a level with my waist, resting the butt end on the wall +behind me. + +The next instant there was a terrific crash that made me sick from +head to foot. With all his force the bull had sprung forward, only to +receive the sharp end of the spade straight between his eyes. + +The blow was as if it had been delivered by an axe. It made a +frightful cut, and the blood rushed forth in a torrent. + +With a mad cry of pain the bull backed out. At first I thought he was +going to charge me again, but evidently the blow was too much for him, +for with several moans he turned, and with his head hanging down, he +staggered across the garden to the alley and disappeared. + + CHAPTER XXVI + + SAMMY SIMPSON + +I gave a sigh of relief when the bull was gone. The encounter with the +mad animal had been no laughing matter. I had once heard of a man +being gored to death by just such an infuriated creature, and I +considered that I had had a narrow escape. I put my hand to my +forehead and found the cold sweat standing out upon it. Taking my +handkerchief, I mopped it away. + +"Are you hurt?" inquired the lady, with great solicitation. + +"No, ma'am," I replied. "But it was a close shave!" + +"Indeed it was. And you saved my Millie's life! How can I thank you!" + +"I didn't do so much. I guess she's scared a good bit." + +"She hardly realized the danger, dear child. Did you, Millie, my pet?" + +"The bad cow wanted to eat up my dollies!" exclaimed the little miss, +with a grave shake of the head. "But oo helped me," she added, to me. + +"I'm glad I was here," I returned. + +"May I ask how you happened to come in?" continued the lady. + +In a few words I told my story. I had hardly finished when the back +door opened and a gentleman stepped out. + +"What is the trouble here?" he asked anxiously. "I just heard that a +mad bull had run into the garden." + +"So he did, James; a savage monster indeed. This young man just beat +him off and saved Millie's life." + +"Hardly that," I put in modestly. I did not want more praise than I +was justly entitled to receive. + +"Indeed, but he did. See the spade covered with blood? Had he not hit +the animal over the head with that, something dreadful would have +happened." + +"I didn't hit him exactly," I laughed. "I held it up and he ran +against it," and once more I told my story. + +"You have done us a great service, young man," said the gentleman when +I had concluded. "I was once in the butcher business myself,-- in +fact, I am in it yet, but only in the export trade,-- and I know full +well how dangerous bulls can get. Had it not been for you my little +girl might have been torn to pieces. One of her dolls is dressed in +red, and this would have attracted the bull's immediate attention. I +thank you deeply." He grasped my hand warmly. "May I ask your name?" + +"Roger Strong, sir." + +"My name is Harrison-- James Harrison. You live here in Chicago, I +suppose?" + +"No, sir, I come from Darbyville, New Jersey." + +"Darbyville?" He thought a moment. "I never heard of such a town." + +"It is only a small place several miles from New York. I came to +Chicago on business. I arrived about half an hour ago." + +"Really? Your introduction into our city has been rather an exciting +one." + +"I've had other adventures fully as exciting in the past few days," I +returned. + +"Yes?" and Mr. Harrison eyed me curiously. + +"Yes. Our train was delayed, I almost had my handbag stolen, and I've +been arrested as a thief." + +"And all in a half an hour?" The gentleman and his wife both looked +incredulous. + +"No, sir; since I've left home." + +"I should like to hear your story-- that is, if you care to tell it." + +"I will tell you the whole thing if you care to listen," I returned, +reflecting that my newly made friend might give me some material +assistance in my quest. + +"Then come into the house." + +"I'd better shut the alley gate first," said I, and running down I did +so, and picked up my handbag as well. + +Mr. Harrison led the way inside. I could not help but note the rich +furnishings of the place-- the soft carpets, artistically papered +walls, the costly pictures and bric-a-brac, all telling of wealth. + +Mrs. Harrison and the little girl had disappeared up the stairs. Mr. +Harrison ushered me into his library and motioned me to a seat. + +I hardly knew how to begin my story. To show how John Stumpy had had +me arrested, it would be necessary to go back to affairs at +Darbyville, and this I hesitated about doing. + +"If you have time I would like to tell you about my affairs before I +started to come to Chicago," I said. "I would like your advice." + +The gentleman looked at the clock resting upon the mantel shelf. + +"I have an engagement at eleven o'clock," he returned. "Until then I +am entirely at your service, and will be in the afternoon if you +desire it. I'll promise to give you the best advice I can." + +"Thank you. I am a stranger here, and most people won't pay much +attention to a boy," I replied. + +Then I told my story in full just as I have written it here. Mr. +Harrison was deeply interested. + +"It is a strange case," he said, when I had concluded. "These men must +be thorough rascals, every one of them. Of course it yet remains to be +seen what this Chris Holtzmann has to do with the affair. He may be +made to give evidence for or against your father just as he is +approached. I think I would be careful at the first meeting." + +"I did not intend to let him know who I was." + +"A good plan." + +"But now if I venture on the street I may be arrested," I went on. + +"It is not likely. Chicago is a big city, and unless the officer who +arrested you before meets you, it is improbable that he can give an +accurate enough description of you for others to identify you. Then +again, having failed in his duty, he may not report the case at all." + +"That's so; but if I do run across him--" + +"Then send for me. Here is my card. If I can be of service to you, I +shall be glad." + +Mr. Harrison gave me minute directions how to reach Holtzmann's place. +Then it was time for him to go, and we left the house together. I +promised to call on him again before quitting Chicago. + +It was with a lighter heart that I went on my way. In some manner I +felt that I had at least one friend in the big city, to whom I could +turn for advice and assistance. + +Guided by the directions Mr. Harrison had given me, I had no +difficulty in making my way in the direction of Chris Holtzmann's +place of business or house, whatever it might prove to be. + +As I passed up one street and down another, I could not help but look +about me with great curiosity. If Chicago was not New York, it was +"next door" to it, and I could have easily spent the entire day in +sightseeing. + +But though my eyes were taking in all that was to be seen, my mind was +busy speculating upon the future. What would Chris Holtzmann think of +my visit, and what would be the result of our interview? + +At length I turned down the street upon which his place was located. +It was a wide and busy thoroughfare, lined with shops of all kinds. +Saloons were numerous, and from several of them came the sounds of +lively music. + +"Can you tell me where Chris Holtzmann's place is?" I asked of a man +on the corner. + +"Holtzmann's? Sure! Down on the next corner." + +"Thank you." + +"Variety actor?" went on the man, curiously. + +"Oh, no!" I laughed. + +"Thought not. They're generally pretty tough-- the ones Chris hires." + +"Does he have a variety theatre?" + +"That's what he calls it. But it's nothing but a concert hall with +jugglers and tumblers thrown in." + +I did not relish the idea of going into such a place, and I knew that +my sister Kate and the Widow Canby would be horrified when they heard +of it. + +"What kind of a man is this Holtzmann?" I continued, seeing that the +man I had accosted was inclined to talk. + +"Oh, he's a good enough kind of a fellow if you know how to take him," +was the reply. "He's a bit cranky if he's had a glass too much, but +that don't happen often." + +"Does he run the place himself?" + +"What, tend bar and so?" + +"Yes." + +"Oh, no; he's too high-toned for that. He only bosses things. They say +he's rich. Be came from the East some years ago with quite a little +money, and he's been adding to it ever since." + +"Then you know him quite well?" + +"Worked for him two years. Then he up one day and declared I was +robbing him. We had a big row, and I got out." + +"Did he have you arrested?" + +"Arrested? Not much. He knew better than to try such a game on me. +When I was in his employ I kept my eyes and ears open, and I knew too +much about his private affairs for him to push me, even if I had been +guilty. Oh, Sammy Simpson knows a thing or two." + +"That is your name?" + +"Yes; Samuel A. Simpson. Generally called Sammy for short. I was his +bookkeeper and corresponding clerk." + +"Maybe you're just the man I want to see," I said. "Do you know +anything about Mr. Holtzmann's private affairs in the East?" + +"In Brooklyn?" + +"Yes." + +Sammy Simpson hesitated for a moment. + +"Maybe I do," he replied, with a shrewd look in his eyes. "Is there +anything to be made out of it?" + +"I will pay you for whatever you do for me." + +"Then I'm your huckleberry. Who are you and what do you want to know?" + + CHAPTER XXVII + + THE PALACE OF PLEASURE + +Mr. Sammy Simpson was a character. He was tall and slim, certainly not +less than fifty years of age, but with an evident desire to appear +much younger. His face was cleanly shaven, and when he removed his hat +to scratch his head I saw that he was nearly bald. + +He was dressed in a light check suit and wore patent-leather shoes. I +put him down as a dandy, but fond of drink, and that he proved to be. + +"Whom do you work for now?" I asked. + +"No one. To tell the truth, I'm down on my luck and I'm waiting for +something to turn up." + +"You say you worked for Holtzmann two years ago?" + +"No, I said I worked for him two years. I only left last month." + +"And he accused you of stealing?" + +"Yes; but it was only to get rid of me because I knew too much of his +private affairs." + +"What do you know of his private affairs?" + +Sammy Simpson rubbed his chin. + +"Excuse me, but who am I talking to?" he asked abruptly. + +"Never mind who I am. I am here to get all the information I can about +Chris Holtzmann, and I'm willing to pay for it. Of course I'm not +rich, but I've got a few dollars. If you can't help me I'll have to go +elsewhere." + +My plain speech startled Sammy Simpson. + +"Hold up; don't get mad because I asked your name. You've a perfect +right to keep it to yourself if you want to. Only make it sure to me +that I'll get paid for what I tell and it will be all right." + +I was perplexed. I had half a mind to mention Mr. Harrison's name, but +if I did that, the man might expect altogether too much. + +"I will promise you that you lose nothing," I said. "But we can't talk +things over in the street. Tell me where I can meet you later on." + +"Want to see Holtzmann first?" + +"Yes." + +"You won't get anything out of him, I'll wager you that." + +"I don't expect to. I want to see what kind of a man he is." + +"Well, you'll find me at 28 Hallock Street generally. If I'm not in, +you can find out there where I've gone to." + +"I'll remember it. In the meantime don't speak of this meeting to any +one." + +"Mum's the word," rejoined Sammy Simpson. + +I went on my way deep in thought. I considered it a stroke of luck +that I had fallen in with Chris Holtzmann's former clerk. No doubt the +man knew much that would prove of value to me. + +I doubted if this man was perfectly honest. I was satisfied that the +concert-hall manager had had good grounds for discharging him. But it +often "takes a rogue to catch a rogue," and I was willing to profit by +any advantage that came to hand. + +At length I reached the next corner. On it stood a splendid building +of marble, having over the door in raised letters:-- + + CHRIS HOLTZMANN'S + PALACE OF PLEASURE. + Open all the Time. Admission Free! + +For a moment I hesitated. Should I enter such a hole of iniquity? + +Then came the thought of my mission; how I wished to clear the family +name from the stain that rested upon it and free my father from +imprisonment, and I went in. + +I do not care to describe the scene that met my eyes. The magnificent +decorations of the place were to my mind entirely out of keeping with +its character. The foulness of a subcellar would have been more +appropriate. + +In the back, where a stage was located, were a number of small tables. +I sat down at one of these and had a waiter bring me a glass of soda +water. + +"Is Mr. Holtzmann about?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir. There he is over by the cigar counter. Shall I call him?" + +"No." + +I paid for my soda and sipped it leisurely. The place was about half +full, and all attention was being paid to "Master Ardon, the Wonderful +Boy Dancer," who was doing a clog on the stage. + +Mr. Chris Holtzmann was very much the style of a man I had imagined +him to be. He was short and stout, with a thick neck and a double +chin. He was loudly dressed, including several seal rings and a heavy +gold watch chain. + +I calculated that he would be a hard man to approach, and now that I +was face to face with him I hardly knew how to proceed. + +At first I thought to ask him for a situation of some kind and thus +get on speaking terms with him, but concluded that openness would pay +best in the end, and so, rising, I approached him. + +"Mr. Holtzmann, I believe?" I began. + +"Yes," he said slowly, looking me over from head to foot. + +"If you please I would like to have a talk with you," I went on. + +"What is it?" and he turned his ear toward me. + +"I have come all the way from Darbyville, New Jersey, to see you." + +"What!" He started. "And what is your business with me, sir?" he went +on sharply. + +"I would like to see you in private," and I glanced at the clerk and +several others who were staring at us. + +"Come to my office," he returned, and led the way through a door at +one side, into a handsomely furnished apartment facing the side +street. + +"Ross, you can post the letters," he said to a clerk who was writing +at a desk. "Be back in half an hour." + +It was a hint that we were to be left alone, and the clerk was not +long in gathering up the letters that had been written, and leaving. + +"I suppose Woodward sent you," began Chris Holtzmann, when we were +seated. + +This remark nearly took away my breath. I thought he would deny all +knowledge of having ever known the merchant, and here he was +mentioning the man at the very start. + +I hardly knew how to reply, and he continued:-- + +"I've been expecting him for several days." + +"Well, you know there was an accident on the railroad," I began as +coolly as I could. "The bridge shifted and the trains couldn't run." + +"Yes, I heard of that." He paused for a moment. "What brought you?" + +This was a home question. I plunged in like a swimmer into a deep +stream. + +"I came to get the papers relating to the Strong forgeries. You have +all of them, I suppose." + +I was surprised at my own boldness. So was my listener. + +"Sh! not so loud," he exclaimed. "Who said I had the papers?" + +"John Stumpy spoke about them to Mr. Woodward." + +"He did, eh?" sneered Chris Holtzmann. "He had better keep his mouth +shut. How does he know but what the papers were destroyed long ago?" + +"I hope not," I replied earnestly. + +"What does Woodward want of the papers?" + +"I don't know exactly. The Strong family are going to have the case +opened again, and he's afraid they may be dragged in." + +"No one knows I have them but him, Stumpy-- and you." He gave me a +suspicious glance. "Who are--" + +"The Strongs know," I put in hastily, thus cutting him off. + +"What!" He jumped up from his chair. "Who was fool enough to tell +them?" + +"Nicholas Weaver left a dying statement--" + +"The idiot! I always said he was a weak-minded fool!" cried Chris +Holtzmann. "Who has this statement?" + +"I don't know where it is now, but Carson Strong's son had it." + +"Strong's son! Great Scott! Then Woodward's goose is cooked. I always +told him he hadn't covered up his tracks." + +"Yes, but he paid you pretty well for your share of the work," I +returned. I was getting mixed. The deception could not be kept up much +longer, and I wondered what would happen when the truth became known. + +"Didn't pay me half of what I should have got. I helped him not only +in Brooklyn, but here in Chicago as well. How would he have accounted +for all his money if I hadn't had a rich aunt die and leave it to +him?" Chris Holtzmann gave a short laugh. "I reckon that was a neat +plan of mine." + +"You ran a big risk." + +"So we did-- but it paid." + +"And John Stumpy helped, too." + +"He did in a way. But he drank too much to be of any great use. By the +way, do you drink?" + +As Holtzmann spoke he opened a closet at one side of the room, behind +a screen, and brought forth a bottle of liquor and a pair of glasses. + +"No, thank you," I replied. + +"No? Have a cigar, then." + +"Thank you; I don't smoke." + +"What! Don't smoke or drink! That's queer. Wish I could say the same. +Mighty expensive habits. What did you say your name was?" + +At this instant there was a knock on the door, and Chris Holtzmann +walked back of the screen and opened it. + +"A man to see you, sir," I heard a voice say. + +"Who is it?" asked Chris Holtzmann. + +"Says his name is Aaron Woodward." + + CHAPTER XXVIII + + A DEAL FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS + +I was thunderstruck by the announcement that Mr. Aaron Woodward was +waiting to come in. Had it been John Stumpy who was announced, I would +not have been so much surprised. But Aaron Woodward! The chase after +me was indeed getting hot. + +Evidently the merchant was not satisfied to leave affairs in Chicago +entirely in his confederate's hands. Either he did not trust Stumpy or +else the matter was of too much importance. + +I did not give these thoughts close attention at the time, but +revolved them in my mind later. Just now I was trying to resolve what +was best to do. Would it be advisable for me to remain or had I better +get out? + +To retire precipitately might not be "good form," but it might save me +a deal of trouble. I had had one "round" with the merchant in his +mansion in Darbyville, and I was not particularly anxious for another +encounter. I was but a boy, and between the two men they might carry +"too many guns" for me. + +I looked around for some immediate means of escape. As I have said, +the office was located on the side street. Directly in front of the +desk was a large window, opened to let in the fresh morning air. For +me to think was to act. In less than a minute I was seated on the desk +with my legs dangling over the window sill. + +"Aaron Woodward!" repeated Chris Holtzmann, in evident surprise. + +"Yes, sir, and he says he must see you at once." + +"Did you hear that?" called out Holtzmann to me. + +"Yes, I did," I returned as coolly as I could. + +"Did you expect him?" + +"No." + +"Humph!" + +Holtzmann made a movement as if to step into view, and I prepared to +vanish from the scene. But he changed his mind and walked from the +office. + +I was in a quandary. To remain would place me in great peril, yet I +was anxious to know the result of the meeting between the two men. +They were the prime movers in my father's downfall, and nothing must +be left undone to bring them to justice. + +I resolved to remain, even if it were at the peril of my life. I was +not an over-brave boy, but the thought of my father languishing in +prison because of these men's misdeeds, nerved me to stay. + +The closet door was still open, and that gave me a sudden idea. + +As I jumped from the desk another idea struck me, and without any +hesitation I scattered the papers on the floor and upset the ink-well. + +Then I squeezed myself into the closet, crouching down into one +corner, behind several canes and umbrellas. + +I was not an instant too soon, for hardly had I settled myself than +the door opened, and Chris Holtzmann reentered, followed by Mr. Aaron +Woodward. + +Both men were highly excited, and both uttered an exclamation when +they saw the room was empty. + +"He's gone!" cried Holtzmann. + +"Gone?" repeated the merchant. "Get out, Holtzmann! He was never +here." + +"I say he was, less than two minutes ago." + +"Well, where is he now?" + +"I don't know. Ha! I see it! He has jumped through the windows. See +how he has upset the ink and scattered the papers. It's as clear as +day." + +"Can you see anything of him outside?" + +Chris Holtzmann leaned out of the window. + +"No; he's up and around the corner long ago." + +"We must catch the rascal," went on Mr. Woodward, in a high voice. "He +knows too much; he will ruin us both." + +"Ruin us both?" sneered the proprietor of the Palace of Pleasure. "I +don't see how he can ruin me." + +"You're in it just as deep as I am-- just as deep." + +"Not a bit of it," returned Holtzmann, with spirit. "You are the only +one who profited by the whole transaction, and you are the one to take +the blame." + +"See here, Chris, you're not going back on me in this way," exclaimed +the merchant, in a tone of reproach. + +"I'm not going back on you at all, Woody. But you can't use me as you +used John Stumpy. It won't go down." + +"Now don't get excited, Chris." + +"I'm not excited. But I know a thing or two just as well as you do. If +there is any exposure to take place, you must stand the brunt of it. +You were a fool to let the boy get ahead of you." + +"I didn't; it was Stumpy. He let the boy get hold of Nick Weaver's +statement, and that started the thing. Then the boy stole some of my +papers that were in my desk, and how much information he has now I +don't know." + +"All your own fault," responded Holtzmann, coolly. "Why don't you +destroy all the evidence on hand?" + +"Do you do that?" asked Mr. Woodward, furiously. + +"I do when I think it isn't going to do me any more good," replied +Holtzmann, evasively. + +"Have you destroyed all the evidence in this matter?" + +Holtzmann closed one eye. "I'm not so green as you take me to be," he +replied impressively. "All my evidence against you is locked up in my +safe." + +"You intend to use it against me?" said the merchant. + +"Only if it becomes necessary." + +"And yet you pretend to be a friend of mine." + +"I was until you cheated me out of my fair share of the spoils. But I +am satisfied, and willing to let the whole matter rest." + +"What will you take for the papers you hold?" + +"Wouldn't sell them at any price. I'm not running my head into any +trap." + +"It will be all right." + +"Maybe it will, but I'll run no risk," He paused a moment. "I'll tell +you what I will do. Give me a thousand dollars and I'll let you see me +burn them up. + +I was intensely surprised at this proposition, more so, I believe, +than was Mr. Woodward. + +"A thousand dollars!" he exclaimed. "Chris, you're crazy." + +"No, indeed. I know a thing or two. What do you suppose the Strongs +would pay for them?" + +"You don't mean to say you would play me false?" ejaculated the +merchant, hoarsely. + +"I mean to say I'd do anything to save myself if you got us into a +hole. As far as I can see, you have allowed this boy to get the best +of you at every turn." + +"Humph! You needn't talk. You let him walk right into your confidence +the first thing." + +"Only when he told me all about your affairs." + +"Well, let that drop. Can't you let me have the papers cheaper?" + +"I said I wouldn't let you have the papers at all. I'll burn them up." + +"Will you let me see them?" + +Chris Holtzmann's brow contracted. + +"What for?" + +"Oh, I only want to make sure of what you've got. + +"Will you pay the price?" + +"Make them cheaper." + +"No." + +"I'll take them." + +"You mean have them burnt up." + +"Yes. But I must examine them first." + +"I'm willing. And I must have my check before they go into the fire." + +"You are very suspicious, Chris, very suspicious." + +"No more so than you, Woody. I wasn't born yesterday." + +"Well, let's have the papers and I'll write out the check. But it must +be understood that you give no more information to the boy." + +"Give him information!" cried Holtzmann. "Let him show his face here +again and I'll break every bone in his body," he added grimly. + +This was certainly an interesting bit of news. I made up my mind that +to be seen would render matters decidedly warm for me. + +But I was even more interested over the fact that the two men intended +to burn up part of the evidence that might clear my father's name. +Such a thing must not happen. I must use every means in my power to +prevent it. + +Yet what was to be done? If the documents were produced at once, how +could I save them from destruction? + +A bold dash for them seemed the only way. Once snatched from +Holtzmann's or Aaron Woodward's hands, and escape through the window +or the door would be difficult, but not impossible. + +Yet while I was revolving these thoughts over in my mind the same +thing evidently suggested itself to the proprietor of the Palace of +Pleasure. + +"Wait till I lock the door," he said. "We don't want to be +interrupted." + +"No indeed," returned Mr. Woodward; "interruptions don't pay." + +"And I'll close the window, too," went on Holtzmann; "it's cool enough +without having it open." + +"So it is." + +So the window and the door were both closed and fastened. I was +chagrined, but could do nothing. + +A moment later I heard Chris Holtzmann at his safe, and then the +rattle of something on his desk. + +"The papers are in this tin box," he said. "I placed them there over +six months ago." + +He opened the box, and I heard a rustling of documents. + +"Why-- why-- what does this mean!" he ejaculated. "They are not here!" + +"What!" cried Mr. Aaron Woodward, aghast. + +"The papers are not here!" Holtzmann hurried over to his safe and +began a hasty search. "As sure as you're born, Woody, they have been +stolen!" + +"It's that boy," exclaimed the merchant. "He's a wizard of a sly one. +He has stolen them, and we are lost!" + + CHAPTER XXIX + + THE PRECIOUS PAPERS + +I was not as much surprised over the situation as were the two men. I +could put two and two together as quickly as any one, and I knew +exactly where the papers were to be found. + +Sammy Simpson, of 28 Hallock Street, was the thief. He had intimated +that he had evidence against Chris Holtzmann, and these papers were +that evidence. + +This being so, there was no further use for my remaining in my cramped +position in the closet, and I longed for a chance for escape. It was +not long in coming. + +"I don't see how that boy managed it," said Holtzmann. "He was alone +only a few minutes." + +"Never mind. He's as smart as a steel trap. Was the safe door open?" + +"Yes. My clerk left it open. He is a new one and rather careless. +What's to be done?" + +"I'm going after the rascal," cried Aaron Woodward. + +"You'd have a fine time finding him here in Chicago." + +"I must find him. Most likely when he discovers how valuable the +papers are he'll be off at once for home with them. I can intercept +him at the depot." + +"That's an idea, if you can locate the right depot." + +"I'll be off at once," went on Mr. Woodward. + +"I'll go with you," returned Chris Holtzmann, and three minutes later +the two men quitted the office, locking the door after them. + +I waited several minutes to make sure they were not returning, and +then emerged from my hiding-place. + +I was stiff in every joint and nearly stifled from the hot air in the +closet. But at present I gave these personal matters scant attention, +my mind being bent upon escape. + +Even if the door had been unlocked, I would not have chosen it as a +means of egress. It led into the main hall of the Palace of Pleasure, +and here I might meet some one to bar my escape. + +The window was close at hand, and I threw it open. The noise I made +did not frighten me, for in the main hall a loud orchestra was +drowning out every other sound. + +I looked out and saw a number of people walking up and down the +street. No one appeared to be watching me, and waiting a favorable +opportunity, I slid out of the window to the sidewalk below. + +With my ever present handbag beside me I hurried down the side street +as fast as my feet would carry me. The neighborhood of the Palace of +Pleasure was dangerous for me, and I wished to get away from it as +quickly as possible. + +After travelling several blocks I slackened my pace and dropped into a +rapid walk. Coming to a fruit-stand, I invested in a couple of +bananas, and then asked its proprietor where Hallock Street was. + +"Sure an' it's the first street beyant the cable road," was the reply. + +"And where is the cable road?" I queried. + +"Two squares that way, sor," and the woman pointed it out. + +I thanked her and hurried on. When I reached the street, I found the +numbers ran in the three hundreds, and I had quite a walk to the +southward to reach No. 28. + +At length I stood in front of the house. It was a common-looking +affair, and the vicinity was not one to be chosen by fastidious +people. The street, sidewalks, and doorways all looked dirty and +neglected. I concluded that since being discharged Sammy Simpson had +come down in the world. + +"Does Mr. Simpson live here?" I asked of a slip of a girl who sat on +the stoop, nursing a ragged doll. + +"Yes, sir; on the third floor in the front," she replied. + +I climbed up the creaky stairs two flights, and rapped on the door. + +"Come," said a voice, and I entered. The room was the barest kind of a +kitchen. By the open window sat a thin, pale woman, holding a child. + +"Does Mr. Samuel Simpson live here?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir, but he's not in now," she returned. "Can I do anything for +you?" + +"I guess not." + +"I hope-- I hope there is nothing wrong," she went on falteringly. + +"Wrong?" I queried. I did not quite understand her. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Not exactly. What makes you think so?" + +"Because he drinks so," she replied. + +"I wish to get some information from him; that is all," I returned. + +As I concluded a heavy step sounded in the hall, and an instant later +Sammy Simpson appeared. He had evidently been imbibing freely, for his +voice was thick and his sentences muddled. + +"Hello!" he cried. "You here already, eh! What brought you? Want to +find out all about Chris Holtzmann?" + +"Yes." + +"Thought so. Saw it in your eye. Yes, sir, your optic betrayed you. +Sit down. Mag, give Mr. What's-his-name a chair. I'll sit down +myself." And he sank heavily down on a low bench, threw one leg over +the other, and clasped his hands on his knee. + +"I want to see those documents you took from Mr. Holtzmann's safe," I +began boldly. + +He started slightly and stared at me. + +"Who said I took any document out of his safe?" + +"Didn't you say so? I mean the ones relating to Holtzmann's affairs in +Brooklyn." + +"Well, yes, I did." + +"I want to see them." + +"Again I ask, what is there in it?" he exclaimed dramatically. + +"If they really prove of value to me, I will pay you well for all your +trouble," I replied. + +"Is that straight?" he asked thickly. + +"It is," I replied, and, I may as well add, I was thoroughly disgusted +with the man. + +"Then I'm yours truly, and no mistake. Excuse me till I get them." + +Be rose unsteadily and left the room. Hardly had he gone before his +wife hurried to my side. + +"Oh, sir, I hope you are not getting him into trouble?" she cried. "He +is a good man when he is sober; indeed he is," + +"I am not going to harm him, madam. A great wrong has been done, and I +only want your husband to assist me in righting it. He has papers that +can do it." + +"You are telling me the truth?" she questioned earnestly. + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"I think I can trust you," she said slowly. "You look honest. And +these papers-- ought you to have them?" + +"Yes. If your husband does not give them up, he will certainly get +into great trouble." + +"You are young, and you don't look as if you would lie. If Sam has the +papers, he shall give them to you. He's coming now." + +"Here's all the evidence in the case," said Sammy Simpson, on +returning. He held a thick and long envelope. "What's the value to +you?" + +"I can tell better after I have examined them," I returned. + +"Will you give them back if I let you see them?" + +"Yes." + +He handed the precious papers to me and then sat down. + +Oh, how eagerly I grasped the envelope! How much of importance it +might contain for me! + +There were three letters and four legal papers. Like Nicholas Weaver's +statement, all were badly written, and I had a hard job to decipher +even a portion of the manuscript. + +Yet I made out enough to learn that Aaron Woodward was the forger of +the notes and checks that had sent my father to prison, and that the +death of a relative in Chicago was only a pretence. The work had been +done in Brooklyn through that branch of Holland & Mack's +establishment. Chris Holtzmann had helped in the scheme, and John +Stumpy had presented one of the checks, for which service he had +received six hundred dollars. This much was clear to me. But two other +points still remained dark. + +One was of a certain Ferguson connected with the scheme, who seemed to +be intimate with my father. He was probably the man my father had +mentioned when we had visited him at the prison. His connection with +the affair was far from clear. + +The other dark point in the case was concerning Agatha Mitts, of 648 +Vannack Avenue, Brooklyn. She was a boarding-mistress, and the three +or four men had stopped at her house. But how much she knew of their +doings I could not tell. + +"Well, what do you think?" muttered Sammy Simpson. "Mighty important, +I'll be bound." + +"Not so very important," I returned, as coolly as I could. "They will +be if I can get hold of other papers to use with them." + +"Exactly, sir; just as I always said. Well, you can get them easily +enough, no doubt." + +"I don't know about that," I said doubtfully. + +"No trouble at all. Come, what will you give?" + +"Five dollars." + +"Ha! ha! They're worth a million." He blinked hard at me. "Say, you're +a friend of mine, a good boy. Meg, shall I give them to him?" + +"You ought to do what's right, Sam," replied his wife, severely. + +"So I ought. You're a good woman; big improvement on a chap like me. +Say, young man, give my lady ten dollars, keep the papers, and clear +out. I'm drunk, and when Sammy Simpson's drunk he's a fool." + +I handed over the money without a word. Perhaps I was taking advantage +of the man's present state, but I considered I was doing things for +the best. + +A minute later, with the precious papers in my pocket, I left. + + CHAPTER XXX + + THE TRAIN FOR NEW YORK + +Down in the street I hesitated as to where to go next. I felt that the +case on hand was getting too complicated for me, and that I needed +assistance. + +I did not relish calling on the police for help. They were probably on +the watch for me, and even if not, they would deem me only a boy, and +give me scant attention. + +My mind reverted to the adventure earlier in the day, and I remembered +Mr. Harrison's kind offer. I had done his little daughter a good turn, +and I was positive the gentleman would assist me to the best of his +ability. + +I decided to call on him at once. I had his address still in my +pocket, and though I was quite tired, I hurried along at a rapid rate. + +On the way I revolved in my mind all that had occurred within the past +two hours, and by the time I reached Mr. Harrison's place I had the +matter in such shape that I could tell a clear, straightforward story. + +I found the gentleman in, and pleased at my return. + +"I was afraid you had gotten into more difficulties," he explained, +with a smile. + +"So I did but I got out of them again," I replied. + +Sitting down, I gave him the particulars of my visit to Chris +Holtzmann and to Sammy Simpson, and handed over the documents for +inspection. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested, and examined the +papers with great care. It took him nearly an hour to do so, and then +he plied me with numerous questions. + +"Do you know what my advice is?" he asked, at length. + +"No, sir." + +"I advise you to have both Holtzmann and Woodward arrested at once. +They are thorough rascals, and your father is the innocent victim of +their cupidity." + +"But how can I do that? No one knows me here in Chicago." + +"Hold up, you make a mistake. I know you." + +"Yes, but you don't know anything about me," I began. + +"I know you to be a brave fellow, and brave people are generally +honest. Besides, your face speaks for itself." + +"You are very kind." + +"I have not forgotten the debt I owe you, and whatever I do for you +will never fully repay it." + +"And you advise me--" + +"To put the case in the hands of the police without delay. Come, I +will go with you. Perhaps this Holtzmann may be frightened into a +confession." + +"I trust so. It will save a good deal of trouble." + +"Woodward can be taken into custody as soon as the necessary papers +are made out," concluded. Mr. Harrison. + +An instant later we were on the way. I wondered what had become of +John Stumpy. It was strange that he had not turned up at the Palace of +Pleasure. Perhaps Mr. Aaron Woodward had intercepted him and either +scared or bought him off. + +The fellow held much evidence that I wished to obtain, for every +letter or paper against Mr. Woodward would make my father's case so +much stronger, and I determined with all my heart that when once +brought to trial there should be no failure to punish the guilty, so +that the innocent might be acquitted. + +At the police station we found the sergeant in charge. Mr. Harrison +was well known in the locality, and his presence gained at once for us +a private audience. + +The officer of the law gave the case his closest attention, and asked +me even more questions than had been put to me before. + +"I remember reading of this affair in the court records," he said. +"Judge Fowler and I were saying what a peculiar case it was. Chris +Holtzmann claims to keep a first-class resort, and I would hardly dare +to proceed against him were it not for these papers, and you, Mr. +Harrison." + +"You will arrest him at once?" questioned the gentleman. + +"If you say so." + +"I do, most assuredly." + +"You are interested in the case?" queried the sergeant, as he prepared +to leave. + +"Only on this young man's account. He saved my little daughter from a +horrible death this morning." + +"Indeed? How so?" + +"There was a mad bull broke into my back garden from the street, and +was about to gore her, when this young man, who had been driven into +the garden in the first place, came between and drove the bull out." + +"Oh, I heard of that bull." + +"What became of him?" I put in curiously. + +"He was killed by a couple of officers on the next block. He was +nearly dead before they shot him, having received a terrible cut +between the eyes." + +"Given by this young man," explained Mr. Harrison. + +"You don't mean it!" cried the officer, in admiration. "Phew! but you +must be strong!" + +"It was more by good luck than strength," I returned modestly. + +"Nonsense!" said Mr. Harrison. "My wife witnessed the whole +occurrence, and she says it was pure bravery." + +Five minutes later a cab was called, and we all got in. I was not +sorry to ride, for my long tramp from one place to another on the +stone pavement had made me footsore. I did not mind walking, but the +Darbyville roads were softer than those of Chicago. + +It did not take long to reach the Palace of Pleasure. + +"Just wait in the cab for a minute or two," said the sergeant to me. +"If he sees you first, he may make a scene." + +"Most likely he's gone out," I returned. + +The sergeant and Mr. Harrison left the carriage and entered the +building. + +I awaited their return impatiently. Would they get their man? And +would Mr. Aaron Woodward be along? + +Five-- ten minutes dragged slowly by. Then the two returned. + +"He's not in the place, and no one knows where he has gone," said the +officer. + +"He can't be far off," I replied. "No doubt he and Mr. Woodward have +gone off to look for me." + +"And where?" put in Mr. Harrison. I thought a moment. + +"The depot!" I exclaimed. "He spoke about looking for me there." + +"Then we'll be off at once," returned the sergeant. + +As he spoke, a familiar figure came shambling around the corner. It +was Sammy Simpson. + +"Hello, you!" he cried, on catching sight of me. "I want those papers +back." + +"Why do you want them back?" I asked. + +"You didn't pay the value of 'em, didn't pay enough," he hiccoughed. + +"I paid all I agreed to." + +"Can't say anything about that. But 'tain't enough." He glared at me. +"Holtzmann said he'd pay me a hundred dollars. Yes, sir, ten times as +much as you." + +"When de you see Holtzmann?" I cried, in great interest. + +"Saw him about half an hour ago. He came to see me-- came to see Sammy +Simpson-- climbed the stairs to my abode. Wanted the papers-- said I +must have 'em. Went wild with rage when I let slip you had 'em. So did +the other gent." + +"Who? Mr. Woodward?" + +"That's the identical name. Yes, sir-- the correct handle. And they +wanted the papers. Offered a hundred dollars for 'em. Think of it. +Here's the ten dollars-- give 'em back." + +Had Sammy Simpson been sober he would not have made such a simple +proposition. + +"No, sir," I replied decidedly. "A bargain's a bargain. I've got the +papers, and I intend to keep them." + +"No, you don't." + +"What's that?" broke in the sergeant of police. + +"I want those papers." + +"Do you know who I am?" + +"No, and don't care." + +"I am sergeant of police, and I want you to behave yourself, or I'll +run you in," was the decided reply. + +At the mention of an officer Sammy Simpson grew pale. + +"No, no, don't do that. I've never been arrested in my life." + +"The papers are in the hands of the proper parties," went on the +sergeant. + +"Then I can't have 'em back?" + +"No; and the less you have to do with the whole matter, the better off +you'll be. Where has Holtzmann gone?" + +"To Brooklyn." + +I was astonished. To Brooklyn, and so soon! + +"You are sure?" I queried. + +"Yes; he and the other gent intended to take the first train." + +Here was indeed news. This sudden and unexpected departure must +portend something of importance. + +"We must catch them!" I exclaimed. + +"Do you know anything about the trains?" asked Mr. Harrison. + +"No." + +"Jump in, and we'll be off to the depot," said the sergeant. + +In an instant we had started, leaving Sammy Simpson standing in the +middle of the pavement too astonished to speak. It was the last I ever +saw of the man. + +We made the driver urge his horse at the top of his speed. I +calculated that the pair would take the same line that had brought me +to Chicago. + +I was not mistaken; for when we reached the depot a few questions put +by the sergeant revealed the fact that the two men had purchased +tickets for New York but a minute before. + +"And when does the train leave?" I asked. + +"Her time's up now." + +At that instant a bell rang. + +"There's the bell." + +"We must catch her," I cried, and ran though the gate and on to the +platform. + +But the train was already moving. I tried to catch her, but failed; +and a minute later the cars rolled out of sight. + +Mr. Aaron Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had escaped me. + +What was to be done next? + + CHAPTER XXXI + + IN THE METROPOLIS + +I was thoroughly chagrined when I stood on the platform and saw the +train roll away. Now that I had Mr. Harrison and the sergeant of +police with me I had fondly hoped to capture the two men, even if it +was at the last minute. + +But now that chance was gone, and as I turned back to my two +companions I felt utterly nonplussed. + +One thing was perfectly clear in my mind. The two men had gone to +Brooklyn to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts. No doubt they thought that now I +had the papers Sammy Simpson had stolen in my possession I would +follow up the train of evidence by calling on the woman-- a thing I +most likely would have done. They intended to head me off, and by this +means break down my case against them at its last stage. + +Yet though I was disappointed I was not disheartened. I was fighting +for honor and intended to keep on until not a single thing remained to +do. My evidence against Woodward and Holtzmann was gradually +accumulating, and sooner or later it must bring them to the bar of +justice. + +"Well, they're gone," I exclaimed, as I joined the others. "That is, +if they were on that train." + +"We'll ask the gateman and make sure," said the sergeant. + +This was done, and we soon learned that beyond a doubt Mr. Woodward +and Chris Holtzmann had been among the departed passengers. + +"My work in Chicago is at an end," remarked the sergeant, as we stood +in the waiting-room discussing the situation. + +"And so is mine," I replied. "I've got the papers, and now the two men +are gone, there is no use of my remaining." + +"What do you intend to do?" asked Mr. Harrison. + +"Follow them to Brooklyn." + +"To Brooklyn? It's a good distance." + +"I can't help it; I must go. As for the distance, it is not many miles +from my home." + +Mr. Harrison mused for a moment. + +"I have an idea of going along with you," he said at length. + +"Going along with me!" I repeated, astonished by his offer. + +"Yes; I intended to take a trip to New York, on special business next +week, but I can go to-day instead. You no doubt need help, and I want +to give it to you." + +"You are very kind," I replied. + +"I would like to see you and your family get your rights," he went on. +"I wonder when the next train leaves." + +"I'll find out at the ticket office," I replied. + +I walked over to the box, and at the window learned that the next +train would not start for two hours and a half. + +"That will give me time to go home, pack my valise, and arrange my +affairs," said Mr. Harrison. "Come, you can go with me, and we can +dine together." + +"Thank you," was my answer. + +"And you, sergeant. I will be pleased to have you, too," continued Mr. +Harrison, turning to the officer. + +"You're kind, Mr. Harrison, but duty calls me elsewhere. I'll have to +return to the station. But you've forgotten one thing." + +"What?" + +"That you can telegraph to New York and have the two men arrested as +soon as they arrive." + +"That's so! What do you say, Strong?" + +I thought for a moment. It would be the simplest way to do, but would +it be the best? + +"Don't you think we had better let them go ahead?" I returned. "We +know exactly where they are going, and by following them up may gain +some additional information." + +"I don't know but what you are right," replied Mr. Harrison. + +"Then, in that case, my duty here is at an end," said the sergeant. + +"I'm very much obliged for the trouble you've taken. Are there any +charges to pay?" + +"None at all. Good day. Hope you will meet with success in the +future." + +"Thank you. If we do, I'll write you." + +"Now we'll jump into a cab at once," said Mr. Harrison, when we were +alone. + +A minute later we were whirling along in the direction of his mansion. + +"I hope you are not taking too much trouble on my account," I +observed. + +"I don't consider it too much," he replied. "Even if I had no business +of my own to call me to New York I would go along if I thought I would +be of service to you. You saved my little girl's life, and that debt, +as I have told you before, I can never repay you." + +We soon reached Mr. Harrison's mansion. Of course Mrs. Harrison was +surprised at her husband's sudden determination, but when the +situation was explained to her, she urged him to do his best for me. + +The dinner served was the most elegant I had ever eaten, and despite +the excited state of mind I was in, I did ample justice to it. Little +Millie was present, and during the progress of the meal we became +great friends. + +But all good things must come to an end, and an hour later, each with +his handbag, we entered the cab and were off. + +On the way we stopped at Mr. Harrison's office, where that gentleman +left directions concerning things to be done during his absence. +Evidently he was a thorough business man, and I could not help but +wonder what he was worth when I saw him place several hundred dollars +in bills in his pocketbook. + +Arriving at the depot, we found we had just five minutes to spare. +This Mr. Harrison spent in the purchase of a ticket for himself-- I +had mine-- and in getting parlor-car seats for both of us. + +It was a novelty to me to have such a soft chair to sit in, and I +thoroughly enjoyed it. + +As we rode along, my kind friend questioned me closely about myself, +and I ended by giving him my entire history. + +"You've had rather a hard row to hoe, and no mistake," he said. "It is +a dreadful thing to have one's family honor assailed. Many a man has +broken down completely under it." + +"It is so with my father," I replied. "He used to be as bright as any +one, but now he doesn't have much hope of any kind left." + +In the evening another surprise awaited me. Instead of remaining in +the comfortable chair, Mr. Harrison bade me follow him to the +sleeping-car, and I was assigned as soft a bed as I had ever occupied. +I slept "like a top," resolved to get the full value of so elegant an +accommodation. When I awoke, it was broad daylight. + +I climbed down from my bed and made my toilet leisurely. When I had +finished, Mr. Harrison appeared, and together we had breakfast, and, +five hours later, dinner. + +It was six o'clock in the evening when we rolled into the station at +Jersey City, and alighted. I was a little stiff from the long ride, +but not near as much so as I would have been had I travelled in the +ordinary cars. + +"We'll cross the ferry at once," said Mr. Harrison. "The sooner we get +to New York, the better." + +"And the sooner we get to Brooklyn, the better," I added. "Do you +think it will be advisable for me to hunt up Mrs. Agatha Mitts +to-night?" + +"I think it would. Even if you don't call on her, you can find out +about her and see how the land lies. We will find a hotel to stop at +first." + +We were soon in New York and on our way up Broadway. Opposite the +post-office we found an elegant hotel, where Mr. Harrison hired a room +for himself. + +He insisted on my having supper with him. Then leaving our handbags in +his room, we started for the Fulton Street ferry to Brooklyn. + +It was now growing dark, and the streets were filled with people +hurrying homeward. I tried to keep as close to Mr. Harrison as +possible, but something in a window attracted my attention, and when I +looked around he was gone. + +I supposed he had gone on ahead and hurried to catch him. But in this +I was mistaken, for in no direction could I catch sight of the +gentleman. + +Deeply concerned, I stood on the corner of a narrow street or alley, +undecided what to do. Should I go on to Brooklyn or retrace my steps +to the hotel? + +I had about made up my mind to go on, when a disturbance down the +alley attracted my attention. + +Straining my eyes in the semi-darkness, I discovered several +rough-looking young fellows in a group. + +"Give it to him, Bandy; hit him over the head!" I heard one of them +exclaim. + +"Fair share of plunder, Mickey," cried another. + +And then I saw a helpless young man in their midst, who was being +beaten and no doubt robbed. + +I did not give thought to the great risk I ran, but hurried at once to +the scene. + +"What are you doing here?" I asked. + +"Help me! help me!" called out the young man, in a beseeching voice. + +I stared at him in amazement. And no wonder. The young man was Duncan +Woodward. + + CHAPTER XXXII + + A NIGHT AT THE HOTEL + +"Duncan Woodward!" I exclaimed. "Is it possible?" + +He gave me a quick look of wonder. "Roger Strong!" he gasped. Oh, save +me, Roger! These rowdies want to kill me!" + +Even as he spoke he received a cruel blow in the side. + +"I'll help you all I can," I replied promptly. + +I knew it would be a waste of words to try to argue with the gang of +toughs, so I simply went at them in a physical way. + +I hit out right and left with all my might, and as quickly as I could, +repeated the blows. + +The suddenness of my attack disconcerted the three footpads, and when +Duncan recovered sufficiently to lend a hand, one of them took to his +heels and disappeared up the alley. + +The two remaining ones stood their ground, and called on their +companions to come back and bring "Noxy an' de rest." + +I received a blow in the shoulder that nearly threw me over on my +back. But I straightened up, and in return gave my assailant a hard +one in the nose that drew blood. + +"Duncan, you clear out to the street," I whispered. "I'll come after." + +The young man followed my advice, first, however, stopping to pick up +several things he had dropped or that had been taken from him. + +When he was twenty or thirty feet away I started after him. As I did +so, I noticed he had left a large note-book lying on the ground. I +took it up, and hurried on. For a moment more we were safe upon the +street again, and the two toughs slunk away up the alley. + +Then, for the first time, I noted something about Duncan that I +thought shameful beyond words. + +He had been drinking heavily. The smell of liquor was in his breath, +and it was with difficulty that he kept from staggering. + +"You're my best, friend," he mumbled. "My enemy and my friend." + +"What are you doing in New York, Duncan?" I asked. + +"Come on important business, Roger. Say, take me to the hotel, will +you? That's a good fellow." + +"Where are you staying?" + +"Staying? Nowhere." + +"Then why don't you take the train to Newville and go home?" + +"Can't do that." + +"Why not?" + +"The old gent would kill me. He says I spend too much money. Well, +maybe I do." + +"You've bean drinking, Duncan." + +"So I have, Roger. Take me to a hotel." + +"Will you promise to go to bed and not to drink any more if I do?" + +"Yes. I've had enough." + +"Then brace up and come with me." + +Not without a good deal of difficulty did I manage to make him walk +several blocks to a good though not stylish hotel. Here I took him +into the office and explained the situation to the clerk in charge, +who promptly assigned us to a room on the third floor. + +The charge was three dollars, which Duncan with some difficulty +managed to pay; and then we took the elevator to the third floor. + +The room was a good one, with a soft bed. No sooner did Duncan reach +it than he sank down, and in five minutes he was fast asleep. + +I was in a quandary as to what to do. I did not care to leave him in +his present state, and at the same time I was anxious to find Mr. +Harrison and visit Mrs. Agatha Mitts in Brooklyn. + +I wondered if my kind friend from Chicago had gone on without me, +until I suddenly remembered that the Brooklyn address was in my +pocket, and that he probably did not remember the street and number. + +This being the case, he had no doubt returned to the hotel and was +awaiting me. + +I looked at Duncan, and made up my mind that he would sleep several +hours, if not longer, without awaking. + +Making him as comfortable as possible on the bed, I left the room, +locking the door behind me. + +Down in the office I explained the situation to the clerk when I left +the key, and he promised to attend to matters if anything unusual +happened. + +I was not very well acquainted with New York City, and in trying to +find my way to the hotel at which Mr. Harrison was stopping, I nearly +lost my way. + +But several inquiries, made here and there, set me right, and at +length I reached the large, open corridor. + +As I was about to step into the office, a well-known voice hailed me. + +"Well, here you are at last." Of course it was Mr. Harrison. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did I lose you, or vice versa?" he went on. + +"I don't know. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, anyway." + +"Have you been over to Brooklyn?" he continued curiously. + +"No, sir." + +"I thought you had; it is so long since we parted." + +"I've had quite an adventure in the meantime." + +"Indeed? You didn't meet Chris Holtzmann or this Aaron Woodward, did +you?" + +"I met Mr. Woodward's son," I replied, and in a brief way I related my +adventures. Mr. Harrison listened with deep interest. + +"It is too bad that the son has started in such a wrong path," he +said. "I trust it teaches him a lesson to let liquor alone. What do +you intend to do now?" + +"I suppose I had better go back and stay all night with him. It is now +too late to go to Brooklyn." + +"I think you are right. I can call for you at, say, eight o'clock in +the morning." + +This was agreed upon, and as it was then after nine o'clock, I hurried +back to Duncan at once. I found him still sleeping, and I did not +disturb him. There was a lounge in the room, and throwing off my coat, +vest, and shoes, I made my bed upon this. + +For once I found it difficult to sleep. It seemed to me that my +adventures must soon come to an end. Was it the foreshadowing of +coming events that disturbed me? I could not tell. I wondered how all +were at home; my sister Kate, Uncle Enos, and the Widow Canby, and I +prayed God that I might be permitted to bring good news to them. + +About midnight I fell into a light doze. Half an hour later I awoke +with a start. Some one was talking in the room. Sitting up, I listened +intently. It was Duncan, muttering in his sleep. + +"Lift the spring, Pultzer," he said in a whisper. "Hist! don't make so +much noise, the old gent may hear you." He paused for a moment. "There +wasn't any money. But I've got the papers, yes, I've got the papers, +and when I find out their true value the old gent shall pay me to keep +quiet." + +I could not help but start at Duncan's words. Like a flash of +lightning came the revelation to me. He had entered his father's +library and taken the papers which Mr. Woodward had accused me of +stealing. + +It was as clear as day. It explained why Pultzer, accompanied by +another, who must have been of the party, had been out so late the +night of the robbery. They had helped Duncan in his nefarious work, +hoping they would be rewarded by the finding of a sum of money. +Evidently the Models were a bad set, and I was thoroughly glad Dick +Blair had turned his back upon them. + +I waited with bated breath for Duncan to continue his speaking, but +was disappointed. He turned over on his side and dreamed on, without a +word. + +At length I fell asleep. When I awoke it was daylight. I jumped up and +looked at Duncan. He was just stirring, and a moment later he opened +his eyes. + +"Where am I?" he asked, with a puzzled look at me. + +"You're all right, Duncan," I replied. "Don't you remember?" + +"Oh, yes, I do now. How my head hurts. Is there any water around?" + +I went over to the faucet and drew him a glass. He sat up and gulped +it down. + +"Have we been here all night?" + +"Yes." + +"You saved me from those toughs that wanted to rob me last night?" + +"Yes." + +"I'm not dreaming?" + +"No, you're not," I laughed. "I was just in the nick of time." + +"I know it all. You saved me, brought me to this place, and put me to +bed. Roger, you're a better fellow than I thought you were. You're a +better fellow than I am." + +"You ought to turn over a new leaf," I said. + +"Don't preach, Roger." + +"I'm not preaching. I'm only telling you something for your own good." + +"I know it. I don't blame you. I've been doing wrong-- sowing my wild +oats. But they're all gone now. Just let me get straightened out and +I'll be a different fellow, see if I'm not." + +"I hope so with all my heart. What brought you to New York?" + +He started. + +"I-- I came-- I don't care to tell," he stammered. + +"Were you going to Brooklyn?" I questioned, struck by a sudden idea. + +"Why, how did you know?" he exclaimed. + +"You have certain papers," I continued. + +"Yes, I--" he felt in his pockets. "Why, where are they?" + +"Are they in this?" I asked, suddenly remembering the note-book I had +picked up, and producing it. + +"Yes, yes, give them to me." + +"I think I had better keep them," I replied decidedly. + + CHAPTER XXXIII + + IN BROOKLYN + +I fully understood the value of the papers that were contained in the +note-book. Mr. Aaron Woodward would not have persecuted me so closely +had he not deemed them of great importance. + +And when I told Duncan I would keep them, I meant what I said. It +might not be right legally, but I was sure it was right morally, and +that was enough to quiet my conscience. + +"Better keep them?" repeated Duncan, as he sprang to his feet. + +"Exactly." + +"You have no right to do that." + +"I don't know about that. I was arrested for having them, and what's +the use of my having the name without the game?" + +Duncan sank down on the edge of the bed again. + +"If you had spoken to me like that yesterday, I'd have wanted to punch +your head," he said. "But you're a good fellow, Roger, and I don't +blame you for acting as you do. Do you know what the papers contain?" + +"I think I do." + +"They concern my father's affairs," he went on uneasily. + +"And my father's as well," I added. + +"Not so very much." + +"I think so." + +"Let me show you. Hand the papers over." + +"Excuse me, Duncan, if I decline to do so. You, aided by Pultzer and +others, stole them from your father's library, and then threw +suspicion on me." + +"I didn't throw suspicion on you. My father did that himself." + +"You had nothing to do with that handkerchief?" + +"I took the handkerchief by accident." + +"Then I beg your pardon for having said so," I said heartily. + +"Never mind, let that pass. I'll tell you what I'll do. Give me the +papers and I will restore them to my father and tell him the truth." + +"I must decline your offer." + +"Why? Don't you believe I'll confess? If you don't I'll give you a +written confession." + +"No, it isn't that. I am going to keep the papers because they are +valuable to me." + +"What do you mean by valuable?" asked Duncan, his curiosity +increasing. + +"Just what I say." + +"What will the old gent say when he hears of it?" + +"I don't care what he says. He'll hear of a good deal more before +long." + +"How about the robbery at the Widow Canby's?" + +"That will be straightened out, too." + +There was a knock on the door, and, opening it, I was confronted by +one of the servants. + +"Mr. Strong here, sir?" he asked. + +"That's my name." + +"A gentleman below to see you, sir. Gave his name as Mr. Harrison." + +"Tell him I will be down in a minute," I said. + +"Now I'm ready to leave you," I went on to Duncan, when the servant +had departed. "I advise you to take a good wash, get your breakfast, +and take the first train home. Good-by." + +"Yes, but, Roger--" + +"By doing that you may be doing your father a greater service than in +any other way. You say you will turn over a new leaf, and I hope you +will. If all goes as it should you will have a hard trial to stand +before long. But do as I did when things went wrong in our family, +bear up under it, and if you do what's right somebody is bound to +respect you." + +And, without waiting for a reply, I caught up my hat and hurried from +the room. + +I found Mr. Harrison waiting for me in the parlor. + +"I thought I'd come over early," he explained. "I know young blood is +impatient, and I half expected to find you gone." + +"I didn't want to make a call before folks were up," I answered. +"Besides, I have made quite an important discovery since we parted." + +"Indeed." + +"Yes. Come away from this place and I'll tell you. I don't want to +meet Duncan Woodward again." + +And as we walked away from the hotel I related the particulars about +the note-book. + +"You are gathering evidence by the wholesale," laughed Mr. Harrison. +"You'll have more than enough to convict." + +"I don't want to make a failure of it," I said firmly. "When I go to +court I want a clear case from start to finish." + +"Good! Strong, I admire your grit. Come in the restaurant, and while +we have a bit of breakfast let us look over the papers. I declare, I +was never before so interested in some one else's affairs." + +And as we waited for our rolls, eggs, and coffee, we read the papers +through carefully. + +They gave much information, the most startling of which was that John +Stumpy and Ferguson were one and the same person. + +"That explains why Mr. Woodward made so many slips of the tongue when +addressing him," I said. + +"Here is another important thing," remarked Mr. Harrison; "a letter +from this John Woodward stating that Mrs. Agatha Mitts knows of the +forgeries. Now, if you can get this woman to testify against the two +culprits, I think you will have a clear case." + +"And that is just what I will force her to do," I said, with strong +determination. + +I could hardly wait to finish breakfast. Fortunately it did not take +Mr. Harrison long to do so, and, five minutes later we were on our way +to the ferry. The trip over the East River, near the big bridge, did +not take long, and we soon stood on the opposite shore. Vannack Avenue +was pretty well up town, and we took the elevated train to reach it. + +"There is No. 648," said Mr. Harrison, pointing to a neat three-story +brick building that stood in the middle of the block; "let us walk +past first, and see if there is any name on the door." + +We did so, and found a highly polished silver plate bearing the +words:-- + + MRS. AGATHA MITTS + Boarding + +"Perhaps it would be a good plan to find out something about the woman +before we call on her," suggested my companion, after we had passed +the house. + +"There is a drug store on the corner," I said. "We can stop in there. +No doubt they'll think we are looking for board." + +"An excellent idea." + +We walked down to the drug store. On entering, Mr. Harrison ordered a +couple of glasses of soda water and then called the proprietor aside. + +"Can you tell me anything about the lady that keeps the boarding-house +below here?" he asked. + +"Which one?" + +"Mrs. Agatha Mitts." + +"I've heard it's a very good house," was the noncommittal reply. + +"You know the lady?" + +"She comes in here once in a while for drugs." + +"May I ask what kind of a woman she is?" + +"Well, she's good enough in her way, though rather eccentric. I +understand she furnishes good board, however. She has kept the house +for many years." + +"Has she many boarders?" + +"Eight or ten. She used to have more. But they were rather a lively +set and hurt the reputation of the place." + +Mr. Harrison paid for the soda, and a second later we quitted the +place. + +"Not much information gained there," said my Chicago friend, when we +were once again on the street. + +"One thing is certain," I replied. "She is the right party. It would +never have done to have tackled the wrong person." + +"I guess the best thing for us to do is to call on the woman without +waiting further." + +"So I think." + +"She may be a very hard person to manage. Strong, you must be careful +of what you say." + +"I shall, Mr. Harrison," I replied. "But that woman must do what is +right or go to prison." + +"I agree with you." + +Ascending the steps of the house, I rang the bell. A tidy Irish girl +answered the summons. + +"Is Mrs. Agatha Mitts in?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir." + +"We would like to see her." + +"Will you please step into the parlor?" went on the girl, and we did +so. + +"Who shall I say it is?" + +"Mr. Harrison," put in my Western friend. + +"Yes, sir." + +The girl disappeared. My heart beat strongly. It seemed to me as if +life and death hung upon the meeting that was to follow. + + CHAPTER XXXIV + + MRS. AGATHA. MITTS + +I could not help but wonder, as I sat in the parlor with my friend Mr. +Harrison, waiting for the appearance of Mrs. Agatha Mitts, what kind +of a person the keeper of the boarding-house would prove to be. + +For some reason the name suggested to me a tall, gaunt female with +sharp features; and I was taken by surprise when a short, dumpy woman, +with a round face, came wobbling in and asked what was wanted. + +"This is Mrs. Agatha Mitts?" asked Mr. Harrison, as he arose. + +"Yes, sir. And you are Mr. Harrison, I suppose. I don't remember you." + +"I didn't think you would," laughed my friend from Chicago. "I am from +the West, and have never before been in Brooklyn." + +"Yes? Then your business with me is-- ? Perhaps you desire board?" and +she smiled; first at him and then at me. + +"No; we do not wish board," was the quiet reply. "We come to see you +on business." + +"And what is it?" + +"We would like to see you privately." + +"Certainly. Pray take a seat. I will close the doors." + +She shut the folding doors leading to the sitting room, and then the +door to the hall. + +"Now I am quite at your service," she said, and peered at us rather +sharply. + +There was an awkward pause for a moment, and then Mr. Harrison went on +bluntly:-- + +"Has Mr. Aaron Woodward or Chris Holtzmann been here since yesterday, +madam?" + +Mrs. Mitts started at the mention of the two names. Then she recovered +herself. + +"Whom did you say, sir?" she queried innocently. + +Mr. Harrison repeated his question. + +"Why, I really haven't heard of those two gentlemen in so long a time +I've nearly forgotten them," she said sweetly. + +"They weren't here yesterday?" I put in. + +"No." And this time her tone was a trifle cold. + +"Do you expect them to-day?" I went on. + +"No, I don't." She paused a second. "Is that all you wish to know?" + +"No, ma'am," I replied promptly. "There is a good deal more I wish to +know." + +"Who are you, if I may ask?" + +"My name is Strong." + +She looked puzzled for a moment. + +"I don't recognize the name," she said, and then she suddenly turned +pale. + +"I am the son of Carson Strong, who was sent to prison for alleged +forgery and the passing of worthless checks," I continued. "I suppose +you remember the case." + +"Har-- hardly," she faltered. "I-- I heard something of it, but not +the particulars." + +"That is strange, when you were so interested in it." + +"I?" she repeated, in pretended surprise. + +"Yes, madam," said Mr. Harrison. "You were very much interested." + +"Who says so?" + +"I say so," said I. + +"You! You are only a boy." + +"I suppose I am, but that doesn't make any difference. You know all +about the great wrong that has been done, and--" + +"It is false! I know nothing!" she cried in anger. + +"You know all, and we want you to tell as all you know before we leave +this house." + +Mrs. Agatha Mitts arose in a passion. + +"I want you to get out of my house at once!" she ejaculated. "I won't +stand your presence here another minute." + +"Excuse me, madam; not so fast," said Mr. Harrison, calmly. "My young +friend Strong is quite right in what he says." + +"I don't care what you think about it," she snapped. + +"Oh, yes, you do. Perhaps you don't know who I am," went on my Western +friend, deliberately. + +The sly insinuation had its effect. Evidently the woman had a swift +vision of a detective in citizens' clothes before her mind's eye. + +"You come in authority," she said faintly. + +"We won't speak about that now," said Mr. Harrison. "All we want you +to do is to make a complete confession of your knowledge of the +affair." + +"I haven't any knowledge." + +"You have," I said. "You know everything. I have papers here belonging +to Woodward, Holtzmann, and Ferguson to prove it. There is no use for +you to deny it, and if you insist and make it necessary to call in the +police--" + +"No, no! Please don't do that, I beg of you," she cried. + +"Then will you do as I wish?" + +"But my reputation? It will be gone forever," she moaned. + +"It will be gone anyway, if you have to go to prison," observed Mr. +Harrison, sagely. + +"And if I make a clean confession you will not prosecute me?" she +asked eagerly. + +"I'll promise you that," I said. + +"You are not fooling me?" + +"No, ma'am." + +She sprang to her feet and paced the room several times. + +"I'll do it," she cried. "They have never treated me right, and I do +not care what becomes of them so long as I go clear. What do you wish +me to do, gentlemen?" + +I was nonplussed for an instant. Mr. Harrison helped me out. + +"I will write out your confession and you can sign it," he said. "Have +you ink and paper handy?" + +"Yes." + +Mrs. Mitts brought forth the material, and we all sat down again. + +"Remember to give us only the plain facts," I said. + +"I will," she returned sharply. + +In a rather roundabout way she made her confession, if it could be +called such. It filled several sheets of paper, and it took over half +an hour. It contained but little more than what my readers already +know or suspect. She knew positively that Mr. Aaron Woodward was the +forger of the checks, Holtzmann had presented them, and Ferguson had +so altered the daily reports that my father had unwittingly made a +false showing on his books. About Weaver she knew nothing. + +When once explained the whole matter was as clear as day. + +When he had finished the writing, Mr. Harrison read the paper out +loud, and after some hesitation the woman signed it, and then we both +witnessed it. + +"I guess our business here is at an end," said my Western friend. + +"I think so," I replied. "But one thing more, Mrs. Mitts," I +continued, turning to her. "If Mr. Woodward or Chris Holtzmann calls, +I think you will find it advisable to keep this affair a secret." + +"I will not be at home to them," she replied briefly. + +"A good plan," said Mr. Harrison. "Now that you have done the right +thing, the less you say about the matter the better for you." + +A few minutes later, with the paper tucked safely in my pocket, we +left the house. Mrs. Mitts watched us sharply from behind the +half-closed blinds. + +In half an hour we were down town and across the ferry once more. + +"I suppose you wish to get home as soon as possible," said Mr. +Harrison, as we boarded a street-car to take us to his hotel. + +"Yes, sir. My sister and the rest will be anxious to hear how I've +made out, and besides I'm anxious to learn how things have gone since +I have been away." + +"I've no doubt of it." + +"What do you intend to do?" + +"I hardly know. I have some business, but I am quite interested in +your case, and--" + +"Would you like to go along! You'll be heartily welcome, sir." + +"Thank you, I will. I want to see how this drama ends," said Mr. +Harrison. + +A little later I procured my valise, and we set out for Darbyville. + + CHAPTER XXXV + + THE WIDOW CANBY'S MONEY + +I am sure my readers will well understand why my thoughts were busy as +the train rolled on its way to Newville. I could hardly realize that I +held the proofs of my father's innocence in my possession; and I was +strongly tempted several times to ask my kind Western friend to pinch +me to make sure that I was really awake, and was not merely dreaming +my good fortune. + +Mr. Harrison probably guessed what was passing in my mind, for he +placed a kindly hand upon my shoulder, and said, with a smile:-- + +"Does it seem almost too good to be true?" + +"That's just it," I returned. "The events of the past week have so +crowded on each other that I'm in a perfect whirl." + +"You will have a little more excitement before it is over." + +"I suppose so. But now that I know it is all right I shall not mind +it. I wonder if I couldn't send my father the good news by telegraph?" + +"You can easily enough. But don't you think you had better wait until +all is settled? You might raise false hopes." + +"No fear; Aaron Woodward is guilty beyond a doubt. But I will wait if +you think best." + +It was not long before the train rolled into Newville. On alighting +Mr. Harrison insisted on hiring a cab, and in this we bowled swiftly +on our way to Darbyville. As we passed out of the city and up on the +country road I wondered how matters had progressed during my absence. +Had the merchant returned home? + +At Darbyville a crowd of men gazed at us with curious eyes. Among them +was Parsons the constable and others who knew me. + +"Hello, you back again?" shouted Parsons. + +"Yes, indeed," I replied. "I suppose you didn't expect me so soon?" + +"I'll allow as how I didn't expect you at all," he returned, with a +grin. + +"Well, you were mistaken. I'm back, and back to stay," said I. + +My heart beat high as we turned into the side road that led to the +Widow Canby's house. I strained my eyes to catch sight of the first +one who might appear. It was my Uncle Enos. He was doing a bit of +mending on the front fence. As soon as he saw me he threw down his +hammer, and ran toward us. + +"Well, well, Roger, struck port again, have you? Glad you're back." + +And he shook my right hand hard. + +"My friend, Mr. Harrison, from Chicago," said I. "This is my uncle, +Captain Enos Moss." + +They had hardly finished hand-shaking, when Kate and the Widow Canby +came out of the house. + +"Oh, Roger, I'm so glad you're back!" cried Kate. And then she looked +earnestly into my eyes. "Did you-- did, you--" + +"Yes, Kate, I've succeeded. Father's innocence can be proven." + +"Oh, thank God!" cried my sister, and the tears of joy started from +her eyes. I felt like crying, too, and soon, somehow, there was hardly +a dry eye in the group. + +"You must have had a hard time of it," sail the Widow Canby. + +"My kind friend here helped me a good deal," I said. + +Mr. Harrison was introduced to the others, and soon we were seated, on +the piazza, and I was relating my experiences. + +The interest of my listeners grew as I went on. They could hardly +believe it possible that Mr. Aaron Woodward, with all his outward show +of gentlemanliness, was such a thoroughly bad man. When I came to +speak of John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, Kate burst out:-- + +"I declare, I've almost forgotten. I've got good news, too. This very +morning I went hunting again and picked up the paper that was lost. I +was trying to read it when you drove up. Here it is." + +And my sister handed over Nicholas Weaver's dying statement. + +"It is hardly of use now," I said. "Still, it will make the evidence +against Mr. Woodward so much stronger." + +"I've discovered that this Nick Weaver was a chum of Woodward's," said +Uncle Enos. + +"A chum?" + +"Yes. He came from Chicago." + +"From Chicago!" I ejaculated. + +"Exactly." + +Meanwhile Mr. Harrison was examining the statement, which Kate had +produced from her dress pocket. + +"I see it all," he cried. "Nicholas Weaver was the man who helped +Holtzmann concoct the scheme whereby a relative in Chicago was +supposed to have died and willed Aaron Woodward all his money." + +"I see. But why did he leave the statement?" I asked. + +"Because, he says here, Woodward did not treat him right. This +Ferguson or Stumpy was a friend to Weaver, and the paper was gotten up +to bring Woodward to terms." + +That explanation was clear enough, and I could easily understand why +John Stumpy had come to Darbyville, and how it was the merchant had +treated him with so much consideration. + +"And there is another thing to tell you, Roger," put in the Widow +Canby. "Something I know you will be greatly pleased to hear." + +"What is it?" I asked, in considerable curiosity. + +"I have evidence to show that this John Stumpy was the man who robbed +me of my money. Of course I knew it was so when Kate and you said so, +but outsiders now know it." + +"And how?" + +"Miles Nanson saw the man running from the house. He was hurrying to +get a doctor for his wife, who was very sick, and he didn't stop to +question the fellow." + +"But why didn't he speak of it before?" I asked. "He might have saved +us a deal of trouble." + +"He never heard of the robbery until last night, his wife has been so +sick. He can testify to seeing the man." + +"I'm glad of that," I said. "But unfortunately, that doesn't restore +the money." + +"No, I suppose not. This Stumpy still has it." + +"No; he claims to have lost it," I returned, and I related the +particulars as I had overheard them in the boarding-house on the +opposite side of the Pass River. + +"I wish I could find it-- the money, I mean-- as I did the papers," +put in Kate. + +"Where did he jump over the fence?" I asked suddenly. + +"Down by the crab-apple tree," said Uncle Enos. + +"Have you looked there?" queried Mr. Harrison. + +"No," said Kate; "you don't think--" she began. + +"There is nothing like looking," said my Western friend, slowly. + +"I guess you're right," I replied, "and the sooner the better." + +In a minute I was out of the house. Kate was close on my heels, and +together we made our way to the orchard, followed by the others. + +"Now, let me see," I went on. "If he went over the fence here he must +have vaulted over. I'll try that, and note how the money might have +dropped." + +I placed my hands on the top rail and sprang up to vault over. As my +head bent over, my eyes caught sight of an object lying in the hole of +the fence post. + +I picked it up. It was the Widow Canby's pocketbook. + + CHAPTER XXXVI + + "ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL" + +Of course I was highly delighted with the success of my search, and as +I brought forth the pocketbook all the others gave a cry of surprise. + +"You've got it, Roger!" ejaculated my uncle. "You've got it, just as +sure as guns is guns!" + +"So I have," I replied, as coolly as I could, though I was at the top +notch of excitement. + +"Better examine it," put in Mr. Harrison, cautiously. "It may be +empty." + +"Empty!" cried Kate in dismay, and the word sent a chill through my +own heart. + +With nervous fingers I tore the pocketbook open. I suppose I ought to +have given it to the widow, but I was too excited to think of what was +just right and what was not. + +"The money was in a piece of newspaper," said the Widow Canby. "I +had-- ah, there it is!" + +And sure enough, there it was-- nearly three hundred dollars-- safe +and sound. + +I almost felt like dancing a jig, and could not refrain from throwing +up my hat, which I did in such a way that it caught in a limb of a +tree, and forced me to climb up to recover it. + +As I was about jumping to the ground I heard a buggy pass on the road. +Looking down, I was surprised to see that it contained Mr. Aaron +Woodward and Chris Holtzmann. On seeing the party on the ground below, +the merchant stopped his horse and jumped out. + +"How do you do, Mrs. Canby?" he said, as he came over to the fence +without catching sight of me. + +"Pretty well, Mr. Woodward," was the widow's reply. + +"Have you heard anything of your money yet?" went on the merchant, +with apparent concern. + +"Oh, yes--" and the widow hesitated. + +My sister whispered something in her ear. + +"It was just found," said Kate. + +The merchant gave a start. + +"You don't mean it!" he cried. "Where?" + +"Down here by the fence." + +"Who put it there?" asked Mr. Woodward, sharply. + +"No one. It was dropped by John Stumpy." + +"Humph! Perhaps so!" sneered the merchant. + +"It's true," exclaimed Kate, stoutly. + +"More likely by your brother Roger." + +"Avast there!" cried Uncle Enos. "You're saying too much." + +"I don't think so," replied Mr. Woodward, in deep sarcasm. "Of course +you want to shield the boy all you can, but I 'm sure in my mind that +he is guilty." + +"And I'm positive in my own mind that I'm innocent," said I, and I +jumped to the ground. + +"Roger Strong!" he cried, stepping back in surprise; and I saw Chris +Holtzmann give a start. "Where did you come from?" + +"I came from-- up a tree," I returned lightly, and I may add that +never before had I felt in such particularly good humor. + +"Don't trifle with me," he cried in anger. "Answer my question." + +"I will when I get ready." + +"You refuse?" + +"Oh, no. But I'm not compelled to answer, understand that, Mr. Aaron +Woodward. I'll answer because I choose to do so." + +"Never mind," he snapped. "Where have you been?" + +"To Chicago-- as you know-- and to Brooklyn." + +"To Brooklyn!" he cried, growing pale. + +"Yes, sir, to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts." + +"And did you see her?" he faltered. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And she--" he began. + +"What she said or did will be produced in court later on," put in Mr. +Harrison. + +"Eh?" the merchant wheeled around. "Who are you?" + +"My name is James Harrison. I am from Chicago. I am this boy's friend, +and I am here to see justice done." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I mean that you and your colleagues-- Chris Holtzmann there, John +Stumpy, alias Ferguson, and the late Nicholas Weaver-- have foully +wronged this boy's father." + +"It's a lie!" cried Aaron Woodward, with a quivering lip. + +"It's the truth," I said. "The plain truth, and I can prove every word +of it." + +"Prove it!" + +"Yes, in every detail, Mr. Aaron Woodward. I have worked hard fighting +for honor, but I have won. Soon my father shall be free, and for aught +I know to the contrary, you will occupy his place in prison." + +"I!" cried the merchant, in horror. "A likely thing!" + +"We shall see," I said. "In the meantime be careful of what you say +against me, or I will have you arrested before sundown." + +Mr. Woodward gave me a look that was savageness itself. Apparently he +was on the verge of giving way to a burst of temper. But he seemed to +think better of it, and turning, he jumped into his buggy and drove +away. + +It was the last time I ever saw him. On the following day Mr. +Harrison, Uncle Enos, and myself drove down to Newville and engaged a +first-class lawyer to take up the case. This legal gentleman pushed +matters so fast that on the following Monday all the papers necessary +for Woodward's arrest were ready for execution. + +The officers came to Darbyville late in the afternoon to secure their +man. They were told that Mr. Woodward had gone to New York on +business. They waited for him the remainder of the day and all of the +next. + +It was useless. The highly respected head merchant of Darbyville did +not appear; and an examination showed that he had mortgaged his house +and his business, and taken every cent of cash with him. + +It was an open acknowledgment of his guilt, and Kate was for letting +it go at that. + +"It will do no good to have him locked up," she said. + +"One thing is certain, sech a rascal ain't fit to be at liberty," put +in my Uncle Enos. + +"He may turn around and rob somebody else," added the Widow Canby. + +"That's just it," I said; and determined to bring the man to justice, +I set a detective on his track. + +The search was successful, for in a week Aaron Woodward was caught in +Boston, preparing to embark for Europe. He was brought back to +Newville to await the action of the grand jury. But he never came to +trial. In less than a week he was found in his cell one morning, +dying. Rather than face the humiliation of going to jail he had taken +his life. What became of Duncan I did not know for a long while until, +through Mr. Harrison, I learned that he was in Chicago working for one +of the railroads. He had the making of a good fellow in him, and I +trust that he became one. Chris Holtzmann disappeared, and his Palace +of Pleasure is a thing of the past. John Stumpy went to Texas, and I +heard that Pultzer went with him. + +It was not long before my father received his pardon and came home. I +cannot express the joy that all of us experienced when he came forth +from prison, not only a free man, but also bearing the proofs of his +innocence. We were all there to greet him, and as my sister Kate +rushed into his arms I felt that fighting for honor meant a good deal. + +Five years have gone by. My father and I are now in business in +Newville. We live in Darbyville, along with my uncle,-- who married +the Widow Canby,-- and my sister Kate. + +Holland & Mack have recovered all that was stolen from them. They were +profuse in their apologies to my father, and offered him a good +situation, which he declined. + +We are all happy-- especially Kate and I. During off hours we are all +but inseparable. I like my work, and expect some day to be a leading +merchant. The clouds that hung over the family honor have passed, and +sunshine seems to have come to stay, and that being so I will bid my +readers good-by. + + THE END + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + +This file should be named trhim10.txt or trhim10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, trhim11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, trhim10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* + diff --git a/old/trhim10.zip b/old/trhim10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d2f2720 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/trhim10.zip diff --git a/old/trhim10h.htm b/old/trhim10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ff665f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/trhim10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9264 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>New File</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- +body {margin:10%; text-align:justify} +blockquote {font-size:14pt} +P {font-size:14pt} +--> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + + +<h1>The Project Gutenberg EBook of True to Himself, by Edward Stratemeyer +</h1> + +<pre> +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: True to Himself + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4995] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 7, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + + + + +This eBook was produced by Jim Weiler, xooqi.com + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>TRUE TO HIMSELF</h1> +<h4>ROGER STRONG'S STRUGGLE FOR PLACE</h4> +<h4>BY</h4> +<h2>EDWARD STRATEMEYER</h2> +<HR> +<h4>COPYRIGHT 1891 by Frank A Munsey.</h4> +<h4>Copyright 1900 by Lee and Shepard.</h4> +<h3>PREFACE</h3> +<P> +"True to himself," while a complete story in itself, forms +the third volume of the "Ship and Shore Series," tales of adventure on land +and sea, written for both boys and girls. +<P> +In this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typical +American country lad, and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combination +of events, are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make their +own way in the world. +<P> +To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficult +enough; but when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficulty +becomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious charge, +Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with either himself +or his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times almost more than he +can bear. But he is "true to himself" in the best meaning of that saying, +rising above those who would pull him down, and, in the end, not only succeeds +in making a place for himself in the world, but also scores a worthy triumph +over those who had caused his parents' downfall. +<P> +When this story was first printed as a serial, the author +has every reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls for +whom it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet with +equal commendation. +<P ALIGN=RIGHT class=right> +Edward Stratemeyer. +<P ALIGN=LEFT class=left> + Newark, N.J.,<BR> + April 15, 1900. + +<HR> +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> +<h4>THE TROUBLE IN THE ORCHARD</h4> +<P> +"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I called +out. "What are you doing in Widow Canby's orchard?" +<P> +"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the only +son of the wealthiest merchant in Darbyville. +<P> +"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pockets +are full of them." +<P> +"See here, Roger Strong, just you mind your own business +and leave me alone." +<P> +"I am minding my business," I rejoined warmly. +<P> +"Indeed!" And Duncan put as much of a sneer as was possible +in the word. +<P> +"Yes, indeed. Widow Canby pays me for taking care of her +orchard, and that includes keeping an eye on these pear trees," and I approached +the tree upon the lowest branch of which Duncan was standing. +<P> +"Humph! You think you're mighty big!" he blustered, as +he jumped to the ground. "What right has a fellow like you to talk to me +in this manner? You are getting too big for your boots." +<P> +"I don't think so. I'm guarding this property, and I want +you to hand over what you've taken and leave the premises," I retorted, for +I did not fancy the style in which I was being addressed. +<P> +"Pooh! Do you expect me to pay any attention to that?" +<P> +"You had better, Duncan. If you don't you may get into +trouble." +<P> +"I suppose you intend to tell the widow what I've done." +<P> +"I certainly shall; unless you do as I've told you to." +<P> +Duncan bit his lip. "How do you know but what the widow +said I could have the pears?" he ventured. +<P> +"If she did, it's all right," I returned, astonished, +not so much over the fact that Widow Canby had granted the permission, as +that such a high-toned young gentleman as Duncan Woodward should desire that +privilege. +<P> +"You've no business to jump at conclusions," he added +sharply. +<P> +"If I judged you wrongly, I beg your pardon, Duncan. I'll +speak to the widow about it." +<P> +I began to move off toward the house. Duncan hurried after +me and caught me by the arm. +<P> +"You fool you, what do you mean?" he demanded. +<P> +"I'm going to find out if you are telling the truth." +<P> +"Isn't my word enough?" +<P> +"It will do no harm to ask," I replied evasively, not +caring to pick a quarrel, and yet morally sure that he was prevaricating. +<P> +"So you think I'm telling you a falsehood? I've a good +mind to give you a sound drubbing," he cried angrily. +<P> +Duncan Woodward had many of the traits of a bully about +him. He was the only son of a widower who nearly idolized him, and, lacking +a mother's guiding influence, he had grown up wayward in the extreme. +<P> +He was a tall, well-built fellow, strong from constant +athletic exercise, and given, on this account, to having his way among his +associates. +<P> +Yet I was not afraid of him. Indeed, to tell the truth, +I was not afraid of any one. For eight years I had been shoved in life from +pillar to post, until now threats had no terrors for me. +<P> +Both of my parents were dead to me. My mother died when +I was but five years old. She was of a delicate nature, and, strange as it +may seem, I am inclined to believe that it was for the best that her death +occurred when it did. The reason I believe this is, because she was thus +spared the disgrace that came upon our family several years later. +<P> +At her death my father was employed as head clerk by the +firm of Holland & Mack, wholesale provision merchants of Newville, a +thriving city which was but a few miles from Darbyville, a pretty village +located on the Pass River. +<P> +We occupied a handsome house in the centre of the village. +Our family, besides my parents and myself, contained but one other member— my +sister Kate, who was several years my senior. +<P> +When our beloved mother died, Kate took the management +of our home upon her shoulders, and as she had learned, during my mother's +long illness, how everything should be done, our domestic affairs ran smoothly. +All this time I attended the Darbyville school, and was laying the foundation +for a commercial education, intending at some later day to follow in the +footsteps of my father. +<P> +Two years passed, and then my father's manner changed. +From being bright and cheerful toward us he became moody and silent. What +the cause was I could not guess, and it did not help matters to be told by +Duncan Woodward, whose father was also employed by Holland & Mack, that +"some folks would soon learn what was what, and no mistake." +<P> +At length the thunderbolt fell. Returning from school +one day, I found Kate in tears. +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" she burst out. "They say father has stolen +money from Holland & Mack, and they have just arrested him for a thief!" +<P> +The blow was a terrible one. I was but a boy of fourteen, +and the news completely bewildered me. I put on my cap, and together with +Kate, took the first horse car to Newville to find out what it all meant. +<P> +We found my father in jail, where he had been placed to +await the action of the grand jury. It was with difficulty that we obtained +permission to see him, and ascertained the facts of the case. +<P> +The charge against him was for raising money upon forged +cheeks, eight in number, the total amount being nearly twelve thousand dollars. +The name of the firm had been forged, and the money collected in New York +and Brooklyn. I was not old enough to understand the particulars. +<P> +My father protested his innocence, but it was of no avail. +The forgery was declared to be his work, and, though it was said that he +must have had an accomplice to obtain the money, he was adjudged the guilty +party. +<P> +"Ten years in the State's prison." That was the penalty. +My father grew deadly white, while as for me, my very heart seemed to stop +beating. Kate fainted, and two days later the doctor announced that she had +an attack of brain fever. +<P> +Two months dragged slowly by. Then my sister was declared +to be out of danger. Next the house was sold over our heads, and we were +turned out upon the world, branded as the children of a thief, to get a living +as best we could. +<P> +Both of us would willingly have left Darbyville, but where +should we go? The only relation we had was an uncle,— Captain Enos Moss,— and +he was on an extended trip to South America, and when he would return no +one knew. +<P> +All the friends we had had before deserted us. The girls +"turned up their noses" at Kate,— which made my blood boil,— and the boys +fought shy of me. +<P> +I tried to find work, but without success. Even in places +where help was wanted excuses were made to me— trivial excuses that meant +but one thing— that they did not desire any one in their employ who had a +stain upon his name. +<P> +Kate was equally unsuccessful; and we might have starved +but for a lucky incident that happened just as we were ready to give up in +despair. +<P> +Walking along the road one day, I saw Farmer Tilford's +bull tearing across the field toward a gate which had been accidentally left +open. The Widow Canby, absorbed in thought and quite unconscious of the danger +that threatened her, was just passing this gate, when I darted forward and +closed it just a second before the bull reached it. I did not consider my +act an heroic one, but the Widow Canby declared it otherwise. +<P> +"You are a brave boy," she said. "Who are you?" +<P> +I told her, coloring as I spoke. But she laid a kindly +hand upon my shoulder. +<P> +"Even if your father was guilty, you are not to blame," +she said, and she made me tell her all about myself, and about Kate, and +the hard luck we were having. +<P> +The Widow Canby lived in an old-fashioned house, surrounded +on three sides by orchards several acres in extent. She was well to do, but +made no pretence to style. Many thought her extremely eccentric but that +was only because they did not know her. +<P> +The day I came to her assistance she made me stay to supper, +and when I left it was under promise to call the next day and bring my sister +along. +<P> +This I did, and a long conversation took place, which +resulted in Kate and myself going to live with the widow— I to take care +of the garden and the orchards, and my sister to help with the housekeeping, +for which we received our board and joint wages of fifteen dollars per month. +<P> +We could not have fallen into better hands. Mrs. Canby +was as considerate as one would wish, and had it not been for the cloud upon +our name we would have been content. +<P> +But the stain upon our family was a source of unpleasantness +to us. I fully believed my father innocent, and I wondered if the time would +ever come when his character would be cleared. +<P> +My duties around Widow Canby's place were not onerous, +and I had plenty of chance for self-improvement. I had finished my course +at the village school in spite of the calumny that was cast upon me, and +now I continued my studies in private whenever the opportunity offered. +<P> +I was looked down upon by nearly every one in the village. +To strangers I was pointed out as the convict's son, and people reckoned +that the "Widder Canby wasn't right sharp when she took in them as wasn't +to be trusted." +<P> +I was not over-sensitive, but these remarks, which generally +reached my ears sooner or later, made me very angry. What right had people +to look down on my sister and myself? It was not fair to Kate and me, and +I proposed to stand it no longer. +<P> +It was a lovely morning in September, but I was in no +mood to enjoy the bright sunshine and clear air that flooded the orchard. +I had just come from the depot with the mail for Mrs. Canby, and down there +I had heard two men pass opinions on my father's case that were not only +uncharitable but unjust. +<P> +I was therefore in no frame of mind to put up with Duncan +Woodward's actions, and when he spoke of giving me a good drubbing I prepared +to defend myself. +<P> +"Two can play at that game, Duncan," I replied. +<P> +"Ho! ho! Do you mean to say you can stand up against me?" +he asked derisively. +<P> +"I can try," I returned stoutly. "I'm sure now that you +have no business here." +<P> +"Why, you miserable little thief—" +<P> +"Stop that! I'm no thief, if you please." +<P> +"Well, you're the son of one, and that's the same thing." +<P> +"My father is innocent, and I won't allow any one, big +or little, to call him a thief," I burst out. "Some day he will be cleared." +<P> +"Not much!" laughed Duncan. "My father knows all about +the case. I can tell you that." +<P> +"Then perhaps he knows where the money went to," I replied +quickly. "I know he was very intimate with my father at that time." +<P> +Had I stopped to think I would not have spoken as I did. +My remark made the young man furious, and I had hardly spoken before Duncan +hit me a stinging blow on the forehead, and, springing upon me, bore me to +the ground. +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> +<h4>AN ASSAULT ON THE ROAD</h4> +<P> +I knew Duncan Woodward would not +hesitate to attack me. He was a much larger fellow than myself, and always +ready to fight any one he thought he could whip. +<P> +Yet I was not prepared for the sudden onslaught that had +been made. Had I been, I might have parried his blow. +<P> +But I did not intend to be subdued as easily as he imagined. +The blow on my forehead pained not a little, and it made me mad "clear through." +<P> +"Get off of me!" I cried, as Duncan brought his full weight +down upon my chest. +<P> +"Not much! Not until you promise to keep quiet about this +affair," he replied. +<P> +"If you don't get off, you'll be mighty sorry;" was my +reply, as I squirmed around in an effort to throw him aside. +<P> +Suddenly he caught me by the ear, and gave that member +a twist that caused me to cry out with pain. +<P> +"Now will you do as I say?" he demanded. +<P> +"No" +<P> +Again he caught my ear. But now I was ready for him. It +was useless to try to shake him off. He was too heavy and powerful for that. +So I brought a small, but effective weapon into play. The weapon was nothing +more than a pin that held together a rent in my trousers made the day previous. +Without hesitation I pulled it out and ran it a good half-inch into his leg. +<P> +The yell be gave would have done credit to a wild Indian, +and he bounded a distance of several feet. I was not slow to take advantage +of this movement, and in an instant I was on my feet and several yards away. +<P> +Duncan's rage knew no bounds. He was mad enough to "chew +me up," and with a loud exclamation he sprang after me, aiming a blow at +my head as he did so. +<P> +I dodged his arm, and then, gathering myself together, +landed my fist fairly and squarely upon the tip of his nose, a blow that +knocked him off his feet and sent him rolling to the ground. +<P> +To say that I was astonished at what I had done would +not express my entire feelings. I was amazed, and could hardly credit my +own eyesight. Yet there he lay, the blood flowing from the end of his nasal +organ. He was completely knocked out, and I had done the deed. I did not +fear for consequences. I felt justified in what I had done. But I wondered +how Duncan would stand the punishment. +<P> +With a look of intense bitterness on his face he rose +slowly to his feet. The blood was running down his chin, and there were several +stains upon his white collar and his shirt front. If a look could have crushed +me I would have been instantly annihilated. +<P> +"I'll fix you for that!" he roared. "Roger Strong, I'll +get even with you, if it takes ten years!" +<P> +"Do what you please, Duncan Woodward," I rejoined. "I +don't fear you. Only beware how you address me in the future. You will get +yourself into trouble." +<P> +"I imagine you will be the one to get into trouble," he +returned insinuatingly. +<P> +"I'm not afraid. But— hold up there!" I added, for Duncan +had begun to move off toward the fence. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"I want you to hand over the pears you picked." +<P> +"I won't." +<P> +"Very well. Then I'll report the case to Mrs. Canby." +<P> +Duncan grew white. +<P> +"Take your confounded fruit," he howled, throwing a dozen +or more of the luscious pears at my feet. "If I don't get even with you, +my name isn't Duncan Woodward!" +<P> +And with this parting threat he turned to the fence, jumped +over, and strode down the road. +<P> +In spite of the seriousness of the affair I could not +help but laugh. Duncan had no doubt thought it a great lark to rob the widow's +orchard, never dreaming of the wrong he was doing or of the injury to the +trees. Now his nose was swollen, his clothes soiled, and he had suffered +defeat in every way. +<P> +I had no doubt that he would do all in his power to get +even with me. He hated me and always had. At school I had surpassed him in +our studies, and on the ball field I had proved myself a superior player. +I do not wish to brag about what I did, but it is necessary to show why Duncan +disliked me. +<P> +Nor was there much love lost on my side, though I always +treated him fairly. The reason for this was plain. +<P> +As I have stated, his father, Aaron Woodward, was at one +tune a fellow-clerk with my father. At the time my father was arrested, Woodward +was one of his principal accusers. Duncan had, of course, taken up the matter. +Since then Mr. Woodward had received a large legacy from a dead relative +in Chicago, or its suburbs, and started the finest general store in Darbyville. +But his bitterness toward us still continued. +<P> +That the man knew something about the money that had been +stolen I did not doubt, but how to prove it was a difficult problem that +I had pondered many times without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. +<P> +I watched Duncan out of sight and then turned and walked +slowly toward the house. +<P> +"Roger!" +<P> +It was Mrs. Canby who called me. She stood on the side +porch with a letter in her hand. +<P> +"You want me?" +<P> +"Yes, I have quite important news," she continued. "My +sister in Norfolk is very ill, and I must go to her at once. I have spoken +to Kate about it. Do you think you can get along while I am gone?" +<P> +"Yes, ma'am. How long do you expect to be away?" +<P> +"If she is not seriously ill I shall be back by day after +to-morrow. You can hitch up Jerry at once. The train leaves in an hour." +<P> +"I'll have him at the door in five minutes." +<P> +"And, Roger, you and Kate must take good care of things +while I am gone. There are several hundred dollars locked up in my desk. +I would take the money to the bank in Newville, only I hate to lose the time." +<P> +"I reckon it will be safe," I replied; "I'll keep good +watch against burglars." +<P> +"Do you think you can handle a pistol?" she went on. +<P> +"I think I could," I replied, with all the interest of +the average American boy in firearms. +<P> +"There is a pistol upstairs in my bureau that belonged +to Mr. Canby. I will let you have that, though of course I trust you won't +need it." +<P> +"Is it loaded?" +<P> +"Yes; I loaded it last week. I will lay it out before +I go. Be very careful with it." +<P> +"I will," I promised her. +<P> +I hurried down to the barn, and in a few moments had Jerry +hooked up to the family turnout. As I was about to jump in and drive to the +house, a man confronted me. +<P> +He was a stranger, about forty years of age, with black +hair and shaggy beard and eyebrows. He was seedily dressed, and altogether +looked to be a disreputable character. +<P> +"Say, young man, can you help a fellow as is down on his +luck?" he asked in a hoarse tone. +<P> +"Who are you?" I responded. +<P> +"I'm a moulder from Factoryville. The shop's shut down, +and I'm out of money and out of work." +<P> +"How long have you been out?" +<P> +"Two weeks." +<P> +"And you haven't found work anywhere?" +<P> +"Not a stroke." +<P> +"Been to Newville?" +<P> +"All through it, and everything full." +<P> +I thought this was queer. I had glanced at the Want column +of a Newville newspaper and had noted that moulders were wanted in several +places. +<P> +The man's appearance did not strike me favorably, and +when he came closer to me I noted that his breath smelt strongly of liquor. +<P> +"I don't think I can help you," said I. "I have nothing +for you to do." +<P> +"Give me a quarter, then, will you? I ain't had nothing +to eat since yesterday." +<P> +"But you've had something to drink," I could not help +remark. +<P> +The man scowled, "How do you know?" +<P> +"I can smell it on you." +<P> +"I only had one glass,— just to knock out a cold I caught. +Come, make it half a dollar. I'll pay you back when I get work." +<P> +"I don't care to lend." +<P> +"Make it ten cents." +<P> +"Not a cent." +<P> +"You're mighty independent about it," he sneered. +<P> +"I have to be when such fellows as you tackle me," I returned +with spirit. +<P> +"You're mighty high toned for a boy of your age." +<P> +"I'm too high toned to let you talk to me in this fashion. +I want you to leave at once." +<P> +The tramp— for the man was nothing else— scowled worse +than before. +<P> +"I'll leave when I please," he returned coolly. +<P> +I was nonplussed. I was in a hurry to get away to drive +Widow Canby to the station. To leave the man hanging about the house with +no one but my sister Kate home was simply out of the question. +<P> +Suddenly an idea struck me. Like most people who live +in the country, Mrs. Canby kept a watch-dog— a large and powerful mastiff +called Major. He was tied up near the back stoop out of sight, but could +be pressed into service on short notice. +<P> +"If you don't go at once, I'll set the dog on you." +<P> +"Huh! You can't fool me!" +<P> +"No fooling about it. Major! Major!" I called. +<P> +There was a rattling of chain as the animal tried to break +away, and then a loud barking. The noise seemed to strike terror to the tramp's +heart. +<P> +"I'll get even with you, young fellow!" he growled, and +running to the fence he scrambled over and out of sight. I did not wait to +see in what direction he went. +<P> +When I reached the porch I found Mrs. Canby bidding my +sister good-by. A moment more and she was on the seat. I touched up Jerry +and we were off. +<P> +"It took you a long time to hitch up," the widow remarked +as we drove along. +<P> +"It wasn't that," I replied, and told her about the tramp. +<P> +"You must be very careful of those men," she said anxiously. +"Some of them will not stop at anything." +<P> +"I'll be wide awake," I rejoined reassuringly. +<P> +It was not a long drive to the station. When we arrived +there, Mrs. Canby had over five minutes to spare, and this time was spent +in buying a ticket and giving me final instructions. +<P> +At length the train came along and she was off. I waited +a few moments longer and then drove away. +<P> +I had several purchases to make in the village— a +pruning-knife, a bag of feed, and some groceries, and these took some time +to buy, so it was nearly noon when I started home. +<P> +Several times I imagined that a couple of the village +young men noticed me very closely, but I paid no attention and went on my +way, never dreaming of what was in store for me. +<P> +The road to the widow's house ran for half a mile or more +through a heavy belt of timber land. We were jogging along at a fair pace, +and I was looking over a newspaper I had picked up on the station platform. +Suddenly some one sprang out from the bushes and seized Jerry by the bridle. +<P> +Astonished and alarmed, I sprang up to see what was the +matter. As I did so I received a stinging blow on the side of the head, and +the next instant was dragged rudely from the carriage. +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> +<h4>THE MODELS</h4> +<P> +I had been taken completely off my +guard, but by instinct I tried to ward off my assailants. My effort was a +useless one. In a trice I found myself on the ground, surrounded by half +a dozen of the fastest young men to be found in Darbyville. +<P> +Prominent among them was Duncan Woodward, and I rightfully +guessed that it was he who had organized the attack. +<P> +"Take it easy, Strong," exclaimed a fellow named Moran, +"unless you want to be all broke up." +<P> +"What do you mean by treating me in this way?" I cried +indignantly. +<P> +"You'll find out soon enough," said Phillips, another +of the young men. "Come, stop your struggling." +<P> +"I'll do nothing of the kind. You have no right to molest +me." +<P> +"Pooh!" sniffed Duncan. "The Models have a right to do +anything." +<P> +"The Models?" I queried, in perplexity. "Who are they?" +<P> +"The Models are a band of young gentlemen organized for +the purpose of social enjoyment and to teach cads lessons that they are not +likely to forget," replied Moran. +<P> +"I suppose you are the members," I said, surveying the +half-dozen. +<P> +"We have that honor," rejoined a boy named Barton, who +had not yet spoken. +<P> +"And we intend to teach you a lesson," added Pultzer, +a short, stout chap, whose father had once been a butcher. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"For your unwarranted attack upon our illustrious president." +<P> +"Your president? You mean Duncan?" +<P> +"Mr. Woodward, if you please," interrupted Duncan, loftily. +"I won't have such a low-bred fellow as you calling me by my first name." +<P> +"I'm no lower bred than you are," I retorted. +<P> +"Come, none of that!"cried Moran. "We all know you well. +We shall at once proceed to teach you a lesson." +<P> +I could not help smile— the whole affair seemed so ridiculous +that had it not been for the rough handling I had received when pulled from +the carriage, I would have considered it a joke. +<P> +"You'll find it no laughing matter," said Duncan, savagely, +angry, no doubt, because I did not show more signs of fear. "Just wait till +we are through with you. You'll grin on the other side of your face." +<P> +"What do you intend to do with me?" +<P> +"You'll see soon enough." +<P> +I began to think the affair might be more serious than +I had imagined. Six to one was heavy odds, and who could tell what these +wild fellows would not do? +<P> +"I want you to let me go at once," I said decidedly. "If +you don't, it will be the worse for you." +<P> +"Not a bit of it. We intend that you shall remember this +occasion as long as you live," returned Moran. "Come, march along with us." +<P> +"Where to?" +<P> +"Never mind. March!" +<P> +For reply I turned, and made a hasty jump for the carriage, +intending to utilize Jerry in a bold dash for liberty. I had just placed +my foot upon the step and called to the horse when Moran caught me by the +jacket and dragged me to the ground. +<P> +"No you don't!" he ejaculated roughly. +<P> +"There, Dunc, catch hold of him; and you too, Ellery. +We mustn't let him escape after we've watched two hours to catch him!" +<P> +In an instant, I was surrounded. Now that Duncan had his +friends to back him he was brave enough and held my arm in a grip of iron. +<P> +"Any one bring a rope?" went on Moran. +<P> +"Here's one," replied Ellery Blake. +<P> +"Hand it over. We had better bind his hands." +<P> +Knowing that it would be folly to resist, I allowed them +to do as Moran had advised. My wrists were knotted together behind my back, +and then the cord was drawn tightly about my waist. +<P> +"Now march!" +<P> +"How about the horse and carriage?" +<P> +"They'll be O. K." +<P> +There seemed to be no help for it, so I walked along with +them. Had there been the slightest chance offered to escape I would have +taken it, but warned by experience, all six kept close watch over me. +<P> +Away we went through the woods that lined the east side +of the road. It was bad walking, and with both my hands behind me I was several +times in danger of stumbling. Indeed, once I did go down, but the firm grasp +of my captors saved me from injury. +<P> +Presently we came to a long clearing, where it had once +been the intention of some capitalists to build a railroad. But the matter +had drifted into litigation, and nothing was done but to build a tool house +and cut away the trees and brush. +<P> +The building had often been the resort of tramps, and +was in a dilapidated condition. It was probably fifteen feet square, having +a door at one end and a window at the other. The roof was flat and full of +holes, but otherwise the building was fairly strong. +<P> +"Here we are, fellows," said Duncan, as we stopped in +front of the door. "Just let go of him." +<P> +The others did as he requested. But they formed a small +circle around me that I might not escape. +<P> +"Now that I have got you in a place free from interruption +I intend to square up accounts with you," continued the president of the +Models. "You hit me a foul blow this morning." +<P> +"You brought it on yourself, Duncan," I replied, as coolly +as I could, though I was keenly interested. +<P> +"Stop! How many times must I tell you not to call me by +my first name." +<P> +"Well, then, Woodward, if that suits you better." +<P> +<I>"Mr.</I> Woodward, if you please." +<P> +"Oh, come, Dunc, hurry up," interrupted Moran. "We don't +want to stay here all day." +<P> +"I'm only teaching this fellow a lesson in politeness." +<P> +"All right; only cut it short." +<P> +"See here, Moran, who's the president of this club?" +<P> +"You are." +<P> +"Well, then, I'll take my own time," replied Duncan, loftily. +<P> +"Go ahead then. But you'll have to do without me," rejoined +Moran, considerably provoked by the other's domineering tone. +<P> +"I will?" +<P> +"Yes. I've got other things to do besides standing here +gassing all day." +<P> +"Indeed!" sneered Duncan. +<P> +"Yes, indeed!" +<P> +I enjoyed the scene. It looked very much as if there would +be lively times without my aid. +<P> +"You're getting up on your dignity mighty quick, Dan Moran." +<P> +"I don't intend to play servant-in-waiting for any one, +Duncan Woodward." +<P> +"Who asked you to?" +<P> +" 'Actions speak louder than words.' " +<P> +"I'm the president of the Models, am I not?" +<P> +"Yes, but you're not a model president." +<P> +I could not help smiling at Moran's pun. He was not a +bad chap, and had he not been to a great extent under Duncan's influence +he might have been a first-rate fellow. +<P> +Of course, as is the fashion among men as well as boys, +all the others groaned at the pun; and then Ellery broke in:— +<P> +"Come, come, this will never do. Go ahead with Strong, +Dunc." +<P> +"I intend to," was the president's rejoinder. "But you +all promised to stick by me, and I don't want any one to back out." +<P> +"I'm not backing out," put in Moran. "I only want to hurry +matters up." +<P> +There was a pause after this speech, then Duncan addressed +me:— +<P> +"Perhaps you are anxious to know why I brought you here?" +<P> +"Not particularly," I returned coldly. +<P> +Duncan gave a sniff. +<P> +"I guess that's all put on." +<P> +"Not at all. What I am anxious to know is, what you intend +to do with me." +<P> +"Well, first of all I want you to get down on your knees +and apologize for your conduct toward me this morning." +<P> +"Not much!" I cried. +<P> +"You are in my power." +<P> +"I don't care. Go ahead and do your worst," I replied +recklessly, willing to suffer almost anything rather than apologize to such +a chap as Duncan Woodward. +<P> +Besides, what had I done to call for an apology? I had +certainly treated him no worse than he deserved. He was a spoilt boy and +a bully, and I would die rather than go down on my knees to him. +<P> +"You don't know what's in store for you," said Dunce, +nonplussed by my manner. +<P> +"As I said before, I'll risk it." +<P> +"Very well. Where is the rope, boys?" +<P> +"Here you are," answered Pultzer. "Plenty of it." +<P> +As he spoke he produced a stout clothes line, five or +six yards in length. +<P> +"We'll bind his hands a little tighter first," instructed +Duncan, "and then his legs. Be sure and make the knots strong, so they won't +slip. He must not escape us." +<P> +I tried to protest against these proceedings, but with +my hands already bound it was useless. +<P> +In five minutes the clothes line had been passed around +my body from head to feet, and I was almost as stiff as an Egyptian mummy. +<P> +"Now catch hold, and we'll carry him into the tool house," +said Duncan. "I guess after he has spent twenty-four hours in that place +without food or water he'll be mighty anxious to come to terms." +<P> +I was half dragged and half carried to the tool house +and dropped upon the floor. Then the door was closed upon me, and I was left +to my fate. +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> +<h4>THE TRAMP AGAIN</h4> +<P> +I am sure that all will admit that +the prospect before me was not a particularly bright one. I was bound hand +and foot and left without food or water. +<P> +Yet as I lay upon the hard floor of the tool house I was +not so much concerned about myself as I was about matters at Widow Canby's +house. It would be a hardship to pass the night where I was, to say nothing +of how I might be treated when Duncan Woodward and his followers returned. +But in the meantime, how would Kate fare? +<P> +I knew that my sister would be greatly alarmed at my continued +absence. She fully expected me to be home long before this. As near as I +could judge it was now an hour or so after noon, and she would have dinner +kept warm on the kitchen stove, expecting every minute to see me drive up +the lane. +<P> +Then again I was worried over the fact that the widow +had left the house and her money in my charge. To be sure, the latter was +locked up in her private secretary; but I felt it to be as much in my care +as if it had been placed in my shirt bosom or the bottom of my trunk. +<P> +I concluded that it was my duty, then, to free myself +as quickly as possible from the bonds which the members of the Model Club +had placed upon me. But this idea was more easily conceived than carried +out. +<P> +In vain I tugged at the clothes line that held my arms +and hands fast to my body. Duncan and the others had done their work well, +and the only result of my efforts was to make the cord cut so deep into my +flesh that several times I was ready to cry out from pain. +<P> +In my attempts I tried to rise to my feet, but found it +an impossibility, and only succeeded in bumping my head severely against +the wall. +<P> +There was no use in calling for help, and though I halloed +several times I soon gave it up. I was fully three-quarters of a mile from +any house and half that distance from the road, and who would be likely to +hear me so far off? +<P> +The afternoon dragged slowly along, and finally the sun +went down and the evening shadows crept up. By this time I was quite hungry +and tremendously thirsty. But with nothing at hand to satisfy the one or +allay the other I resolutely put all thoughts of both out of my head. +<P> +In the old tool house there had been left several empty +barrels, behind which was a quantity of shavings that I found far more +comfortable to rest upon than the bare floor. +<P> +As the evening wore on I wondered if I would be able to +sleep. There was no use worrying about matters, as it would do no good, so +I was inclined to treat the affair philosophically and make the best of it. +<P> +An hour passed, and I was just dropping into a light doze +when a noise outside attracted my attention. I listened intently and heard +a man's footsteps. +<P> +I was inclined to call out, and, in fact, was on the point +of so doing, when the door of the tool house opened and in the dim light +I recognized the form of the tramp moulder who earlier in the day had so +impudently asked me for help. +<P> +I was not greatly surprised to see him, for, as mentioned +before, the old tool house was frequently used by men of his stamp. He had +as much right there as I had, and though I was chagrined to see him enter +I was in no position to protest. +<P> +On the contrary, I deemed it advisable to keep quiet. +If he did not see me, so much the better. If he did, who could tell what +indignities he might visit upon me? +<P> +So I crouched down behind the empty barrels, hardly daring +to breathe. The man stumbled into the building, leaving the door wide open. +<P> +By his manner I was certain that he had been drinking +heavily, and his rambling soliloquy proved it. +<P> +"The same old shebang," he mumbled to himself, as he swayed +around in the middle of the floor, "the same old shebang where Aaron Woodward +and I parted company four years ago. He's took care of his money, and I've +gone to the dogs," and he gave a yawn and sat down on top of a barrel. +<P> +I was thoroughly surprised at his words. Was it possible +that this seedy-looking individual had once been intimate with Duncan Woodward's +father? It hardly seemed reasonable. I made a rapid calculation and concluded +that the meeting must have had something to do with the proposed railroad +in which I knew Mr. Woodward had held an interest. Perhaps this tramp had +once been a prosperous contractor. +<P> +"Great times them were. Plenty of money and nothing to +do," continued the man. "Wonder if any one in Darbyville would recognize— hold +up, Stumpy, you mustn't repeat that name too often or you'll be mentioning +it in public when it ain't no interest for you to do it. Stumpy, John Stumpy, +is good enough for the likes of you." +<P> +And with great deliberation Mr. John Stumpy brought forth +a short clay pipe which he proceeded to fill and light with evident satisfaction. +<P> +During the brief period of lighting up I caught a good +glance at his face, and fancied that I saw beneath the surface of dirt and +dissipation a look of shrewdness and intelligence. Evidently he was one of +the unfortunates who allowed drink to make off with their brains. +<P> +Mr. John Stumpy puffed on in silence for several minutes. +I wondered what he intended to do, and was not prepared for the surprises +that were to follow. +<P> +"Times are changed and no mistake," he went on. "Here +I am, down at the bottom, Nick Weaver dead, Woodward a rich man, and Carson +Strong in jail. Humph! but times do change!" +<P> +Carson Strong! My heart gave a bound. This man was speaking +of my father. What did it mean? What did the tramp know of the events of +the past? As I lay behind the barrels, I earnestly hoped he would go on with +his talk. I had heard just enough to arouse my curiosity. +<P> +I was certain that I had never, until that day, seen the +man. What, then, could he have in common with my father? +<P> +Instinctively I connected the man with the cause of my +father's imprisonment— I will not say downfall, because I firmly believed +him innocent. Why I should do so I cannot to this day explain, but from the +instant he mentioned my parent's name the man was firmly fixed in my memory. +<P> +In a few moments Mr. John Stumpy had puffed his pipe out, +leaving the place filled with a heavy and vile smoke which gave me all I +could do to keep from coughing. Then he slowly knocked the ashes from the +bowl and restored the pipe to his pocket. +<P> +"Now I reckon I'm in pretty good trim to go ahead," he +muttered as he arose. "No use of talking; there ain't anything like a good +puff to steady a man's nerves. Was a time when I didn't need it, but them +times are gone, and the least little job on hand upsets me. Wonder how much +that old woman left behind." +<P> +I nearly uttered an ejaculation of astonishment. Was this +man speaking of Mrs. Canby? What was the job that he contemplated? +<P> +Clearly there could be but one answer to that question. +He knew the widow had gone away, and in her absence he contemplated robbing +her house. Perhaps he had overheard her make mention of the money locked +up in her desk, and the temptation to obtain possession of it was too strong +to resist. +<P> +"I'll have to get rid of that boy and the dog, I suppose," +he went on. "If it wasn't for the noise I'd shoot the dog; but it won't do +to arouse the neighborhood. As for the lad, I reckon the sight of a pistol +will scare him to death." +<P> +I was not so sure of that, and I grated my teeth at the +thought of my present helplessness. Had I been free, I am sure I could have +escaped easily, and perhaps have had the tramp arrested. +<P> +It was an alarming prospect. Kate was the only occupant +of the house, and the nearest neighbor lived a full five hundred feet away. +If attacked in the middle of the night, what would my sister do? +<P> +For a moment I felt like exposing myself, but then I reflected +that such a course would not liberate me, and he would know that he had nothing +to fear from me at the house, whereas, if I kept quiet, he might, by some +lucky incident, be kept at bay. +<P> +So I lay still, wondering when he would start on his criminal +quest. +<P> +"Now, one more drink and then I'll be off," he continued, +and, producing a bottle, he took a deep draught. "Ha! That's the stuff to +brace a man's nerves! But you mustn't drink too much, John Stumpy, or you'll +be no good at all. If you'd only let liquor alone you might be as rich as +Aaron Woodward, remember that." He gave something like a sigh. "Oh, well; +let it pass. I'll get the tools and be on the way. The money in my pocket, +I'll take the first train in the morning for the West." He paused a moment. +"But no; I won't go until I've seen Woodward. He owes me a little on the +old score, and I'll not go until he has settled up." +<P> +There was an interval of silence, during which Stumpy +must have been feeling around in his pockets for a match; for a moment later +there were several slight scratches, and then a tiny flame lit up the interior +of the tool house. +<P> +"Let's see, where did I leave them tools? Ah, yes; I remember +now. Behind those barrels." +<P> +And Stumpy moved over to where I was in hiding. +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> +<h4>FOLLOWING JOHN STUMPY</h4> +<P> +I expected to be discovered. I could +not see how it could possibly be avoided. John Stumpy was but a few feet +away. In a second more he would be in full sight of me. +<P> +What the outcome of the discovery would be I could not +imagine. I was at the man's mercy, and I was inclined to think that, our +interview of the morning would not tend to soften his feelings toward me. +<P> +But at that instant a small, yet extremely lucky incident +occurred. A draught of wind came in at the partly open door and blew out +the match, leaving the place in darkness. +<P> +"Confound the luck!" ejaculated John Stumpy, in high +irritation. "There goes the light, and it's the last match I've got, too." +<P> +This bit of information was gratifying to me, and, without +making any noise, I rolled back into the corner as far as possible. +<P> +"Well, I'll have to find them tools in the dark, that's +all." He groped around for several seconds, during which I held my breath. +"Ah, here they are, just as I left 'em last night. Reckon no one visits this +shanty, and maybe it will be a good place to bring the booty, especially +if I happen to be closely pushed." +<P> +I sincerely hoped that he would be closely pushed, and +in fact so closely pushed that he would have no booty to bring. But if he +did succeed in his nefarious plans, I was glad that I would know where to +look for him. +<P> +No sooner had the man found the bag of tools,— which was +nothing more nor less than a burglar's kit,— than he quitted the place, and +I was left to my own reflections. +<P> +My thoughts alarmed me. Beyond a doubt John Stumpy intended +to rob the Widow Canby's house. The only one at home was Kate, and I groaned +as I thought of the alarm and terror that she might be called upon to suffer. +As it was, I was sure she was worried about my continued absence. In my anguish +I strove with all my might to burst asunder the bonds that held me. At the +end of five minutes' struggle I remained as securely tied as ever. +<P> +What was to be done? It was a puzzling, but pertinent +question. By hook or by crook I must get free. At great risk of hurting my +head I rolled to the door of the tool house, which Stumpy had left wide open. +Outside, the stars were shining brightly, and in the southwest the pale crescent +of the new moon was falling behind the tree-tops, casting ghostly shadows +that would have made a timid person shiver. But as the reader may by this +time know, I was not of a timid nature, and I gave the shadows scant attention +until a sudden movement among the trees attracted my notice. It was the figure +of some person coming rapidly toward me. +<P> +At first I judged it must be Stumpy returning, and I was +on the point of rolling back to my hiding-place when I saw that the newcomer +was a boy. +<P> +When he reached the edge of the clearing he paused, and +approached slowly. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he called out. I instantly recognized +the voice of Dick Blair, one of the youngest members of the Models, who, +during my capture, had had little to say or do. He was the son of a wealthy +farmer who lived but a short distance down the road from the Widow Canby's +place. +<P> +I had always considered Dick a pretty good chap, and had +been disagreeably surprised to see him in company with Duncan Woodward's +crowd. How Duncan had ever taken up with him I could not imagine, except +it might have been on account of the money Dick's father allowed him to have. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he repeated. "Are you still here?" +<P> +I could, not imagine what had brought him to this place +at such an hour of the night. Yet I answered at once. +<P> +"Yes, I am, Dick Blair." +<P> +"I thought maybe you had managed to get away," he continued, +as he came closer. +<P> +"No; you fellows did your work pretty well," I replied +as lightly as I could, for I did not want to show the white feather. +<P> +"Precious little I had to do with it," he went on, as +he struck a match and lit a lantern that he carried. +<P> +"You were with the crowd." +<P> +"I know it; but I wouldn't have been if I'd known what +they were up to. I hope you will not think too badly of me, Roger." +<P> +"I thought it was strange you would go into anything of +this kind, Dick. What brings you back to-night?" +<P> +"I am ashamed of the whole thing," he answered earnestly, +"and I came to release you— that is, on certain conditions." +<P> +My heart gave a bound. "What conditions, Dick?" +<P> +"I want you to promise that you won't tell who set you +free," he explained. "If Dunc or the rest heard of it, they would never forgive +me." +<P> +"What of it, Dick? Their opinion isn't worth anything." +<P> +"I know it— now. But they could tell mighty mean stories +about me if they wanted to." And Dick Blair turned away and shuffled his +foot on the ground to hide his shame. +<P> +"Don't mind them, Dick. If they start any bad report about +you, do as I'm doing with the stain on our name— live it down." +<P> +"I'll try it. But you'll promise, won't you?" +<P> +"If you wish it, yes." +<P> +"All right; I know I can trust you," said Dick. Producing +his pocket knife, he quickly cut the cords that bound me. Somewhat stiff +from the position in which I had been forced to remain, I rose slowly to +my feet. +<P> +"I don't know whether to thank you or not for what you've +done for me, Dick," I began. "But I appreciate your actions." +<P> +"I don't deserve any thanks. It was a mean trick, and +I guess legally I was as guilty as any one. Just keep quiet about it and +don't think too hard of me." +<P> +"I'll do both," I responded quickly. +<P> +"It's a mighty lonely place to spend the night in," he +went on. "I'm no coward, but I wouldn't care to do it, all alone." +<P> +"I haven't been alone." +<P> +"No." And Dick looked intensely surprised. "Who has been +here?" +<P> +I hesitated. Should I tell him? +<P> +"A tramp," I began. +<P> +"Why didn't he untie you?" +<P> +"He didn't see me." +<P> +"Oh, I suppose you hid away. What did he want, I wonder?" +<P> +"He was after some tools." +<P> +"Tools! There are none here, any more." +<P> +"But there were." +<P> +"What kind of tools?" +<P> +I hesitated again. Should I tell Dick the secret? Perhaps +he might give me some timely assistance. +<P> +"Will you promise to keep silent if I tell?" +<P> +"Why, what do you mean, Roger?" +<P> +"It is very important." +<P> +"All right. Fire away." +<P> +"He came after some burglar's tools." +<P> +Dick stepped back in astonishment. "You surely don't mean +it!" he gasped "Who was he going to rob?" +<P> +"The widow's house. He knows she is away and has left +considerable money in her desk." +<P> +And in a rapid manner I told Dick of what I had overheard, +omitting the mentioning of my father's and Mr. Woodward's names. Of course +he was tremendously excited. What healthy country boy would not be? +<P> +"What are you going to do about it?" he questioned. +<P> +"Now I'm free I'm going to catch the fellow," I returned +decidedly. "He shall not rob Mrs. Canby's house if I can help it." +<P> +"Aren't you afraid?" +<P> +"I intend to be cautious." +<P> +"He may have a pistol." +<P> +"The widow left one in the house. Maybe I can secure it. +Then we'll be on an equal footing." +<P> +"I've got a pistol, Roger." +<P> +"You!" +<P> +"Yes, the Models all carry them. Dunc always insisted +that it was the proper thing." +<P> +As Dick spoke, he produced a highly polished nickel-plated +five-shooter. +<P> +"It looks like a good one," I said, after examining it. +"Is it loaded?" +<P> +"Oh, yes; and I've got a box of cartridges in my pocket +besides." +<P> +"Lend it to me, Dick." +<P> +"If you don't mind I'll— I'll go along with you, Roger," +he returned. "You won't find me such a terrible coward." +<P> +"All right. But we must hurry. That fellow has got a good +start, and he may even now be in the house." +<P> +"Hardly. He'll want to take a look around first." +<P> +Nevertheless, we lost no time in getting away from the +tool house. We walked side by side, I with the pistol in the pocket of my +jacket, and Dick with the lantern held aloft, that we might see to make rapid +progress over the unaccustomed road. +<P> +It was a good walk to the widow's, and once Dick stumbled +down in a heap, while the lantern rolled several yards away. But he picked +himself up without grumbling and went along faster than ever. +<P> +"If I'm not mistaken, I saw that tramp down at the depot +this morning," said he, as we drew near to the main road. "He was hanging +around, and I thought he looked like a suspicious character." +<P> +"Did you see him yesterday?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Did you ever hear of him before?" +<P> +"I guess not. He was near the baggage room when I saw +him. Then Mr. Woodward came up to see about a trunk, and the tramp made right +off." +<P> +I was interested. John Stumpy had intimately that he intended +to have an interview with Duncan Woodward's father, and if this was so, why +had he not taken advantage of the opportunity thus offered? +<P> +I could arrive at but one conclusion. The tramp wished +their meeting to be a strictly private one. He did not care to be seen in +Mr. Woodward's presence, or else the wealthy merchant would not tolerate +such a thing. +<P> +If the meeting was to be of a private nature, it would +no doubt be of importance. Had my father's name not been mentioned I would +not have cared; but as it was, I was deeply interested. +<P> +Perhaps it would be better to merely scare the fellow +off. If he was captured, all chance of finding out his secrets might be lost. +<P> +By this time the reader may be aware that I thought John +Stumpy's secrets important. Such was a fact. Try as hard as I was able, I +could not but imagine that they concerned my father and his alleged downfall. +<P> +In five minutes Dick and I came within sight of Widow +Canby's house. There was a light burning in the kitchen and another in the +dining-room. +<P> +"Everything seems to be all right," said Dick, as we stood +near a corner of the front fence. "I guess the fellow hasn't put in an appearance +yet." +<P> +"I don't know. See I the side porch door is open. We generally +keep it closed, and Kate would certainly have it shut if she was alone." +<P> +"What do you intend to do? Go into the house?" +<P> +"Guess we had better. I'd like to know where that fellow +is," I replied. "Likely as not he is prowling about here somewhere. If we +can only catch sight of him, we can— Hark!" +<P> +As I uttered the last word, a shrill cry reached our ears. +It was Kate's voice; and with my heart jumping wildly I made a dash for the +house, with Dick Blair following me. +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> +<h4>A STRANGE ENVELOPE</h4> +<P> +I was sure that my sister's cry could +mean but one thing— that the tramp had made a raid on the house. I was thoroughly +alarmed, and ran with all possible speed in the direction of the dining-room, +from whence the sound proceeded. +<P> +As I tore across the lawn, regardless of the bed of flowers +which was Mrs. Canby's pride, Kate's cry was repeated, this time in a more +intense tone. An instant later I dashed across the porch and into the room +through the door that, as I have said, stood wide open. +<P> +I found my sister standing in the middle of the floor, +holding in her hand a heavy umbrella with which she had evidently been defending +herself. She was pale, and trembled from head to foot. +<P> +"What is it, Kate?" I exclaimed. "Where is the fellow?" +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" she gasped. "I'm so glad you've come. A tramp +was here— he robbed— robbed the desk— the window—" +<P> +She pointed to the open window on the opposite side of +the room. Then her breast heaved, the umbrella slipped from her grasp, and +she sank into a chair. +<P> +"Are you hurt?" I cried anxiously. +<P> +"No, no— but the money— it is gone! What will Mrs. Canby +say?" +<P> +And overcome with the dreadful thought, my sister fainted +dead away. +<P> +As for myself I felt sick at heart. John Stumpy had been +there— the widow's money had been stolen. What could be done? +<P> +Meanwhile, Dick Blair had come in. His common sense told +him what had happened, and he set to work to restore my sister to consciousness. +<P> +"Will you stay here with Kate?" I asked. +<P> +"Certainly," he returned promptly. "But where are you +going? After that tramp?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Be careful, for he may be a desperate character." +<P> +"I'm not afraid of him. I'm going to get that money back +or know the reason why," was my determined reply; and I meant every word +I said. +<P> +To my mind it was absolutely necessary that I recover +the stolen property. It would have been bad enough to have had it taken when +the Widow Canby was at home, but it had been stolen when left in my charge, +and that was enough to make me turn Darbyville district up side down before +letting the matter drop. +<P> +Besides, there was still another important factor in the +case. I knew well enough that if the money was not recovered, there would +be plenty of people mean enough to intimate that I had had something to do +with its disappearance. The Strong honor was considered low by many, and +they would not hesitate to declare that I was only following in my father's +footsteps. +<P> +To a person already suffering under an unjust accusation +such an intimation is doubly stinging, and when I told Dick that I was not +afraid of Mr. John Stumpy, I meant that I would rather face the robber now +than the Darbyville people later on. +<P> +"I want to take the pistol," I added. +<P> +"All right. There is the box of extra cartridges. Do you +want the lantern?" +<P> +"Yes; I may want to use it before I return. I'll blow +it out now." +<P> +Our conversation had lasted but a few seconds, and an +instant after I was on my way, the lantern on my left arm and the pistol +in my right hand. +<P> +"Take good care of Kate," I called back as I passed out. +<P> +"I will," replied Dick. "Don't stay away too long, if +you don't find the fellow." +<P> +I passed around to the other side of the garden, where +an open gateway led to the pear orchard. I felt pretty certain that John +Stumpy had pursued this course, and I entered the orchard on a run. +<P> +The thief, I reckoned, was not over five minutes ahead +of me. To be sure, he could easily hide, but it was not likely that he would +care to remain in the neighborhood, unless it was really necessary for him +to see Mr. Aaron Woodward. +<P> +When I got well into the orchard, where it was darker +than in the garden, I listened intently, hoping that I might hear some sound +that would guide me. +<P> +But all was silent. Occasionally a night bird fluttered +through the trees and a frog gave a dismal croak, but otherwise not a sound +broke the stillness. +<P> +I continued on my way toward the road, and reaching the +fence, paused again. +<P> +Had the thief jumped over? If so, which way had he gone, +up, down, or into the woods beyond? It was a perplexing question. Perhaps +if I had been in a story book I might have found some clew to direct me. +But I was not that kind of a hero. I was only an everyday boy, and consequently +no clew presented itself. +<P> +I stood by the fence for several minutes, my eyes and +ears on the alert to catch anything worthy of notice. I judged it was near +midnight, and hardly had I thought of the matter before the distant town +bells tolled the hour of twelve. +<P> +As the echo of the last stroke died away, two figures +came slowly up the road. As they drew nearer, I recognized Moran and Pultzer, +the two Models members who had assisted at my capture. +<P> +I was astonished at their appearance. What on earth could +they be doing out at this time of night? +<P> +As they drew near I thought for many reasons that it would +not be advisable to show myself, and I stepped behind a tree. +<P> +"I don't care what you say," said Pultzer, "Dunc was half +scared to death when we came away." +<P> +"I guess he didn't think what a serious matter it was +when he asked us to go into it," returned Moran. "It's the worst affair I +ever got into." +<P> +"Ditto myself," responded Pultzer. +<P> +"And if we get out without being caught, you'll never +find me in another such," continued the other earnestly. +<P> +"I wonder what Dunc's father will say when he hears of +it?" +<P> +"And all the rest of the Darbyville people? Of course +they've got to lay it to some one." +<P> +I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had +done to me. I never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more +serious. +<P> +"I'm glad Dick Blair wasn't along to-night," went on Moran. +"Dick is not to be trusted any more. He kicked awfully at the idea of tying +up Strong this noon." +<P> +I was gratified to hear this bit of news. I liked Dick +in many respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend. +<P> +"Strong didn't give in quite as much as Dunc thought he +would. Hang it, if I didn't admire his grit." +<P> +"So did I. Wonder how he's getting along in the old tool +house. We must release him first thing in the morning." +<P> +"No need of doing that, gentlemen," I put in, stepping +out from behind the tree. "I am—" +<P> +But it would have been useless for me to say more, as +no one would have heard me. +<P> +At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had +started in alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast +as their feet could carry them. +<P> +At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the +ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled. "A guilty conscience +needeth no accuser," it is said, and this truth was verified to the letter. +<P> +Yet I was sorry that I had not had a chance to speak to +them. I wanted to question them in regard to the thief. Perhaps they had +seen him, and if so, I did not want to miss my chance of getting upon his +track. +<P> +Jumping over the fence, I walked slowly down the road, +but not in hopes of meeting John Stumpy. If he was anywhere near, the approach +of the two boys had certainly driven him into hiding. +<P> +Suddenly I thought of the tool house. The tramp had spoken +of returning to the place. He evidently knew the road. I determined to go +to the spot and make a search at once. +<P> +It was no easy matter to find my way back to the tool +house, and at the risk of being seen I lit the lantern. +<P> +As I walked along I wondered how my sister and Dick were +faring. No doubt Kate had been much surprised to see who was with her on +her recovery, and I sincerely hoped that the shock Stumpy had given her would +not have any evil effects. She was a sensitive girl, and such happenings +were calculated to try her nerves severely. +<P> +At length I came within sight of the clearing. Here I +hesitated for an instant, and then, pistol in hand, approached the tool house +boldly. +<P> +The door was still open, and I entered, only to find the +place empty. +<P> +With a sigh I realized that my journey thither was a useless +one. Nothing remained but to go back to the road, and I was about to leave +again when the rays of the lantern fell upon a white object lying on the +floor. +<P> +I picked it up. It was a common square envelope. Thinking +it contained a letter I turned it over to read the address. Judge of my +astonishment when I read the following:— +<P> +Dying Statement of Nicholas Weaver Concerning the Forgeries +for which Carson Strong Was Sent to State's Prison. +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> +<h4>A WAR OF WORDS</h4> +<P> +No words of mine can express the +feeling that came over me as I read the superscription written on the envelope +I had picked up in the old tool house. +<P> +Was it possible that this envelope contained the solution +of the mystery that had taken away our good name and sent my father to prison? +The very thought made me tremble. +<P> +The packet was not a thick one. In fact, it was so thin +that for an instant I imagined the envelope was empty. But a hasty examination +proved my fears groundless. +<P> +In nervous excitement I put the lantern down on the top +of a barrel, and then drew from the envelope the single shoot of foolscap +that it contained. A glance showed me that the pages were closely written +in a cramped hand extremely difficult to read. +<P> +For the moment I forgot everything else— forgot that the +Widow Canby's house had been robbed and that I was on the track of the +robber— and drawing close to the feeble light the lantern afforded, strove +with straining eyes and palpitating heart to decipher the contents of the +written pages. +<BLOCKQUOTE> +"I, Nicholas Weaver, being on the point of death from pneumonia, do make + this my last statement, which I hereby swear is true in every particular." +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<P> +This was the beginning of the document which I hoped would +in some way free my father's character from the stain that now rested on +it. +<P> +Exactly who Nicholas Weaver was I did not know, though +it ran in my mind that I had heard this name mentioned by my father during +the trial. +<P> +Beyond the opening paragraph I have quoted the handwriting +was almost illegible, and in the dim light it was only here and there that +I could pick out such words as "bank," "assumed," "risk," "name," and so +forth, which gave but an inkling of the real contents of the precious document. +<P> +"It's too bad," was my thought. "I'd give all I possess +to be able to read this right off, word for word." +<P> +Hardly had the reflection crossed my mind when a noise +outside startled me. I had just time enough to thrust the paper into my pocket +when the door was swung open and the tramp appeared. +<P> +He was evidently as much surprised as I was, for he stopped +short in amazement, while the short pipe he carried between his lips fell +unnoticed to the floor. +<P> +I rightly conjectured he had not noticed the light of +the lantern and fully believed the tool house tenantless. +<P> +"You here!" he cried. +<P> +"It looks like it, doesn't it?" was all I could find to +reply, and as I spoke my hand sought the pistol I carried. +<P> +"What brought you here?" he demanded roughly. +<P> +"I came after you," I returned as coolly as I could; and +by this time I had the pistol where it could be brought into instant use. +<P> +"What do you want of me?" +<P> +"I want you to hand over the money you stole awhile ago." +<P> +"What are you talking about? I never stole any money." +<P> +"You did. You broke into the Widow Canby's house less +than an hour ago. Come, hand over that money." +<P> +The fellow gave a coarse laugh. "Ha! ha! do you think +I'm to be bluffed by a boy? Get home with you, before I hammer you for calling +me a thief." +<P> +"That's just what you are, and I don't intend to go until +you hand over the money, John Stumpy," I returned decidedly. +<P> +"Ha! you know my name?" +<P> +I bit my lip. I was sorry for the slip I had made. But +I put on a bold front. "I know what you are called," I replied. +<P> +"What I am called?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"What do you mean? Come, out with it." +<P> +"I will when I please. In the meantime hand over that +money." +<P> +"You talk like a fool!" he cried. +<P> +"Never mind. You'll find I won't act like one." +<P> +"What do you know about me?" he went on curiously, believing, +no doubt, that he was perfectly safe from attack. +<P> +"I know more than you think. I know you are a burglar, +and may be worse." +<P> +"I'll kill you!" he cried, rushing forward. +<P> +"Stand where you are!" I returned, pulling out the pistol. +"Don't stir a step." +<P> +He did not see the weapon until he was fairly upon me. +The glint of the nickeled steel made him shiver. +<P> +"Don't shoot!" he cried in sudden terror, that showed +he was a coward at heart. "Don't— don't shoot." +<P> +"I won't if you do as I tell you." +<P> +"Do what?" +<P> +"Give up the widow's money." +<P> +"See here, young fellow, you've made a mistake. I never +was near the widow's house, 'cepting this morning." +<P> +"I know better. You just broke open her desk and stole +over two hundred dollars." +<P> +"It's a mistake. Put down the pistol and I'll tell you +all about it." +<P> +"I'm not such a fool, Mr. John Stumpy, or whatever your +name is," was my decided reply. +<P> +The tone of my voice disconcerted the man, for he paused +as if not knowing what to say next. +<P> +"Say, young feller, do you want to make some money?" he +asked suddenly, after a short pause. +<P> +The change in his manner surprised me. +<P> +"How?" I asked, although I knew about what was coming. +<P> +"I've got nearly three hundred dollars in cash with me. +I'll give you fifty of it if you'll go home and say you couldn't find me." +<P> +"Thank you; I'm not doing business that way," I rejoined +coldly. +<P> +"Fifty dollars ain't to be sneezed at," he went on +insinuatingly. +<P> +"I wouldn't care if you offered me fifty thousand," I +cried sharply. "I'm no thief." +<P> +"Humph; don't you suppose I know who you are?" he went +on. "You're the son of a thief. Do you hear that?— the son of a thief! What +right have you got to set yourself up to be any better than your father was +afore you?" +<P> +"Take care!" I cried, my blood fairly boiling as I spoke. +He saw his mistake. +<P> +"I didn't mean no harm, partner. But what's the use of +being high toned when it don't pay?" +<P> +"It always pays to be honest," I said firmly. +<P> +"There are those who don't think so any more than I," +he replied. +<P> +"My father never was a thief. They may say all they please, +I will always think him innocent." +<P> +"Humph!" +<P> +"If it hadn't been for men like you and Nicholas Weaver, +my father would never be in prison." +<P> +The words were out before I knew it. They were most +injudicious ones. +<P> +"What do you mean?" gasped the man. "What do you know +about Nick Weaver?" +<P> +"More than you imagine. When he died he made a confession—" +<P> +"It's false. Nick Weaver wasn't in his right mind when +he died, anyhow." +<P> +"Perhaps he was." +<P> +"What you—" began the man. Then he paused and began a +rapid search in his pockets. "You've got that paper," he cried hoarsely. +"Give it up," and as he spoke, John Stumpy took a threatening step toward +me. +<P> +"Stand back!" and I raised the pistol. +<P> +I was trembling in every limb, but I actually believe +I would have fired it if he had rushed upon me. +<P> +"I won't. Give up that paper." +<P> +"Never. I'll die first." +<P> +And die I would. His earnestness convinced me of the letter's +worth. If it contained that which could clear my father's name, only death +would be the means of parting me from it. +<P> +"Give it up, I say! Do you think I'm to be defeated by +a boy?" +<P> +"Stand back!" +<P> +I raised the pistol on a level with his head. As I did +so, he made a dash forward and caught up a stick which was lying near. +<P> +"I'll fix you!" he roared, and swinging the billet over +his head, he brought it down with all his force on my arm, causing the pistol +to fly from my hand into a corner beyond. +<P> +"Now we'll see who's master here," he cried exultingly. +"You're a smart boy, but you don't know everything!" Rushing over to the +corner, he secured the pistol and aimed it at me. "Now, we'll settle this +matter according to my notions," he went on triumphantly. +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> +<h4>THE STRUGGLE</h4> +<P> +I was deeply chagrined at the unexpected +turn affairs had taken, and I felt decidedly uncomfortable as John Stumpy +levelled the weapon at my head. I could readily see that the battle of words +was at an end. Action was now the order of the day. I wondered what the fellow +would do next; but I was not kept long in suspense. +<P> +"Now, it's my turn, young fellow," he remarked, with a +shrewd grin, as I fell back. +<P> +"Well, what do you want?" I asked, as coolly as I could +recognizing the fact that nothing was to be gained by "stirring him up." +<P> +"You'll see fast enough. In the first place, hand over +that paper." +<P> +I was silent. I did not intend to tell a falsehood by +saying I did not have it, nor did I intend to give it up if it could possibly +be avoided. +<P> +"Did you hear what I said?" continued Stumpy, after a +pause. +<P> +"I thought you said the paper wasn't valuable," I returned, +more to gain time than anything else. +<P> +"Neither it ain't, but, just the same, I want it. Come, +hand it over." +<P> +He was getting ugly now, and no mistake. What was to be +done? +<P> +As I have mentioned before, it would have been useless +to call for help, as no one would have heard the calls. +<P> +Suddenly the thought struck me to try a bit of deception. +I put my hand in my pocket and drew out the empty envelope. +<P> +"Is that what you want?" I asked, holding it up. +<P> +"Reckon it is," he returned eagerly. "Just toss it over." +<P> +Somewhat disappointed that he did not approach me and +thus give me a chance of attacking him, I did as requested. It fell at his +feet, and he was not long in transferring it to his pocket. +<P> +"Next time don't try to walk over a man like me," he said +sharply. "I know a thing or two, and I'm not to be downed by a boy." +<P> +"Are you satisfied?" I asked calmly, though secretly exultant +that he had not discovered my trick. +<P> +"Not yet. You followed me when you had no business to, +and now you've got to take the consequences." +<P> +"What are you going to do?" +<P> +"You'll see soon enough. I ain't the one to make many +mistakes. Years ago I made a few, but I ain't making no more." +<P> +"You knew my father quite well, didn't you?" I inquired +in deep curiosity. +<P> +"As the old saying goes, 'Ask me no questions and I'll +tell you no lies.' Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." +<P> +"I know you did." +<P> +"Well, what of it? So did lots of other people." +<P> +"But not quite as well as you and Nicholas Weaver and +Mr. Aaron Woodward," I continued, determined to learn all I could. +<P> +"Ha! What do you know of them?" He scowled at me. "Reckon +you've been reading that paper of Nick's putty closely. I was a fool for +not tearing it up long ago." +<P> +"Why did you keep it— to deliver it to Mr. Wentworth?" +<P> +It was a bold stroke and it told. Stumpy grew pale in +spite of the dirt that covered his face, and the hand that held the pistol +trembled. +<P> +"Say, young fellow, you know too much, you do. I suppose +you read that paper clear through, did you?" +<P> +"As you say: Maybe I didn't; maybe I did." +<P> +"Perhaps you wasn't careful of it. Maybe I'd better examine +it," he added. +<P> +My heart sank within me. In another moment the deception +I had practised would be known— and then? +<P> +He fumbled in his pocket and drew forth the envelope. +He could not extract the letter he supposed it contained with one hand very +well, and so lowered the pistol for a moment. +<P> +This was my chance. Unarmed I was evidently in his power. +If I could only escape from the tool house! +<P> +The door still stood partly open, and the darkness of +night— for the moon had gone down— was beyond. A dash and I would be outside. +Still the tramp stood between me and liberty. Should I attack him or endeavor +to slip to one side? +<P> +I had but an instant to think; another, and it would be +too late. John Stumpy was fumbling in the envelope. His eyes were searching +for the precious document. +<P> +With a single bound I sprang against him, knocking him +completely off his feet. Then I made another jump for the door. +<P> +But he was too quick for me. Dropping the envelope and +the pistol, he caught me by the foot, and in an instant both of us were rolling +on the floor. +<P> +It was an unequal struggle. Strong as I was for a boy +of my age, I was no match for this burly man. Turn and twist all I could, +he held me in his grip while he heaped loud imprecations upon my head. +<P> +In our movements on the floor we came in contact with +the lantern and upset it, smashing the frame as well as the glass. +<P> +For a moment darkness reigned. Then a tiny light from +the corner lit up the place. The flames had caught the shavings. +<P> +"The place is on fire!" I cried in horror. +<P> +"Yes, and you did it," replied the tramp. +<P> +"It was you!" I returned stoutly, and, as a matter of +fact, it may be as well to state that John Stumpy's foot had caused the accident. +<P> +"Not much; it was your fault, and you've got to take the +blame." +<P> +As the rascal spoke, he caught me by the throat, squeezing +it so tightly that I was in great danger of being choked to death. +<P> +"Let— let up!" I gasped. +<P> +The choking continued. My head began to grow dizzy, and +strange lights danced before my eyes. I protested against this proceeding +as vigorously as I could by kicking the man sharply and rapidly. +<P> +But Stumpy now meant to do me real injury. He realized +that I knew too much for his future welfare. In fact, he, no doubt, imagined +I knew far more than I really did. If I was out of the way for all time so +much the better for him. +<P> +"Take that!" he suddenly cried, and springing up he brought +his heel down with great force on my head. +<P> +I cannot describe the sensation that followed. It was +as if a sharp, blinding pain had stung me to the very heart. Then my senses +forsook me. +<P> +How long I lay in a comatose state I do not know. Certainly +it could not have been a very long time— probably not over five or six minutes. +<P> +In the meantime the fire rapidly spread igniting the barrels +that were stored in the tool house, and climbing up the walls of the building +to the roof. +<P> +When I recovered my senses, my face was fairly scorched, +and no sooner had I opened my eyes than they were blinded by smoke and flame. +<P> +By instinct rather than reason I staggered to my feet. +I was so weak I could hardly stand, and my head spun around like a top. Where +was the door? +<P> +I tottered to one side and felt around. There was the +window tightly closed. The door I knew was opposite. +<P> +Reeling, I made my way through the smoke that now seemed +to fill my lungs, to where I knew the door to be. Oh, horror! it was closed +and secured! +<P> +"Heaven help me now!" burst from my parched lips. "Am +I to be roasted alive?" +<P> +With all my remaining strength I threw myself against +the door. Once, and again, and still it did not budge. +<P> +"Help! help!" I called at the top of my voice. +<P> +No answer came to my cry. The fire behind me became hotter +and hotter. The roof had now caught, and the sparks fell down upon me in +a perfect shower. +<P> +Another moment and it would be all over. With a brief +prayer to God for help in my dire need, I attacked the door for the last +time. +<P> +At first it did not budge. Then there was a creaking, +a sharp crack, and at last it flew wide open. +<P> +Oh, how grateful was the breath of fresh air that struck +me! I stumbled out into the clearing and opened wide my throat to take in +the pure draught. +<P> +Then for the first time I realized how nearly I had been +overcome. I could no longer stand, and swooning, sank in a heap to the ground. +<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> +<h4>NEW TROUBLE</h4> +<P> +"He's alive, boys." +<P> +These were the words that greeted my ears on recovering +my senses. I opened my eyes and saw that I was surrounded by a number of +boys and men. +<P> +"How did you come here?" asked Henry Morse, a sturdy farmer +who lived in the neighborhood. +<P> +I was too much confused to make any intelligent reply. +Rising to a sitting position, I gazed around. +<P> +The tool house had burned to the ground, there being no +means at hand to extinguish the fire. The glare of the conflagration had +called out several dozens of people from Darbyville and the vicinity, several +of whom had stumbled upon me as I lay in the clearing. +<P> +"What's the matter, Roger?" asked Larry Simpson, a young +man who kept a bookstore in the town. +<P> +"The matter is that I nearly lost my life in that fire," +I replied. +<P> +"How did you come here?" +<P> +As briefly as I could I related my story, leaving out +all references to my personal affairs and the finding of Nicholas Weaver's +statement. At present I considered it would do no good to disclose what I +knew on those points. +<P> +"I think I saw that tramp yesterday," said Larry after +I had finished. "He bought a sheet of paper and an envelope in my store, +and then asked if he could write a letter there." +<P> +"And did he?" I asked in curiosity. +<P> +"Yes. At first I hated to let him do it,— he looked so +disreputable,— but then I thought it might be an application for a position, +and so told him to go ahead." +<P> +"Who did he write to? do you know?" +<P> +"Somebody in Chicago, I think." +<P> +"Do you remember the name?" +<P> +"He tried the pen on a slip of paper first. It wouldn't +work very well. But I think the name was Holtzmann, or something similar." +<P> +I determined to remember the name, thinking it might prove +of value sometime. +<P> +"The thing of it is," broke in Henry Morse, "what has +become of this Stumpy? If he stole the Widow Canby's money, it's high time +somebody was after him." +<P> +"That's true," ejaculated another. "Have you any idea +which way the fellow went?" +<P> +Of course I had not. Indeed, I was hardly in condition +to do any rational thinking, much less form an opinion. The thief might be +in hiding close at hand, or he might be miles away. +<P> +"Some of us had better make a search," put in another. +"Come, boys, we'll spread out and scour the woods." +<P> +"That's a good idea," said Tony Parsons, the constable +of the town. "Meanwhile, Roger Strong, let us go to Judge Penfold's house +and put the case in his hands. He'll get out a warrant, and perhaps a reward." +<P> +I thought this was a good idea, and readily assented, +first, however, getting one of the boys to promise that he would call at +the widow's house and quiet Kate's fears concerning my whereabouts. +<P> +It was now early morning, and we had no difficulty in +making our way through the woods to the main road. +<P> +"Guess we won't find the judge up yet," remarked Tony +Parsons as we hurried along. "I've never yet found him out of bed afore seven +o'clock. It will make him mighty mad to get up afore this time." +<P> +"I'm sorry to disturb him," I replied, with something +of awe at the thought of rousing a magistrate of the law. +<P> +"But it's got to be done," went on Parsons, with a grave +shake of his head, "unless we all want to be murdered and robbed in our beds!" +<P> +"That's true. I'd give all I'm worth to catch that tramp." +<P> +"Reckon Widow Canby'll be dreadfully cut up when she hears +about the robbery." +<P> +"I suppose so." +<P> +"She may blame you, Roger. You see if it was anybody else, +it would be different. But being as it's you, why—" +<P> +"I know what you mean," I returned bitterly. "No one in +Darbyville believes I can be honest." +<P> +"I ain't saying nothing against you, Roger," returned +Parsons, hastily. "I reckon you ain't no worse than any other boy. But you +know what public sentiment is." +<P> +"So I do; but public sentiment isn't always right," was +my spirited answer. +<P> +"Who did you say those boys were that tied you up?" went +on the constable, to change the subject. +<P> +"Duncan Woodward was the principal one." +<P> +"Phew! Reckon he didn't think tying you up would prove +such a serious matter." +<P> +"If it hadn't been for that, the robbery might have been +prevented. I would have been home guarding the widow's property, as she expected +me to do." +<P> +"Reckon so you would." +<P> +"In a certain sense I hold Duncan Woodward and his followers +responsible for what has occurred." +<P> +"Phew! What will Mr. Woodward say to that, I wonder?" +<P> +"I can't help what he says. I'm not going to bear all +the blame when it isn't my fault." +<P> +"No, neither would I." +<P> +At length we reached the outskirts of the town. Judge +Penfold lived at the top of what was termed the Hill, the aristocratic district +of the place, and thither we made our way. +<P> +"Indeed, but the judge ain't stirring yet!" exclaimed +the Irish girl who came to answer our summons at the door. +<P> +"Then wake him at once," said Parsons. "Tell him there +has been a most atrocious robbery and assault committed." +<P> +"Mercy on us!" said the girl, lifting up her hands in +horror. "And who was it, Mr. Parsons?" +<P> +"Never mind who it was. Go at once." +<P> +"I will that! Robbery and assault. Mercy on us!" +<P> +And leaving us standing in the hall, the hired girl sped +up the front stairway. +<P> +"The judge will be down as soon as he can," she reported +on her return. +<P> +We waited as patiently as we could. While doing so I revolved +what had occurred over in my mind, and came to the conclusion that the crime +would be a difficult one to trace. John Stumpy had probably made good use +of his time, knowing that even if I had lost my life in the fire my sister +would still recognize him as the thief. +<P> +Suddenly I thought of the written confession that must +yet remain in my pocket, and I was on the point of assuring myself that it +was still safe when a heavy foot-step sounded overhead, and Judge Penfold +came down. +<P> +The judge was a tall, slender men of fifty, with hollow +cheeks, a pointed nose, and a sharp chin. His voice was of a peculiarly high +and rasping tone, and his manner far from agreeable. +<P> +"What's the trouble?" he demanded, and it was plain to +see that he did not relish having his early morning sleep broken. +<P> +"Widow Canby's house was robbed last night," replied the +constable; and he gave the particulars. +<P> +Judge Penfold was all ears at once. Indeed, it may be +as well to state that he was a widower and had paid Widow Canby much attention, +which, however, I well knew that good lady heartily resented. No doubt he +thought if he could render her any assistance it would help along his suit. +<P> +"We must catch the fellow at once," he said. "Parsons, +you must catch him without fail." +<P> +"Easier said than done, judge," replied the constable, +doubtfully. "Where am I to look for him? The country around here is pretty +large." +<P> +"No matter. You are constable, and it is your duty to +seek him out. I will sign the warrant for his arrest, and you must have him +in jail by to-night, without fail." +<P> +"I'll do what I can, judge," returns Parsons, meekly. +<P> +"Strong, I'll have to bind you over as a witness." +<P> +"Bind me over?" I queried in perplexity. "What do you +mean?" +<P> +"Hold you, unless you can give a bond to appear when wanted." +<P> +"But I had nothing to do with the burglary." +<P> +"You are principal accuser of this John Stumpy." +<P> +"Well, I'll promise to be on hand whenever wanted." +<P> +"That is not sufficient. Your character is— is not— ahem! +of the best, and—" +<P> +"Why is my character not of the best?" I demanded. +<P> +"Well, ahem! Your father, you see—" +<P> +"Is innocent." +<P> +"Perhaps— perhaps, but, nevertheless, I will have to hold +you. Parsons, I will leave him in your charge." +<P> +"You have no right to arrest me," I cried, for I knew +very little of the law. +<P> +"What's that?" demanded Judge Penfold, pompously. "You +forget I am the judge of that." +<P> +"I don't care," I burst out. "I have done no wrong." +<P> +"It ain't that, Roger. Many innocent men are held as +witnesses," put in Parsons. +<P> +"But I've got to attend to Mrs. Canby's business," I +explained. +<P> +"I fancy Mrs. Canby would rather get on the track of her +money," said Judge Penfold severely. "Can you furnish bail?" +<P> +I did not know that I could. The woman who had been robbed +was my only friend, and she was away. +<P> +"Then you'll have to take him to the lockup, Parsons." +<P> +This news was far from agreeable. It would be no pleasant +thing to be confined in the Darbyville jail, not to say anything of the anxiety +it might cause Kate. Besides, I wanted to follow up John Stumpy. I was certain +I could do it fully as well as the constable. +<P> +"Come, Roger, there is no help for it," said Parsons, +as I still lingered. "It's the law, and it won't do any good to kick." +<P> +"Maybe not, but, nevertheless, it isn't fair." +<P> +We walked out into the front hall, the judge following +us. +<P> +"Of course if you can get bail any time during the day +I will let you go," he said; "I will be down in my office from nine to twelve +and two to four." +<P> +"Will you offer a reward for the capture of the man?" +I asked. +<P> +"I cannot do that. The freeholders of the county attend +to all such matters. Parsons, no doubt, will find the scoundrel." +<P> +As the judge finished there was a violent ringing of the +door bell. Judge Penfold opened the door and was confronted by Mr. Aaron +Woodward, who looked pale and excited. +<P> +"Judge, I want you— hello! that boy! Judge, I want that +boy arrested at once! Don't you let him escape!" +<P> +"Want me arrested?" I ejaculated in astonishment. "What +for?" +<P> +"You know well enough. You thought to hide your tracks, +but I have found you out. Parsons, don't let him get out of the door. He's +a worse villain than his father was!" +<h3>CHAPTER X</h3> +<h4>UNDER ARREST</h4> +<P> +I will not hesitate to state that +I was nearly stunned by Mr. Aaron Woodward's unexpected statement. I knew +that when he announced that I was a worse villain than my father he meant +a good deal. +<P> +Yet try as hard as I could it was impossible for me to +discover what he really did mean. I was not conscious of having done him +any injury, either bodily or otherwise. Indeed, of late I had hardly seen +the man. The Widow Canby was not partial to dealings with him, and I never +went near him on my own account. +<P> +It was plain to see that the merchant was thoroughly aroused. +His face was pale with anger, and the look he cast upon me was one of bitter +resentment. For the instant he eyed me as if he intended to spring upon me +and choke the life out of my body, and involuntarily I shrank back. But then +I recollected that the minions of the law who stood beside me would not allow +such a course of procedure, and this made me breathe more freely. +<P> +"Yes, sir; he's a worse villain than his father!" repeated +Mr. Aaron Woodward, turning to Judge Penfold; "a most accomplished villain, +sir." And he shook his fist within an inch of my nose. +<P> +"What have I done to you, Mr. Woodward?" I demanded, as +soon as I could speak. +<P> +"Done, sir? You know very well what you've done, you young +rascal!" puffed the merchant. "Oh, but I'll make you pay dearly for your +villainy." +<P> +"I've committed no villainy," I returned warmly. "If you +refer to the way I treated Duncan this morning, why all I've got to say is +that it was his own fault, and I can prove it." +<P> +"Treated Duncan? Oh, pshaw! This is far more serious affair +than a boy's quarrel. Don't let him escape, Parsons"— the last to the constable, +who had his hand on my shoulder. +<P> +"No fear, sir," was Parson's reply. "He's already under +arrest." +<P> +"Under arrest?" repeated the merchant quickly. "Then you've +already heard—" +<P> +"He is ahem— only under detention as a witness," spoke +up Judge Penfold. "I do not think he had anything to do with the theft of +the widow's money." +<P> +"Widow's money! What do you mean?" +<P> +In a few words Judge Penfold explained the situation. +"Isn't this what you came about?" he asked then. +<P> +"Indeed, no, sir. My affair is far more important— at +least to me. But you can make up your mind that Strong's story is purely +fiction. He is undoubtedly the real culprit, undoubtedly. Takes after his +father." +<P> +"My father was an honest man!" I cried out. "I don't care +what you or any one may say! Some day he will be cleared of the stain on +his name." +<P> +"Oh, undoubtedly," sneered Mr. Woodward. "Mean while, +however, the community at large had better keep a sharp eye on his son. Whom +do you assert stole the Widow Canby's money?" +<P> +"A tramp." +<P> +"Humph! A likely story." +<P> +"It's true. His name was John Stumpy." +<P> +"John Stumpy!" +<P> +As Mr. Aaron Woodwind uttered the name, all the color +forsook his face. +<P> +"Yes, sir. And he claimed to know you," I went on, my +curiosity amused over the merchant's show of feeling. +<P> +"It's a falsehood! I never heard of such a man," cried +Mr. Woodward, but his face belied his words. +<P> +"Well, what is your charge against Strong?" asked Judge +Penfold, impatiently, probably tired of being so utterly ignored in the +discussion. +<P> +The merchant hesitated. +<P> +"I prefer to speak to you about the matter in private," +he said sourly. +<P> +"That isn't fair. He ought to tell me what I am accused +of," I cried, "Every one who is arrested has a right to know that. I have +done no wrong and I am not afraid." +<P> +"All assumed bravery, Judge Penfold; quite assumed, sir." +<P> +"No, sir. Tell me why you want me locked up," I repeated. +<P> +But instead of replying Mr. Woodward drew Judge Penfold +to the rear end of the hall and began to speak in so low a tone that I could +not catch a word. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" I heard the judge say presently. +"Come into the library and give me the particulars." +<P> +The two men passed into the room, closing the door tightly +behind them. They were gone nearly quarter of an hour— a long wait for me. +I wondered what could be the nature of Mr. Woodward's accusation against +me, but failed to solve the mystery. +<P> +At length they came out. Judge Penfold's face was a trifle +sterner than before. Mr. Woodward looked pleased, as if his argument had +proven conclusive. +<P> +"You will take Strong to the jail at once," said the judge +to Parsons "and tell Booth to be careful of his prisoner." +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Don't let him escape," added Aaron Woodward, anxiously. +"Don't let him escape, sir, under any circumstances." +<P> +"No fear," was Parsons's ready answer. "I never had one +of 'em give me the slip yet." +<P> +And with great gravity he drew from his pocket a pair +of ancient handcuffs, one of which he attached to my wrist and the other +to his own. +<P> +"Come, Roger. Better take it easy," he said. "No use of +kicking. March!" +<P> +"But I'd like to know something about this," I protested. +"What right—" +<P> +"It is all quite legal," put in Judge Penfold, pompously. +"I understand the law perfectly." +<P> +"But—" +<P> +"Say no more. Parsons, take him away." +<P> +"I shall see you later," whispered Mr. Woodward in my +ear as the constable hurried me off. +<P> +The next instant we were on the street. Arrests in Darbyville +were rare, and by the time we reached the jail we had a goodly following +of boys and idle men, all anxious to know what was up. +<P> +"He stole the Widow Canby's money," I heard one man whisper, +to which another replied:— +<P> +"Light fingered, eh? Must take after his father. I always +knew the Strongs couldn't be trusted." +<P> +The jail was a small affair, being nothing more than the +loft over a carpenter shop. The jailer was a round-faced man named Booth, +who filled in his spare time by doing odd jobs of carpentering in the shop +downstairs. We found him hard at work glueing some doors together. I knew +him tolerably well, and he evinced considerable surprise at seeing me in +custody. +<P> +"What, Roger; arrested! What for?" +<P> +"That's what I would like to know," I returned. +<P> +In a few words Parsons told him what was to be done, and +Booth led the way upstairs. +<P> +" 'Tain't a very secure place," he returned. "Reckon +I'll have to nail down some of the windows unless you'll give me your word +not to run away." +<P> +"I'll promise nothing," was my reply. "I'm being treated +unfairly, and I shall do as I think best." +<P> +"Then I'll fasten everything as tight as a drum," returned +Booth. +<P> +Going below, he secured a hammer and some nails, with +which he secured the windows and the scuttle on the roof. +<P> +"Reckon it's tight enough now," he said. "Just wait, Parsons, +till I get him a bucket of water." +<P> +This was done, and then the two men left me, closing and +locking the door of the enclosed staircase behind them. +<P> +The loft was empty, saving a nail keg that stood in one +corner of the floor. Pulling this out, I sat down to think matters over. +<P> +Try my best I could not imagine what charge Mr. Aaron +Woodward had brought against me. Yet such had been his earnestness that for +the nonce everything else was driven from my mind. +<P> +The sounds of talking below interrupted my meditations. +I recognized Kate's voice, and the next moment my sister stood beside me. +<P> +"Oh, Roger!" was all she could say, and catching me by +the arm she burst into tears. +<P> +"Don't take it so hard, Kate," I said. "Make sure it will +all come out right in the end." +<P> +"But to be arrested like— like a thief! Oh, Roger, it +is dreadful!" +<P> +"Never mind. I have done no wrong, and I'm not afraid +of the result. Have they heard anything of John Stumpy yet?" +<P> +"Dick Blair says not. Mr. Parsons and the rest are after +him, but he seems to have disappeared for good— and Mrs. Canby's money with +him." +<P> +"Have you heard from her yet?" +<P> +"No; but I've written her a letter and just posted it +to Norfolk." +<P> +"She won't get it till day after to-morrow." +<P> +"What will she say? Oh, Roger, do you think—" +<P> +"No, I don't. The widow always trusted me, and I know +she'll take my word now. She is not so narrow-minded as the very folks who +look down on her." +<P> +"But it is awful! Over two hundred dollars! We can never +make it up. We've only got twenty-eight!" +<P> +"We can't exactly be called upon to make it up—" I began. +<P> +"But we'll want to," put in Kate, hastily. +<P> +"I'd feel better if we did. The widow has always been +so kind to us." +<P> +"How long must you stay here?" +<P> +"I don't know. As long as Judge Penfold sees fit, I suppose." +<P> +"If only they could catch this John Stumpy." +<P> +"I hope so— for other reasons than those you know, Kate." +<P> +"Other reasons?" +<P> +"Yes; very important ones, too. John Stumpy knew father +well. And he was mixed up in that— that miserable affair." +<P> +"Oh, Roger, how do you know?" +<P> +"I heard him say so. Besides, he dropped a letter that +proved it. I have the letter in my pocket now. It's the dying statement of +one Nicholas Weaver—" +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver! He was a clerk with father!" +<P> +"So I thought. Who Stumpy is, though, I don't know. Do +you?" +<P> +"No; but his face I'm sure I've seen before. Let me see +the letter. Have you read it?" +<P> +"No; I hadn't time to spell it out, it is so badly written. +Maybe you can read it." +<P> +"I'll try," replied Kate. "Hand it over." +<P> +I put my hand in my pocket to do so. The statement was +gone! +<h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> +<h4>AARON WOODWARD'S VISIT</h4> +<P> +Puzzled and dismayed, I made a rapid +search of my clothes— first one pocket and then another. It was useless. +Beyond a doubt the statement was nowhere about my person. +<P> +I was quite sure it had not been taken from me. Strange +as it may seem, neither Parsons nor Booth had searched me. Perhaps they deemed +it useless to take away the possessions of a poor country boy. My jack-knife +and other odds and ends were still in their accustomed places. +<P> +"It's gone!" I gasped, when I was certain that such was +a fact. +<P> +"Gone?" repeated Kate. +<P> +"Yes, gone, and I don't know where. They didn't take it +from me. I must have lost it." +<P> +"Oh, Roger, and it was so important!" +<P> +"I know it, Kate. It must have dropped from my pocket +down at the tool house. Perhaps if I go down I can find it." +<P> +"Go down?" she queried. +<P> +"Oh, I forgot I was a prisoner." +<P> +"Never mind, Roger. I'll go down myself." +<P> +"Aren't you afraid?" +<P> +"Not now. I wouldn't have been of this Stumpy only he +came on me so suddenly. I'll go at once." +<P> +"You'd better," said a voice behind her. "Your five minutes +is up, Miss Kate." And Booth appeared at the head of the stairs and motioned +her down. +<P> +"Good-by, Roger. I'm so sorry to leave you here alone." +<P> +"It's not such a dreadful place," I rejoined lightly. +"If you discover anything, let me know at once." +<P> +"Be sure I will." And with this assurance Kate was gone. +<P> +I was as sorry for her as I was for myself. I knew all +she would have to face in public— the mean things people would say to her, +the snubbing she would be called on to bear. +<P> +The loss of the statement rendered me doubly downhearted. +Oh, how much I had counted on it, assuring myself over and over again that +it would surely clear my father's name! +<P> +Hardly had my sister left me than there were more voices +below, and I heard Mr. Woodward tell Booth that he had an order from Judge +Penfold for a private interview with me. +<P> +"Better go right upstairs then, Mr. Woodward," was the +jailer's reply. "He's all alone." +<P> +I wondered what the merchant's visit could portend, but +had little time for speculation. +<P> +"So, sir, they've got you fast," said Mr. Woodward sharply +as he faced me. "Fast, and no mistake." +<P> +"What do you want?" I demanded boldly, coming at once +to the front. +<P> +"What do I want?" repeated the merchant, looking behind +him to make sure that Booth had not followed him. "What do I want? Why, I +want to help you, Strong, that's what I want." +<P> +I could not help but smile. The idea of Mr. Woodward helping +any one, least of all myself! +<P> +"The only way you can help me is to set me free," I returned. +<P> +"Oh, I can't do that. You are held on the Canby charge +solely." +<P> +"But you told me you wanted me arrested." +<P> +"So I did, but I intend to give you a chance— that is, +if you will do what I want." +<P> +"But why did you want me arrested?" +<P> +"You know well enough, Strong." +<P> +"On the contrary, I haven't the least idea." +<P> +"Stuff and nonsense. See here, if you want to get off +without further trouble, hand over those papers." +<P> +"What papers?" +<P> +"The papers you took last night," replied Mr. Woodward, +sharply. +<P> +I was truly astonished. How in the world had he found +out about the statement dropped by Stumpy? Was it possible there had been +a meeting between the two? It looked like it. +<P> +"I haven't got the papers," I rejoined. +<P> +"Don't tell me a falsehood sir," he thundered. +<P> +"It's true." +<P> +"Do you deny you have the packet?" +<P> +"I do." +<P> +"Come, Strong, that story won't answer. Hand it over." +<P> +"I haven't it." +<P> +"Where is it?" +<P> +"I lost it," I replied, before I had time to think. +<P> +"Lost it!" he cried anxiously. +<P> +"Yes, sir," I returned boldly, resolved to make the best +of it, now the cat was out of the bag. "Either that or it was stolen from +me." +<P> +He looked at me in silence for a moment. +<P> +"Do you expect me to believe all your lies?" he demanded +finally. +<P> +"I don't care what you believe," I answered. "I tell the +truth. And one question I want to ask you, Aaron Woodward. Why are you so +anxious to gain possession of Nicholas Weaver's dying statement?" +<P> +The merchant gave a cry of astonishment, nay, horror. +He turned pale and glared at me fiercely. +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver's dying statement!" he ejaculated. "What +do you know of Nicholas Weaver?" +<P> +Now I had spoken I was almost sorry I had said what I +had. Yet I could not but notice the tremendous effect my words had produced. +<P> +"Never mind what I know," I replied. "Why do you take +an interest in it?" +<P> +"I? I don't know anything about it," he faltered. "I hardly +knew Nicholas Weaver." +<P> +"Indeed? Yet you want his statement." +<P> +"No, I don't. I don't know anything about his statement," +he continued doggedly. "I want my papers. I don't care a rap about any one +else's." +<P> +It was now my turn to be astonished. Evidently I had been +on the wrong track from the beginning. +<P> +"If you don't want his statement, I'm sure I don't know +what you do want," I rejoined, and I spoke the exact truth. +<P> +"Don't tell lies, Strong. You know well enough. Hand them +over." +<P> +"Hand what over?" +<P> +"The packet of papers." +<P> +"I haven't any packet." +<P> +"Strong, if you don't do as I demand, I'll send you to +prison after your father." +<P> +"I can't help it. I haven't any papers. If you don't believe +me, search me." +<P> +"Where have you hidden them?" +<P> +"I never had them to hide." +<P> +"I know better, sir, I know better," he fumed. +<P> +I made no reply. What could I say? +<P> +"Do you hear me, Strong?" +<P> +For reply I walked over to the slatted window and began +to whistle. My action only increased the merchant's anger. +<P> +"For the last time, Strong, will you give up the papers?" +he cried. +<P> +"For the last time, Mr. Woodward, let me say I haven't +got them, never had them, and, therefore, cannot possibly give them up." +<P> +"Then you shall go to prison, sir. Mark my word,— you +shall go to prison!" +<P> +And with this parting threat the merchant hurried down +the loft steps and rapped loudly for Booth to come and let him out. +<P> +When he was gone, I sat down again to think over the demand +he had made upon me. To what papers did he refer? In vain I cudgelled my +brain to elicit an answer. +<P> +He spoke about sending me to prison, and in such tones +as if it were an easy matter to do. Assuredly he must have some grounds upon +which to base so positive an assertion. +<P> +No doubt he was now on his way to Judge Penfold's office +to swear out the necessary papers. I did not know much about the law, but +I objected strongly to going to prison. Once in a regular lockup, the chances +of getting out would be indeed slim. +<P> +I reasoned that the best thing to do was to escape while +there was a chance. Perhaps I was wrong in this conclusion, but I was only +a country boy, and I had a horror of stone walls and iron bars. +<P> +Escape! No sooner had the thought entered my mind than +I was wrapped up in it. Undoubtedly it was the best thing to do. Freedom +meant not only liberty, but also a chance to hunt down John Stumpy and clear +my father's name. +<P> +I looked about the loft for the best means of accomplishing +my purpose. As I have said, the place was over a carpenter shop. The roof +was sloping to the floor, and at each end was a small window heavily slatted. +<P> +The distance to the ground from the window was not less +than fifteen feet, rather a long drop even if I could manage to get the slats +loose, which I doubted, for I had no tools at hand. +<P> +I resolved to try the door, and was about to do so when +I heard the bolts shoot back and Booth appeared. +<P> +For an instant I thought to trip him up and rush past +him, but he stood on the steps completely blocking the way. +<P> +"All right, Roger?" he asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Quite com'table, boy?" +<P> +"As comfortable as any one could be in such a place," +I rejoined lightly. +<P> +" 'Tain't exactly a parlor," he chuckled. "No easy +chairs or sofys; but the food's good. I'm a-going to get it for you now. +Then after that maybe the judge will call around. I'll bring the dinner in +a minute." +<P> +He climbed downstairs, bolting the door after him. +<P> +In five minutes— or ten at the most— I knew he would be +back. After that there was no telling how long he would stay. +<P> +Now, therefore, was the proper time to escape, now or +never! +<h3>CHAPTER XII</h3> +<h4>A SURPRISE</h4> +<P> +No time must be lost. Booth lived +but a short hundred feet from the jail, if such it might be called, and if +his wife had dinner ready it would not take him long to bring it. +<P> +I surveyed the room in which I was incarcerated critically. +Escape by either window was, as I have intimated, out of the question. On +account of its height, the scuttle was also not to be considered. +<P> +Apparently nothing remained to try but the door. Running +down the steps, I looked it over. It was of solid oak planking, an inch thick, +and fastened at both top and bottom. +<P> +It was a hard thing to tackle, especially with no tools, +and, after surveying it, I went upstairs again to search for something that +might do as a pry. +<P> +I could see nothing but the empty nail keg, and I could +discover no use at first in this until the idea struck me of wedging it between +one of the lower steps and the door, and, by jumping upon it, forcing the +bottom bolt. +<P> +With some difficulty I placed the keg in position and +brought down my full weight upon it. The first time the bolt merely creaked, +but the second there was a snap, and the lower part of the door burst outward +several inches. +<P> +The bottom bolt had yielded, and now only the top one +remained. But to reach this was a difficult matter, as no purchase could +be had against it. +<P> +While considering the situation, I imagined I heard my +jailer returning, and my heart jumped into my throat. What if Booth should +see the damage I had done? I reckoned that things would go hard with me if +it became known that I had attempted to break jail. Judge Penfold would surely +give me the full penalty of the law. +<P> +But the approach of Booth was only imaginary, and, after +a brief interval of silence, I breathed freer. +<P> +I ascends the stairs once more to see if I could not find +something besides the keg to assist me. If only I had a plank or a beam, +I might use it as a battering-ram. +<P> +The thought of a plank led me to examine the floor, and, +going over it carefully, I soon came to a short board, one end of which was +loose. Raising it, I pulled with all my might, and the board came up. +<P> +I was astonished to see that it made an opening into the +shop below. I had imagined that the floor or ceiling was of double thickness. +<P> +This gave me a new idea. Why not escape through the floor? +To pry up another board would perhaps be easier than to force the door. +<P> +I tried the board next to the opening. The end was somewhat +rotted, and it came up with hardly an effort. +<P> +In another moment the opening would be large enough to +allow the passage of my body. Putting the first board under the edge of the +second, I bore down upon it. +<P> +As I did so I heard a noise that alarmed me greatly. It +was the sound of Booth returning, and the next instant the carpenter had +opened the outer door and entered. +<P> +In one hand he carried a tray containing my dinner. He +crossed the floor directly under me without looking up. Then his eyes caught +the shattered door and he gave a loud exclamation. +<P> +"By ginger! If that boy ain't gone and escaped!" +<P> +He set down the tray with a rattle and tried to pull the +door open. But the top bolt had become displaced, and it was several seconds +before it could be shot back. +<P> +Meanwhile I was not idle. As quietly as I could I tore +up the second board. The deed was done just as Booth stumbled over the keg +on his way up the stairs. +<P> +As my jailer appeared at the top, I let my body through +the opening. It was a tight squeeze, especially when accomplished in a hurry. +I landed in a heap on a pile of shavings. +<P> +"Stop! stop!" called out Booth. "Roger, don't you hear +me?" +<P> +I certainly did hear him, but paid no attention to his +words. My one thought was to get away as quickly as possible. +<P> +"If you don't stop, I'll shoot you," went on Booth at +the top of his voice. "Don't you know breaking jail is a— a felony?" +<P> +I did not know what kind of a crime it was. I had made +up my mind to escape, and intended to do so, even if such a deed constituted +manslaughter. I made a break for the door and passed out just as Booth came +tramping down the stairs. +<P> +I ran across the yard that separated the carpenter shop +from the house. As I did so, Mrs. Booth appeared at the back door. Upon seeing +me she held up her hands in horror. +<P> +"Mercy on us! Roger Strong! Where be you a-running to? +'Zekel! 'Zekel! the prisoner's broke loose!" +<P> +"I know it, Mandy!" I heard Ezekiel Booth answer. "Dunno +how he did it, though. Stop, Roger, it's best now; jest you mark my word!" +<P> +I heard no more. Jumping the side fence, I ran through +a bit of orchard and across a stony lot until I reached the Pass River. +<P> +At this point this body of water was several hundred feet +wide. The bank sloped directly to the water's edge. Near at hand were several +private boat-houses, one belonging to Mr. Aaron Woodward, he having built +it to please Duncan. +<P> +At the end of the boat-house pier lay a skiff, the oars +resting upon the seats. I knew it was wrong to make use of the craft, but +"necessity knows no law," and my need was great. +<P> +Running down to the end of the pier, I dropped into the +boat and shoved off. As I did so, Duncan Woodward, accompanied by Pultzer, +came out of the boat-house. +<P> +"Hi, there, what are you doing in my boat?" he sang out. +"What, Roger Strong!" he continued as he came nearer. +<P> +"You must lend me the boat, Duncan," I returned. "I've +got to cross the river in a hurry." +<P> +"Not much! I thought you were in jail." +<P> +"Not just now," I replied. "You can get your boat on the +other side." +<P> +"Hold up! You shan't have her. Come back!" +<P> +But I was already pulling out into the stream. He continued +to shout after me, and presently I saw the two joined by Booth, and all watched +me in dismay as I made for the opposite shore. +<P> +Reaching the bank, I beached the boat high up and then +climbed to the roadway that ran beside the stream. Trees and bushes were +thick here, and I had but little difficulty in hiding from the view of those +opposite. +<P> +For a moment I hesitated as to which way to proceed. A +number of miles down the stream lay Newville, of which I have already spoken. +Probably my pursuers would think I had gone in that direction. If so, they +would hasten to the bridge below, with the intention of cutting me off. +<P> +I therefore started immediately on my way up the river +road, resolved to put as much ground as possible between myself and my pursuers. +I had no definite destination in view, but thought to gain some hiding-place +where I might rest secure and think things over. +<P> +It was now going on to two o'clock in the afternoon, and +as I had not had anything to eat since the noon previous, I began to feel +decidedly hungry. I felt in my pocket and discovered that I was the possessor +of sixty-five cents, and with this amount of cash I did not see any reason +for my remaining hungry any longer. +<P> +Presently I came to a small, white cottage, upon the front +porch of which was displayed the sign +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +BOARDING +<P> +Ascending the steps, I knocked at the door, and a comely, +middle-aged woman answered my summons. +<P> +"I see that you take boarders here," I said, "I am hungry, +and several miles from any restaurant. Can you furnish me with dinner?" +<P> +She looked me over rather sharply before replying. Then +I realize for the first time that my appearance was not of the best. My clothes +were considerably the worse for having rolled over and over in the old tool +house, and in escaping from my prison I had made several rents in my coat. +<P> +"I will pay you whatever you charge," I added hastily, +"and I would like to wash and brush up, too; I have had a tumble," which +was literally true. +<P> +"I can let you have dinner for twenty-five cent," she +said finally. "I won't charge you anything for cleaning up," she added, with +something like a smile. "Will you mind paying in advance?" +<P> +"No, ma'am," and I handed over the money. "I suppose I +won't have to wait very long." +<P> +"Oh, no, the regular boarders have just finished. You +can sit right down." +<P> +"If you don't mind, I'll take a wash first." +<P> +The woman led the way to an ante-room, in which were placed +a bowl of water, towel, and soap, as well as a dust brush. It did not take +me long to fix myself up, and then I flattered myself I did not present an +unbecoming appearance. +<P> +The dinner that the woman served was not as good as that +which my sister Kate helped to prepare at the Widow Canby's, but it was wholesome +food, and my sharpened appetite made it disappear rapidly. +<P> +As I ate I reflected upon my situation. For the life of +me I did not know what to do next. I longed to see my sister and tell her +that I was safe. This done, I intended to devote my time to hunting up the +man who I firmly believed held my father's reputation in his hand. I was +sure I would discover him sooner or later, and this accomplished, I would +not let him out of my sight until he had confessed his secret. I wondered +if Kate had succeeded in finding that precious statement I had lost. Heartily +did I reproach myself for not having taken better care of it. +<P> +Having satisfied myself upon the substantial things set +before me, I finished my meal with a small cut of apple pie. +<P> +As I was swallowing the last mouthful I glanced out of +the window up the road, and gave a cry of surprise. And no wonder, for coming +toward the house was Mr. Aaron Woodward, and beside him walked John Stumpy! +<h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> +<h4>AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION</h4> +<P> +I could hardly believe the evidence +of my senses when I saw Mr. Aaron Woodward coming up the road with John Stumpy +beside him. It would have astonished me to have seen the merchant alone, +but to see him in company with the very man I was looking for was more than +I had thought possible. +<P> +Yet I reflected that the tramp— or whatever the man was— had +evinced a determination to secure an interview with Mr. Woodward before quitting +Darbyville. There was important business to be transacted between them. Mr. +John Stumpy intended to have his say, whatever that might mean. +<P> +What was to be done? It would never do for me to be seen. +Nothing short of arrest would follow. I must get out of the way as quickly +as possible. +<P> +During the time I had been eating, the sky had become +overcast as if a shower was imminent. Taking advantage of this fact I rose +quickly and reached for my hat. +<P> +"Guess we're going to have a thunder shower," I remarked. +"Hope it holds off. I don't want to get wet." +<P> +"Then you'll have to hurry," rejoined the woman as she +looked out of the door. "Looks as if it would be here in less than quarter +of an hour." +<P> +"Then I'm off. Good day." +<P> +"Good day. Come again." +<P> +I slipped out of the door, and passing behind a hedge, +made my way to the road. As I did so, Mr. Woodward and Stumpy turned from +the highway and walked directly up the gravel path that led to the house! +<P> +I was dumfounded by this movement. What did they mean +by going to the very place I had just vacated? Was it possible they had seen +me? +<P> +I earnestly hoped not; for if so, it would spoil a little +plan that had just come to me, which was to follow them, see what they were +up to, and, if possible, overhear whatever might be said. +<P> +I was soon convinced that neither of the men was aware +of my presence. They were talking earnestly and stepped up on the porch just +as ordinary visitors would have done. In a moment the woman let them in and +the door closed behind them. +<P> +My curiosity was aroused to its highest pitch, and at +the risk of being discovered by any one who might chance to be passing by +I walked cautiously back along the hedge until I reached a clump of rose +bushes that grew directly under one of the dining-room windows. +<P> +The window was open, and by a little manoeuvring I easily +managed to see and hear what was going on within. +<P> +"You came for the rent, I suppose, Mr. Woodward," the +woman was saying. "Joel was going to bring it up to-night. He would have +brought it over this morning, only he thought it was going to rain and he +had some hay he wanted to get in." +<P> +"Yes, I did come for the rent, Mrs. Decker," replied the +merchant. "It's due several days now." +<P> +"I have it here— thirty dollars. Here is the receipt book." +<P> +There was the rustle of bills and the scratching of a +pen. +<P> +"Here you are, Mrs. Decker." +<P> +"Thank you, sir. Now we'll be worry free for another month." +<P> +"So you are. Nothing like being prompt." +<P> +"My husband was going to speak to you about the roof. +It leaks dreadfully." +<P> +"Pooh! That can't be. Why, it was patched only two years +ago." +<P> +"You are wrong, Mr. Woodward. It is four years, and then +but very little was done to it." +<P> +"It cost near twelve dollars," growled the merchant. "You +can't expect me to be fixing up the house all the time." +<P> +"It leaks very badly." +<P> +"Then your husband will have to attend to it. I can't +spend any more money this year." +<P> +"I don't know what we'll do. I wish you would just step +outside and look up at the shingles. Nearly all of them are ready to fall +off." +<P> +I was alarmed by Mrs. Decker's request. Suppose the trio +should come out? I would surely be discovered. But my fears were groundless, +as the next words of Mr. Woodward proved. +<P> +"I can't go out now, madam, not now. I haven't time. I +have a little business to transact with this man, and then I must return +to Darbyville." +<P> +"I'm sorry—" began the woman. +<P> +"So am I; but it cannot be helped. Can I use this room +for a while?" +<P> +By the look upon Mrs. Decker's face it was plain to see +she wanted to say, "No, you can't," but she hardly dared to speak the words, +so she gave an icy assent and withdrew. +<P> +The merchant followed her to the door and saw that it +was closed tightly behind her. Then he strode across the room and faced John +Stumpy. +<P> +"Wall, sir, now we'll have an accounting," he began in +an authoritative voice. +<P> +"So we will, Woody," returned John Stumpy, in no wise +abashed by the other's manner. +<P> +The merchant winced at the use of a nickname, but after +an instant's hesitation passed it over. +<P> +"What do you mean by coming to Darbyville, sir, when I +have repeatedly written you to stay away?" +<P> +"Oh, come, Woody, don't get on your high horse," was Stumpy's +response, as he swung back in the rocker he occupied. "You know I never could +stand your high-toned ways." +<P> +"I flatter myself I am a trifle above common people," +returned Mr. Woodward, and it was plain to see where Duncan got his arrogant +manner. +<P> +"Oh, pshaw! don't make me tired," yawned Stumpy. "Come, +let's to business." +<P> +"I am at business. Why did you come here?" +<P> +"You know well enough. Didn't I write to you?" +<P> +"Yes, and got my answer. We've squared up accounts, sir." +<P> +"Don't 'sir' me,— it don't go down," cried Stumpy, angrily. +"We haven't squared up, not by a jugful,— not till you hand over some more +cash." +<P> +"I've handed over enough now." +<P> +"No, you hain't. Do you think I'm going to do all your +work for nothing?" +<P> +"You were well paid." +<P> +"It's only you as thinks so; I don't." +<P> +"How much more do you want?" +<P> +"A thousand dollars." +<P> +The largeness of the demand fairly took away my breath. +As for Mr. Aaron Woodward, he was beside himself. +<P> +"A thousand dollars!" he said. "Why, you're crazy, sir." +<P> +"No, I ain't; I mean just what I say." +<P> +"You expect me to pay you a thousand dollars?" +<P> +"Of course I do. I wouldn't ask it if I didn't." +<P> +"See here, Fer—" +<P> +"Sh!— John Stumpy, if you please." +<P> +"That's so, I forgot. But see here, a thousand dollars! +Why, I've already paid you that." +<P> +"So you have. Now I want another thousand and then we'll +cry quits." +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward grew white with rage. "I never heard +of such an outrageous demand," he cried. "I'll never pay it." +<P> +"Oh, yes, you will," rejoined the other, coolly. "Aaron +Woodward never yet acted rashly." +<P> +"Suppose I refuse to pay?" +<P> +"Better not; I'm a bad man when I am aroused." +<P> +"I don't fear you. You can do nothing to me." +<P> +"Oh, yes, I can. I can tell ugly stories about Mr. Aaron +Woodward; stories concerning his doings when he was collector for Holland +& Mack." +<P> +"And who would believe you?" sneered the merchant. "You, +a common tramp—" +<P> +"Tramp, am I—" interrupted John Stumpy, with a scowl. +"If I am, who made me so?" +<P> +"Your own self and the bottle. Do you think you can hurt +me? Nonsense!" +<P> +"I can try." +<P> +"And who will believe you, I repeat? A common tramp— whom +the police are now hunting for, because of a robbery that occurred only last +night." +<P> +" 'Tain't so!" +<P> +"It is. You broke into the Widow Canby's house and stole +over two hundred dollars." +<P> +In spite of the dirt on his face, John Stumpy grew pale. +<P> +"Who can prove it?" +<P> +"Several people. Carson Strong's son, for one." +<P> +Stumpy sprang to his feet. Then almost as suddenly sat +down. +<P> +"Didn't know he had a son," he said, as carelessly as +he could. +<P> +"Yes, you did," returned the merchant, flatly. "I think, +Fer— Stumpy, I know a little more about you than you do about me." +<P> +Bitter hatred spread itself over the tramp's face. +<P> +"Oh, ho, you do, do you? Well, we'll see. 'Them laughs +best as laughs last.' If you won't pay, I'm off." +<P> +He rose to his feet and reached for his hat, Mr. Woodward +intercepted him. +<P> +"Where are you going?" +<P> +"That's my business. I want you to know I didn't come +on all the way from Chicago for nothing." +<P> +"Are you hard up?" +<P> +"Yes, I am. I want money, and I'm going to have it." +<P> +"How about the two hundred dollars you stole last night?" +<P> +Stumpy hesitated. +<P> +"Well, if you want to know the truth, I lost the money," +he said. +<h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3> +<h4>THE PRICE OF SILENCE</h4> +<P> +For a moment I was staggered by John +Stumpy's announcement. Was it possible he was telling the truth? If so, the +chances of recovering the Widow Canby's money would assume a different shape. +To arrest him would prove a moral satisfaction, but it would not restore +the stolen dollars. +<P> +Occupying the position I did, I was more interested in +restoring the stolen money than I was in having the tramp incarcerated. +<P> +Nothing would have given me greater satisfaction than +to have met the Widow Canby at the depot with the two hundred odd dollars +in my pocket. It would have silenced the public tongue and made my breaking +jail of no consequence. +<P> +But perhaps John Stumpy was telling a falsehood. He was +not above such a thing, and would not hesitate if he thought anything could +be gained thereby. That Mr. Aaron Woodward also guessed such to be a fact +was proven by the words that followed Stumpy's statement. +<P> +"Lost the money?" he ejaculated. "Do you expect me to +believe you, sir?" +<P> +"It's true." +<P> +"Nonsense, sir. Jack Fer—" +<P> +"Sh!" +<P> +"John Stumpy isn't the one to lose over two hundred dollars!" +<P> +"Just what I always said myself, partner, and—" +<P> +"Don't 'partner ' me, sir!" +<P> +"Well, wasn't we all partners in the good times gone by?" +<P> +"No, sir!" +<P> +<I>"I</I> reckon we were. Howsomever, let it pass. Well, +as I was saying, I reckoned I'd never lose any money, leasewise a small pile, +but that's what I have done, and that's why I want you to come down." +<P> +And John Stumpy leaned back in the rocker in a defiant +fashion. +<P> +The merchant eyed him sharply in silence for a moment. +<P> +"Where did you lose the money?" he asked at length. +<P> +"How do I know? If I did, don't you suppose I'd go back +and pick it up?" +<P> +"I thought perhaps you were afraid of discovery." +<P> +"Humph! I'm not skeered of any such constables as they +have in Darbyville." +<P> +"But you must have some idea where you dropped it," went +on Mr. Woodward, and I was astonished to see how coolly this man, who always +pretended to be so straightforward, could inquire about stolen money. +<P> +"Not the least," responded John Stumpy. "There was two +hundred and sixty dollars in all. I took out ten and left the rest in the +pocketbook it was in. I've got the ten dollars, and that's all. And that's +why you've got to come down," he went on deliberately. "I'm off for Chicago +to-night, and I'm not going back empty handed." +<P> +"You think I ought to pay you for your own carelessness," +returned Mr. Woodward, coolly. +<P> +"Not a bit of it. You owe me every cent I ask." +<P> +"I don't owe you a penny." +<P> +"You owe me a thousand dollars, and for the last time +let me tell you, you've got to pay or take the consequences." And John Stumpy +brought his fist down on the table with a bang. +<P> +"Hold on; don't make so much noise," cried Mr. Aaron Woodward +in alarm. "There is no use of rousing the household." +<P> +"I don't care. Either you'll come down or I'll rouse the +whole of Darbyville," cried the tramp, vehemently. +<P> +"I haven't any money." +<P> +"You can't tell me that." +<P> +"It's true. Times are getting worse every day." +<P> +"Didn't the woman who lives here just pay you?" +<P> +"Yes; thirty dollars—" +<P> +"And didn't you put the bills in with a big roll in your +vest pocket?" went on Stumpy, triumphantly. +<P> +The merchant bit his lip. +<P> +"That money is to pay a bill that falls due to-morrow," +he replied. +<P> +"Well, my 'bill' falls due to-day, and it's got to be +met. So come; no more beating about the bush. We've talked long enough. Now +to business. Do you intend to pay or not?" +<P> +The merchant hesitated. Evidently he was afraid to oppose +the other too strongly. +<P> +"Well, I don't want to let you go without anything," he +began. "I'll let you have twenty-five dollars—" +<P> +John Stumpy jumped up in a passion. "That settles it. +I'm done with you. To-night I'll send a letter to Chris Holtzmann, 897 Sherman +Street, Chicago, and tell him a few things he wants to know, and—" +<P> +"You dare!" almost shrieked Mr. Woodward. "Write a single +word to him and I'll— I'll—" +<P> +"So! ho! You're afraid of him, are you?" +<P> +"No, I'm not, but what's the use of letting him know +anything?" +<P> +"Humph! Do you suppose I'd tell him without pay? Not much! +I can easily get him to fork over fifty or a hundred dollars. And he'll make +you pay it back, ten times over." +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward sank back in a chair without a word. +Evidently he was completely baffled, and knew not which way to turn. +<P> +As for myself, I was very much in the dark as to what +all this was about. I was certain the past events spoken of pertained to +my father's affairs, but failed to "make connections." +<P> +One thing, however, I did do, and that was to make a note +of Mr. Chris Holtzmann's address. He was the man Stumpy had written to just +previous to the robbery, and he was perhaps one of the persons concerned +in my father's downfall. +<P> +"See here," said the merchant at last. "It's too late +for us to quarrel. What good would an exposure to Holtzmann do?" +<P> +"Never mind. If you won't come to time, I shall do as +I please," growled Stumpy. +<P> +"But a thousand dollars! I haven't got it in cash." +<P> +"You can easily get it." +<P> +"Not so easily as you think. Tell you what I will do. +I'll give you a hundred. But you must give up all evidence you have against +me." +<P> +Stumpy gave a short, contemptuous laugh. "You must think +me as green as grass," he sneered. "I'm not giving up any evidence. I'm holding +on to all I've got and gathering more." +<P> +"You have Nicholas Weaver's statement," went on Mr. Woodward, +with interest. +<P> +"So I have. Nick told the truth in it, too." +<P> +"I would like to see it" +<P> +"Of course you would. So would some other people,— Carson +Strong's boy, for instance." +<P> +"Sh!— not so loud." +<P> +"Well, then, don't bring the subject up." +<P> +"Have you the statement with you?" +<P> +"Maybe I haven't; maybe I have." +<P> +"Perhaps it was taken from you," went on Mr. Woodward, +curiously. +<P> +"What do you know about that?" Stumpy again jumped to +his feet. "You've been talking to that Strong boy," he cried. +<P> +"Supposing I have?" +<P> +"Well, it didn't do you no good. Say, how much does the +young cub know?" +<P> +"He knows too much for the good of either of us," responded +the merchant. +<P> +"Sorry he wasn't found in the ruins of that tool house," +growled the tramp, savagely. +<P> +This was certainly a fine assertion for me to hear. Yet +it was no more than I would expect from John Stumpy. He was a villain through +and through. +<P> +"You meant to burn him up, did you?" asked Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"And if I had, Mr. Aaron Woodward would never have shed +a tear," laughed John Stumpy. +<P> +"Let me see the statement." +<P> +John Stumpy hesitated. "Hand over the money first, and +maybe I will." +<P> +"The hundred dollars?" +<P> +"No, a thousand." +<P> +"Do you suppose I carry so much money with me?" +<P> +"Give me what you have in that roll, and I'll take your +word for the rest." +<P> +The merchant gave something that sounded very much like +a groan. +<P> +"Well, I suppose if you insist on it, I must," he said. +"I'll give you what I have, but I won't promise you any more." +<P> +"Hand it over," was Stumpy's laconic reply. He probably +thought half a loaf better than no bread, at all. +<P> +With a heavy sigh Mr. Woodward drew the roll of bills +from his pocket and began to count them over. I was eager to catch sight +of them. I stood on tiptoe and peered into the window. It was an interesting +scene; the sour look upon the merchant's face; the look of greed in the tramp's +eye. In a moment the counting was finished. +<P> +"A hundred and seventy dollars," said Mr. Aaron Woodward. +"Here you are." And he held them out. Stumpy almost snatched them from his +hand. +<P> +"There, now that's settled," he said. "Now about— What +was that?" +<P> +A noise had disturbed him. While absorbed in what the +two were doing I had given an involuntary cough. +<P> +"Somebody listening," he declared as he thrust the money +into his pocket. +<P> +"We ought to be more careful." +<P> +"Only some one coughing in the next room," returned Mr. +Woodward. "Don't get scared." +<P> +"I ain't scared, but I don't want other folks to know +my business. Reckon you don't either." +<P> +"No, indeed. It's bad enough for me to be seen in your +company," returned Mr. Aaron Woodward, with just a trace of his former lofty +manner. +<P> +"No insinuations, please," was the ready reply. "My hands +ain't any dirtier than yours." +<P> +"Well, well, let's stop quarrelling. Let me see the +statement." +<P> +"Will you promise to hand it back if I do?" +<P> +"Why not let me have it?" +<P> +"Never mind why. Will you give it back?" +<P> +"If you insist on it, you shall have it back," was Mr. +Woodward's final reply, seeing that he could gain nothing by parleying. +<P> +Stumpy drew forth the envelope. I anticipated what was +coming. +<P> +"Here it is," he said, and handed it over, as he supposed. +<P> +"The envelope is empty," said Mr. Woodward. +<P> +Stumpy looked dumfounded. +<h3>CHAPTER XV</h3> +<h4>AN ODD STATEMENT</h4> +<P> +Before Mr. Woodward made the announcement +just recorded he had walked close up to the window, probably to get into +the light, for the sky was now darkening rapidly, portending the near breaking +out of the storm I have mentioned. +<P> +In doing this the merchant's back was turned upon his +companion, and for an instant Stumpy had been unable to see what the other +was doing. +<P> +When therefore Mr. Woodward declared the envelope to be +empty every action of the tramp indicated that he did not believe the statement. +<P> +"Empty?" he cried hoarsely. +<P> +"Yes, empty," replied the merchant; "and you knew it," +he added. +<P> +"No such thing. The statement was inside. Woody, you're +trying to play a sharp game, but it won't work." +<P> +"What do you mean, sir?" +<P> +"You're trying to rob me." +<P> +"Nonsense. I say the envelope was empty." +<P> +"And I say it wasn't. Come, hand over my property." +<P> +"I tell you, Fer— Stumpy, I haven't it." +<P> +"I don't care what you say. You can't play any such game +off on me," rejoined John Stumpy, with increasing anger. +<P> +"I'm only speaking the truth." +<P> +"You ain't. Hand it over, or I'll—" +<P> +John Stumpy caught the merchant by the coat collar. +<P> +"What would you do?" cried Mr. Woodward in alarm, and +it was plain to see he was a coward at heart. +<P> +"I'll choke the life out of you; that's what I'll do. +Hand over the statement." +<P> +"I haven't it, upon my honor." +<P> +"Your honor? Bah! What does that amount to?" +<P> +John Stumpy suddenly shifted his hand from its grasp on +the collar to the merchant's throat. For a moment I thought Mr. Woodward +was in danger of being choked to death. +<P> +"Stop! Stop! Se— search me if you— you want to," he gasped. +<P> +But John Stumpy's passion seemed to have got the better +of his reason. He did not relax his hold in the least. +<P> +A short struggle ensued. The two backed up against the +table, and presently a chair was upset. Of course all this made considerable +noise. Yet neither of the men heeded it. +<P> +Presently the door from the other room swung open, and +the two had hardly time to separate before a tall, lank farmer entered. +<P> +"Hello, what's up?" he asked in a loud, drawling tone. +<P> +For an instant neither spoke, evidently not knowing what +to say. +<P> +"We were— were— ahem— trying to— to catch a rat," replied +Mr. Woodward, with an effort. +<P> +"A rat?" +<P> +"Exactly, sir. Had a terrible time with him, Mr. Decker." +<P> +The farmer looked surprised. "So I supposed by the row +that was going on," he said. "Curious. I knew there were rats down to the +barn, but I didn't suppose they came up to the house. What became of him?" +<P> +"Slipped out of the door just now," put in John Stumpy. +"There he goes!" he added, pointing out into the hall. +<P> +Mr. Decker made a spring out of the room. +<P> +"I must ketch him, by gopher!" he cried. "There's enough +eat up here now without having the vermin taking a hand in." +<P> +Mr. Woodward closed the door after the man. +<P> +"Now see to what your actions have brought us," he exclaimed. +"If it hadn't been for my quick wit we'd been in a pretty mess." +<P> +"Not my fault," growled John Stumpy. "Why don't you give +up the statement?" +<P> +I could not help but feel amused at his persistency. His +demands upon the merchant were about on a footing with those Mr. Woodward +had made upon me. +<P> +"If you'll only listen to reason," began the merchant, +"I will prove—" +<P> +The rest of his remark was drowned out in a clap of thunder. +Somewhat startled, I looked up at the sky. +<P> +The black clouds in the south had rolled up rapidly, until +now the entire horizon was covered. The first burst of thunder was succeeded +directly by several others, and then large drops of rain began to fall. +<P> +The wind blew the drops directly into the window. I crouched +down out of sight, and the next moment Mr. Woodward said:— +<P> +"It's raining in the window. We'd better close it up." +<P> +Of course directly the window was closed I could hear +no longer. I remained in my position for half a minute or more, and then +as the rain began to pour down rapidly I made a break for better shelter. +<P> +I sought the barn. It was a low, rambling structure, with +great wide doors. No one seemed to be around, and I rushed in without ceremony. +I was pretty fairly soaked, but as it was warm I did not mind the ducking. +I shook out my hat and coat and then sat down to think matters over. +<P> +What I had heard had not given me much satisfaction. To +be sure, it had proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Aaron Woodward was a thorough +scoundrel, but of this I had been already satisfied in my own mind. +<P> +What was I to do? I had asked myself that question several times, and now +I asked it again. +<P> +If only I could get John Stumpy arrested, perhaps it would +be possible to force him to make a confession. But how was this to be done? +<P> +While I sat on the edge of a feed box, a form darkened +the doorway, and Farmer Decker appeared. +<P> +"Hello!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" +<P> +"I took the liberty to come in out of the rain," I replied. +"Have you any objections to my remaining until the shower is over?" +<P> +"No, guess not. It's a mighty heavy one. Where're you +from? Newville?" +<P> +"No, sir, Darbyville." +<P> +"Yes? Had quite a robbery down there, I understand." +<P> +"Is that so?" +<P> +"Yes, a chap named Strong robbed an old woman of nearly +five hundred dollars. Do you know him or the woman?" +<P> +"I know the woman quite well," was my reply, and I hoped +he would not question me further. +<P> +"They've got him in jail, I believe. The fellow and his +sister tried to make out that a tramp had taken the money, but I understand +no one would listen to the story." +<P> +"No?" +<P> +"No. It seems this Strong boy's father is in jail now +for stealing, so it ain't strange the boy's a thief." +<P> +"But maybe he isn't guilty," I put in, by way of a mild +protest. +<P> +"Maybe. Of course it's rather tough on him if he isn't. +But you can't tell nowadays; boys is so all-fired high toned, and want to +play big fiddle." +<P> +"Some boys are, but not all of them." +<P> +"Some of them. Now there's our landlord, who is in the +house now, he's got a son as extravagant as can be, and if it wasn't for +Mr. Woodward keeping him in funds I don't know what that boy might not do. +He— whoa, there, Billy, whoa!" +<P> +The last remark was addressed to a horse standing in one +of the stalls. A clap of thunder had set the animal to prancing. +<P> +"Your horse feels rather uneasy," I remarked, glad of +a chance to change the subject. +<P> +"Allers acts that way when there's a storm going on. Too +bad, too, for I want to hitch him up and take Mr. Woodward and another man +that's with him over to Darbyville." +<P> +As Mr. Decker spoke he led the horse from the stall and +backed him up between the shafts of the carriage that stood near the rear +of the barn. +<P> +While he was hitching up I set myself to thinking. While +I was perfectly willing that Mr. Woodward should return to Darbyville, I +did not wish to allow John Stumpy out of my sight. Once away, and I might +not be able to lay hands on him. +<P> +Had I been sure that Kate had succeeded in finding the +lost statement, I would not have cared, but the chances in her favor were +slim, and I did not wish to run any risks. +<P> +"Are you going to drive around to the house for them?" +I asked as the farmer finished the job. +<P> +"Guess I'll have to. It will be a beastly drive. Sorry +I can't offer you a seat— it would be better than walking." +<P> +"I think I'll wait till it clears off," I returned. "I'm +not on business, and—" +<P> +"Say, Decker, how long is it going to take you to hitch +up?" interrupted a voice from the doorway, and the next instant Mr. Woodward +strode into the barn, followed by John Stumpy. +<P> +I did not have time to conceal myself. I tried to step +behind a partition, but before I could do so the merchant's eye was on me. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. +<P> +"Yes, sir," I replied, as boldly as I could. +<P> +"How did you get here?" he demanded. +<P> +"Walked, just as you did." +<P> +"Thought you were in jail." +<P> +"So do most people." +<P> +"Who is this chap?" asked the farmer, staring at me with +open eyes. +<P> +"It's the boy who was arrested for that robbery last night," +explained the merchant. +<P> +"Shoo— you don't say? And I was talking to him about that +very thing. You rascal, you!" +<P> +"How did you get out?" put in John Stumpy. +<P> +"None of your business," I replied briskly. "If you'd +had your way I'd been burnt up in the tool house last night." +<P> +"No such thing," was the tramp's reply. "Never saw you +before." +<P> +"You're the fellow who stole the Widow Canby's money." +<P> +"You must be crazy, young fellow. I don't know anything +about the Widow Canby or her money." +<P> +"I can prove it. My sister can prove it, too." +<P> +"Then your sister must be as crazy as yourself." +<P> +"Stop there! You're the thief and you know it." +<P> +"I know nothing of the kind." +<P> +"Your story is nonsensical, Strong," broke in Mr. Woodward. +"Gentlemen like Mr. Stumpy here do not break into people's houses and commit +robberies." +<P> +"Gentlemen! He's nothing but a tramp, and you know it." +<P> +"Tramp? How dare you?" cried Stumpy, in suddenly assumed +dignity, put on for the farmer's benefit. "I am a ranchero from Texas and +an honest man. I am visiting Mr. Woodward, and know nothing more of the robbery +excepting having heard that it occurred— ahem!" And John Stumpy drew himself +up. +<P> +Under other circumstances I would have laughed at his +effrontery. But the situation was too serious to indulge in any humor. +<P> +"Being placed under arrest has turned your head, Strong," +said the merchant. "You seem to be quite out of your mind." +<P> +"When was the robbery committed?" put in John Stumpy, +suddenly. +<P> +"You know well enough," I cried. +<P> +"I heard it was about two o'clock in the morning," vouchsafed +Farmer Decker. +<P> +"Then I can easily prove an alibi," said the tramp, +triumphantly. "I can prove I was with my esteemed friend Mr. Woodward at +that hour. Isn't it so, Aaron?" +<P> +The merchant hesitated. I fairly held my breath to catch +his answer. Would he commit deliberate perjury? +<P> +"Quite true," he replied slowly. "Mr. Stumpy was with +me last night. We sat up in the library, smoking, and playing cards until +after midnight, and then I showed him to bed. He could not possibly have +committed the crime of which Strong speaks." +<P> +"Then the boy must be the guilty one hisself," said the +farmer. "And so young, too. Who would a-thought it! What shall we do with +him, Mr. Woodward?" +<P> +"You had better help me take him back to Darbyville jail," +responded the merchant. +<h3>CHAPTER XVI</h3> +<h4>MY UNCLE ENOS</h4> +<P> +John Stumpy gave a smile of triumph. As for myself, I stood aghast. Mr. Aaron Woodward +had committed deliberate perjury, or at least, something that amounted to +the same thing. He had positively declared that John Stumpy was at his house +at the time of the robbery of Widow Canby's house, and could not, therefore, +be the guilty party. +<P> +It was easy to guess that in this statement it was his +intention to screen his partner in iniquity. To be sure, he had been forced +to take the position by Stumpy himself, but once having taken it, I was morally +certain he would not back down. +<P> +His action would make it harder than ever for me to clear +myself and bring the tramp to justice. His word in a court of law would carry +more weight than mine or my sister's, and consequently our case would fall +to the ground. +<P> +I was glad that Dick Blair could testify concerning my +whereabouts and the scene in the dining room directly after the robbery. +The merchant knew nothing of Blair's presence on the occasion— at least I +imagined so from his conversation— and might, by saying too much, "put his +foot in it." +<P> +But now my mind was filled with only one thought. The +three men intended to take me to the Darbyville jail. I was to be ignominiously +dragged back to the prison from which I had escaped. +<P> +Once again in Ezekiel Booth's custody I was certain he +would keep so strict a guard over me that further breaking away would be +out of the question. Perhaps Judge Penfold would consider me so dangerous +a prisoner as to send me to the county jail for safe keeping, in which case +it would be harder than ever for me to clear myself or see Kate. +<P> +For an instant I meditated taking to my legs and running +my chances, but this idea was knocked in the head by Farmer Decker grasping +me by the collar. +<P> +"Maybe he might take a notion and run away," he explained. +"He did it once, you say." +<P> +"A good idea to hold him," said Mr. Woodward. "Have you +finished hitching up?" +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Have you room for him?" +<P> +"I might put in another seat." +<P> +"Do so. And hurry; the rain has slackened up a bit, and +we may reach Darbyville before it starts again." +<P> +The extra seat was soon placed in the carriage. Then the +farmer procured a couple of rubber blankets. +<P> +"All ready now," he said. "How shall we sit?" +<P> +"You and Mr. Stumpy sit in front. I and the boy will occupy +the back seat. Come, Strong, get in." +<P> +For an instant I thought of refusing. The merchant had +no right to order me. But then I reflected that a refusal would do no good, +and might do harm, so without a word I entered the carriage. +<P> +The others were not slow to follow. Then Farmer Decker +chirruped to Billy, and we rolled out of the farm yard and down the road. +<P> +But little was said on the way. I was busy with my own +thoughts, and so were Mr. Woodward and Stumpy. The farmer asked several +questions, but the merchant said he would learn all he wished to know at +the judge's office, and this quieted him. +<P> +About five o'clock in the afternoon we rolled into Darbyville. +While crossing the Pass River the sun had burst through the clouds, and now +all was as bright and fresh as ever. +<P> +Judge Penfold's office was situated in the centre of the +principal business block. When we arrived there we found a number of men +standing about the door, no doubt discussing my escape, for they uttered +many exclamations of surprise on seeing me. +<P> +Chief among them was Parsons, who looked pale and worried. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed. "Where have you been?" +<P> +"Took a walk for my health," I replied as lightly as I +could, though my heart was heavy. +<P> +"Well, I guess we'll make sure it shan't happen again," +he returned. "Hi, there, Booth! Here's your prisoner come back!" +<P> +In a moment the carpenter appeared upon the scene. +<P> +"You rascal, you!" he cried in angry tones. "A fine peck +of trouble you've got yourself into!" +<P> +"What's all this about?" asked a heavy voice from the +stairs, and Judge Penfold stood before me. +<P> +"I have brought your prisoner back, judge," replied Mr. +Woodward. +<P> +"So I see. Well, Strong, what have you to say for yourself? +Do you know breaking jail is a serious offence?" +<P> +"I don't know anything about it. I know I was locked up +for nothing at all, and I escaped at the first chance offered." +<P> +"There was no chance offered at all, judge," broke in +Booth, fearful of having a reflection cast upon his character. "He just went +and ripped the hull floor up, that's what he did." +<P> +"Silence, Booth! Come upstairs and we will hear the +particulars." +<P> +In a moment we were in Judge Penfold's office. I was told +to take a seat on a bench, with Booth on one side of me and Parsons on the +other. +<P> +Then Mr. Woodward introduced John Stumpy as a friend from +San Antonio, Texas, and the two told their story, corroborated at its end +by Farmer Decker, who trembled from head to foot at the idea of addressing +as high a dignitary as Judge Penfold. +<P> +"What have you to say to this, Strong?" I was asked. +<P> +In a plain, straightforward way I told my story from beginning +to end, told it in a manner that did not fail to impress nearly every one +in the court-room but the judge and my accusers. +<P> +Of course Mr. Woodward and John Stumpy stoutly denied +all I said, and their denial carried the day. +<P> +"Until we can have a real trial I will send you back to +jail," said Judge Penfold. +<P> +"Why don't you send John Stumpy to jail, too?" I asked. +"He is as much accused as I." +<P> +"We have only your word for that." +<P> +"Then let me send for my sister Kate and Dick Blair." +<P> +Judge Penfold rubbed his chin reflectively. +<P> +"I think I'll have to put you under bonds," he said to +John Stumpy. +<P> +"Why so? The boy's word doesn't amount to anything," put +in Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"Only a matter of form, Mr. Woodward. I will make it a +thousand dollars. Will you go his bondsman?" +<P> +"Of course he will," said John Stumpy, hastily. "Won't +you?" +<P> +The merchant winced. "I— I guess so," he stammered. "But +it's a strange proceeding." +<P> +In a few moments, by the aid of two other men, the bond +was made out. +<P> +"I will make your bail a thousand dollars also," said +Judge Penfold, turning to me. "I suppose it's quite useless though," he added +sarcastically. +<P> +"Not quite so useless as you might think," exclaimed a +hearty voice from the rear of the court-room. +<P> +I thought I recognized the tones, and turned hastily. +There beside my sister Kate stood my uncle, Enos Moss, of whom I have already +spoken. +<P> +He was a grizzly bearded sea-captain of seventy, with +manner and speech suggestive of the brine. +<P> +Breaking from Parsons and Booth, I ran to meet him. He +shook both my hands and then clapped me on the shoulder. +<P> +"Cast up on a lee shore, are you, Roger?" he exclaimed. +"And the wind a-blowing a hurricane." +<P> +"Yes, I am," I replied, "and I'm mighty glad you've come, +Uncle Enos." +<P> +"Just dropped anchor in time," he went on. "Judge Penfold, +do you remember me?" +<P> +"You are Carson Strong's brother-in-law, I believe?" replied +the judge. +<P> +"You've hit it. Captain Enos Moss, part owner and sailing +master of the <I>Hattie Baker, </I> as trim a craft as ever rounded the Horn. +Been away for three years, and now on shore to stay." +<P> +"You're not going on any more voyages?" I queried. +<P> +"No, my hearty. I've made enough to keep me, and I'm getting +too old to walk the quarter-deck. Besides, I've heard of your father's troubles +from Kate, and I reckon they need sounding." +<P> +"Indeed they do." +<P> +"Well, now about your difficulty. A thousand-dollar bond, +eh. It's pretty stiff, but I guess I can stand it." +<P> +"Thank you, sir," was all I could say. +<P> +"Don't say a word. Didn't your father put in a good word +for me when I was a-courting your aunt that's dead and gone— God bless her! +Indeed, he did! And I'll stand by you, Roger, no matter how hard the gale +blows." +<P> +"Then <I>you</I> don't think I'm guilty?" +<P> +"What! a lad with your bearing a thief? Not much. The +people in this village must be asleep— not to know better'n that?" +<P> +"Ahem!" coughed Judge Penfold, sternly. He considered +my uncle's remarks decidedly impertinent. "Are you able to go his bail?" +he asked. +<P> +"Reckon I am. I've just deposited ten thousand dollars +in the bank here, and I've got twenty and more in New York. How will you +have it— in cash?" +<P> +"A conditional check, certified, will do," replied Judge +Penfold, shortly. +<P> +What he meant had to be explained, and then we all went +to the banker's office. My uncle's account was found to be as he had stated, +and about ten minutes later my bond was signed and I was at liberty to go +where I pleased until called upon to appear. +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward and John Stumpy apparently did not +relish the turn affairs had taken. But I paid no attention to them, and the +business over, I hurried off with my sister and my newly arrived uncle. +<P> +"Did you find the statement?" I asked of Kate, as soon +as we were out of hearing of the crowd. +<P> +"No, Roger, I looked and looked, but it wasn't anywhere, +either at the tool house or on the way to Judge Penfold's." +<P> +"Have you heard from Mrs. Canby yet?" +<P> +"Yes, she is coming home." +<P> +"Does she blame me for what has happened?" +<P> +"She doesn't say." +<P> +"Never mind, Roger. We'll stick up for you," put in Uncle +Enos, kindly. +<P> +I was considerably disturbed. What if Mrs. Canby should +consider me at fault? +<P> +As we drew near to the cottage, I saw a lady standing +by the gate, watching our approach. It was the Widow Canby. +<h3>CHAPTER XVII</h3> +<h4>A SUDDEN RESOLVE</h4> +<P> +My heart beat rapidly as I walked +up to the gate. How would the good lady who had done so much for Kate and +myself receive me? +<P> +An unkind word or an unfavorable insinuation from her +would have hurt me worse than a thousand from any one else. She had been +so generous that to have her turn would have made me feel as if I had lost +my last friend on earth. +<P> +But as she had taken me in before when others had cast +me out, so she now proved the friend in need. +<P> +"So they've thought better of it and set you free, Roger?" +she said as I hurried up. +<P> +"Yes, Mrs. Canby," I returned. "I hope— I hope—" I began, +and then came to a full stop. +<P> +"What?" and she caught my hand. +<P> +"I hope you don't think I had anything to do with the +robbery," I stammered. +<P> +"No, Roger, I don't. I think you're an honest boy, and +I've got to have more proof against you than I've heard yet before I'll believe +otherwise." +<P> +"Thank you, ma'am, oh, thank you!" I blurted out, and +the tears started to my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. +<P> +The events of which I am writing occurred several years +ago, but I am not ashamed of those tears. They were the outcome of long-pent-up +feelings, and I could not hold them back. My sister cried, too, and the Widow +Canby and Uncle Enos looked very much as if they wished to join in. +<P> +"I knew you wouldn't think Roger did it," cried Kate. +"I said all along you wouldn't, though everybody said you would." +<P> +"Folks don't appear to know me very well," returned Widow +Canby, with a bit of grim humor in her tone. "I don't always think as others +do. Come into the house and give me full particulars. Who is this man? Why, +really! Captain Moss, I believe?" +<P> +"Yes, ma'am, Captain Moss— Roger's uncle, at your service," +replied he, taking off his cap and bowing low. "I thought you'd remember +me. Your husband as was once sailed to Boston with me." +<P> +"Oh, yes, I remember you. Will you come in?" +<P> +"Thank you, reckon I will. I have no home now, and hotels +is scarce in Darbyville. I only arrived this noon, and I've been with Kate +ever since. I must hunt up a boarding-house to stay at. Do you know of any +close at hand?" +<P> +"Perhaps I do. Let us talk of that later on. I want to +hear Roger's story first." +<P> +"Just as you say, ma'am. Only I must get a place to stop +at to-night." +<P> +"You shall be provided for, Captain Moss. I have a spare +room." +<P> +"You are very kind to an old sea-dog like myself, Mrs. +Canby," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +The widow led the way into the dining room. The lamp was +already lighted, and while my sister Kate busied herself with preparing supper, +Mrs. Canby and my uncle sat down to listen to my story. +<P> +For the first time I told it with all the details that +concerned myself,— how I had been waylaid by the Models, how Dick Blair had +released me, what Stumpy had done at the tool house, and all, not forgetting +about the statement Kate and I wished so much to find. +<P> +The Widow Canby and my uncle listened with close attention +until I had finished. +<P> +"It's a strange story, Roger," said the widow, at its +conclusion. "One hard to believe. But I know you tell the truth." +<P> +"What a rascal this Woodward must be!" broke in my uncle +"He's a far greater villain in his way than this John Stumpy. I am strongly +inclined to figure that you're right, and he is the one that ran your father +up on a lee shore." +<P> +"I don't think father did a single thing that was wrong— that +is, knowingly," I returned. "If he did do wrong, I'm sure Mr. Woodward made +it appear as if it was all right." +<P> +"No doubt, no doubt. If you could only get to the bottom +of this Weaver's statement." +<P> +"And when is this trial to come off?" put in Mrs. Canby. +"Really I don't see what good it will do me if this man has lost the money." +<P> +"I'd like to find that, too," I returned. +<P> +Presently Kate announced that supper was ready, and we +all sat down. The widow said that she had found her sister much better, and +on receiving Kate's letter had started for her home at once. The loss of +the money did not disturb her as much as I had anticipated, and as every +one was hungry, the meal passed off tolerably well. +<P> +When we had nearly finished there was a knock on the door, +and Kate admitted Mr. Woodward's errand boy. He had a note for me. It contained +but a single sentence:— +<P> +"Please call at my house this evening about nine o'clock." +<P> +I read the note over with interest, and then informed +the others of what it contained. +<P> +"Shall you go?" asked Kate, anxiously. +<P> +"I suppose I might." +<P> +"Maybe it's a plot," suggested the widow. +<P> +"Might waylay you," added Uncle Enos. "A man like him +is liable to do 'most anything." +<P> +"I don't think he would dare do me any bodily injury," +I replied. "He would know I had told some one where I was going, and that +my absence would be noticed." +<P> +"If you go, take me in tow," said my uncle. "I needn't +go in with you, but I can hang around outside, and if anything goes wrong, +all you've got to do is to holler like all creation, and I'll come to the +rescue." +<P> +"Oh, if Roger runs any risk, I'd rather he wouldn't go," +exclaimed Kate, in alarm. +<P> +"I don't think the risk is very great," I returned. "Besides, +I may find the missing statement. That is worth trying for." +<P> +"I shall be in dread until you return," she replied, with +a grave shake of her head. +<P> +"When will you start?" asked Uncle Enos. +<P> +"About half past eight. It won't take over half an hour +to reach his house." +<P> +We continued to discuss Mr. Woodward for some time, and +also the action of the Models and what I should do on their score. My Uncle +Enos was for prosecuting them, but the Widow Canby said that the future would +bring its own punishment, and on this we rested. +<P> +"And now about my board," began Uncle Enos, during a dull +in the conversation. "I must find a boarding-house for after to-night." +<P> +"Wouldn't you like to stay with the children?" asked Mrs. +Canby. +<P> +"Yes, ma'am; indeed I would. To tell the truth, it's my +intention sooner or later to offer them a home with me." +<P> +"I should hate to have them leave me," returned the widow, +quickly. +<P> +"I suppose so." +<P> +"How would you like to board with me? As I have said, +there is lots of room, and you have just eaten a sample meal. We do not live +in style— but—" +<P> +"Plenty good enough style," interrupted Captain Enos, +"and better grub then we had on the <I>Hattie Baker,</I> I'll be bound. I'd +like it first rate here if the terms wasn't too high." +<P> +"What do you think fair?" +<P> +"I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. I haven't paid a week's +board in three years." +<P> +"Would five dollars a week be too much?" +<P> +"No, ma'am. Are you sure it's enough? I don't want to +crowd your hospitality." +<P> +"I'd be satisfied with five dollars. Of course boarders +are out of my line, but there are exceptions to all cases. Besides, I'll +feel safer with another man about the house. No reflection on you, Roger, +but you won't always be here together." +<P> +"No, ma'am," replied my uncle. "I must visit my brother-in-law +at the prison— that will take several days." +<P> +"Will you take me with you?" asked Kate, eagerly. +<P> +"Certainly, and you, too, Roger, if you want to go." +<P> +"I would like to very much," was my reply. "But I want +to ask even a bigger favor than that, Uncle Enos." +<P> +"Yes?" +<P> +"Yes, sir. You may think it a good deal, but you've been +so kind, and I haven't any one else to go to." +<P> +"Well, what is it, my boy? I'll do it if I can." +<P> +"Lend me about fifty dollars." +<P> +My Uncle Enos raised his eyebrows in surprise. +<P> +"Fifty dollars?" he repeated. +<P> +"Yes, sir. That is, if you can spare it. I'll promise +to pay it back some day." +<P> +"And what do you intend to do with it?" +<P> +"I want to go to Chicago, sir." +<P> +"To Chicago?" +<P> +All three of my listeners repeated the words in chorus; +then Captain Enos continued:— +<P> +"And what are you going to do there?" +<P> +"I want to hunt up this Holtzmann, and find out what he +knows about my father's affairs. I'm satisfied that he is as deep in it as +Mr. Woodward or John Stumpy, and if I can only by some means get him to tell +what he knows, I may accomplish a good deal." +<P> +My Uncle Enos put his hand upon my shoulder; "Well, Roger, +you're a brave boy, and I'll trust you. You shall have fifty dollars, and +a hundred, if you want it, to do as you think best. Only don't get into trouble." +<P> +"Thank you Uncle Enos, thank you!" I cried heartily. "Some +day I'll pay you back." +<P> +"I don't want it back, my lad. If you can catch any proofs +that will help clear your father, I shall be more than satisfied." +<P> +"And when shall you go?" asked Kate. +<P> +"I don't know. It will depend on my interview with Mr. +Woodward and also on what John Stumpy does. Not inside of several days, at +least. Besides, we want to see father first, you know." +<P> +"Of course." +<P> +"We can go to Trenton tomorrow," said Uncle Enos. At Trenton +was located the State prison. After consulting a time table printed in the +Darbyville Record, we found we could catch a train for that city at 8.25 +from Newville the next morning, and this we decided to take. +<P> +Having settled this matter, we returned again to the +discussion of the incidents surrounding the robbery, and what would probably +be the next movements of those fighting against me. Uncle Enos grew greatly +interested, and said he knew a lawyer in New York who might secure some good +private detective who could take the case in hand. +<P> +Finally it came half past eight, and putting on my hat, +I started for Mr. Woodward's residence. +<h3>CHAPTER XVIII</h3> +<h4>IN MR. WOODWARD'S LIBRARY</h4> +<P> +Though outwardly calm, I was considerably +agitated as I walked to Darbyville. Why the merchant had sent for me I could +not surmise. Of course it was on account of the robbery, but so far as I +knew both of us had taken a separate stand, and neither would turn back. +I thought it barely possible that he wished to intimidate me into receding +from my position. He was as much of a bully in his way as Duncan, and would +not hesitate to use every means in his power to bring me to terms. +<P> +Arriving at Mr. Woodward's house, I ascended the steps +and rang the bell. +<P> +"Is Mr. Woodward in?" I asked of the girl who answered +the summons. +<P> +"I'll see, sir," she replied. "Who shall I say it is?" +<P> +"Roger Strong." +<P> +The girl left me standing in the hall. While waiting for +her return I could not help but remember the old lines:— +<BLOCKQUOTE> + <P ALIGN=LEFT class=left> + " 'Will you walk into my parlor?'<BR> + Said the spider to the fly." +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<P> +But if I was walking into the spider's parlor, it would +be my own fault if I got hurt, for I was entering with my eyes open. I determined +to be on my guard, and take nothing for granted. +<P> +"Mr. Woodward will be pleased to see you in his library," +said the girl upon her return, and then, having indicated the door, she vanished +down the back hall. +<P> +As I put my hand upon the door-knob, I heard steps upon +the stairs, and looking up saw Duncan Woodward descending. +<P> +His face was still swollen from the punishment I had inflicted +upon him. Nevertheless, he was faultlessly dressed in full evening costume, +and I rightly conjectured he was going to spend the night in some fashionable +dissipation such as dancing or card-playing. +<P> +"Hello! how did you get in here?" he exclaimed. +<P> +"Was let in," was my mild reply, not caring to pick a +quarrel with him. +<P> +"Was, eh? And what for, I'd like to know?" +<P> +"That's your father's business, Duncan." +<P> +"Don't Duncan me any more, Roger Strong. What's my father's +business?" +<P> +"What I came for. He sent for me." +<P> +"Oh, he did. Reckon he's going to square accounts with +you." +<P> +"I don't know what accounts he's going to square," I went +on in curiosity. +<P> +"Didn't you as much as try to intimate he was lying— down +in Judge Penfold's court this afternoon?" +<P> +"I only told what I knew to be the truth," I replied calmly. +<P> +"The truth. Humph! I believe you took the widow's money +yourself." +<P> +"Take care what you're saying," I replied angrily. "I +don't propose to stand any such talk from you." +<P> +Duncan grew speechless. "Why, you— you—" he began. +<P> +"Hold up now before you say something that you'll be sorry +for. This is your house, but you have no right to insult me in it." +<P> +"Quite right, Strong, quite right." The library door had +opened, and Mr. Woodward stood upon the threshold, gazing sharply at his +son. "Strong is here upon my invitation, Duncan; you ought to treat him with +more politeness," he added. +<P> +If Duncan was amazed at this speech, so was I. The merchant +taking my part? What did it mean? +<P> +"Why, I— I—" began Duncan, but he could really get no +further. +<P> +"No explanation is necessary," interrupted his father, +coolly. +<P> +"Strong, please step in, will you?" +<P> +"Yes, sir," and I suited the action to the word. +<P> +As I did so Duncan passed on to the front door. +<P> +"I'll get even with you yet, you cad!" he muttered under +his breath; but I paid no attention to his words. I had "bigger fish to fry." +<P> +Once inside of Mr. Woodward's library, the merchant closed +the door behind me and then invited me to take a seat beside his desk, at +the same time throwing himself back in his easy chair. +<P> +"I suppose you thought it rather singular that I should +send for you," he said by way of an opening. +<P> +"Yes, sir, I did," was all I could reply. +<P> +"I thought as much. It was only an impulse of mine, sir, +only an impulse. I wished to see if we cannot arrange this— this little +difficulty without publicity. I would rather lose a good deal, yes, sir, +a good deal, than have my name dragged into court." +<P> +"All I ask is for justice," I replied calmly. "I am under +arrest for a crime of which I am innocent. On the other hand, you are trying +to shield a man I know is guilty." +<P> +I expected a storm of indignation from Mr. Woodward because +of the last remark. Yet he showed no sign of resentment. +<P> +"Don't you think you might be mistaken in your identification +of Mr. Stumpy?" he replied, and I noticed that again he nearly stumbled in +pronouncing the tramp's name. +<P> +"No, sir," I replied promptly. +<P> +"Remember that you saw him only by lantern light, and +then but for a few minutes." +<P> +"I saw him by daylight as well." +<P> +"When?" +<P> +"In the morning. He came as a beggar." +<P> +"A beggar? Impossible!" The merchant held, up his hands +in assumed amazement. "Why, Strong, the idea of Mr. Stumpy begging is +ridiculous." +<P> +"Just the same it is true, Mr. Woodward. And what is more, +he is the thief, and you know it." +<P> +"That's a strong assertion to make, sir, a very strong +assertion." +<P> +"Nevertheless, I believe I can prove my words." +<P> +Mr. Woodward turned slightly pale. +<P> +"You can prove no such thing," he cried. +<P> +"Yes, I can. Didn't Stumpy admit he had taken the money?" +<P> +"Never, sir." +<P> +"He did." +<P> +"When?" +<P> +"This afternoon while you were at Decker's place." +<P> +Had I slapped the merchant in the face he would not have +been more surprised. He sprang to his feet and glared at me. +<P> +"You— you— Who says he made such an admission?" +<P> +"I say so." +<P> +"Ah! I see, you were spying on us. You rascal!" +<P> +"It strikes me that you are the rascal," I returned. "You +try deliberately to shield a thief." +<P> +"What!" +<P> +"Yes, it's true." +<P> +"Can you prove it?" +<P> +Mr. Woodward asked the question sneeringly, but there +was much of curiosity in his tones. +<P> +"Perhaps I can." +<P> +The merchant pulled his mustache nervously. +<P> +"Strong, you are greatly mistaken. But don't let us quarrel +any more." +<P> +"I don't want to quarrel." +<P> +"I feel badly over the whole affair, and Mr. Stumpy is +fairly sick. I suppose you think you are right, but you are mistaken. Now +I have a proposition to make to you." Mr. Woodward leaned forward in his +chair. "Suppose you admit that you are mistaken— that Mr. Stumpy is not the +man? Do this, and I will not prosecute you for having taken my papers." +<P> +I was surprised and indignant; surprised that Mr. Woodward +should still insist upon my having taken his papers, and indignant because +of his outrageous offer. +<P> +"Mr. Woodward," I began firmly, "you can prosecute me +or not; Stumpy is the guilty man, and I shall always stick to it." +<P> +"Then you will go to jail, too." +<P> +"For the last time let me say I have not seen your papers." +<P> +"It is false. You took them from this room last night. +At the very time you pretend you were after the robber at Mrs. Canby's house +you were here ransacking my desk." +<P> +"Mr. Woodward—" +<P> +"There is no use in denying it. I have abundant proofs. +The girl who cleaned up here this morning found a handkerchief with your +name on it lying on the floor. If you weren't here, how did that come here?" +<P> +"My handkerchief?" +<P> +"Yes, sir, your handkerchief; and Mary O'Brien can identify +it and tell where she found it." +<P> +"Some one else must have had it," I stammered, and then +suddenly: "I know who the party is— Duncan." +<P> +"Duncan!" +<P> +"Yes, sir. He took that handkerchief away from me when +the Models waylaid me!" +<P> +"My son! Really, Strong, you are mad! But I will take +you in hand, sir; yes, indeed, I will." +<P> +"No, you won't, Aaron Woodward!" I cried, for once letting +my temper get the better of me. "You are awfully cunning, but I am not afraid +of you. I am willing to have all these matters sifted to the bottom, and +the sooner the better. What papers have you missed? Were they the ones that +Holtzmann of Chicago is after? How is it that my father is in prison while +you live in style on money you never earned? Who is the relative that left +it to you? Did you ever make a clear statement concerning the transactions +that took away my father's honest name?" +<P> +"Stop! Stop!" +<P> +"I will not stop! You want an investigation; so do I. +Luckily my uncle, Captain Enos Moss, has just returned from a voyage. He +has quite some money, and I know he will use it to bring the guilty parties +to justice. And then—" +<P> +I did not finish. Mr. Woodward had strode over to the +door and locked it, putting the key in his pocket. +<P> +"You know too much, Strong," he muttered between his set +teeth, as he caught me by the collar; "too much entirely. We must come to +a settlement before you leave this room." +<h3>CHAPTER XIX</h3> +<h4>A CLEVER RUSE</h4> +<P> +I must confess I was frightened when +Mr. Woodward locked the door of his library and caught me by the collar. +Was it possible that he contemplated doing me physical harm? It looked that +way. +<P> +I was not accustomed to such rough treatment, and I resented +it instantly. I was not very large for my age, but I was strong, and ducking +my head I wrenched myself free from his grasp and sprang to the other side +of the small table that stood in the centre of the room. +<P> +"What do you mean by treating me in this manner!" I cried. +"Unlock that door at once!" +<P> +"Not much, sir," replied Mr. Woodward, vehemently. "You've +made some remarkable statements, young man, and I demand a clear explanation +before you leave." +<P> +"Well, you demand too much, Aaron Woodward," I replied +firmly. "Unlock that door." +<P> +"Not just yet. I want to know what you know of Holtzmann +of Chicago?" +<P> +"You won't learn by treating me in this manner," was my +determined reply. "Unlock that door, or, take my word for it, I'll arouse +the whole neighborhood." +<P> +"You'll do nothing of the kind, young man," he rejoined. +<P> +"I will." +<P> +"Make the least disturbance and you shall pay dearly for +it. Understand, sir, I'm not to be trifled with." +<P> +"And I'm not to be frightened into submission," I returned +with spirit. "I have a right to leave when I please and I shall do so." +<P> +"Not till I am ready," said he, coolly. +<P> +I was nonplussed and alarmed— nonplussed over the question +of how to get away, and alarmed at the thought of what might happen if I +was compelled to remain. +<P> +I began to understand Mr. Aaron Woodward's true character. +Like Duncan, he was not only a bully, but also a brute. Words having failed, +he was now evidently going to see what physical force could accomplish. +<P> +"Forewarned is forearmed" is an old saying, and now I +applied it to myself. In other words, I prepared for an encounter. On the +centre table lay a photograph album. It was thick and heavy and capable of +proving quite a formidable article of defence. I picked it up, and stepping +behind a large easy chair, stood on my guard. +<P> +Seeing the action, the merchant paused. +<P> +"What are going to do with that?" he asked. +<P> +"You'll see if you keep on," I replied. "I don't intend +to stand this much longer. You had better open the door." +<P> +"You think you're a brainy boy, Strong," he sneered. +<P> +"I've got too much brain to let you ride over me." +<P> +"You think you have a case against me and Mr. Stumpy, +and you intend to drag it into court and make a great fuss over it," he went +on. +<P> +"I'm going to get back my father's honest name." +<P> +"What you mean is that you intend to drag my name in the +mire," he stormed. +<P> +"You can have it so, if you please." +<P> +"I shall not allow it. You, a young upstart!" +<P> +"Take care, Mr. Woodward!" +<P> +"Do you think I will submit to it?" He glared at me and +threw a hasty glance around the room. "Not much!" +<P> +Suddenly he stepped to the windows and pulled down the +shades. Then he took out his watch and looked at the time. I wondered what +he was up to now. I was not long in finding out. +<P> +"Listen to me," he said in a low, intense tone, "We are +alone in this house— you and I— and will be for half an hour or more. You +are in my power. What will you do? Give up all the papers you possess and +promise to keep silent about what you know or take the consequences." +<P> +It would be telling an untruth to say I was not thoroughly +startled by the merchant's sudden change of manner. He was about to assault +me, that was plain to see, and he wished me to understand that no one was +near either to assist me or to bear witness against his dark doings. +<P> +I must fight my own battles, not only in a war of words, +but also in a war of blows. I was not afraid after the first shock was over. +My cause was a just one, and I would stand by it, no matter what the consequences +might be. +<P> +"I don't fear you, Aaron Woodward," I replied, as steadily +as I could. "I am in the right and shall stick up for it, no matter what +comes." +<P> +"You defy me?" he cried in a rage. +<P> +"Yes, I do." +<P> +I had hardly uttered the words before he caught up a heavy +cane standing beside his desk and made for me. There was a wicked determination +in his eyes, and I could see that all the evil passions within him were aroused. +<P> +"We'll see who is master here," he went on. +<P> +"Stand back!" I cried. "Don't come a step nearer! If you +do, you'll be sorry for it!" +<P> +He paid no attention to my warning, but kept on advancing, +raising the cane over his head as he did so. +<P> +When he was within three feet of me he aimed a blow at +my head. Had he hit me, I am certain he would have cracked my skull open. +<P> +But I was too quick for him, I dodged, and the cane struck +the back of the chair. +<P> +Before he could recover from his onslaught I hurled the +album at him with all force. It struck him full in the face, and must have +loosened several of his teeth, for he put his hand up to his mouth as he +reeled over backward. +<P> +I was not astonished. I had accomplished just what I had +set out to do. My one thought now was to make my escape. How was it to be +done? +<P> +The key to the door was in the merchant's pocket, and +this I could, not obtain. The windows were closed, and the blinds drawn down. +<P> +I had but an instant to think. Spluttering to himself, +my assailant was endeavoring to rise to his feet. +<P> +A hasty glance around the room revealed a door partly +hidden by a curtain next the mantelpiece. Where it led to I did not know, +but concluding that any place would be better than to remain in the library, +I tried the door, found it open, and slipped out. +<P> +"Stop, stop!" roared Mr. Woodward. "Stop, this instant!" +<P> +But I did not stop. I found myself in the dining room, +and at once put the long table between us. +<P> +"Don't you come any nearer," I called out sharply. "If +you do, it may be at the cost of your life." +<P> +As I spoke I picked up a fancy silver knife that lay on +the table. It had a rough resemblance to a pocket pistol, and gave me the +idea of palming it off as such. +<P> +"Would you shoot me?" cried the merchant, in sudden terror, +as he saw what he supposed was the barrel of a revolver pointed at his head. +<P> +"Why shouldn't I?" was the reply. "You have no right to +detain me." +<P> +"I don't want to detain you. I only want to come to a +settlement," he returned lamely. +<P> +"And I want nothing more to do with you. I'll give you +one minute to show me the way to the front door." +<P> +"Yes, but, Strong—" +<P> +"No more talk, if you please. Do you intend to show me +the way out, or shall I fire?" +<P> +Then Mr. Aaron Woodward showed what a coward he really +was. He gave a cry of horror and sank completely out of sight. +<P> +"Don't shoot, Strong. I pray you, take care. I'll show +you the way out, indeed I will!" +<P> +"Well, hurry about it. I don't intend to stand any more +nonsense." +<P> +"Here, this way. Please stop pointing that pistol at me; +it might go off, you know." +<P> +"Then the sooner you show me the way out, the better for +you," I returned coolly, inwardly amused at his sudden change of manner +<P> +"This way, then. I— I trust you will keep this— this little +meeting of ours a secret." +<P> +"Why should I?" +<P> +"Because it— it would do no good to have it made public." +<P> +"I'll see about it," was my reply. +<P> +By this time we had reached the front door, and with unwilling +hands the merchant opened it. +<P > +"Now stand aside and let me pass," I commanded. +<P> +"I will. But, Strong—" +<P> +"No more words are needed," I returned. "I have had enough +of you, Mr. Aaron Woodward. The next time you hear from me it will be in +quite a different shape." +<P> +"What do you mean?" he cried, in sudden alarm. +<P> +"You will find out soon enough. In the meantime let me +return your fancy knife. I have no further use for it." +<P> +I tossed the article over. He looked at it and then at +me. Clearly he was mad enough to "chew me up." Bidding him a mocking good +night, I ran down the steps and hurried away. +<h3>CHAPTER XX</h3> +<h4>AT THE PRISON</h4> +<P> +Mr. Woodward's +actions had aroused me as I had never been aroused before. My eyes were wide +open at last. I realized that if I ever expected to gain our family rights +I must fight for them— and fight unflinchingly to the bitter end. +<P> +It was nearly ten o'clock when I reached the Widow Canby's +house. I met my Uncle Enos on the porch. He had grown impatient, and was +about to start for Darbyville in search of me. +<P> +In the dining room I told my story. All laughed heartily +at the ruse I had played upon the merchant, but were indignant at the treatment +I had received. +<P> +"Wish I'd been with you," remarked my uncle, with a vigorous +shake of his head. "I'd a-smashed in his figurehead, keelhaul me if I wouldn't!" +<P> +"What do you intend to do now?" asked Kate. +<P> +"Let's see; to-day is Friday. If you will take us to Trenton +to-morrow, Uncle Enos, I'll start for Chicago on Monday." +<P> +"Don't you think you had better have this Woodward arrested +first?" asked Captain Enos. +<P> +"No; I would rather let him think that for the present +I had dropped the whole matter. It may throw him off his guard and enable +me to pick up more clews against him." +<P> +"That's an idea. Roger, you've got a level head on your +shoulders, and we can't do any better than follow your advice," returned +my uncle. +<P> +I did but little sleeping that night. For a long time +I lay awake thinking over my future actions. Then when I did fall into a +doze my rest was broken by dreams of the fire at the tool house and Mr. +Woodward's attack. +<P> +I was up at five o'clock in the morning, attending to +the regular chores. I did not know who would do them during my absence, and +as soon as the widow appeared I spoke to her on the subject. +<P> +"Your uncle mentioned the matter last night," said Mrs. +Canby. "He said he would do all that was required until you came back. He +doesn't want to remain idle all day, and thought the work would just suit +him." +<P> +This was kind of Uncle Enos, and I told him so when an +hour later he appeared, dressed in his best, his trunk having arrived the +evening before. +<P> +"Yes, Roger, I'd rather do it than sit twirling my thumbs, +a-waiting for you to come back," said he. "I used to do such work years ago, +before I shipped on the Anna Siegel, and to do it again will make me feel +like a boy once more. But come; let's go to mess and then hoist anchor and +away." +<P> +A few minutes later we were at breakfast. Then I put on +my good clothes and brought around the horse and carriage, for the Widow +Canby insisted upon driving us down to Newville by way of Darbyville just +to show folks, as she said, that she had not lost confidence in me. +<P> +Kate was in a flutter of excitement. She had wished to +see my father every day since he had been taken away. As for myself, I was +fully as impatient. My father was very dear to me, and every time I thought +of him I prayed that God would place it within my power to clear his name +from the stain that now rested upon him. +<P> +We reached the station in Newville five minutes before +train time. My uncle procured our tickets and also checked the basket of +delicacies the Widow Canby had prepared. +<P> +"Remember me to Mr. Strong," said the widow, as we boarded +the train. "Tell him I don't believe he's guilty, and perhaps other people +in Darbyville won't think so either before long." +<P> +A moment later and we were off. Kate and Uncle Enos occupied +one seat, and I sat directly behind them. A ride of an hour followed, and +finally, after crossing a number of other railroads, we rolled into a brick +station, and the conductor sang out:— +<P> +"Trenton!" +<P> +It was eleven o'clock when we crossed the wooden foot-bridge +of the station and emerged upon the street. +<P> +"We'll go to the prison at once," said my uncle. "Perhaps +it isn't 'visiting day,' as they call it, but I reckon I can fix it. Sailors +on shore have special privileges," he added with a laugh. +<P> +"Which way is it?" asked Kate. +<P> +"I don't know. We'll take a carriage and trust to the +driver." +<P> +He called a coach, and soon we were rolling off. +<P> +Finally the coach stopped, and the driver sprang from +his box. +<P> +"Here you are, sir," he said, as he opened the door. +<P> +I looked up at the big stone buildings before us. My father +was behind those walls. I glanced at Kate. The poor girl was in tears. +<P> +"You had better stay on board here till I go in and take +soundings," said Captain Enos. "I won't be gone long." +<P> +Jumping to the pavement, he walked up to the big open +door and entered. +<P> +"What a dreadful place!" said my sister, as she strained +her eyes to catch sight of some prisoner. +<P> +My uncle was gone not over ten minutes, yet the wait seemed +an age. He returned with a brightened face. +<P> +"I had hard work to get permission, but we are to have +half an hour's talk with your father under the supervision of a deputy," +he explained. +<P> +In another moment we were inside. We walked along a wide +corridor and into an office, and then a short, stout man, Mr. Carr, the deputy, +joined us. +<P> +"This way, please," he said, and gave a kindly glance +at Kate and myself. "You will have to leave the basket here. I will see that +it reaches the— the— your father." +<P> +He led the way. How my heart beat! Why, I cannot tell. +<P> +"I'll go in first," said my Uncle Enos. +<P> +We entered a room. In a moment the deputy brought in a +man dressed in striped clothing, and with his hair cut close. It was my father. +<P> +My uncle and I rushed forward. But we were too late. With +a cry Kate was in his arms. It was a great moment all around. +<P> +"My children! My Katie and my Roger!" was all my father +could say, but the words went straight home. +<P> +"I am heartily glad that you are back," he said then to +my uncle. "You will look after them, Enos, until I am free." +<P> +"Indeed I will," replied Captain Enos, heartily. "But +you must listen to Roger. He has a long story to tell." +<P> +"Then tell it. I am dying to hear news from home." We +sat down, and I told my story. Perhaps the deputy ought not to have allowed +me to say all I did, but he pretended not to hear. +<P> +My father listened with keen attention to every word, +and as I went on, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. +<P> +"Roger, my faithful boy, you almost make me hope for freedom," +he cried. "Oh, how I long to be set right before the world!" +<P> +"God make it so," put in my uncle, solemnly. "To suffer +unjustly is terrible." +<P> +Then I told of my interview with Mr. Woodward in his library +and of Holtzmann. +<P> +"Holtzmann was one of the principal witnesses against +me," said my father. "So was Nicholas Weaver, who managed the Brooklyn business +for Holland & Mack. Who John Stumpy can be I do not know. Perhaps I would +if I saw him face to face. There was another man— he was quite bald, with +a red blotch on the front of his hand— who was brought forward by Woodward +to prove that he had nothing to do with the presentation of the forged checks +and notes, but what his name was I have forgotten." +<P> +"This can't be the man, for he has a heavy head of hair," +I replied. "But I am sure Stumpy is not his true name." +<P> +"Probably not. Well, Roger, do your best, not only for +me but for Katie's sake and your own." +<P> +Then the conversation became general, and all too soon +the half hour was at an end. My father sent his regards to Mrs. Canby, with +many thanks for the basket of delicacies, and then with a kiss for Kate and +a shake of the hand to Uncle Enos and me, we parted. +<P> +Little was said on the way back. No one cared to go to +a restaurant, and we took the first train homeward. +<P> +It was dark when we reached Newville. The Widow Canby's +carriage was at the depot waiting for us. +<P> +"Suppose I get my ticket for Chicago now," said I. "It +will save time Monday, and I can find out all about the train." +<P> +"A good idea," returned my uncle. "I'll go with you." +<P> +So while Kate joined Mrs. Canby we entered the depot. +<P> +The ticket was soon in my possession, and then I asked +the ticket seller a number of questions concerning the route and the time +I would reach my destination. +<P> +Suddenly instinct prompted me to turn quickly. I did so +and found John Stumpy at my shoulder. +<h3>CHAPTER XXI</h3> +<h4>A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. John Stumpy had evidently been watching my proceedings closely, +for when I turned to him he was quite startled. However, it did not take +him long to recover, and then, bracing up, he hurried away without a word. +<P> +He was now neatly dressed and had had his face shaved. +I conjectured that Mr. Woodward had advised this change in order to more +fully carry out the deception in relation to the tramp's real character. +<P> +"There's that Stumpy," I whispered to Captain Enos, as +I pointed my finger at the man. "He has been watching us." +<P> +"How do you know?" asked my uncle. +<P> +"Because he was just looking over my shoulder," I replied. +"Shall I speak to him? I'd like to know what he intends to do next." +<P> +"It won't do any good. It ain't likely he'd tell you anything, +and if he did, it wouldn't be the truth." +<P> +"Maybe it might." +<P> +"Well, do as you think best, Roger, only don't be too +long— the widow and Kate are waiting, you know." +<P> +Pushing through the crowd, I tapped Stumpy on the shoulder. +He looked around in assumed surprise. +<P> +"Hullo!" he exclaimed sharply. "What do you want?" +<P> +"Nothing much," I returned. "I just saw you were greatly +interested in what I was doing." +<P> +"Why, I didn't see you before." +<P> +"You were just looking over my shoulder." +<P> +"You're mistaken, young man, just as you are in several +other things." +<P> +"I'm not mistaken in several other things." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" he asked curiously. +<P> +"That's my business." +<P> +"Where have you been?" +<P> +"That is my business also." +<P> +"Strong, you're a fool," he whispered. "Do you think you +can hurt men like Mr. Woodward and myself?" +<P> +"I can bring you to justice." +<P> +"Bah! I suppose you think you can do wonders by going +to Chicago." +<P> +"How do you know I am going to Chicago?" I questioned +quickly. +<P> +Stumpy's face fell, as he realized the slip he had made. +<P> +"Never mind. But you won't gain anything," he went on. +"Better stay home and save your money." +<P> +And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the +crowd and was lost to sight. +<P> +A moment later I joined the others in the carriage. While +driving home I related the conversation recorded above. +<P> +"It's too bad he found out you were going to Chicago," +said my uncle. "He may try to stop you." +<P> +"I'll keep my eyes open," I replied. +<P> +The remainder of the day was spent in active work around +the widow's place. Not only did I labor all the afternoon, but far into the +evening as well, to show that I did not intend to shirk my duty even though +I was going away. Besides, Mrs. Canby had treated me so well that I was almost +willing to work my fingers to the bone to serve her. +<P> +The following day was Sunday. Kate and I were in the habit +of attending church and Sunday-school over in Darbyville, but we shrank from +doing so now. But Uncle Enos and I went to church, and despite the many curious +eyes levelled at me, I managed to give attention to an excellent sermon. +I noticed that the Woodward pew was empty, but then this was of common occurrence +and excited no comment. +<P> +On Sunday evening my handbag stood in my room packed, +ready for my departure. Dick Blair came over to see me and brought strange +and sad news. +<P> +Duncan Woodward and Pultzer, his intimate crony, had gotten +into a row in a pool room down in Newville and were both under arrest. Mr. +Woodward and Mr. Pultzer had gone off to get their sons out of jail. Dick +did not know how the row had started, but had heard that the young men had +been drinking heavily. +<P> +I was much shocked at the news, and so were the others. +If affairs kept on like this, Mr. Aaron Woodward would certainly have his +hands full. +<P> +I retired early so as to be on hand the next day. Sleep +was out of the question. I had never been a hundred miles away from Darbyville, +and the prospect of leaving filled me with excitement. +<P> +I was up long before it was necessary, but found Kate +ahead of me. +<P> +"You're going to have a good, hot breakfast before you +go," she said. "Sit right down. It's all ready." +<P> +Presently, as I was eating, my uncle and Mrs. Canby joined +me. They were full of advice as to what to do and what to avoid, and I listened +to all they had to say attentively. +<P> +But all things must come to an end, and at length breakfast +was over. My Uncle Enos and Kate drove me to Newville, and waited till the +train rolled in. +<P> +"Good-by, Roger," said Kate. "Please, <I>please,</I> now +do keep out of trouble." +<P> +"I will, Kate," I returned, and kissed her. Then I shook +hands with my uncle. +<P> +"Keep a clear weather eye and a strong hand at the wheel, +Roger, my boy," he said, "and you'll make port all safe." +<P> +"I'll try, Uncle Enos." +<P> +A moment more and I was on the cars. Then with an "All +aboard" the conductor gave the signal, and the train moved off. +<P> +I passed into the car and took a vacant seat near the +centre. I had hardly sat down before a well-dressed stranger took the seat +beside me. +<P> +"Hot day," said he, after he had arranged his bag on the +floor beside my own. +<P> +"Yes, it is," I replied, "and dry, too." +<P> +"Meanest part of the country I've struck yet," he went +on. "Don't have any such climate as this out West." +<P> +"I should think that would depend on where you come from," +I returned, with a short laugh. +<P> +"I hail from Chicago. It's hot there, but we get plenty +of breeze from the lakes." +<P> +I looked at the man with some attention. He came from +the city I intended to visit, and perhaps he might give me some information. +<P> +He was a burly man of middle age, and, as I have said, +well dressed, though a trifle loud. His hair was black, as was also his mustache, +which he continually kept smoothing down with one hand. I did not like his +looks particularly, nor his tone of voice. They reminded me strongly of some +one, but whom I could not remember. +<P> +"You come from Chicago," I said. "I am going there." +<P> +"Is that so? Then we can travel together. I like to have +some one going along, don't you?" +<P> +I felt like saying that that would depend on who the some +one was, but thinking this would hardly be polite, I returned:— +<P> +"I don't know. I've never travelled before." +<P> +"No? Well, it's fun at first, but you soon get tired of +it. My name is Allen Price; what is yours?" +<P> +"Roger Strong." +<P> +"Glad to meet you." He extended his hand. "You're rather +young to be travelling alone— that is, going a distance. Do you smoke? We'll +go into the smoker and take it easy. I have some prime cigars." +<P> +"Thank you, I don't smoke." +<P> +"That's too bad. Nothing like a good cigar to quiet a +man's nerves when he's riding. So you're going to Chicago? On a visit?" +<P> +"No, sir; on business." +<P> +"Yes? Rather young for business— excuse me for saying +so." +<P> +"It is a personal business." +<P> +"Oh, I see. Going to claim a dead uncle's property or +something like that, I suppose. Ha! ha! well, I wish you luck." +<P> +Mr. Allen Price rattled on in this fashion for some time, +and at length I grew interested in the man in spite of myself. I was positive +I had seen him before, but where I could not tell. I asked him if he had +ever been to Darbyville. +<P> +"Never heard of the place," he replied. "Only been in +Jersey a month, and that time was spent principally in Jersey City and Camden. +I'm in the pottery business. Our principal office is in Chicago." +<P> +"Do you know much about that city?" +<P> +"Lived there all my life." +<P> +I was on the point of asking him about Holtzmann, but +on second thought decided to remain silent. +<P> +On and on sped the train, making but few stops. There +was a dining-car attached but I was travelling on a cheap scale, and made +my dinner and supper from the generous lunch the widow had provided. +<P> +Mr. Price went to the dining-car and also the smoker. +He returned about nine o'clock in the evening, just as I was falling into +a light doze. +<P> +"Thought I'd get a sleeper," he explained. "But they are +all full, so I'll have to snooze beside you here." +<P> +His breath smelt strongly of liquor, but I had no right +to object, and he dropped heavily into the seat. +<P> +Presently I went sound asleep. How long I slept I do not +know. When I awoke it was with a sharp, stinging sensation in the head. A +pungent odor filled my nose, the scent coming from a handkerchief some one +had thrown over my face. +<P> +With a gasp I pulled the handkerchief aside and sat up. +Beside me sat Mr. Allen Price with my handbag on his lap. He had a number +of keys in his hand and was trying to unlock the bag. +<h3>CHAPTER XXII</h3> +<h4>A TELEGRAM</h4> +<P> +I was startled and indignant when +I discovered Mr. Allen Price with my handbag, trying to open it. It looked +very much as if my fellow-passenger was endeavoring to rob me. +<P> +I had suspected from the start that this man was not +"straight." There was that peculiar something about his manner which I did +not like. He had been altogether too familiar from the first; too willing +to make himself agreeable. +<P> +What he expected to find in my bag I could not imagine. +If his mission was robbery pure and simple, why had he not selected some +one who looked richer than myself? There was, I am certain, nothing about +me to make him believe I had anything of great value in the bag. +<P> +"What are you doing with my valise?" I demanded as I +straightened up. +<P> +My sudden question made the man almost jump to his feet. +The bag dropped from his lap to the floor, and the keys in his hand jingled +after it. +<P> +"I— I— didn't think you were awake," he stammered. +<P> +"You didn't?" I repeated, puzzled as to what to say. +<P> +"No— I— I—" +<P> +"You were trying to open my bag." +<P> +"So I was— but it's all a mistake, I assure you." +<P> +"A mistake?" +<P> +"Quite a mistake, Strong." He cleared his throat. "The +fact is, I'm suffering so from the toothache that I'm hardly able to judge +of what I'm doing. I thought your bag was my own." +<P> +"They are not much alike," I returned bluntly. +<P> +"Well, you see mine is a new one, and I'm not used to +it yet. I hope you don't think I was trying to rob you?" he went on, with +a look of reproach. +<P> +I was silent. I did think that that was just what he was +trying to do, but I hardly cared to say so. +<P> +"It's awful to have such toothaches as I get," he continued, +putting his hand to his cheek. "They come on me unawares, and drive me frantic. +I wanted to get my teeth attended to in Jersey City when I was there, but +I didn't have time." +<P> +"What's this on the handkerchief?" I asked. +<P> +"Oh, I guess I spilled some of my toothache cure on it," +he replied, after some hesitation. "I used some and then put the bottle back +in the valise. That's how I came to look for the bottle again. I hope you're +not offended. It was all a mistake." +<P> +"It's all right if that's the case," I returned coolly. +<P> +Holding my valise on my lap, I settled back in the seat +again, but not to sleep. The little adventure had aroused me thoroughly. +Mr. Allen Price sat beside me for a few moments in silence. +<P> +"Guess I'll go into the smoker," he said finally, as he +rose. "Maybe a cigar will help me," and taking up his handbag, he walked +down the aisle. +<P> +In a dreamy way I meditated over what had occurred. I +could not help but think that the handkerchief I had found spread over my +face had been saturated with chloroform, and that my fellow-passenger had +endeavored to put me in a sound sleep and then rifle my bag. Of course I +might be mistaken, but still I was positive that Mr. Allen Price would bear +watching. +<P> +About four o'clock in the morning the train came to a +sudden stop. The jar was so pronounced that it woke nearly all of the passengers. +<P> +Thinking that possibly we had arrived at our destination, +I raised the window and peered out. +<P> +Instead of being in the heart of a city, however, I soon +discovered we were in a belt of timber land. Huge trees lined the road on +both sides, and ahead I could hear the flowing of a mountain stream. +<P> +The train hands were out with their lanterns, and by their +movements it was plain to see that something was up. +<P> +I waited in my seat for ten minutes or more, and then +as a number of passengers left the car, I took up my bag and did the same. +<P> +A walk to the front of the train soon made known the cause +of the delay. Over a small mountain stream a strong wooden bridge with iron +frame had been built. Near the bridge grew a number of tall trees, and one +of these had been washed loose by the water and overturned in such a manner +that the largest branch blocked the progress of the locomotive. The strong +headlight had revealed the state of affairs to the engineer, and he had stopped +within five feet of the obstruction. Had he run on, it is impossible to calculate +what amount of damage might have been done. +<P> +"Don't see what we are going to do, except to run back +to Smalleyville," said the engineer, who was in consultation with the conductor. +<P> +"Can't we roll the tree out of the way?" asked the latter +official. +<P> +The engineer shook his head. +<P> +"Too heavy. All the men on the train couldn't budge it." +<P> +They stood in silence for a moment. +<P> +"If you had a rope, you could make the engine haul it," +I suggested to the fireman, who was a young fellow. +<P> +"A good idea," he exclaimed, and reported it to his superior. +<P> +"First-class plan; but we haven't got the rope," said +the engineer. +<P> +"Have you got an axe?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Then why not chop it off?" +<P> +"That's so! Larry, bring the axes." +<P> +"It won't do any good," said one of the brakemen who had +just come up. "The bridge has shifted." +<P> +An examination proved his assertion to be correct. As +soon as this became known, a danger light was hung at either end of the +structure, and then we started running backward to Smalleyville. +<P> +"How long will this delay us?" I asked of the conductor +as he came through, explaining matters. +<P> +"I can't tell. Perhaps only a few hours, perhaps more. +It depends on how soon the wrecking gang arrive on the spot. As soon as they +get there, they will go right to work, and it won't take them long to fix +matters up." +<P> +Smalleyville proved to be a small town of not over five +hundred inhabitants. There was quite an excitement around the depot when +the train came in, and despatches were sent in various directions. +<P> +Presently a shower came up, and this drove the passengers +to the cars and the station. I got aboard the train at first to listen to +what the train hands might have to say. I found one of the brakemen quite +a friendly fellow, and willing to talk. +<P> +"This rain will make matters worse," said he. "That tree +was leaning against the bridge for all it was worth, and if it loosens any +more it will carry the thing away clean." +<P> +"Isn't there danger of trains coming from the other way?" +<P> +"Not now. We've telegraphed to Chicago, and no train will +leave till everything is in running order." +<P> +"When does the next train arrive behind us?" +<P> +"At 9.30 this morning." +<P> +We chatted for quite a while. Then there was a commotion +on the platform, and we found that part of the wrecking gang had arrived +on a hand-car. +<P> +They brought with them a great lot of tools, and soon +a flat car with a hoisting machine was run out of a shed, and they were off. +<P> +By this time it was raining in torrents, and the station +platform was deserted. Not caring to get wet, I again took my seat in the +car, and presently fell asleep. +<P> +When I awoke I found it was six o'clock. The rain still +fell steadily, without signs of abating. +<P> +I was decidedly hungry, and buttoning my coat up tightly +about my neck, I sallied forth in search of a restaurant. +<P> +I found one within a block of the depot, and entering, +I called for some coffee and muffins— first, however, assuring myself that +my train was not likely to leave for fully an hour. +<P> +While busy with what the waiter had brought, I saw Mr. +Allen Price enter. Luckily the table I sat at was full, and he was compelled +to take a seat some distance from me. +<P> +"Good morning, my young friend," said he, as he stopped +for an instant in front of me. +<P> +I was surprised at his pleasant manner. He acted as if +nothing had ever happened to bring up a coolness between us. +<P> +"Good morning," I replied briefly. +<P> +"Terrible rain, this, isn't it?" +<P> +"It is." +<P> +"My toothache's much better," he went on, "and I feel +like myself once more. Funny I mistook your valise for mine, last night, +wasn't it?" +<P> +"I don't know," I replied flatly. +<P> +I returned to my breakfast, and, seeing I would not converse +further, the man passed on and sat down. But I felt that his eyes were on +me, and instinctively I made up my mind to be on my guard. +<P> +As I was about to leave the place, several more passengers +came in, and by what they said I learned that the train would not start for +Chicago till noon, the bridge being so badly damaged that the road engineer +would not let anything cross until it was propped up. +<P> +Not caring to go back to the train, I entered the waiting-room +and took in all there was to be seen. At one end of the place was a news +stand, and I walked up to this to look at the picture papers that were displayed. +<P> +I was deeply interested in a cartoon on the middle pages +of an illustrated paper when I heard Mr. Price's voice asking for some Chicago +daily, and then making inquiries as to where the telegraph once was located. +<P> +He did not see me, and I at once stepped out of sight +behind him. +<P> +Having received his directions, Mr. Price sat down to +write out his telegram. Evidently what he wrote did not satisfy him, for +he tore up several slips of paper before he managed to prepare one that suited +him. +<P> +Then he arose, and throwing the scraps in a wad on the +floor, walked away. +<P> +Unobserved, I picked up the wad. Right or wrong, I was +bound to see what it contained. Perhaps it might be of no earthly interest +to me; on the other hand, it might contain much I would desire to know. Strange +things had happened lately, and I was prepared for all sorts of surprises. +<P> +A number of the slips of paper were missing and the remainder +were so crumpled that the pencil marks were nearly illegible. +<P> +At length I managed to fit one of the sheets together +and then read these words:— +<BLOCKQUOTE> +C. Hholtzmann>, Chicago: + <P ALIGN=left class=left> + Look out for a young man claiming to— +</BLOCKQUOTE> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIII</h3> +<h4>IN CHICAGO</h4> +<P> +I had not been mistaken in my opinion +of Mr. Allen Price. He was following me, and doing it with no good intention. +<P> +I concluded the man must be employed by Mr. Woodward. +Perhaps I had seen him at some time in Darbyville, and so thought his face +familiar. +<P> +I was glad that if he was a detective I was aware of the +fact. I would now know how to trust him, and I made up my mind that if he +got the best of me it would be my own fault. +<P> +One thing struck me quite forcibly. The merchant and John +Stumpy both considered my proposed visit to Chris Holtzmann of importance. +They would not have put themselves to the trouble and expense of hiring some +one to follow me if this was not so. Though Mr. Aaron Woodward was rich, +he was close, and did not spend an extra dollar except upon himself. +<P> +I was chagrined at the thought that Holtzmann would be +prepared to receive me. I had hoped to come upon him unawares, and get into +his confidence before he could realize what I was after. +<P> +I began to wonder when the telegram would reach Chicago. +Perhaps something by good fortune might delay it. +<P> +Mr. Allen Price walked over to the telegraph office, and +following him with my eyes I saw him pay for the message and then stroll +away. +<P> +Hardly had he gone before I too stepped up to the counter. +<P> +"How long will it take to send a message to Chicago?" +I asked of the clerk in charge. +<P> +"Probably till noon," was the reply. "The storm has crippled +us, and we are having trouble with our lineman." +<P> +"It won't go before noon!" I repeated, and my heart gave +a bound. "Are you sure?" +<P> +"Yes; perhaps even longer." +<P> +"How about the message that gentleman just handed in?" +<P> +"I told him I would send it as soon as possible," +<P> +"Did you tell him it wouldn't go before noon?" +<P> +"No; he didn't ask," returned the clerk, coolly. He was +evidently not going to let any business slip if he could help it. +<P> +"Is there any possible way I can get to Chicago before +noon?" I went on. +<P> +The clerk shook his head. "I don't think there is," he +replied. +<P> +"What is the nearest station on the other side of the +bridge?" +<P> +"Foley." +<P> +"And how far is that from Chicago?" +<P> +"Twelve miles." +<P> +"Thank you." +<P> +I walked away from the counter filled with a sudden resolve. +I must reach Chicago before the telegram or Mr. Allen Price. If I did not, +my trip to the city of the lakes would be a failure. +<P> +How was the thing to be accomplished? Walking out on the +covered platform, out of sight of the man who was following me, I tried to +solve the problem. +<P> +Smalleyville was a good ten miles from the misplaced bridge, +and in a soaking rain such a distance was too far to walk. Perhaps I might +get a carriage to take me to the spot. I supposed the cost would be several +dollars, but decided not to stand on that amount. +<P> +I had about made up my mind to hunt up a livery stable, +when some workingmen rolled up to the station on a hand-car. +<P> +"Where are you going?" I inquired of one of them. +<P> +"Down to the Foley bridge," was the reply, +<P> +"Will you take a passenger?" I went on quickly. +<P> +"You'll have to ask the boss." +<P> +The boss proved to be a jolly German. +<P> +"Vont ter haf a ride, does you!" he laughed. +<P> +"I'm not over particular about the ride," I explained. +"I've got to get to Chicago as soon as possible, even if I have to walk." +<P> +"Vell, jump on, den." +<P> +I did so, and a moment later we were off. I was pretty +confident that Mr. Allen Price had not witnessed my departure, and I hoped +he would not find it out for some hours to come. +<P> +The rain had now slackened, so there was no further danger +of getting soaked to the skin. There were four men on the car besides the +boss, and seeing they were short a hand I took hold with a will. +<P> +Fortunately the grade was downward, and we had but little +difficulty in sending the car on its way. At the end of half an hour the +stream came in sight, and then as we slackened up I hopped off. +<P> +Down by the water's edge I found that the bridge had shifted +fully six inches out of line with the roadbed. It was, however, in a pretty +safe condition, and I had no difficulty in crossing to the other side. +<P> +Despite the storm a goodly number of men were assembled +on the opposite bank, anxiously watching the efforts of the workmen. Among +them I found a man, evidently a cabman, standing near a coupe, the horses +of which were still smoking from a long run. +<P> +"Are you from Foley?" I asked, stepping up. +<P> +"No; just come all the way from Chicago," was the reply. +"Had to bring two men down that wanted to get to Smalleyville." +<P> +This was interesting news. Perhaps I could get the man +to take me back with him. Of course he would take me if I hired him in the +regular way, but if I did this, I was certain he would charge me a small +fortune. +<P> +"I am going to Chicago," I said. "I just came from +Smalleyville." +<P> +"That so? Want to hire my rig?" +<P> +"You charge too much," I returned. "A fellow like me can't +afford luxuries." +<P> +"Take you there for two dollars. It's worth five— those +two men gave me ten." +<P> +"What time will you land me in Chicago?" +<P> +"Where do you want to go?" +<P> +That question was a poser. I knew no more of the city +of Chicago than I did of Paris or Pekin. Yet I did not wish to be set down +on the outskirts, and not to show my ignorance I answered cautiously:— +<P> +"To the railroad depot." +<P> +"Have you the time now?" +<P> +"It is about seven o'clock." +<P> +"I'll be there by nine." +<P> +"All right. Land me there by that time, and I'll pay you +the two dollars." +<P> +"It's a go. Jump in," he declared. +<P> +I did so. A moment later he gathered up the reins, and +we went whirling down the road. +<P> +The ride was an easy one, and as we bowled along I had +ample opportunity to ponder over my situation. I wondered what Mr. Allen +Price would think when he discovered I was nowhere to be found. I could well +imagine his chagrin, and I could not help smiling at the way I had outwitted +him. I was not certain what sort of a man Chris Holtzmann would prove to +be, and therefore it was utterly useless to plan a means of approaching him. +<P> +At length we reached the suburbs of Chicago, and rolled +down one of the broad avenues. It was now clear and bright, and the clean +broad street with its handsome houses pleased me very much. +<P> +In half an hour we reached the business portion of the +city, and soon the coupe came to a halt and the driver opened the door. +<P> +"Here we are," said he. +<P> +I jumped to the ground and gazed around. Opposite was +the railroad station, true enough, and beyond blocks and blocks of tall business +buildings, which reminded me strongly of New York. +<P> +I paid the cabman the two dollars I had promised, and +he drove off. +<P> +In Chicago at last! I looked around. I was in the heart +of a great city, knowing no one, and with no idea of where to go. +<P> +Yet my heart did not fail me. My mind was too full of +the object of my quest to allow me to become faint-hearted. I was there for +a purpose, and that purpose must be accomplished. +<P> +My clothes were still damp, but the sunshine was fast +drying them. Near by was a bootblack's chair, and dropping into this, I had +him polish my shoes and brush me up generally. +<P> +While he was performing the operation I questioned him +concerning the streets and gained considerable information. +<P> +"Did you ever hear of a man by the name of Chris Holtzmann?" +I asked. +<P> +"I dunno," was the slow reply. "What does he do?" +<P> +"I don't know what business he is in. He came from Brooklyn." +<P> +The bootblack shook his head. +<P> +"This city is a big place. There might be a dozen men +by his name here. The street what you spoke about has lots of saloons and +theatres on it. Maybe he's in that business." +<P> +"Maybe he is," I returned. "I must find out somehow." +<P> +"You can look him up in the directory. You'll find one +over in the drug store on the corner." +<P> +"Thank you; I guess that's what I'll do," I replied. +<P> +When he had finished, I paid him ten cents for his work, +and walked over to the place he had mentioned. +<P> +A polite clerk waited on me and pointed out the directory +lying on a stand. +<P> +I looked it over carefully, and three minutes later walked +out with Chris Holtzmann's new address in my pocket. +<P> +As I did so, I saw a stream of people issue from the depot. +Some of them looked familiar. Was it possible that the train from Smalleyville +had managed to come through, after all? It certainly looked like it. +<P> +I was not kept long in doubt. I crossed over to make sure, +and an instant later found myself face to face with Allen Price! +<h3>CHAPTER XXIV</h3> +<h4>WHO MR. ALLEN PRICE WAS</h4> +<P> +I will not deny that I was considerably +taken aback by my unexpected meeting with the man who had been following +me. I had been firmly under the impression that he was still lolling around +Smalleyville, waiting for a chance to continue his journey. +<P> +But if I was surprised, so was Mr. Allen Price. Every +indication showed that he had not missed me at my departure, and that he +was under the belief that I had been left behind. +<P> +He stopped short and gazed at me in blank astonishment. +<P> +"Why— why— where did you come from?" he stammered. +<P> +"From Smalleyville," I returned as coolly as I could. +"And that's where you came from, too," I added. +<P> +"I didn't see you on the train," he went on, ignoring +my last remark. +<P> +"I didn't come up by train." +<P> +"Maybe you walked," he went on, with some anxiety. +<P> +"Oh no; I rode in a carriage." +<P> +"Humph! It seems to me you must have been in a tremendous +hurry." +<P> +"Perhaps I was." +<P> +"Why, you excite my curiosity. May I ask the cause of +your sudden impatience?" +<P> +He put the question in an apparently careless fashion, +but his sharp eyes betrayed his keen interest. +<P> +"You may." +<P> +"And what, was it?" +<P> +I looked at him for a moment in silence. +<P> +"I came to see a man." +<P> +"Ah! A friend? Perhaps he is seriously sick." +<P> +"I don't know if he is sick or not." +<P> +"And yet you hurried to see him?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Well, that— that is out of the ordinary." He hesitated +for a moment. "Of course it is none of my business, but I am interested. +Perhaps I know the party and can help you. May I ask his name?" +<P> +"It's the same man you telegraphed to," I returned. +<P> +Mr. Allen Price stopped short and nearly dropped his handbag. +My unexpected reply had taken the "wind out of his sails." +<P> +"I telegraphed to?" he repeated. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +"But— but I telegraphed to no one." +<P> +"Yes, you did." +<P> +"Why, my dear young friend, you are mistaken." +<P> +"I'm not your dear friend," I returned with spirit. "You +telegraphed to Chris Holtzmann to beware of me. Why did you do it?" +<P> +The man's face fell considerably, and he did not answer. +I went on:— +<P> +"You are following me and trying to defeat the object +of my trip to Chicago. But you shall not do it. You pretend to be an ordinary +traveller, but you are nothing more than a spy sent on by Mr. Aaron Woodward +to stop me. But I have found you out, and now you can go back to him and +tell him that his little plan didn't work." +<P> +The man's brow grew black with anger. He was very angry, +and I could see that it was with difficulty he kept his hands off me. +<P> +"Think you're smart, don't you?" he sneered. +<P> +"I was too smart for you." +<P> +"But you don't know it all," he went on. "You don't know +it all— not by a jugful." +<P> +"I know enough to steer clear of you." +<P> +"Maybe you do." +<P> +The man evidently did not know what to say, and as a matter +of fact, neither did I. I had told him some plain truths, and now I was anxious +to get away from him and think out my future course of action. +<P> +"What's your idea of calling on Chris Holtzmann?" he went +an after a long pause. +<P> +"That's my business." +<P> +"It won't do you any good." +<P> +"Perhaps it may." +<P> +"I know it won't," he replied in decided tones. +<P> +"What do you know about it?" I said sharply. "A moment +ago you denied knowing anything about me. Now I've done with you, and I want +you to leave me alone." +<P> +"You needn't get mad about it." +<P> +"I'll do as I please." +<P> +"No, you won't," he growled. "If you don't do as I want +you to, I'll have you arrested." +<P> +This was strong language, and I hardly knew what to say +in reply. Not that I was frightened by his threat, but what made the man +take such a strong personal interest in the matter? +<P> +As I have said, I was almost certain I had seen the fellow +before, though where and when was more than I could determine. Perhaps he +was disguised. +<P> +"Perhaps you don't think I know who you are," I said quickly. +<P> +My words were a perfect shock to Mr. Allen Price. In spite +of his bronzed face he turned pale. +<P> +"You know who I am? Why, I am as I tell you,— Allen Price," +he faltered. +<P> +"Really," I replied, with assumed sarcasm. +<P> +"Yes, really." +<P> +"I know better," I returned boldly. +<P> +I was hardly prepared for what was to follow. The man +caught me by the arm. +<P> +"Then what you know shall cost you dear," he cried. "I'm +not to be outwitted by a country boy. Help! Police! Police!" +<P> +As he uttered his call for assistance he let drop his +handbag and drew his purse from his pocket. +<P> +"I've got you, you young thief!" he cried, letting the +purse fall to the sidewalk. "You didn't think to be caught as easily, did +you? Help! Po— Oh, officer, I'm glad you've come!" the last to a policeman +who had just hurried to the scene. +<P> +"What's the matter here?" demanded the minion of the law. +<P> +"I just caught this young fellow picking my pocket," exclaimed +Mr. Allen. "Where's my pocketbook?" +<P> +"There's a pocketbook on the sidewalk," put in a man in +the crowd that had quickly gathered. +<P> +"So it is." He picked it up. "You rascal! You thought +to get away in fine style, didn't you?" he continued to me. +<P> +For a moment I was too stunned to speak. The un-looked-for +turn of affairs took away my breath. +<P> +"I didn't pick his pocket," I burst out. +<P> +"Yes, you did." +<P> +"It isn't so. He's a swindler and is trying to get me +into trouble." +<P> +"Here! here! none of that!" broke in the officer. "Tell +me your story," he said to Mr. Allen Price. +<P> +"I was coming along looking in the shop windows," began +my accuser, "when I felt a hand in my pocket. I turned quickly and just in +time to catch this fellow trying to make off with my pocketbook." +<P> +"It is a falsehood, every word of it," I declared. +<P> +"Shut up!" said the officer, sternly. "Please go on." +<P> +"He is evidently a smart thief," continued Mr. Allen Price. +"I must see if I have lost anything else." +<P> +He began a pretended examination of his clothes. In the +meantime the crowd began to grow larger and larger. +<P> +"We can't stay here all day," said the policeman, roughly. +"What have you got to say to the charge?" +<P> +"I say it isn't true," I replied. "This man is a humbug. +He is following me for a purpose, and is trying to get me into trouble." +<P> +"Ridiculous!" cried my accuser. "Why, I never heard of +such a thing before!" +<P> +"That story won't wash," said the officer to me. "Do you +make a charge?" he continued to Mr. Allen Price. +<P> +My accuser hesitated. "I will, if it is not necessary +for me to go along," he said. "I am pressed for time. My name is Sylvester +Manners. I am a partner in the Manners Clothing Company. You know the firm, +I presume." +<P> +"Oh, yes, sir," replied the officer. He knew the Manners +Clothing Company to be a rich concern. +<P> +"I will stop at the station house to-morrow morning and +make a complaint," continued Mr. Allen Price. "Don't let the young rascal +escape." +<P> +"No fear, sir. Come on!" the last to me. +<P> +"I've done no wrong. I want that man arrested!" I cried. +"He is no more a merchant here in Chicago than I am. He—" +<P> +But the officer would not listen. He took a strong hold +upon my collar and began to march me off. Mr. Allen Price walked beside us +until we reached the corner. +<P> +"I will leave you here, officer," he said. "I'll be down +in the morning, sure. As for you," he continued to me, "I trust you will +soon see the error of your ways and try to mend them, and—" he continued +in a whisper, as the officer's attention was distracted for a moment, "never +try to outwit John Stumpy again!" +<h3>CHAPTER XXV</h3> +<h4>AN EXCITING ADVENTURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. Allen Price and John Stumpy were one and the same person! +For a moment so great was my surprise that I forgot I was under arrest, and +walked on beside the officer without a protest. +<P> +Now that I knew the truth it was easy to trace the +resemblance, and I blamed myself greatly for not having discovered it when +we first met. +<P> +Of a certainty the man was bent upon frustrating my plans, +partly for his own safety, and more so upon Mr. Aaron Woodward's account. +No doubt the merchant was paying him well for his work, and John Stumpy intended +to do all he could to crush me. +<P> +But I was not to be crushed. The forces brought against +me only made my will stronger to go ahead. It was do or die, and that was +all there was to it. +<P> +I could easily understand why John Stumpy wished to obtain +possession of my handbag. In it he hoped to find the papers Mr. Woodward +had lost and Nicholas Weaver's confession. I could not help but smile at +the thought that, notwithstanding all I had said to the contrary, the two +plotters still believed I had the lost documents. +<P> +One thing perplexed me. Why was my visit to Chris Holtzmann +considered of such importance that every possible means was taken to prevent +it? Did this man possess the entire key to the situation? And were they afraid +he could be bought up or threatened into a confession? It looked so. +<P> +"You are not from Chicago, young fellow?" said the policeman +who had me in charge. +<P> +"No; I'm from the East." +<P> +"Humph! Got taken in short, didn't you?" +<P> +"I'm not guilty of any crime," I returned, "and you'll +find it out when it comes to the examination." +<P> +"I'll chance it," replied the officer, grimly. +<P> +"That man is a fraud. If you call on the Manners Clothing +Company, you will find it so." +<P> +"That's not part of my duty. I'll take you to the station +house, and you can tell the judge your story," replied the policeman. +<P> +Yet I could see by the way his brow contracted that my +assertion had had its effect upon him. Probably had he given the matter proper +thought in the first place, he would have compelled John Stumpy to accompany +him. +<P> +Still, this did me no good. Here I was being taken to +the jail while the man who should have been under arrest was free. I would +probably have to remain in confinement until the following morning, and in +the meantime John Stumpy could call on Chris Holtzmann and arrange plans +to suit himself. +<P> +This would never do, as it would defeat the whole object +of my trip West, and send me home to be laughed at by Mr. Aaron Woodward +and Duncan. +<P> +"Can I ask for an examination at once?" I inquired. +<P> +"Maybe; if the judge is there." +<P> +"And if he isn't?" +<P> +"You'll have to wait till to-morrow morning. You see it +isn't— Hello! thunder and lightning! what's that?" +<P> +As the officer uttered the exclamation there was a wild +cry on the streets, and the next instant the crowds of people scattered in +every direction. +<P> +And no wonder, for down the pavement came an infuriated +bull, charging everybody and everything before him. +<P> +The animal had evidently broken away from a herd that +was being driven to the stock-yards, and his nose, where the ring was fastened, +was torn and covered with blood, and he breathed hard, as if he had run a +great distance. +<P> +"It's a mad bull!" I cried. "Take care, or he'll horn +both of us!" +<P> +My words of caution were unnecessary, for no sooner had +the bull turned in our direction than the officer let go his hold upon me +and fled into a doorway near at hand. +<P> +For an instant I was on the point of following him. Then +came the sudden thought that now would be a good chance to escape. +<P> +To think was to act. No sooner had the policeman jumped +into the doorway than I dodged through the crowd and hurried across the street. +Reaching the opposite side, I ran into an alley. It was long and led directly +into the back garden of a handsome stone mansion. +<P> +The garden was filled with beautiful flowers and plants, +and in the centre a tiny fountain sent a thin spray into the air. At one +side, under a small arbor, stood a garden bench, and on this sat a little +girl playing with a number of dolls. +<P> +Her golden hair hung heavy over her shoulders, and she +looked supremely happy. She greeted my entrance with a smile, and took me +at once into her confidence. +<P> +"This is my new dolly," she explained, holding the article +up. +<P> +"Is it?" I asked, hardly knowing what to say. +<P> +"Yes; papa bringed it home yesterday. Does oo like dollies?" +<P> +"Oh, yes, nice ones like that. You must have lots of fun. +I—" +<P> +I did not finish the sentence. There was a noise in the +alley, and the next instant the mad bull came crashing into the garden! +<P> +For a second I was too surprised to move or speak. The +little girl uttered a piercing scream, and gathering her dolls in her arms +huddled into a corner of the bench. +<P> +Why the animal had followed so closely behind me I could +not tell, but once in the garden, it was plain to see he was bent upon doing +considerable damage. He was more enraged than ever, and scattered the sodding +about in every direction. +<P> +At first some red flowers attracted his attention, and +he charged upon these with a fury that wrecked the entire flower-bed in which +they were standing. +<P> +While the bull was at this work I partly recovered my +senses, and then the first thought that came to my mind was the necessity +of getting the little girl to a place of safety. Let the bull once get at +her, and her life might pay the penalty. I was not many feet away from the +little miss, and a few bounds took me to her side. +<P> +"Come, let me take you into the house," I said, and picked +her up. +<P> +She made no reply, but continued to scream and clung to +me with all the strength of her little arms. +<P> +There was a back piazza to the mansion five or six steps high. I knew that +if we once reached this we would be safe, for no matter what the bull might +do, he could not climb. +<P> +"Oh, Millie, my child!" came s voice from the house, and +I saw a lady at one of the windows. "Oh, save her! Bring her here!" she cried, +as she caught sight of the bull. +<P> +I uttered no reply, but sprang toward the steps. +<P> +But though I wasted no time, the bull was too quick for +me. Springing over the flower-bed, he planted himself directly in my path. +<P> +It made my blood run cold to have him face me with that +vicious look and those glaring eyes. One prod of those horns and all would +be over. +<P> +"Oh, save Millie! Save my child!" The lady had opened +the door and now came running out upon the piazza. +<P> +"I will if I can!" I returned. "Don't come down here. +He'll tear you all to pieces!" +<P> +Even as I spoke the bull made a plunge for me. I darted +to one side and sprang over to the edge of the piazza corner. +<P> +"Give her to me! Hand her up!" exclaimed the lady, as +she rushed over, and as I held the little one on my shoulder, the lady drew +her up and clasped the child, dolls and all, to her breast. +<P> +Hardly had I got rid of my charge than the bull came for +me again. The trick I had played on him only served to increase his rage, +and he snorted loudly. +<P> +I was in a bad fix. Between the piazza and the next-door +fence was a distance of but ten feet, and behind me was the solid stone wall +of the house. Escape on any side was impossible. Had I had time I might have +climbed up to the piazza, but now this was not to be thought of, and another +means of getting out of danger must be instantly devised. +<P> +"Oh, he will be killed!" cried the lady, in horror. "Help! +help!" +<P> +I glanced around for some weapon with which to defend +myself. I had nothing with me. Even my valise lay at the other end of the +garden, where I had dropped it when the animal first made his appearance. +<P> +As I said, I looked around, and behind me found a heavy +spade the gardener had at one time or another used for digging post holes. +It was a strong and sharp implement, and I took it up with a good deal of +satisfaction. +<P> +The bull charged on me with fury. As he did so, I took +the spade and held it on a level with my waist, resting the butt end on the +wall behind me. +<P> +The next instant there was a terrific crash that made +me sick from head to foot. With all his force the bull had sprung forward, +only to receive the sharp end of the spade straight between his eyes. +<P> +The blow was as if it had been delivered by an axe. It +made a frightful cut, and the blood rushed forth in a torrent. +<P> +With a mad cry of pain the bull backed out. At first I +thought he was going to charge me again, but evidently the blow was too much +for him, for with several moans he turned, and with his head hanging down, +he staggered across the garden to the alley and disappeared. +<h3>CHAPTER XXVI</h3> +<h4>SAMMY SIMPSON</h4> +<P> +I gave a sigh of relief when the +bull was gone. The encounter with the mad animal had been no laughing matter. +I had once heard of a man being gored to death by just such an infuriated +creature, and I considered that I had had a narrow escape. I put my hand +to my forehead and found the cold sweat standing out upon it. Taking my +handkerchief, I mopped it away. +<P> +"Are you hurt?" inquired the lady, with great solicitation. +<P> +"No, ma'am," I replied. "But it was a close shave!" +<P> +"Indeed it was. And you saved my Millie's life! How can +I thank you!" +<P> +"I didn't do so much. I guess she's scared a good bit." +<P> +"She hardly realized the danger, dear child. Did you, +Millie, my pet?" +<P> +"The bad cow wanted to eat up my dollies!" exclaimed the +little miss, with a grave shake of the head. "But oo helped me," she added, +to me. +<P> +"I'm glad I was here," I returned. +<P> +"May I ask how you happened to come in?" continued the +lady. +<P> +In a few words I told my story. I had hardly finished +when the back door opened and a gentleman stepped out. +<P> +"What is the trouble here?" he asked anxiously. "I just +heard that a mad bull had run into the garden." +<P> +"So he did, James; a savage monster indeed. This young +man just beat him off and saved Millie's life." +<P> +"Hardly that," I put in modestly. I did not want more +praise than I was justly entitled to receive. +<P> +"Indeed, but he did. See the spade covered with blood? +Had he not hit the animal over the head with that, something dreadful would +have happened." +<P> +"I didn't hit him exactly," I laughed. "I held it up and +he ran against it," and once more I told my story. +<P> +"You have done us a great service, young man," said the +gentleman when I had concluded. "I was once in the butcher business myself,— in +fact, I am in it yet, but only in the export trade,— and I know full well +how dangerous bulls can get. Had it not been for you my little girl might +have been torn to pieces. One of her dolls is dressed in red, and this would +have attracted the bull's immediate attention. I thank you deeply." He grasped +my hand warmly. "May I ask your name?" +<P> +"Roger Strong, sir." +<P> +"My name is Harrison— James Harrison. You live here in +Chicago, I suppose?" +<P> +"No, sir, I come from Darbyville, New Jersey." +<P> +"Darbyville?" He thought a moment. "I never heard of such +a town." +<P> +"It is only a small place several miles from New York. +I came to Chicago on business. I arrived about half an hour ago." +<P> +"Really? Your introduction into our city has been rather +an exciting one." +<P> +"I've had other adventures fully as exciting in the past +few days," I returned. +<P> +"Yes?" and Mr. Harrison eyed me curiously. +<P> +"Yes. Our train was delayed, I almost had my handbag stolen, +and I've been arrested as a thief." +<P> +"And all in a half an hour?" The gentleman and his wife +both looked incredulous. +<P> +"No, sir; since I've left home." +<P> +"I should like to hear your story— that is, if you care +to tell it." +<P> +"I will tell you the whole thing if you care to listen," +I returned, reflecting that my newly made friend might give me some material +assistance in my quest. +<P> +"Then come into the house." +<P> +"I'd better shut the alley gate first," said I, and running +down I did so, and picked up my handbag as well. +<P> +Mr. Harrison led the way inside. I could not help but +note the rich furnishings of the place— the soft carpets, artistically papered +walls, the costly pictures and bric-a-brac, all telling of wealth. +<P> +Mrs. Harrison and the little girl had disappeared up the +stairs. Mr. Harrison ushered me into his library and motioned me to a seat. +<P> +I hardly knew how to begin my story. To show how John +Stumpy had had me arrested, it would be necessary to go back to affairs at +Darbyville, and this I hesitated about doing. +<P> +"If you have time I would like to tell you about my affairs +before I started to come to Chicago," I said. "I would like your advice." +<P> +The gentleman looked at the clock resting upon the mantel +shelf. +<P> +"I have an engagement at eleven o'clock," he returned. +"Until then I am entirely at your service, and will be in the afternoon if +you desire it. I'll promise to give you the best advice I can." +<P> +"Thank you. I am a stranger here, and most people won't +pay much attention to a boy," I replied. +<P> +Then I told my story in full just as I have written it +here. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested. +<P> +"It is a strange case," he said, when I had concluded. +"These men must be thorough rascals, every one of them. Of course it yet +remains to be seen what this Chris Holtzmann has to do with the affair. He +may be made to give evidence for or against your father just as he is approached. +I think I would be careful at the first meeting." +<P> +"I did not intend to let him know who I was." +<P> +"A good plan." +<P> +"But now if I venture on the street I may be arrested," +I went on. +<P> +"It is not likely. Chicago is a big city, and unless the +officer who arrested you before meets you, it is improbable that he can give +an accurate enough description of you for others to identify you. Then again, +having failed in his duty, he may not report the case at all." +<P> +"That's so; but if I do run across him—" +<P> +"Then send for me. Here is my card. If I can be of service +to you, I shall be glad." +<P> +Mr. Harrison gave me minute directions how to reach +Holtzmann's place. Then it was time for him to go, and we left the house +together. I promised to call on him again before quitting Chicago. +<P> +It was with a lighter heart that I went on my way. In +some manner I felt that I had at least one friend in the big city, to whom +I could turn for advice and assistance. +<P> +Guided by the directions Mr. Harrison had given me, I +had no difficulty in making my way in the direction of Chris Holtzmann's +place of business or house, whatever it might prove to be. +<P> +As I passed up one street and down another, I could not +help but look about me with great curiosity. If Chicago was not New York, +it was "next door" to it, and I could have easily spent the entire day in +sightseeing. +<P> +But though my eyes were taking in all that was to be seen, +my mind was busy speculating upon the future. What would Chris Holtzmann +think of my visit, and what would be the result of our interview? +<P> +At length I turned down the street upon which his place +was located. It was a wide and busy thoroughfare, lined with shops of all +kinds. Saloons were numerous, and from several of them came the sounds of +lively music. +<P> +"Can you tell me where Chris Holtzmann's place is?" I +asked of a man on the corner. +<P> +"Holtzmann's? Sure! Down on the next corner." +<P> +"Thank you." +<P> +"Variety actor?" went on the man, curiously. +<P> +"Oh, no!" I laughed. +<P> +"Thought not. They're generally pretty tough— the ones +Chris hires." +<P> +"Does he have a variety theatre?" +<P> +"That's what he calls it. But it's nothing but a concert +hall with jugglers and tumblers thrown in." +<P> +I did not relish the idea of going into such a place, +and I knew that my sister Kate and the Widow Canby would be horrified when +they heard of it. +<P> +"What kind of a man is this Holtzmann?" I continued, seeing +that the man I had accosted was inclined to talk. +<P> +"Oh, he's a good enough kind of a fellow if you know how +to take him," was the reply. "He's a bit cranky if he's had a glass too much, +but that don't happen often." +<P> +"Does he run the place himself?" +<P> +"What, tend bar and so?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Oh, no; he's too high-toned for that. He only bosses +things. They say he's rich. Be came from the East some years ago with quite +a little money, and he's been adding to it ever since." +<P> +"Then you know him quite well?" +<P> +"Worked for him two years. Then he up one day and declared +I was robbing him. We had a big row, and I got out." +<P> +"Did he have you arrested?" +<P> +"Arrested? Not much. He knew better than to try such a +game on me. When I was in his employ I kept my eyes and ears open, and I +knew too much about his private affairs for him to push me, even if I had +been guilty. Oh, Sammy Simpson knows a thing or two." +<P> +"That is your name?" +<P> +"Yes; Samuel A. Simpson. Generally called Sammy for short. +I was his bookkeeper and corresponding clerk." +<P> +"Maybe you're just the man I want to see," I said. "Do +you know anything about Mr. Holtzmann's private affairs in the East?" +<P> +"In Brooklyn?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +Sammy Simpson hesitated for a moment. +<P> +"Maybe I do," he replied, with a shrewd look in his eyes. +"Is there anything to be made out of it?" +<P> +"I will pay you for whatever you do for me." +<P> +"Then I'm your huckleberry. Who are you and what do you +want to know?" +<h3>CHAPTER XXVII</h3> +<h4>THE PALACE OF PLEASURE</h4> +<P> +Mr. Sammy Simpson was a character. He was tall and slim, certainly +not less than fifty years of age, but with an evident desire to appear much +younger. His face was cleanly shaven, and when he removed his hat to scratch +his head I saw that he was nearly bald. +<P> +He was dressed in a light check suit and wore patent-leather +shoes. I put him down as a dandy, but fond of drink, and that he proved to +be. +<P> +"Whom do you work for now?" I asked. +<P> +"No one. To tell the truth, I'm down on my luck and I'm +waiting for something to turn up." +<P> +"You say you worked for Holtzmann two years ago?" +<P> +"No, I said I worked for him two years. I only left last +month." +<P> +"And he accused you of stealing?" +<P> +"Yes; but it was only to get rid of me because I knew +too much of his private affairs." +<P> +"What do you know of his private affairs?" +<P> +Sammy Simpson rubbed his chin. +<P> +"Excuse me, but who am I talking to?" he asked abruptly. +<P> +"Never mind who I am. I am here to get all the information +I can about Chris Holtzmann, and I'm willing to pay for it. Of course I'm +not rich, but I've got a few dollars. If you can't help me I'll have to go +elsewhere." +<P> +My plain speech startled Sammy Simpson. +<P> +"Hold up; don't get mad because I asked your name. You've +a perfect right to keep it to yourself if you want to. Only make it sure +to me that I'll get paid for what I tell and it will be all right." +<P> +I was perplexed. I had half a mind to mention Mr. Harrison's +name, but if I did that, the man might expect altogether too much. +<P> +"I will promise you that you lose nothing," I said. "But +we can't talk things over in the street. Tell me where I can meet you later +on." +<P> +"Want to see Holtzmann first?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"You won't get anything out of him, I'll wager you that." +<P> +"I don't expect to. I want to see what kind of a man he +is." +<P> +"Well, you'll find me at 28 Hallock Street generally. +If I'm not in, you can find out there where I've gone to." +<P> +"I'll remember it. In the meantime don't speak of this +meeting to any one." +<P> +"Mum's the word," rejoined Sammy Simpson. +<P> +I went on my way deep in thought. I considered it a stroke +of luck that I had fallen in with Chris Holtzmann's former clerk. No doubt +the man knew much that would prove of value to me. +<P> +I doubted if this man was perfectly honest. I was satisfied +that the concert-hall manager had had good grounds for discharging him. But +it often "takes a rogue to catch a rogue," and I was willing to profit by +any advantage that came to hand. +<P> +At length I reached the next corner. On it stood a splendid +building of marble, having over the door in raised letters:— +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +CHRIS HOLTZMANN'S<BR> +PALACE OF PLEASURE.<BR> +<I>Open all the Time. Admission Free!</I> +<P> +For a moment I hesitated. Should I enter such a hole of +iniquity? +<P> +Then came the thought of my mission; how I wished to clear +the family name from the stain that rested upon it and free my father from +imprisonment, and I went in. +<P> +I do not care to describe the scene that met my eyes. +The magnificent decorations of the place were to my mind entirely out of +keeping with its character. The foulness of a subcellar would have been more +appropriate. +<P> +In the back, where a stage was located, were a number +of small tables. I sat down at one of these and had a waiter bring me a glass +of soda water. +<P> +"Is Mr. Holtzmann about?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir. There he is over by the cigar counter. Shall +I call him?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +I paid for my soda and sipped it leisurely. The place +was about half full, and all attention was being paid to "Master Ardon, the +Wonderful Boy Dancer," who was doing a clog on the stage. +<P> +Mr. Chris Holtzmann was very much the style of a man I +had imagined him to be. He was short and stout, with a thick neck and a double +chin. He was loudly dressed, including several seal rings and a heavy gold +watch chain. +<P> +I calculated that he would be a hard man to approach, +and now that I was face to face with him I hardly knew how to proceed. +<P> +At first I thought to ask him for a situation of some +kind and thus get on speaking terms with him, but concluded that openness +would pay best in the end, and so, rising, I approached him. +<P> +"Mr. Holtzmann, I believe?" I began. +<P> +"Yes," he said slowly, looking me over from head to foot. +<P> +"If you please I would like to have a talk with you," +I went on. +<P> +"What is it?" and he turned his ear toward me. +<P> +"I have come all the way from Darbyville, New Jersey, +to see you." +<P> +"What!" He started. "And what is your business with me, +sir?" he went on sharply. +<P> +"I would like to see you in private," and I glanced at +the clerk and several others who were staring at us. +<P> +"Come to my office," he returned, and led the way through +a door at one side, into a handsomely furnished apartment facing the side +street. +<P> +"Ross, you can post the letters," he said to a clerk who +was writing at a desk. "Be back in half an hour." +<P> +It was a hint that we were to be left alone, and the clerk +was not long in gathering up the letters that had been written, and leaving. +<P> +"I suppose Woodward sent you," began Chris Holtzmann, +when we were seated. +<P> +This remark nearly took away my breath. I thought he would +deny all knowledge of having ever known the merchant, and here he was mentioning +the man at the very start. +<P> +I hardly knew how to reply, and he continued:— +<P> +"I've been expecting him for several days." +<P> +"Well, you know there was an accident on the railroad," +I began as coolly as I could. "The bridge shifted and the trains couldn't +run." +<P> +"Yes, I heard of that." He paused for a moment. "What +brought you?" +<P> +This was a home question. I plunged in like a swimmer +into a deep stream. +<P> +"I came to get the papers relating to the Strong forgeries. +You have all of them, I suppose." +<P> +I was surprised at my own boldness. So was my listener. +<P> +"Sh! not so loud," he exclaimed. "Who said I had the papers?" +<P> +"John Stumpy spoke about them to Mr. Woodward." +<P> +"He did, eh?" sneered Chris Holtzmann. "He had better +keep his mouth shut. How does he know but what the papers were destroyed +long ago?" +<P> +"I hope not," I replied earnestly. +<P> +"What does Woodward want of the papers?" +<P> +"I don't know exactly. The Strong family are going to +have the case opened again, and he's afraid they may be dragged in." +<P> +"No one knows I have them but him, Stumpy— and you." He +gave me a suspicious glance. "Who are—" +<P> +"The Strongs know," I put in hastily, thus cutting him +off. +<P> +"What!" He jumped up from his chair. "Who was fool enough +to tell them?" +<P> +"Nicholas Weaver left a dying statement—" +<P> +"The idiot! I always said he was a weak-minded fool!" +cried Chris Holtzmann. "Who has this statement?" +<P> +"I don't know where it is now, but Carson Strong's son +had it." +<P> +"Strong's son! Great Scott! Then Woodward's goose is cooked. +I always told him he hadn't covered up his tracks." +<P> +"Yes, but he paid you pretty well for your share of the +work," I returned. I was getting mixed. The deception could not be kept up +much longer, and I wondered what would happen when the truth became known. +<P> +"Didn't pay me half of what I should have got. I helped +him not only in Brooklyn, but here in Chicago as well. How would he have +accounted for all his money if I hadn't had a rich aunt die and leave it +to him?" Chris Holtzmann gave a short laugh. "I reckon that was a neat plan +of mine." +<P> +"You ran a big risk." +<P> +"So we did— but it paid." +<P> +"And John Stumpy helped, too." +<P> +"He did in a way. But he drank too much to be of any great +use. By the way, do you drink?" +<P> +As Holtzmann spoke he opened a closet at one side of the +room, behind a screen, and brought forth a bottle of liquor and a pair of +glasses. +<P> +"No, thank you," I replied. +<P> +"No? Have a cigar, then." +<P> +"Thank you; I don't smoke." +<P> +"What! Don't smoke or drink! That's queer. Wish I could +say the same. Mighty expensive habits. What did you say your name was?" +<P> +At this instant there was a knock on the door, and Chris +Holtzmann walked back of the screen and opened it. +<P> +"A man to see you, sir," I heard a voice say. +<P> +"Who is it?" asked Chris Holtzmann. +<P> +"Says his name is Aaron Woodward." +<h3>CHAPTER XXVIII</h3> +<h4>A DEAL FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS</h4> +<P> +I was thunderstruck by the announcement +that Mr. Aaron Woodward was waiting to come in. Had it been John Stumpy who +was announced, I would not have been so much surprised. But Aaron Woodward! +The chase after me was indeed getting hot. +<P> +Evidently the merchant was not satisfied to leave affairs +in Chicago entirely in his confederate's hands. Either he did not trust Stumpy +or else the matter was of too much importance. +<P> +I did not give these thoughts close attention at the time, +but revolved them in my mind later. Just now I was trying to resolve what +was best to do. Would it be advisable for me to remain or had I better get +out? +<P> +To retire precipitately might not be "good form," but +it might save me a deal of trouble. I had had one "round" with the merchant +in his mansion in Darbyville, and I was not particularly anxious for another +encounter. I was but a boy, and between the two men they might carry "too +many guns" for me. +<P> +I looked around for some immediate means of escape. As +I have said, the office was located on the side street. Directly in front +of the desk was a large window, opened to let in the fresh morning air. For +me to think was to act. In less than a minute I was seated on the desk with +my legs dangling over the window sill. +<P> +"Aaron Woodward!" repeated Chris Holtzmann, in evident +surprise. +<P> +"Yes, sir, and he says he must see you at once." +<P> +"Did you hear that?" called out Holtzmann to me. +<P> +"Yes, I did," I returned as coolly as I could. +<P> +"Did you expect him?" +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Humph!" +<P> +Holtzmann made a movement as if to step into view, and +I prepared to vanish from the scene. But he changed his mind and walked from +the office. +<P> +I was in a quandary. To remain would place me in great +peril, yet I was anxious to know the result of the meeting between the two +men. They were the prime movers in my father's downfall, and nothing must +be left undone to bring them to justice. +<P> +I resolved to remain, even if it were at the peril of +my life. I was not an over-brave boy, but the thought of my father languishing +in prison because of these men's misdeeds, nerved me to stay. +<P> +The closet door was still open, and that gave me a sudden +idea. +<P> +As I jumped from the desk another idea struck me, and +without any hesitation I scattered the papers on the floor and upset the +ink-well. +<P> +Then I squeezed myself into the closet, crouching down +into one corner, behind several canes and umbrellas. +<P> +I was not an instant too soon, for hardly had I settled +myself than the door opened, and Chris Holtzmann reentered, followed by Mr. +Aaron Woodward. +<P> +Both men were highly excited, and both uttered an exclamation +when they saw the room was empty. +<P> +"He's gone!" cried Holtzmann. +<P> +"Gone?" repeated the merchant. "Get out, Holtzmann! He +was never here." +<P> +"I say he was, less than two minutes ago." +<P> +"Well, where is he now?" +<P> +"I don't know. Ha! I see it! He has jumped through the +windows. See how he has upset the ink and scattered the papers. It's as clear +as day." +<P> +"Can you see anything of him outside?" +<P> +Chris Holtzmann leaned out of the window. +<P> +"No; he's up and around the corner long ago." +<P> +"We must catch the rascal," went on Mr. Woodward, in a +high voice. "He knows too much; he will ruin us both." +<P> +"Ruin us both?" sneered the proprietor of the Palace of +Pleasure. "I don't see how he can ruin me." +<P> +"You're in it just as deep as I am— just as deep." +<P> +"Not a bit of it," returned Holtzmann, with spirit. "You +are the only one who profited by the whole transaction, and you are the one +to take the blame." +<P> +"See here, Chris, you're not going back on me in this +way," exclaimed the merchant, in a tone of reproach. +<P> +"I'm not going back on you at all, Woody. But you can't +use me as you used John Stumpy. It won't go down." +<P> +"Now don't get excited, Chris." +<P> +"I'm not excited. But I know a thing or two just as well +as you do. If there is any exposure to take place, you must stand the brunt +of it. You were a fool to let the boy get ahead of you." +<P> +"I didn't; it was Stumpy. He let the boy get hold of Nick +Weaver's statement, and that started the thing. Then the boy stole some of +my papers that were in my desk, and how much information he has now I don't +know." +<P> +"All your own fault," responded Holtzmann, coolly. "Why +don't you destroy all the evidence on hand?" +<P> +"Do you do that?" asked Mr. Woodward, furiously. +<P> +"I do when I think it isn't going to do me any more good," +replied Holtzmann, evasively. +<P> +"Have you destroyed all the evidence in this matter?" +<P> +Holtzmann closed one eye. "I'm not so green as you take +me to be," he replied impressively. "All my evidence against you is locked +up in my safe." +<P> +"You intend to use it against me?" said the merchant. +<P> +"Only if it becomes necessary." +<P> +"And yet you pretend to be a friend of mine." +<P> +"I was until you cheated me out of my fair share of the +spoils. But I am satisfied, and willing to let the whole matter rest." +<P> +"What will you take for the papers you hold?" +<P> +"Wouldn't sell them at any price. I'm not running my head +into any trap." +<P> +"It will be all right." +<P> +"Maybe it will, but I'll run no risk," He paused a moment. +"I'll tell you what I will do. Give me a thousand dollars and I'll let you +see me burn them up. +<P> +I was intensely surprised at this proposition, more so, +I believe, than was Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"A thousand dollars!" he exclaimed. "Chris, you're crazy." +<P> +"No, indeed. I know a thing or two. What do you suppose +the Strongs would pay for them?" +<P> +"You don't mean to say you would play me false?" ejaculated +the merchant, hoarsely. +<P> +"I mean to say I'd do anything to save myself if you got +us into a hole. As far as I can see, you have allowed this boy to get the +best of you at every turn." +<P> +"Humph! You needn't talk. You let him walk right into +your confidence the first thing." +<P> +"Only when he told me all about your affairs." +<P> +"Well, let that drop. Can't you let me have the papers +cheaper?" +<P> +"I said I wouldn't let you have the papers at all. I'll +burn them up." +<P> +"Will you let me see them?" +<P> +Chris Holtzmann's brow contracted. +<P> +"What for?" +<P> +"Oh, I only want to make sure of what you've got. +<P> +"Will you pay the price?" +<P> +"Make them cheaper." +<P> +"No." +<P> +"I'll take them." +<P> +"You mean have them burnt up." +<P> +"Yes. But I must examine them first." +<P> +"I'm willing. And I must have my check before they go +into the fire." +<P> +"You are very suspicious, Chris, very suspicious." +<P> +"No more so than you, Woody. I wasn't born yesterday." +<P> +"Well, let's have the papers and I'll write out the check. +But it must be understood that you give no more information to the boy." +<P> +"Give him information!" cried Holtzmann. "Let him show +his face here again and I'll break every bone in his body," he added grimly. +<P> +This was certainly an interesting bit of news. I made +up my mind that to be seen would render matters decidedly warm for me. +<P> +But I was even more interested over the fact that the +two men intended to burn up part of the evidence that might clear my father's +name. Such a thing must not happen. I must use every means in my power to +prevent it. +<P> +Yet what was to be done? If the documents were produced +at once, how could I save them from destruction? +<P> +A bold dash for them seemed the only way. Once snatched +from Holtzmann's or Aaron Woodward's hands, and escape through the window +or the door would be difficult, but not impossible. +<P> +Yet while I was revolving these thoughts over in my mind +the same thing evidently suggested itself to the proprietor of the Palace +of Pleasure. +<P> +"Wait till I lock the door," he said. "We don't want to +be interrupted." +<P> +"No indeed," returned Mr. Woodward; "interruptions don't +pay." +<P> +"And I'll close the window, too," went on Holtzmann; "it's +cool enough without having it open." +<P> +"So it is." +<P> +So the window and the door were both closed and fastened. +I was chagrined, but could do nothing. +<P> +A moment later I heard Chris Holtzmann at his safe, and +then the rattle of something on his desk. +<P> +"The papers are in this tin box," he said. "I placed them +there over six months ago." +<P> +He opened the box, and I heard a rustling of documents. +<P> +"Why— why— what does this mean!" he ejaculated. "They +are not here!" +<P> +"What!" cried Mr. Aaron Woodward, aghast. +<P> +"The papers are not here!" Holtzmann hurried over to his +safe and began a hasty search. "As sure as you're born, Woody, they have +been stolen!" +<P> +"It's that boy," exclaimed the merchant. "He's a wizard +of a sly one. He has stolen them, and we are lost!" +<h3>CHAPTER XXIX</h3> +<h4>THE PRECIOUS PAPERS</h4> +<P> +I was not as much surprised over +the situation as were the two men. I could put two and two together as quickly +as any one, and I knew exactly where the papers were to be found. +<P> +Sammy Simpson, of 28 Hallock Street, was the thief. He +had intimated that he had evidence against Chris Holtzmann, and these papers +were that evidence. +<P> +This being so, there was no further use for my remaining +in my cramped position in the closet, and I longed for a chance for escape. +It was not long in coming. +<P> +"I don't see how that boy managed it," said Holtzmann. +"He was alone only a few minutes." +<P> +"Never mind. He's as smart as a steel trap. Was the safe +door open?" +<P> +"Yes. My clerk left it open. He is a new one and rather +careless. What's to be done?" +<P> +"I'm going after the rascal," cried Aaron Woodward. +<P> +"You'd have a fine time finding him here in Chicago." +<P> +"I must find him. Most likely when he discovers how valuable +the papers are he'll be off at once for home with them. I can intercept him +at the depot." +<P> +"That's an idea, if you can locate the right depot." +<P> +"I'll be off at once," went on Mr. Woodward. +<P> +"I'll go with you," returned Chris Holtzmann, and three +minutes later the two men quitted the office, locking the door after them. +<P> +I waited several minutes to make sure they were not returning, +and then emerged from my hiding-place. +<P> +I was stiff in every joint and nearly stifled from the +hot air in the closet. But at present I gave these personal matters scant +attention, my mind being bent upon escape. +<P> +Even if the door had been unlocked, I would not have chosen +it as a means of egress. It led into the main hall of the Palace of Pleasure, +and here I might meet some one to bar my escape. +<P> +The window was close at hand, and I threw it open. The +noise I made did not frighten me, for in the main hall a loud orchestra was +drowning out every other sound. +<P> +I looked out and saw a number of people walking up and +down the street. No one appeared to be watching me, and waiting a favorable +opportunity, I slid out of the window to the sidewalk below. +<P> +With my ever present handbag beside me I hurried down +the side street as fast as my feet would carry me. The neighborhood of the +Palace of Pleasure was dangerous for me, and I wished to get away from it +as quickly as possible. +<P> +After travelling several blocks I slackened my pace and +dropped into a rapid walk. Coming to a fruit-stand, I invested in a couple +of bananas, and then asked its proprietor where Hallock Street was. +<P> +"Sure an' it's the first street beyant the cable road," +was the reply. +<P> +"And where is the cable road?" I queried. +<P> +"Two squares that way, sor," and the woman pointed it +out. +<P> +I thanked her and hurried on. When I reached the street, +I found the numbers ran in the three hundreds, and I had quite a walk to +the southward to reach No. 28. +<P> +At length I stood in front of the house. It was a +common-looking affair, and the vicinity was not one to be chosen by fastidious +people. The street, sidewalks, and doorways all looked dirty and neglected. +I concluded that since being discharged Sammy Simpson had come down in the +world. +<P> +"Does Mr. Simpson live here?" I asked of a slip of a girl +who sat on the stoop, nursing a ragged doll. +<P> +"Yes, sir; on the third floor in the front," she replied. +<P> +I climbed up the creaky stairs two flights, and rapped +on the door. +<P> +"Come," said a voice, and I entered. The room was the +barest kind of a kitchen. By the open window sat a thin, pale woman, holding +a child. +<P> +"Does Mr. Samuel Simpson live here?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir, but he's not in now," she returned. "Can I +do anything for you?" +<P> +"I guess not." +<P> +"I hope— I hope there is nothing wrong," she went on +falteringly. +<P> +"Wrong?" I queried. I did not quite understand her. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Not exactly. What makes you think so?" +<P> +"Because he drinks so," she replied. +<P> +"I wish to get some information from him; that is all," +I returned. +<P> +As I concluded a heavy step sounded in the hall, and an +instant later Sammy Simpson appeared. He had evidently been imbibing freely, +for his voice was thick and his sentences muddled. +<P> +"Hello!" he cried. "You here already, eh! What brought +you? Want to find out all about Chris Holtzmann?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"Thought so. Saw it in your eye. Yes, sir, your optic +betrayed you. Sit down. Mag, give Mr. What's-his-name a chair. I'll sit down +myself." And he sank heavily down on a low bench, threw one leg over the +other, and clasped his hands on his knee. +<P> +"I want to see those documents you took from Mr. Holtzmann's +safe," I began boldly. +<P> +He started slightly and stared at me. +<P> +"Who said I took any document out of his safe?" +<P> +"Didn't you say so? I mean the ones relating to Holtzmann's +affairs in Brooklyn." +<P> +"Well, yes, I did." +<P> +"I want to see them." +<P> +"Again I ask, what is there in it?" he exclaimed dramatically. +<P> +"If they really prove of value to me, I will pay you well +for all your trouble," I replied. +<P> +"Is that straight?" he asked thickly. +<P> +"It is," I replied, and, I may as well add, I was thoroughly +disgusted with the man. +<P> +"Then I'm yours truly, and no mistake. Excuse me till +I get them." +<P> +Be rose unsteadily and left the room. Hardly had he gone +before his wife hurried to my side. +<P> +"Oh, sir, I hope you are not getting him into trouble?" +she cried. "He is a good man when he is sober; indeed he is," +<P> +"I am not going to harm him, madam. A great wrong has +been done, and I only want your husband to assist me in righting it. He has +papers that can do it." +<P> +"You are telling me the truth?" she questioned earnestly. +<P> +"Yes, ma'am." +<P> +"I think I can trust you," she said slowly. "You look +honest. And these papers— ought you to have them?" +<P> +"Yes. If your husband does not give them up, he will certainly +get into great trouble." +<P> +"You are young, and you don't look as if you would lie. +If Sam has the papers, he shall give them to you. He's coming now." +<P> +"Here's all the evidence in the case," said Sammy Simpson, +on returning. He held a thick and long envelope. "What's the value to you?" +<P> +"I can tell better after I have examined them," I returned. +<P> +"Will you give them back if I let you see them?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +He handed the precious papers to me and then sat down. +<P> +Oh, how eagerly I grasped the envelope! How much of importance +it might contain for me! +<P> +There were three letters and four legal papers. Like Nicholas +Weaver's statement, all were badly written, and I had a hard job to decipher +even a portion of the manuscript. +<P> +Yet I made out enough to learn that Aaron Woodward was +the forger of the notes and checks that had sent my father to prison, and +that the death of a relative in Chicago was only a pretence. The work had +been done in Brooklyn through that branch of Holland & Mack's establishment. +Chris Holtzmann had helped in the scheme, and John Stumpy had presented one +of the checks, for which service he had received six hundred dollars. This +much was clear to me. But two other points still remained dark. +<P> +One was of a certain Ferguson connected with the scheme, +who seemed to be intimate with my father. He was probably the man my father +had mentioned when we had visited him at the prison. His connection with +the affair was far from clear. +<P> +The other dark point in the case was concerning Agatha +Mitts, of 648 Vannack Avenue, Brooklyn. She was a boarding-mistress, and +the three or four men had stopped at her house. But how much she knew of +their doings I could not tell. +<P> +"Well, what do you think?" muttered Sammy Simpson. "Mighty +important, I'll be bound." +<P> +"Not so very important," I returned, as coolly as I could. +"They will be if I can get hold of other papers to use with them." +<P> +"Exactly, sir; just as I always said. Well, you can get +them easily enough, no doubt." +<P> +"I don't know about that," I said doubtfully. +<P> +"No trouble at all. Come, what will you give?" +<P> +"Five dollars." +<P> +"Ha! ha! They're worth a million." He blinked hard at +me. "Say, you're a friend of mine, a good boy. Meg, shall I give them to +him?" +<P> +"You ought to do what's right, Sam," replied his wife, +severely. +<P> +"So I ought. You're a good woman; big improvement on a +chap like me. Say, young man, give my lady ten dollars, keep the papers, +and clear out. I'm drunk, and when Sammy Simpson's drunk he's a fool." +<P> +I handed over the money without a word. Perhaps I was +taking advantage of the man's present state, but I considered I was doing +things for the best. +<P> +A minute later, with the precious papers in my pocket, +I left. +<h3>CHAPTER XXX</h3> +<h4>THE TRAIN FOR NEW YORK</h4> +<P> +Down in the street I hesitated as +to where to go next. I felt that the case on hand was getting too complicated +for me, and that I needed assistance. +<P> +I did not relish calling on the police for help. They +were probably on the watch for me, and even if not, they would deem me only +a boy, and give me scant attention. +<P> +My mind reverted to the adventure earlier in the day, +and I remembered Mr. Harrison's kind offer. I had done his little daughter +a good turn, and I was positive the gentleman would assist me to the best +of his ability. +<P> +I decided to call on him at once. I had his address still +in my pocket, and though I was quite tired, I hurried along at a rapid rate. +<P> +On the way I revolved in my mind all that had occurred +within the past two hours, and by the time I reached Mr. Harrison's place +I had the matter in such shape that I could tell a clear, straightforward +story. +<P> +I found the gentleman in, and pleased at my return. +<P> +"I was afraid you had gotten into more difficulties," +he explained, with a smile. +<P> +"So I did but I got out of them again," I replied. +<P> +Sitting down, I gave him the particulars of my visit to +Chris Holtzmann and to Sammy Simpson, and handed over the documents for +inspection. Mr. Harrison was deeply interested, and examined the papers with +great care. It took him nearly an hour to do so, and then he plied me with +numerous questions. +<P> +"Do you know what my advice is?" he asked, at length. +<P> +"No, sir." +<P> +"I advise you to have both Holtzmann and Woodward arrested +at once. They are thorough rascals, and your father is the innocent victim +of their cupidity." +<P> +"But how can I do that? No one knows me here in Chicago." +<P> +"Hold up, you make a mistake. I know you." +<P> +"Yes, but you don't know anything about me," I began. +<P> +"I know you to be a brave fellow, and brave people are +generally honest. Besides, your face speaks for itself." +<P> +"You are very kind." +<P> +"I have not forgotten the debt I owe you, and whatever +I do for you will never fully repay it." +<P> +"And you advise me—" +<P> +"To put the case in the hands of the police without delay. +Come, I will go with you. Perhaps this Holtzmann may be frightened into a +confession." +<P> +"I trust so. It will save a good deal of trouble." +<P> +"Woodward can be taken into custody as soon as the necessary +papers are made out," concluded. Mr. Harrison. +<P> +An instant later we were on the way. I wondered what had +become of John Stumpy. It was strange that he had not turned up at the Palace +of Pleasure. Perhaps Mr. Aaron Woodward had intercepted him and either scared +or bought him off. +<P> +The fellow held much evidence that I wished to obtain, +for every letter or paper against Mr. Woodward would make my father's case +so much stronger, and I determined with all my heart that when once brought +to trial there should be no failure to punish the guilty, so that the innocent +might be acquitted. +<P> +At the police station we found the sergeant in charge. +Mr. Harrison was well known in the locality, and his presence gained at once +for us a private audience. +<P> +The officer of the law gave the case his closest attention, +and asked me even more questions than had been put to me before. +<P> +"I remember reading of this affair in the court records," +he said. "Judge Fowler and I were saying what a peculiar case it was. Chris +Holtzmann claims to keep a first-class resort, and I would hardly dare to +proceed against him were it not for these papers, and you, Mr. Harrison." +<P> +"You will arrest him at once?" questioned the gentleman. +<P> +"If you say so." +<P> +"I do, most assuredly." +<P> +"You are interested in the case?" queried the sergeant, +as he prepared to leave. +<P> +"Only on this young man's account. He saved my little +daughter from a horrible death this morning." +<P> +"Indeed? How so?" +<P> +"There was a mad bull broke into my back garden from the +street, and was about to gore her, when this young man, who had been driven +into the garden in the first place, came between and drove the bull out." +<P> +"Oh, I heard of that bull." +<P> +"What became of him?" I put in curiously. +<P> +"He was killed by a couple of officers on the next block. +He was nearly dead before they shot him, having received a terrible cut between +the eyes." +<P> +"Given by this young man," explained Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" cried the officer, in admiration. +"Phew! but you must be strong!" +<P> +"It was more by good luck than strength," I returned modestly. +<P> +"Nonsense!" said Mr. Harrison. "My wife witnessed the +whole occurrence, and she says it was pure bravery." +<P> +Five minutes later a cab was called, and we all got in. +I was not sorry to ride, for my long tramp from one place to another on the +stone pavement had made me footsore. I did not mind walking, but the Darbyville +roads were softer than those of Chicago. +<P> +It did not take long to reach the Palace of Pleasure. +<P> +"Just wait in the cab for a minute or two," said the sergeant +to me. "If he sees you first, he may make a scene." +<P> +"Most likely he's gone out," I returned. +<P> +The sergeant and Mr. Harrison left the carriage and entered +the building. +<P> +I awaited their return impatiently. Would they get their +man? And would Mr. Aaron Woodward be along? +<P> +Five— ten minutes dragged slowly by. Then the two returned. +<P> +"He's not in the place, and no one knows where he has +gone," said the officer. +<P> +"He can't be far off," I replied. "No doubt he and Mr. +Woodward have gone off to look for me." +<P> +"And where?" put in Mr. Harrison. I thought a moment. +<P> +"The depot!" I exclaimed. "He spoke about looking for +me there." +<P> +"Then we'll be off at once," returned the sergeant. +<P> +As he spoke, a familiar figure came shambling around the +corner. It was Sammy Simpson. +<P> +"Hello, you!" he cried, on catching sight of me. "I want +those papers back." +<P> +"Why do you want them back?" I asked. +<P> +"You didn't pay the value of 'em, didn't pay enough," +he hiccoughed. +<P> +"I paid all I agreed to." +<P> +"Can't say anything about that. But 'tain't enough." He +glared at me. "Holtzmann said he'd pay me a hundred dollars. Yes, sir, ten +times as much as you." +<P> +"When de you see Holtzmann?" I cried, in great interest. +<P> +"Saw him about half an hour ago. He came to see me— came +to see Sammy Simpson— climbed the stairs to my abode. Wanted the papers— said +I must have 'em. Went wild with rage when I let slip you had 'em. So did +the other gent." +<P> +"Who? Mr. Woodward?" +<P> +"That's the identical name. Yes, sir— the correct handle. +And they wanted the papers. Offered a hundred dollars for 'em. Think of it. +Here's the ten dollars— give 'em back." +<P> +Had Sammy Simpson been sober he would not have made such +a simple proposition. +<P> +"No, sir," I replied decidedly. "A bargain's a bargain. +I've got the papers, and I intend to keep them." +<P> +"No, you don't." +<P> +"What's that?" broke in the sergeant of police. +<P> +"I want those papers." +<P> +"Do you know who I am?" +<P> +"No, and don't care." +<P> +"I am sergeant of police, and I want you to behave yourself, +or I'll run you in," was the decided reply. +<P> +At the mention of an officer Sammy Simpson grew pale. +<P> +"No, no, don't do that. I've never been arrested in my +life." +<P> +"The papers are in the hands of the proper parties," went +on the sergeant. +<P> +"Then I can't have 'em back?" +<P> +"No; and the less you have to do with the whole matter, +the better off you'll be. Where has Holtzmann gone?" +<P> +"To Brooklyn." +<P> +I was astonished. To Brooklyn, and so soon! +<P> +"You are sure?" I queried. +<P> +"Yes; he and the other gent intended to take the first +train." +<P> +Here was indeed news. This sudden and unexpected departure +must portend something of importance. +<P> +"We must catch them!" I exclaimed. +<P> +"Do you know anything about the trains?" asked Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"No." +<P> +"Jump in, and we'll be off to the depot," said the sergeant. +<P> +In an instant we had started, leaving Sammy Simpson standing +in the middle of the pavement too astonished to speak. It was the last I +ever saw of the man. +<P> +We made the driver urge his horse at the top of his speed. +I calculated that the pair would take the same line that had brought me to +Chicago. +<P> +I was not mistaken; for when we reached the depot a few +questions put by the sergeant revealed the fact that the two men had purchased +tickets for New York but a minute before. +<P> +"And when does the train leave?" I asked. +<P> +"Her time's up now." +<P> +At that instant a bell rang. +<P> +"There's the bell." +<P> +"We must catch her," I cried, and ran though the gate +and on to the platform. +<P> +But the train was already moving. I tried to catch her, +but failed; and a minute later the cars rolled out of sight. +<P> +Mr. Aaron Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had escaped me. +<P> +What was to be done next? +<h3>CHAPTER XXXI</h3> +<h4>IN THE METROPOLIS</h4> +<P> +I was thoroughly chagrined when I +stood on the platform and saw the train roll away. Now that I had Mr. Harrison +and the sergeant of police with me I had fondly hoped to capture the two +men, even if it was at the last minute. +<P> +But now that chance was gone, and as I turned back to +my two companions I felt utterly nonplussed. +<P> +One thing was perfectly clear in my mind. The two men +had gone to Brooklyn to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts. No doubt they thought that +now I had the papers Sammy Simpson had stolen in my possession I would follow +up the train of evidence by calling on the woman— a thing I most likely would +have done. They intended to head me off, and by this means break down my +case against them at its last stage. +<P> +Yet though I was disappointed I was not disheartened. +I was fighting for honor and intended to keep on until not a single thing +remained to do. My evidence against Woodward and Holtzmann was gradually +accumulating, and sooner or later it must bring them to the bar of justice. +<P> +"Well, they're gone," I exclaimed, as I joined the others. +"That is, if they were on that train." +<P> +"We'll ask the gateman and make sure," said the sergeant. +<P> +This was done, and we soon learned that beyond a doubt +Mr. Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had been among the departed passengers. +<P> +"My work in Chicago is at an end," remarked the sergeant, +as we stood in the waiting-room discussing the situation. +<P> +"And so is mine," I replied. "I've got the papers, and +now the two men are gone, there is no use of my remaining." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" asked Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Follow them to Brooklyn." +<P> +"To Brooklyn? It's a good distance." +<P> +"I can't help it; I must go. As for the distance, it is +not many miles from my home." +<P> +Mr. Harrison mused for a moment. +<P> +"I have an idea of going along with you," he said at length. +<P> +"Going along with me!" I repeated, astonished by his offer. +<P> +"Yes; I intended to take a trip to New York, on special +business next week, but I can go to-day instead. You no doubt need help, +and I want to give it to you." +<P> +"You are very kind," I replied. +<P> +"I would like to see you and your family get your rights," +he went on. "I wonder when the next train leaves." +<P> +"I'll find out at the ticket office," I replied. +<P> +I walked over to the box, and at the window learned that +the next train would not start for two hours and a half. +<P> +"That will give me time to go home, pack my valise, and +arrange my affairs," said Mr. Harrison. "Come, you can go with me, and we +can dine together." +<P> +"Thank you," was my answer. +<P> +"And you, sergeant. I will be pleased to have you, too," +continued Mr. Harrison, turning to the officer. +<P> +"You're kind, Mr. Harrison, but duty calls me elsewhere. +I'll have to return to the station. But you've forgotten one thing." +<P> +"What?" +<P> +"That you can telegraph to New York and have the two men +arrested as soon as they arrive." +<P> +"That's so! What do you say, Strong?" +<P> +I thought for a moment. It would be the simplest way to +do, but would it be the best? +<P> +"Don't you think we had better let them go ahead?" I returned. +"We know exactly where they are going, and by following them up may gain +some additional information." +<P> +"I don't know but what you are right," replied Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Then, in that case, my duty here is at an end," said +the sergeant. +<P> +"I'm very much obliged for the trouble you've taken. Are +there any charges to pay?" +<P> +"None at all. Good day. Hope you will meet with success +in the future." +<P> +"Thank you. If we do, I'll write you." +<P> +"Now we'll jump into a cab at once," said Mr. Harrison, +when we were alone. +<P> +A minute later we were whirling along in the direction +of his mansion. +<P> +"I hope you are not taking too much trouble on my account," +I observed. +<P> +"I don't consider it too much," he replied. "Even if I +had no business of my own to call me to New York I would go along if I thought +I would be of service to you. You saved my little girl's life, and that debt, +as I have told you before, I can never repay you." +<P> +We soon reached Mr. Harrison's mansion. Of course Mrs. +Harrison was surprised at her husband's sudden determination, but when the +situation was explained to her, she urged him to do his best for me. +<P> +The dinner served was the most elegant I had ever eaten, +and despite the excited state of mind I was in, I did ample justice to it. +Little Millie was present, and during the progress of the meal we became +great friends. +<P> +But all good things must come to an end, and an hour later, +each with his handbag, we entered the cab and were off. +<P> +On the way we stopped at Mr. Harrison's office, where +that gentleman left directions concerning things to be done during his absence. +Evidently he was a thorough business man, and I could not help but wonder +what he was worth when I saw him place several hundred dollars in bills in +his pocketbook. +<P> +Arriving at the depot, we found we had just five minutes +to spare. This Mr. Harrison spent in the purchase of a ticket for himself— I +had mine— and in getting parlor-car seats for both of us. +<P> +It was a novelty to me to have such a soft chair to sit +in, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. +<P> +As we rode along, my kind friend questioned me closely +about myself, and I ended by giving him my entire history. +<P> +"You've had rather a hard row to hoe, and no mistake," +he said. "It is a dreadful thing to have one's family honor assailed. Many +a man has broken down completely under it." +<P> +"It is so with my father," I replied. "He used to be as +bright as any one, but now he doesn't have much hope of any kind left." +<P> +In the evening another surprise awaited me. Instead of +remaining in the comfortable chair, Mr. Harrison bade me follow him to the +sleeping-car, and I was assigned as soft a bed as I had ever occupied. I +slept "like a top," resolved to get the full value of so elegant an +accommodation. When I awoke, it was broad daylight. +<P> +I climbed down from my bed and made my toilet leisurely. +When I had finished, Mr. Harrison appeared, and together we had breakfast, +and, five hours later, dinner. +<P> +It was six o'clock in the evening when we rolled into +the station at Jersey City, and alighted. I was a little stiff from the long +ride, but not near as much so as I would have been had I travelled in the +ordinary cars. +<P> +"We'll cross the ferry at once," said Mr. Harrison. "The +sooner we get to New York, the better." +<P> +"And the sooner we get to Brooklyn, the better," I added. +"Do you think it will be advisable for me to hunt up Mrs. Agatha Mitts to-night?" +<P> +"I think it would. Even if you don't call on her, you +can find out about her and see how the land lies. We will find a hotel to +stop at first." +<P> +We were soon in New York and on our way up Broadway. Opposite +the post-office we found an elegant hotel, where Mr. Harrison hired a room +for himself. +<P> +He insisted on my having supper with him. Then leaving +our handbags in his room, we started for the Fulton Street ferry to Brooklyn. +<P> +It was now growing dark, and the streets were filled with +people hurrying homeward. I tried to keep as close to Mr. Harrison as possible, +but something in a window attracted my attention, and when I looked around +he was gone. +<P> +I supposed he had gone on ahead and hurried to catch him. +But in this I was mistaken, for in no direction could I catch sight of the +gentleman. +<P> +Deeply concerned, I stood on the corner of a narrow street +or alley, undecided what to do. Should I go on to Brooklyn or retrace my +steps to the hotel? +<P> +I had about made up my mind to go on, when a disturbance +down the alley attracted my attention. +<P> +Straining my eyes in the semi-darkness, I discovered several +rough-looking young fellows in a group. +<P> +"Give it to him, Bandy; hit him over the head!" I heard +one of them exclaim. +<P> +"Fair share of plunder, Mickey," cried another. +<P> +And then I saw a helpless young man in their midst, who +was being beaten and no doubt robbed. +<P> +I did not give thought to the great risk I ran, but hurried +at once to the scene. +<P> +"What are you doing here?" I asked. +<P> +"Help me! help me!" called out the young man, in a beseeching +voice. +<P> +I stared at him in amazement. And no wonder. The young +man was Duncan Woodward. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXII</h3> +<h4>A NIGHT AT THE HOTEL</h4> +<P> +"Duncan Woodward!" I exclaimed. "Is it possible?" +<P> +He gave me a quick look of wonder. "Roger Strong!" he +gasped. Oh, save me, Roger! These rowdies want to kill me!" +<P> +Even as he spoke he received a cruel blow in the side. +<P> +"I'll help you all I can," I replied promptly. +<P> +I knew it would be a waste of words to try to argue with +the gang of toughs, so I simply went at them in a physical way. +<P> +I hit out right and left with all my might, and as quickly +as I could, repeated the blows. +<P> +The suddenness of my attack disconcerted the three footpads, +and when Duncan recovered sufficiently to lend a hand, one of them took to +his heels and disappeared up the alley. +<P> +The two remaining ones stood their ground, and called +on their companions to come back and bring "Noxy an' de rest." +<P> +I received a blow in the shoulder that nearly threw me +over on my back. But I straightened up, and in return gave my assailant a +hard one in the nose that drew blood. +<P> +"Duncan, you clear out to the street," I whispered. "I'll +come after." +<P> +The young man followed my advice, first, however, stopping +to pick up several things he had dropped or that had been taken from him. +<P> +When he was twenty or thirty feet away I started after +him. As I did so, I noticed he had left a large note-book lying on the ground. +I took it up, and hurried on. For a moment more we were safe upon the street +again, and the two toughs slunk away up the alley. +<P> +Then, for the first time, I noted something about Duncan +that I thought shameful beyond words. +<P> +He had been drinking heavily. The smell of liquor was +in his breath, and it was with difficulty that he kept from staggering. +<P> +"You're my best, friend," he mumbled. "My enemy and my +friend." +<P> +"What are you doing in New York, Duncan?" I asked. +<P> +"Come on important business, Roger. Say, take me to the +hotel, will you? That's a good fellow." +<P> +"Where are you staying?" +<P> +"Staying? Nowhere." +<P> +"Then why don't you take the train to Newville and go +home?" +<P> +"Can't do that." +<P> +"Why not?" +<P> +"The old gent would kill me. He says I spend too much +money. Well, maybe I do." +<P> +"You've bean drinking, Duncan." +<P> +"So I have, Roger. Take me to a hotel." +<P> +"Will you promise to go to bed and not to drink any more +if I do?" +<P> +"Yes. I've had enough." +<P> +"Then brace up and come with me." +<P> +Not without a good deal of difficulty did I manage to +make him walk several blocks to a good though not stylish hotel. Here I took +him into the office and explained the situation to the clerk in charge, who +promptly assigned us to a room on the third floor. +<P> +The charge was three dollars, which Duncan with some +difficulty managed to pay; and then we took the elevator to the third floor. +<P> +The room was a good one, with a soft bed. No sooner did +Duncan reach it than he sank down, and in five minutes he was fast asleep. +<P> +I was in a quandary as to what to do. I did not care to +leave him in his present state, and at the same time I was anxious to find +Mr. Harrison and visit Mrs. Agatha Mitts in Brooklyn. +<P> +I wondered if my kind friend from Chicago had gone on +without me, until I suddenly remembered that the Brooklyn address was in +my pocket, and that he probably did not remember the street and number. +<P> +This being the case, he had no doubt returned to the hotel +and was awaiting me. +<P> +I looked at Duncan, and made up my mind that he would +sleep several hours, if not longer, without awaking. +<P> +Making him as comfortable as possible on the bed, I left +the room, locking the door behind me. +<P> +Down in the office I explained the situation to the clerk +when I left the key, and he promised to attend to matters if anything unusual +happened. +<P> +I was not very well acquainted with New York City, and +in trying to find my way to the hotel at which Mr. Harrison was stopping, +I nearly lost my way. +<P> +But several inquiries, made here and there, set me right, +and at length I reached the large, open corridor. +<P> +As I was about to step into the office, a well-known voice +hailed me. +<P> +"Well, here you are at last." Of course it was Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"Did I lose you, or <I>vice versa?"</I> he went on. +<P> +"I don't know. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, anyway." +<P> +"Have you been over to Brooklyn?" he continued curiously. +<P> +"No, sir." +<P> +"I thought you had; it is so long since we parted." +<P> +"I've had quite an adventure in the meantime." +<P> +"Indeed? You didn't meet Chris Holtzmann or this Aaron +Woodward, did you?" +<P> +"I met Mr. Woodward's son," I replied, and in a brief +way I related my adventures. Mr. Harrison listened with deep interest. +<P> +"It is too bad that the son has started in such a wrong +path," he said. "I trust it teaches him a lesson to let liquor alone. What +do you intend to do now?" +<P> +"I suppose I had better go back and stay all night with +him. It is now too late to go to Brooklyn." +<P> +"I think you are right. I can call for you at, say, eight +o'clock in the morning." +<P> +This was agreed upon, and as it was then after nine o'clock, +I hurried back to Duncan at once. I found him still sleeping, and I did not +disturb him. There was a lounge in the room, and throwing off my coat, vest, +and shoes, I made my bed upon this. +<P> +For once I found it difficult to sleep. It seemed to me +that my adventures must soon come to an end. Was it the foreshadowing of +coming events that disturbed me? I could not tell. I wondered how all were +at home; my sister Kate, Uncle Enos, and the Widow Canby, and I prayed God +that I might be permitted to bring good news to them. +<P> +About midnight I fell into a light doze. Half an hour +later I awoke with a start. Some one was talking in the room. Sitting up, +I listened intently. It was Duncan, muttering in his sleep. +<P> +"Lift the spring, Pultzer," he said in a whisper. "Hist! +don't make so much noise, the old gent may hear you." He paused for a moment. +"There wasn't any money. But I've got the papers, yes, I've got the papers, +and when I find out their true value the old gent shall pay me to keep quiet." +<P> +I could not help but start at Duncan's words. Like a flash +of lightning came the revelation to me. He had entered his father's library +and taken the papers which Mr. Woodward had accused me of stealing. +<P> +It was as clear as day. It explained why Pultzer, accompanied +by another, who must have been of the party, had been out so late the night +of the robbery. They had helped Duncan in his nefarious work, hoping they +would be rewarded by the finding of a sum of money. Evidently the Models +were a bad set, and I was thoroughly glad Dick Blair had turned his back +upon them. +<P> +I waited with bated breath for Duncan to continue his +speaking, but was disappointed. He turned over on his side and dreamed on, +without a word. +<P> +At length I fell asleep. When I awoke it was daylight. +I jumped up and looked at Duncan. He was just stirring, and a moment later +he opened his eyes. +<P> +"Where am I?" he asked, with a puzzled look at me. +<P> +"You're all right, Duncan," I replied. "Don't you remember?" +<P> +"Oh, yes, I do now. How my head hurts. Is there any water +around?" +<P> +I went over to the faucet and drew him a glass. He sat +up and gulped it down. +<P> +"Have we been here all night?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"You saved me from those toughs that wanted to rob me +last night?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +"I'm not dreaming?" +<P> +"No, you're not," I laughed. "I was just in the nick of +time." +<P> +"I know it all. You saved me, brought me to this place, +and put me to bed. Roger, you're a better fellow than I thought you were. +You're a better fellow than I am." +<P> +"You ought to turn over a new leaf," I said. +<P> +"Don't preach, Roger." +<P> +"I'm not preaching. I'm only telling you something for +your own good." +<P> +"I know it. I don't blame you. I've been doing wrong— sowing +my wild oats. But they're all gone now. Just let me get straightened out +and I'll be a different fellow, see if I'm not." +<P> +"I hope so with all my heart. What brought you to New +York?" +<P> +He started. +<P> +"I— I came— I don't care to tell," he stammered. +<P> +"Were you going to Brooklyn?" I questioned, struck by +a sudden idea. +<P> +"Why, how did you know?" he exclaimed. +<P> +"You have certain papers," I continued. +<P> +"Yes, I—" he felt in his pockets. "Why, where are they?" +<P> +"Are they in this?" I asked, suddenly remembering the +note-book I had picked up, and producing it. +<P> +"Yes, yes, give them to me." +<P> +"I think I had better keep them," I replied decidedly. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIII</h3> +<h4>IN BROOKLYN</h4> +<P> +I fully understood the value of the +papers that were contained in the note-book. Mr. Aaron Woodward would not +have persecuted me so closely had he not deemed them of great importance. +<P> +And when I told Duncan I would keep them, I meant what +I said. It might not be right legally, but I was sure it was right morally, +and that was enough to quiet my conscience. +<P> +"Better keep them?" repeated Duncan, as he sprang to his +feet. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +"You have no right to do that." +<P> +"I don't know about that. I was arrested for having them, +and what's the use of my having the name without the game?" +<P> +Duncan sank down on the edge of the bed again. +<P> +"If you had spoken to me like that yesterday, I'd have +wanted to punch your head," he said. "But you're a good fellow, Roger, and +I don't blame you for acting as you do. Do you know what the papers contain?" +<P> +"I think I do." +<P> +"They concern my father's affairs," he went on uneasily. +<P> +"And my father's as well," I added. +<P> +"Not so very much." +<P> +"I think so." +<P> +"Let me show you. Hand the papers over." +<P> +"Excuse me, Duncan, if I decline to do so. You, aided +by Pultzer and others, stole them from your father's library, and then threw +suspicion on me." +<P> +"I didn't throw suspicion on you. My father did that himself." +<P> +"You had nothing to do with that handkerchief?" +<P> +"I took the handkerchief by accident." +<P> +"Then I beg your pardon for having said so," I said heartily. +<P> +"Never mind, let that pass. I'll tell you what I'll do. +Give me the papers and I will restore them to my father and tell him the +truth." +<P> +"I must decline your offer." +<P> +"Why? Don't you believe I'll confess? If you don't I'll +give you a written confession." +<P> +"No, it isn't that. I am going to keep the papers because +they are valuable to me." +<P> +"What do you mean by valuable?" asked Duncan, his curiosity +increasing. +<P> +"Just what I say." +<P> +"What will the old gent say when he hears of it?" +<P> +"I don't care what he says. He'll hear of a good deal +more before long." +<P> +"How about the robbery at the Widow Canby's?" +<P> +"That will be straightened out, too." +<P> +There was a knock on the door, and, opening it, I was +confronted by one of the servants. +<P> +"Mr. Strong here, sir?" he asked. +<P> +"That's my name." +<P> +"A gentleman below to see you, sir. Gave his name as Mr. +Harrison." +<P> +"Tell him I will be down in a minute," I said. +<P> +"Now I'm ready to leave you," I went on to Duncan, when +the servant had departed. "I advise you to take a good wash, get your breakfast, +and take the first train home. Good-by." +<P> +"Yes, but, Roger—" +<P> +"By doing that you may be doing your father a greater +service than in any other way. You say you will turn over a new leaf, and +I hope you will. If all goes as it should you will have a hard trial to stand +before long. But do as I did when things went wrong in our family, bear up +under it, and if you do what's right somebody is bound to respect you." +<P> +And, without waiting for a reply, I caught up my hat and +hurried from the room. +<P> +I found Mr. Harrison waiting for me in the parlor. +<P> +"I thought I'd come over early," he explained. "I know +young blood is impatient, and I half expected to find you gone." +<P> +"I didn't want to make a call before folks were up," I +answered. "Besides, I have made quite an important discovery since we parted." +<P> +"Indeed." +<P> +"Yes. Come away from this place and I'll tell you. I don't +want to meet Duncan Woodward again." +<P> +And as we walked away from the hotel I related the particulars +about the note-book. +<P> +"You are gathering evidence by the wholesale," laughed +Mr. Harrison. "You'll have more than enough to convict." +<P> +"I don't want to make a failure of it," I said firmly. +"When I go to court I want a clear case from start to finish." +<P> +"Good! Strong, I admire your grit. Come in the restaurant, +and while we have a bit of breakfast let us look over the papers. I declare, +I was never before so interested in some one else's affairs." +<P> +And as we waited for our rolls, eggs, and coffee, we read +the papers through carefully. +<P> +They gave much information, the most startling of which +was that John Stumpy and Ferguson were one and the same person. +<P> +"That explains why Mr. Woodward made so many slips of +the tongue when addressing him," I said. +<P> +"Here is another important thing," remarked Mr. Harrison; +"a letter from this John Woodward stating that Mrs. Agatha Mitts knows of +the forgeries. Now, if you can get this woman to testify against the two +culprits, I think you will have a clear case." +<P> +"And that is just what I will force her to do," I said, +with strong determination. +<P> +I could hardly wait to finish breakfast. Fortunately it +did not take Mr. Harrison long to do so, and, five minutes later we were +on our way to the ferry. The trip over the East River, near the big bridge, +did not take long, and we soon stood on the opposite shore. Vannack Avenue +was pretty well up town, and we took the elevated train to reach it. +<P> +"There is No. 648," said Mr. Harrison, pointing to a neat +three-story brick building that stood in the middle of the block; "let us +walk past first, and see if there is any name on the door." +<P> +We did so, and found a highly polished silver plate bearing +the words:— +<P ALIGN=CENTER class=center> +MRS. AGATHA MITTS <BR> +<I>Boarding</I> +<P> +"Perhaps it would be a good plan to find out something +about the woman before we call on her," suggested my companion, after we +had passed the house. +<P> +"There is a drug store on the corner," I said. "We can +stop in there. No doubt they'll think we are looking for board." +<P> +"An excellent idea." +<P> +We walked down to the drug store. On entering, Mr. Harrison +ordered a couple of glasses of soda water and then called the proprietor +aside. +<P> +"Can you tell me anything about the lady that keeps the +boarding-house below here?" he asked. +<P> +"Which one?" +<P> +"Mrs. Agatha Mitts." +<P> +"I've heard it's a very good house," was the noncommittal +reply. +<P> +"You know the lady?" +<P> +"She comes in here once in a while for drugs." +<P> +"May I ask what kind of a woman she is?" +<P> +"Well, she's good enough in her way, though rather eccentric. +I understand she furnishes good board, however. She has kept the house for +many years." +<P> +"Has she many boarders?" +<P> +"Eight or ten. She used to have more. But they were rather +a lively set and hurt the reputation of the place." +<P> +Mr. Harrison paid for the soda, and a second later we +quitted the place. +<P> +"Not much information gained there," said my Chicago friend, +when we were once again on the street. +<P> +"One thing is certain," I replied. "She is the right party. +It would never have done to have tackled the wrong person." +<P> +"I guess the best thing for us to do is to call on the +woman without waiting further." +<P> +"So I think." +<P> +"She may be a very hard person to manage. Strong, you +must be careful of what you say." +<P> +"I shall, Mr. Harrison," I replied. "But that woman must +do what is right or go to prison." +<P> +"I agree with you." +<P> +Ascending the steps of the house, I rang the bell. A tidy +Irish girl answered the summons. +<P> +"Is Mrs. Agatha Mitts in?" I asked. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"We would like to see her." +<P> +"Will you please step into the parlor?" went on the girl, +and we did so. +<P> +"Who shall I say it is?" +<P> +"Mr. Harrison," put in my Western friend. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +The girl disappeared. My heart beat strongly. It seemed +to me as if life and death hung upon the meeting that was to follow. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIV</h3> +<h4>MRS. AGATHA. MITTS</h4> +<P> +I could not help but wonder, as I +sat in the parlor with my friend Mr. Harrison, waiting for the appearance +of Mrs. Agatha Mitts, what kind of a person the keeper of the boarding-house +would prove to be. +<P> +For some reason the name suggested to me a tall, gaunt +female with sharp features; and I was taken by surprise when a short, dumpy +woman, with a round face, came wobbling in and asked what was wanted. +<P> +"This is Mrs. Agatha Mitts?" asked Mr. Harrison, as he +arose. +<P> +"Yes, sir. And you are Mr. Harrison, I suppose. I don't +remember you." +<P> +"I didn't think you would," laughed my friend from Chicago. +"I am from the West, and have never before been in Brooklyn." +<P> +"Yes? Then your business with me is— ? Perhaps you desire +board?" and she smiled; first at him and then at me. +<P> +"No; we do not wish board," was the quiet reply. "We come +to see you on business." +<P> +"And what is it?" +<P> +"We would like to see you privately." +<P> +"Certainly. Pray take a seat. I will close the doors." +<P> +She shut the folding doors leading to the sitting room, +and then the door to the hall. +<P> +"Now I am quite at your service," she said, and peered +at us rather sharply. +<P> +There was an awkward pause for a moment, and then Mr. +Harrison went on bluntly:— +<P> +"Has Mr. Aaron Woodward or Chris Holtzmann been here since +yesterday, madam?" +<P> +Mrs. Mitts started at the mention of the two names. Then +she recovered herself. +<P> +"Whom did you say, sir?" she queried innocently. +<P> +Mr. Harrison repeated his question. +<P> +"Why, I really haven't heard of those two gentlemen in +so long a time I've nearly forgotten them," she said sweetly. +<P> +"They weren't here yesterday?" I put in. +<P> +"No." And this time her tone was a trifle cold. +<P> +"Do you expect them to-day?" I went on. +<P> +"No, I don't." She paused a second. "Is that all you wish +to know?" +<P> +"No, ma'am," I replied promptly. "There is a good deal +more I wish to know." +<P> +"Who are you, if I may ask?" +<P> +"My name is Strong." +<P> +She looked puzzled for a moment. +<P> +"I don't recognize the name," she said, and then she suddenly +turned pale. +<P> +"I am the son of Carson Strong, who was sent to prison +for alleged forgery and the passing of worthless checks," I continued. "I +suppose you remember the case." +<P> +"Har— hardly," she faltered. "I— I heard something of +it, but not the particulars." +<P> +"That is strange, when you were so interested in it." +<P> +"I?" she repeated, in pretended surprise. +<P> +"Yes, madam," said Mr. Harrison. "You were very much +interested." +<P> +"Who says so?" +<P> +"I say so," said I. +<P> +"You! You are only a boy." +<P> +"I suppose I am, but that doesn't make any difference. +You know all about the great wrong that has been done, and—" +<P> +"It is false! I know nothing!" she cried in anger. +<P> +"You know all, and we want you to tell as all you know +before we leave this house." +<P> +Mrs. Agatha Mitts arose in a passion. +<P> +"I want you to get out of my house at once!" she ejaculated. +"I won't stand your presence here another minute." +<P> +"Excuse me, madam; not so fast," said Mr. Harrison, calmly. +"My young friend Strong is quite right in what he says." +<P> +"I don't care what you think about it," she snapped. +<P> +"Oh, yes, you do. Perhaps you don't know who I am," went +on my Western friend, deliberately. +<P> +The sly insinuation had its effect. Evidently the woman +had a swift vision of a detective in citizens' clothes before her mind's +eye. +<P> +"You come in authority," she said faintly. +<P> +"We won't speak about that now," said Mr. Harrison. "All +we want you to do is to make a complete confession of your knowledge of the +affair." +<P> +"I haven't any knowledge." +<P> +"You have," I said. "You know everything. I have papers +here belonging to Woodward, Holtzmann, and Ferguson to prove it. There is +no use for you to deny it, and if you insist and make it necessary to call +in the police—" +<P> +"No, no! Please don't do that, I beg of you," she cried. +<P> +"Then will you do as I wish?" +<P> +"But my reputation? It will be gone forever," she moaned. +<P> +"It will be gone anyway, if you have to go to prison," +observed Mr. Harrison, sagely. +<P> +"And if I make a clean confession you will not prosecute +me?" she asked eagerly. +<P> +"I'll promise you that," I said. +<P> +"You are not fooling me?" +<P> +"No, ma'am." +<P> +She sprang to her feet and paced the room several times. +<P> +"I'll do it," she cried. "They have never treated me right, +and I do not care what becomes of them so long as I go clear. What do you +wish me to do, gentlemen?" +<P> +I was nonplussed for an instant. Mr. Harrison helped me +out. +<P> +"I will write out your confession and you can sign it," +he said. "Have you ink and paper handy?" +<P> +"Yes." +<P> +Mrs. Mitts brought forth the material, and we all sat +down again. +<P> +"Remember to give us only the plain facts," I said. +<P> +"I will," she returned sharply. +<P> +In a rather roundabout way she made her confession, if +it could be called such. It filled several sheets of paper, and it took over +half an hour. It contained but little more than what my readers already know +or suspect. She knew positively that Mr. Aaron Woodward was the forger of +the checks, Holtzmann had presented them, and Ferguson had so altered the +daily reports that my father had unwittingly made a false showing on his +books. About Weaver she knew nothing. +<P> +When once explained the whole matter was as clear as day. +<P> +When he had finished the writing, Mr. Harrison read the +paper out loud, and after some hesitation the woman signed it, and then we +both witnessed it. +<P> +"I guess our business here is at an end," said my Western +friend. +<P> +"I think so," I replied. "But one thing more, Mrs. Mitts," +I continued, turning to her. "If Mr. Woodward or Chris Holtzmann calls, I +think you will find it advisable to keep this affair a secret." +<P> +"I will not be at home to them," she replied briefly. +<P> +"A good plan," said Mr. Harrison. "Now that you have done +the right thing, the less you say about the matter the better for you." +<P> +A few minutes later, with the paper tucked safely in my +pocket, we left the house. Mrs. Mitts watched us sharply from behind the +half-closed blinds. +<P> +In half an hour we were down town and across the ferry +once more. +<P> +"I suppose you wish to get home as soon as possible," +said Mr. Harrison, as we boarded a street-car to take us to his hotel. +<P> +"Yes, sir. My sister and the rest will be anxious to hear +how I've made out, and besides I'm anxious to learn how things have gone +since I have been away." +<P> +"I've no doubt of it." +<P> +"What do you intend to do?" +<P> +"I hardly know. I have some business, but I am quite +interested in your case, and—" +<P> +"Would you like to go along! You'll be heartily welcome, +sir." +<P> +"Thank you, I will. I want to see how this drama ends," +said Mr. Harrison. +<P> +A little later I procured my valise, and we set out for +Darbyville. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXV</h3> +<h4>THE WIDOW CANBY'S MONEY</h4> +<P> +I am sure my readers will well understand +why my thoughts were busy as the train rolled on its way to Newville. I could +hardly realize that I held the proofs of my father's innocence in my possession; +and I was strongly tempted several times to ask my kind Western friend to +pinch me to make sure that I was really awake, and was not merely dreaming +my good fortune. +<P> +Mr. Harrison probably guessed what was passing in my mind, +for he placed a kindly hand upon my shoulder, and said, with a smile:— +<P> +"Does it seem almost too good to be true?" +<P> +"That's just it," I returned. "The events of the past +week have so crowded on each other that I'm in a perfect whirl." +<P> +"You will have a little more excitement before it is over." +<P> +"I suppose so. But now that I know it is all right I shall +not mind it. I wonder if I couldn't send my father the good news by telegraph?" +<P> +"You can easily enough. But don't you think you had better +wait until all is settled? You might raise false hopes." +<P> +"No fear; Aaron Woodward is guilty beyond a doubt. But +I will wait if you think best." +<P> +It was not long before the train rolled into Newville. +On alighting Mr. Harrison insisted on hiring a cab, and in this we bowled +swiftly on our way to Darbyville. As we passed out of the city and up on +the country road I wondered how matters had progressed during my absence. +Had the merchant returned home? +<P> +At Darbyville a crowd of men gazed at us with curious +eyes. Among them was Parsons the constable and others who knew me. +<P> +"Hello, you back again?" shouted Parsons. +<P> +"Yes, indeed," I replied. "I suppose you didn't expect +me so soon?" +<P> +"I'll allow as how I didn't expect you at all," he returned, +with a grin. +<P> +"Well, you were mistaken. I'm back, and back to stay," +said I. +<P> +My heart beat high as we turned into the side road that +led to the Widow Canby's house. I strained my eyes to catch sight of the +first one who might appear. It was my Uncle Enos. He was doing a bit of mending +on the front fence. As soon as he saw me he threw down his hammer, and ran +toward us. +<P> +"Well, well, Roger, struck port again, have you? Glad +you're back." +<P> +And he shook my right hand hard. +<P> +"My friend, Mr. Harrison, from Chicago," said I. "This +is my uncle, Captain Enos Moss." +<P> +They had hardly finished hand-shaking, when Kate and the +Widow Canby came out of the house. +<P> +"Oh, Roger, I'm so glad you're back!" cried Kate. And +then she looked earnestly into my eyes. "Did you— did, you—" +<P> +"Yes, Kate, I've succeeded. Father's innocence can be +proven." +<P> +"Oh, thank God!" cried my sister, and the tears of joy +started from her eyes. I felt like crying, too, and soon, somehow, there +was hardly a dry eye in the group. +<P> +"You must have had a hard time of it," sail the Widow +Canby. +<P> +"My kind friend here helped me a good deal," I said. +<P> +Mr. Harrison was introduced to the others, and soon we +were seated, on the piazza, and I was relating my experiences. +<P> +The interest of my listeners grew as I went on. They could +hardly believe it possible that Mr. Aaron Woodward, with all his outward +show of gentlemanliness, was such a thoroughly bad man. When I came to speak +of John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, Kate burst out:— +<P> +"I declare, I've almost forgotten. I've got good news, +too. This very morning I went hunting again and picked up the paper that +was lost. I was trying to read it when you drove up. Here it is." +<P> +And my sister handed over Nicholas Weaver's dying statement. +<P> +"It is hardly of use now," I said. "Still, it will make +the evidence against Mr. Woodward so much stronger." +<P> +"I've discovered that this Nick Weaver was a chum of +Woodward's," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +"A chum?" +<P> +"Yes. He came from Chicago." +<P> +"From Chicago!" I ejaculated. +<P> +"Exactly." +<P> +Meanwhile Mr. Harrison was examining the statement, which +Kate had produced from her dress pocket. +<P> +"I see it all," he cried. "Nicholas Weaver was the man +who helped Holtzmann concoct the scheme whereby a relative in Chicago was +supposed to have died and willed Aaron Woodward all his money." +<P> +"I see. But why did he leave the statement?" I asked. +<P> +"Because, he says here, Woodward did not treat him right. +This Ferguson or Stumpy was a friend to Weaver, and the paper was gotten +up to bring Woodward to terms." +<P> +That explanation was clear enough, and I could easily +understand why John Stumpy had come to Darbyville, and how it was the merchant +had treated him with so much consideration. +<P> +"And there is another thing to tell you, Roger," put in +the Widow Canby. "Something I know you will be greatly pleased to hear." +<P> +"What is it?" I asked, in considerable curiosity. +<P> +"I have evidence to show that this John Stumpy was the +man who robbed me of my money. Of course I knew it was so when Kate and you +said so, but outsiders now know it." +<P> +"And how?" +<P> +"Miles Nanson saw the man running from the house. He was +hurrying to get a doctor for his wife, who was very sick, and he didn't stop +to question the fellow." +<P> +"But why didn't he speak of it before?" I asked. "He might +have saved us a deal of trouble." +<P> +"He never heard of the robbery until last night, his wife +has been so sick. He can testify to seeing the man." +<P> +"I'm glad of that," I said. "But unfortunately, that doesn't +restore the money." +<P> +"No, I suppose not. This Stumpy still has it." +<P> +"No; he claims to have lost it," I returned, and I related +the particulars as I had overheard them in the boarding-house on the opposite +side of the Pass River. +<P> +"I wish I could find it— the money, I mean— as I did the +papers," put in Kate. +<P> +"Where did he jump over the fence?" I asked suddenly. +<P> +"Down by the crab-apple tree," said Uncle Enos. +<P> +"Have you looked there?" queried Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"No," said Kate; "you don't think—" she began. +<P> +"There is nothing like looking," said my Western friend, +slowly. +<P> +"I guess you're right," I replied, "and the sooner the +better." +<P> +In a minute I was out of the house. Kate was close on +my heels, and together we made our way to the orchard, followed by the others. +<P> +"Now, let me see," I went on. "If he went over the fence +here he must have vaulted over. I'll try that, and note how the money might +have dropped." +<P> +I placed my hands on the top rail and sprang up to vault +over. As my head bent over, my eyes caught sight of an object lying in the +hole of the fence post. +<P> +I picked it up. It was the Widow Canby's pocketbook. +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVI</h3> +<h4>"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL"</h4> +<P> +Of course I was highly delighted +with the success of my search, and as I brought forth the pocketbook all +the others gave a cry of surprise. +<P> +"You've got it, Roger!" ejaculated my uncle. "You've got +it, just as sure as guns is guns!" +<P> +"So I have," I replied, as coolly as I could, though I +was at the top notch of excitement. +<P> +"Better examine it," put in Mr. Harrison, cautiously. +"It may be empty." +<P> +"Empty!" cried Kate in dismay, and the word sent a chill +through my own heart. +<P> +With nervous fingers I tore the pocketbook open. I suppose +I ought to have given it to the widow, but I was too excited to think of +what was just right and what was not. +<P> +"The money was in a piece of newspaper," said the Widow +Canby. "I had— ah, there it is!" +<P> +And sure enough, there it was— nearly three hundred +dollars— safe and sound. +<P> +I almost felt like dancing a jig, and could not refrain +from throwing up my hat, which I did in such a way that it caught in a limb +of a tree, and forced me to climb up to recover it. +<P> +As I was about jumping to the ground I heard a buggy pass +on the road. Looking down, I was surprised to see that it contained Mr. Aaron +Woodward and Chris Holtzmann. On seeing the party on the ground below, the +merchant stopped his horse and jumped out. +<P> +"How do you do, Mrs. Canby?" he said, as he came over +to the fence without catching sight of me. +<P> +"Pretty well, Mr. Woodward," was the widow's reply. +<P> +"Have you heard anything of your money yet?" went on the +merchant, with apparent concern. +<P> +"Oh, yes—" and the widow hesitated. +<P> +My sister whispered something in her ear. +<P> +"It was just found," said Kate. +<P> +The merchant gave a start. +<P> +"You don't mean it!" he cried. "Where?" +<P> +"Down here by the fence." +<P> +"Who put it there?" asked Mr. Woodward, sharply. +<P> +"No one. It was dropped by John Stumpy." +<P> +"Humph! Perhaps so!" sneered the merchant. +<P> +"It's true," exclaimed Kate, stoutly. +<P> +"More likely by your brother Roger." +<P> +"Avast there!" cried Uncle Enos. "You're saying too much." +<P> +"I don't think so," replied Mr. Woodward, in deep sarcasm. +"Of course you want to shield the boy all you can, but I 'm sure in my mind +that he is guilty." +<P> +"And I'm positive in my own mind that I'm innocent," said +I, and I jumped to the ground. +<P> +"Roger Strong!" he cried, stepping back in surprise; and +I saw Chris Holtzmann give a start. "Where did you come from?" +<P> +"I came from— up a tree," I returned lightly, and I may +add that never before had I felt in such particularly good humor. +<P> +"Don't trifle with me," he cried in anger. "Answer my +question." +<P> +"I will when I get ready." +<P> +"You refuse?" +<P> +"Oh, no. But I'm not compelled to answer, understand that, +Mr. Aaron Woodward. I'll answer because I choose to do so." +<P> +"Never mind," he snapped. "Where have you been?" +<P> +"To Chicago— as you know— and to Brooklyn." +<P> +"To Brooklyn!" he cried, growing pale. +<P> +"Yes, sir, to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts." +<P> +"And did you see her?" he faltered. +<P> +"Yes, sir." +<P> +"And she—" he began. +<P> +"What she said or did will be produced in court later +on," put in Mr. Harrison. +<P> +"Eh?" the merchant wheeled around. "Who are you?" +<P> +"My name is James Harrison. I am from Chicago. I am this +boy's friend, and I am here to see justice done." +<P> +"What do you mean?" +<P> +"I mean that you and your colleagues— Chris Holtzmann +there, John Stumpy, alias Ferguson, and the late Nicholas Weaver— have foully +wronged this boy's father." +<P> +"It's a lie!" cried Aaron Woodward, with a quivering lip. +<P> +"It's the truth," I said. "The plain truth, and I can +prove every word of it." +<P> +"Prove it!" +<P> +"Yes, in every detail, Mr. Aaron Woodward. I have worked +hard fighting for honor, but I have won. Soon my father shall be free, and +for aught I know to the contrary, you will occupy his place in prison." +<P> +"I!" cried the merchant, in horror. "A likely thing!" +<P> +"We shall see," I said. "In the meantime be careful of +what you say against me, or I will have you arrested before sundown." +<P> +Mr. Woodward gave me a look that was savageness itself. +Apparently he was on the verge of giving way to a burst of temper. But he +seemed to think better of it, and turning, he jumped into his buggy and drove +away. +<P> +It was the last time I ever saw him. On the following +day Mr. Harrison, Uncle Enos, and myself drove down to Newville and engaged +a first-class lawyer to take up the case. This legal gentleman pushed matters +so fast that on the following Monday all the papers necessary for Woodward's +arrest were ready for execution. +<P> +The officers came to Darbyville late in the afternoon +to secure their man. They were told that Mr. Woodward had gone to New York +on business. They waited for him the remainder of the day and all of the +next. +<P> +It was useless. The highly respected head merchant of +Darbyville did not appear; and an examination showed that he had mortgaged +his house and his business, and taken every cent of cash with him. +<P> +It was an open acknowledgment of his guilt, and Kate was +for letting it go at that. +<P> +"It will do no good to have him locked up," she said. +<P> +"One thing is certain, sech a rascal ain't fit to be at +liberty," put in my Uncle Enos. +<P> +"He may turn around and rob somebody else," added the +Widow Canby. +<P> +"That's just it," I said; and determined to bring the +man to justice, I set a detective on his track. +<P> +The search was successful, for in a week Aaron Woodward +was caught in Boston, preparing to embark for Europe. He was brought back +to Newville to await the action of the grand jury. But he never came to trial. +In less than a week he was found in his cell one morning, dying. Rather than +face the humiliation of going to jail he had taken his life. What became +of Duncan I did not know for a long while until, through Mr. Harrison, I +learned that he was in Chicago working for one of the railroads. He had the +making of a good fellow in him, and I trust that he became one. Chris Holtzmann +disappeared, and his Palace of Pleasure is a thing of the past. John Stumpy +went to Texas, and I heard that Pultzer went with him. +<P> +It was not long before my father received his pardon and +came home. I cannot express the joy that all of us experienced when he came +forth from prison, not only a free man, but also bearing the proofs of his +innocence. We were all there to greet him, and as my sister Kate rushed into +his arms I felt that fighting for honor meant a good deal. +<P> +Five years have gone by. My father and I are now in business +in Newville. We live in Darbyville, along with my uncle,— who married the +Widow Canby,— and my sister Kate. +<P> +Holland & Mack have recovered all that was stolen +from them. They were profuse in their apologies to my father, and offered +him a good situation, which he declined. +<P> +We are all happy— especially Kate and I. During off hours +we are all but inseparable. I like my work, and expect some day to be a leading +merchant. The clouds that hung over the family honor have passed, and sunshine +seems to have come to stay, and that being so I will bid my readers good-by. +<h4>THE END</h4> +<pre> +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TRUE TO HIMSELF *** + +This file should be named trhim10.txt or trhim10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, trhim11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, trhim10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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