Marion Marlowe's Disappearance, or, Almost a Crime — page 23: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“When Archie Ray heard the news he ground his teeth in anger. He was certain nat the friends of Dan Watson were at the 0 tom of it. : ‘T told you they would fight a woman but not a man,” he said, angrily, as he hurried of all to Dr. Brookes’ office. “That ello w is a crook and has friends in all parts f the city!’ Why, I have only just learned iat he owns a perfect army of beggars!” Re, nd it is one of them that has lured poor Marion away!” was the doctor’s furious an- SW rer. “T don’t believe they dare hurt her, it's outrageous that she should remain a heir clutches an hour! We must do some- es my friend, but what? That is the estion.” »D) : headquarters is looking for her,” was the a answer; “but, as you say, he must do some- - thing! It would kill me to sit idle!” Just as they were thinking deeply Bert Jackson was announced. He was well known to both, and hasty greetings followed. Bert had just come from Dollie and his face was Almost the first words e uttered were in reference to Marion. “Ty ve offered a reward with the boss’ full onsent,” he color of ashes. he said, quickly; “and now I’ve ¢ “ome to. get you two to go-with me. I have clew that © I believe will lead straight to * “Quick! What is it, Bert?”-asked the toctor, grasping his hand. ne was Bert’s only answer, as he rushed from the office. | a beggar boy, tattered.and torn, was wait- ng on the steps. Bert grabbed him by the I ouldére and fairly jerked him erect before th lem. “He chased me a block to tell his news. , tell them all you know!” he command- : Bi quickly “Tell them where you think she AS a d wh you think-so!” MY QUEEN. “The police and every available detective , 21 The boy was badly scared, but he answered promptly : “Skinny has got’ er; she’s Boss Watson's best beggar! I heard one ’er his men tell her to ketch Miss Marlowe an’ he sed as how he’d know w’at ter do wid her w’en she’d ketched ’er!” “And where is she now?” broke in Bert, excitedly. The boy grinned like a monkey, for all he was so frightened. “She’s in de cellar up by de Harlem if I’se any good at guessin’,” he said, with chatter- ing’ teeth. “Dat’s a great place fer robbin’— ’ _dat cellar. De cellar don’t tell nuthin’ an neither does de river!” “Can you lead us there?” asked Mr. Ray, °, with a shudder; “or had we better ‘get a de- tective ?” - “Hold on! us,” Perhaps he’s only ‘stringing’ said the doctor, cautiously. “Naw, I ain’t!’’ retorted the boy, quickly. “It’s de gospel trut’! I’se one of de boss’ I beggars, too, an’ I knows a heap sight -more’n I’m er tellin’! She gimme two nickels last night and I’d orter warned ’er, but I seen dis gent wot wuz wid her last right and when I seen him I up an’ told him.” “Lead the way, then, youngster, and you get a small fortune if you find her’ for us!” cried Mr. Ray. “Here, call that carriage on - -the corner and give the man the direction!’ The boy darted off to call the carriage with the three young men in hot pursuit of him. “Don’t lose him, Bert!” called the doctor, who had been obliged to stop and lock the door. “He can’t lose me; I’m a sprinter!” was Bert’s answer. “Let him try to bolt and T’ll come down on him like a cyclone!” "Bert, hadn’t we better notify the police of our clew?” called the doctor again. “Done it already! I telephoned from the corner!” was Bert’s ready answer. “Tf there’s anything in it they are there already !” CoOnnicoooks (GO)