Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 122 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

ee rene A OS he concluded. “We've got to be wide awake to- | ‘Then Jet’s make fur the wharf, Dont want Mr. | “You dont know morrer, you bet. You kin strike fur your perlicers as eqns the mornin’ as you like. Reckon we'll w elp.’ an ‘Where js the boy, Dick?” ethes Aheloy u . You kin slide. T'll wait fur Dick an ah Guess he’s makin’ the water bile some- where yonder,” “Good-night then; and be cautious,” enjoined looki ‘You post your bottom dollar on that,” replied rh “When I git a good hand I dont waste my mops.” Mr. Russell departed, leaving Phil on the watch. In ten minutes more his quick, ¢ es discerned the boat of Dirty Dick, moving rapidly down with the current, Phil gave a preconcerted signal, and very soon Dick was ashore and had joined him. Then Phil treated his friend to a synopsis of the situation, as the ceeded together in search of that slumber which both needed. CHAPTER XIX, | MRS. HARDY’S CALLER. THE two boys rose betimes the next morning, Phil taking care that Dick’s face should have a sound scrubbing in cold water. ‘*It’s comin’, Dick,”’ he said, eying him critically. “You're gettin’ down tothe nat’ral skin agin. If I only had.you in hand for ’bout six weeks, with plenty of sandpaper. —Dont be afeard of the soap. It wont hurt you.” — “If a feller swallers a pint of soap suds it aint so nice,” replied Dick, sputtering. ‘I wish you’d git out, You make me nervous talking.” With a laugh Philleft the room, Dick continuing his ablutions with unwonted energy. Mrs. Hardy was bustling about the outer room, as busy as a bee in the season of flowers. “So you are home again,” she said, discontented- ly. “Tam getting so that I dont look for you before OIE: ou are having too much night business, ‘* Now dont scold, granny,’’ returned the boy, kiss- ing her affectionately. ‘Dont ‘spect to have much more ofit. I’m after Miss Alice, huotfoot.”’ ‘And is there any hope?’ she eagerly asked. * Have you discovered anything?” ' “You bet high on that! I’ve found the nest that the bird was in. That’s somethin’. The _ nest’s empty now, but I know where the bird has flew to. That’s somethin’ more.” ; “You're growing to bea terrible smart fellow,” said Mrs. Hardy, joking: proudly upen the boy. ‘* You're going to be just like your father. He was terrible smart too.”’ “ and like my granny,” replied Phil. ‘ And she's jist as smart as she’s nice,”’ : “Oh! you get out, you flatterer,” she laughingly rejoined...“ There’s your friend, Susy Lane, out ae I know she’s waiting for YOR. ef, by t’took the hint and left the old lady to her bre eat reparations while he hunted up his yo ut ally, who awaited him at the head of the ‘6 7 *e ” sé “Tm dying, to sée you,’ she excitedly cried. ‘I want to hear il avout . pvery,| word.” ie" . ” Phil. replied. “ own here com- tofbisantwellltale” T their oaew yo, = ni she hese of ahe stairs, snugging up é each other lovingly, Phil Read to describe the adventures of the previous night, to the intense interest of Susy. And mb baied sure Miss Alice is taken to the y' she ship he eagerly asked. ¢ Jik sure, as there’s water in the river.”’ «het atatoree will Ph do now?" *‘ Git her out,’’ said Phil, confidently. aa it. wont be so easy, Phil.” P “ - ont pte Abe replicd, “ But if beent 0 it. easy Til do rd.. She's got to come.”” An Phil set his test in stern energy. mere “TI believe you,” cried Susy goshusiaatically, ‘You are, just the best and smartest fellow. An love You he ea would not give a cent to like a boy as stupid,” “You're” iy little sweetheart, Susy,” said Phil, kissing her,tenderly.. ‘‘ And I like you better than all the gals T ever seed,” La ‘‘ Ever saw, you mean,” replied Susy, with a gri- mo ave it your own way,” rejoined Phil. “It dont eno ome.’ 2 male n0 0 his is fun,’ spoke a gleeful voice be- hind, them. “This the way you two spend your mo BY” ee at you, Dick?” asked Phil, coolly. ‘Let's ite jidnpsa up and turned the boy around, like a m : “Tll swow if he aint got a clean face! Look here, Susy. Did you ever see sich a good-lookin’ chap as Dick. fe diré off?” “ 9 ly. “Be ectilb t0 Wa Mire, Handy as ie (Or you." Es pares go back on breakfuss,” said Phil, “ne boys certai had | t excellent appetite 3 a most excellen a and ‘cleaned BS Baie table as clean as a new “Pat that letter away, granny,” remarked Phil, pointing to the letter w uc ice had dropped, an which now lay on the mantle. - ‘lt mought be use- fulsome day.’ “T will attend to it «fter I get the breakfast things waslied,” she rejoined, roing busily to work. “ Wide awake, Dick?” asked Phil. “ Bit int as a dollar,” he repli en mee = SS ee SS lL Russell and his perlice to git down ahead of us.” It. was not fifteen min when they found them- selves in sight of the Strongbow. Alm at the same moment a qestiotiees stopped at the extensive mansion of which the Hardys oc- cum an humble fraction, y dint of mnaney. he soon found his way to the suit of rooms which constituted the home of our friends, and knocked at the door of the apartment which . Hardy used in the combined sense of a a Jining-room and parlor. The old lady opened the door, and gazed with sur- prise on her strange and well-dressed visitor. “Mrs. Hardy?” he said, inquiringly. ‘* Yes, sir, that is my name.” “Il hope you ul pardon this intrusion. Ihada little errand with you,” ‘“Why certainly, sir. But do come in. Dont let me keep you standing there in the teed op Thanking her, the stranger ente and helped himself to a seat. . ** Did you not have a young lady staying with you named Miss Homer?’’ “Well, I[declare! How ever did you know that? Yes, she was here, poor thing! She left here day before yesterday, and was run away with by some villains who wanted to killher. So my Philsays. Is it possible you know her?” ‘Iam an old friend,” said the gentleman, —? oddly at the revelations of the simple-minded an garrulous old lady. ‘‘And your Pil is very much mistaken, You can take my word for that.”’ ‘““l am ever so glad to hear that, sir,’’ replied Mrs. Hardy. ‘‘ Poor dear. Lquite grew to love her.” ‘Yes, she is a charming girl,” the gentleman re- sponded, aearang Bie hair witb a grave motion. ‘Is your boy named Philip Hardy?” ‘‘Exactly. He is my grandson. Ard one of the best boys,”’ answered the delighted old lady.’ ‘‘ There is nothing he can’t do.” ‘**T have met him,” said the gentleman. very intelligent lad. Where is he now?” ‘**Deary me knows! I could as well keep track of the wind.” ‘“ He is a little wrong about Miss Homer, though,” continued the gentleman. “She is at the home of her aunt. I left her there only an hour ago,” * Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. ee | “I am glad enough to hear that,” replied Mrs. | Hardy, from whom Phil had wisel? concealed the ' to come see me,”! ‘She will not easily forget her friends,” the gen- tleman smilingly responded. ‘‘She wished me to stop here for something which she left behind. She will call on you soon.”’ ‘IT hope so.indeed,’’ exclaimed Mrs. Hardy, twir!l- ing a dish-eloth in her hands rorgottully, in her piea- sure at this remembrance. “ But what was it? I | dont think of anythin.” ‘‘ A letter, I believe.”’ “Oh, yes! She did drop one, It is here.” Mrs. lar dy had it in her hands ina minute. She pa with a movement of embarrassment as she ought of Phil’s warning, ‘Ts that it?” hé asked, unconcernedly. Ags Renee hesitatingly. “But I forgot. I was told eep it.” tng Alt Miss Homer should not have sent me for it, en.” “Tt was not she,”’ repped aig old lady, still more embarrassed, “It was— “Oh! Phil, was it?” * Yas, sir.’ “ Ver proper in Phil. He was sharp enough to at nobody but Miss Homer herself, or some one sent by her, should receive her letter. He is certainly a very intelligent boy.” The gentleman rose, wiped his brow with his handkerchief, and turned as if to go. i i: aaah Mrs. Hardy,” he said. ‘‘My time is mited.”’ ‘* And the letter?” she faltered. ‘* The letter?—Well, I declare, it slipped out of my mind that minute. Yes, let me have it. I shall see that it is returned to Miss Homer.” Fully reassured by his indifferent manner, Mrs. Hardy tendered him the letter, crossing the floor to know t where he stood carelessly in the doorway, **And give my love to Miss Homer with the let- ter,’ she said as she handed him the epistle. “Why, certainly. I know she will be glad to hear of your good wishes,’’ he replied, a covert smile of triumph on his face. His hand was indolently extended. Mrs. arg waren spe point of placing the coveted document s hand. But there is many a slip between oup and lip. An- other hand, a small white a and slender fingers, suddenly extended itself between them, and snatched the sheet from his very grasp. A peal of childish laughter, half merry, half hys- terical, followed. “I shall keep this for Miss Alice,” ke the sweet voice of Susy Lane, and her brig t young face beamed out before them. “Why, Susy!’’ cried Mrs. Hardy, in surprise and anger. e Who is this rude child?” the gentleman angrily inquired. Give him that letter, Susy,” commanded Mrs. Hardy. ‘He is a friend of Miss Homer’s. She sent for it.” ‘**Perhaps then he can tell where he has sent her?” exc ed Susy, glancing shrewdly into his vexed face. “Give me the letter, om was his harsh re- sponse, as he suddenly sought to grasp her arm. But she was too quick for him. She darted light- ly back toward the stairs, crying out: Oh! you It was a very unlo she stood at 3 , the h man who followed us from the Park. the one who has tried to kill 1ateful man, you ou y down the s she running lightly d Snatchi g up ght to oo 15 i A . He is the He is Cun- mockingly at the discomfited villain. With a curse of bitter chagrin he ed ited after her, the broom as the most convenient article of offense, Mrs. Hardy followed, her feelin toward the gentleman very suddenly and utterly He might as well have chased will-of-the-wisp as light-foo in merry laugh told that she was flying onward, vance, ed Susy Lane, She was out of sight before he had descended the first flight of steps yi a But the avenger came furiously on behind, Ashe paused near the door to take breath, and look round for the little hoyden, he was more rised than delighted by the sharp impress of a tween his shoulders. villain!’’ exclaimed te old lady, bringin .down to emphasize every word. “I m be- ‘Get out of the house, at once, you kidnappi the Rebont ‘ll dust your coat for you, you murderer! To think of your dar- ing to come here, and lie to me, and Phil to my face! I'll cure you of it!’ And the broom was pli With a savage curse he turned and sought to grasp her weepes, But he did not calculate on the 1 , when armed with The broom took him face and back, with indis- criminating rapidity. In vain he tried to seize it. Mrs. Hardy sprung round like afurious wasp, using wer of an er favorite weapon, her weapon with every leap. ifurlated woman praise my poor with redoubled energy. At last, utterly conquered, he turned and fled from the house, cursin the laughter of a gang o ‘‘He is a | sued him into the street, calling out: ‘**Oome back again when | I’'lt be sure to give it to you.” CHAPTER XX, ON THE STRONGBOW. : Near the wharf the boys met their confederate extent of his discoveries. ‘I hope she wont forget | Joe Dot, who was sauntering care he had no business in life except to | shine. | “Hallo! Joe. How's the jiants?”’ called out Phil, “The jiants are well enough. It’s you that’s a | | | | little luny,”’ reto Joe. ‘* Dont b’lieve in them yet, hey?” “in the sun: bitterly, and followed by idlers as Mrs. Hardy pur- you want another letter. if ; “Bet Ido them! And in dw and hobgoblins, 00.”’ ou “Well, you’re a queer chap fur a Yorker.—How *bout Tim Fagan?”’ rf ‘**He aint moved out of his den, so far watched kind of close.” if there he dont ‘And moking straight for th “* Fle’d best stepabo Overboard,’ returned Joe ** What do you mean? And I’ve “sé Th be Dick. fiddled “ O out of dock.”’ % oe blazes she is! Know where she is goin’?” as oO. ” Phil s that the Strongbow is ge ard soon then, or he m 0 now!” cried bow.”’ ready to draw ** Scoot down there, and ask some of the sailors. , Be innocent like, you know.” Without a word Joe left them, — “T wish said Phil anxiously. mought be a bad jo Mr. Russell was here with > “If she’s goin’ to este his ‘put to ” “We'd have to folier her, that’s all. Ina steam tug or something oe returned alter a few minutes” “‘ She’s not going far,” heremarked. to Brooklyn. She's to take in part of her like a boo leased with this information. “3 ryin’ to fling us off the track.— think I’m drownded, and th their trail. Longmyer’s wharf.”’ ” a the anybody else on a. " ' ‘TORS go a ’ cried Phil, well ose, too, they’re ough ‘they must ey dont know that there's You’re worth a dozen soaked herrings yet, Phil,” remarked Dick. ‘‘Why dont you appear to them—like a ghost?" asked Joe. ‘* By Jove, that’s a good idear!’’ exclaimed Phil, in’ If IJ dont cress the river in the Strong me!”’ ‘““So is W cid never wuss than another.”’ by his two com the h, to. let Outside lay a was preparing mate A turned “You're you jump a to Dick. (E@ cles Vi boa to her, w tug, which ie to attach itself to captain and mate stood amidships, movements. Fagan also was there, be seen . He reconnoitered from The ship did show indications of immed sailors were lin athering wp hi had (c “Tt’s dangerous, Phil,’ cautioned Dick. So i ‘allcin’ on the curbstones,” said Phil, . “There's so much danger a-goin’ a felles ows buta brick might jump o ment and hit him in the head. One danger aint no behind ch lay upon — ust 0)\C) mngbo ap Gi ting de. <S slapping his knee in delight. ‘‘Wouldn’t like noth. 7 other than to make that little of the pave + Phil resolutely walked down to the wharf, followed nions. He was too wide awake, "a tow art | in, and the vessel. The these ailing Site the quick thought flashed across Phil’s mind. He 1 c goes on the dance and song, Dick. Jist ard there, near the bow. ve them 9 (EO)