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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of True to Himself, by Edward Stratemeyer
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+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]
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+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TRUE TO HIMSELF ***
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+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
+
+
+
+
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