Under His Thumb — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

158 UNDER ‘AIS “THUMB. “Wants to keep out af my sight, that’s certain,”’ was Steve’s mental comment. The latter’s good-humored badgering of Johnny — evidently quieted the stranger’s suspicions, for the man turned his back full upon the boy, and_ strode along the street as though in haste to reach his des- tination. The street was near the New York approach to. the Brooklyn Bridge, and it speedily became’ evi- | dent that the man intended to cross. “If he’s goin’ over, so am I,” Steve decided, fol- lowing at a safe distance behind. The man did not take a car to cross the bridge, as the ed had expected, but kept to the promenade: in- stea ‘I can’t lose him now, that’s certain,” he com- mented, and waited until the slouching figure had passed well from view. Steve groped in his pocket for a penny for toll. As he did so a look of consternation came over his face, for there was not a coin of any denomination upon his person, and he had no other money. A treacherous hole in his:pocket explained his situation. He had started out with money enough for present needs, and now he found himself unable to pay the one- cent toll required. ‘Pretty go, if I must lose that chap jest ’cause I ain’t got a cent!’’ he exclaimed. But he was ata loss only fora moment. A swift glance about him, and he espied a portly, good-na- tured looking gentleman sauntering past. He was plainly a stranger in the city, bent upon crossing the bridge for the magnificent view which it affords. Steve stepped up to him, and clutched his arm. ‘‘Beg pardon, mister,’’? he.said, by way of accost- ing him. “What is it, my lad?’ the centleman asked. “Got any pennies. to spare? I want to pay my toll, and haven't a redto my name. Hole in my pocket, yer see.’ The man took out three or four pennies, but hesi-— tated as he was about to proffer them to the boy. comicbooks.com | ; / ae ai ; ‘wre t +e a" tee