Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 130 — page 4: what you’re looking at

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

- _— =~ a as questioner, with his feet on an “x ooo coat, as usual, dragging at his feet, and his face innocent of fresh water. * Morning, gentlemen!” ““Come here, boy, and let’s have a good look at you,”’ called out Jack. “Was that coat made to order?” “I dunno that I’m playin’ side-show for a circus,” retorted Dick, sturdily. ‘‘ An’ if you don’t like my ulster maybe you'd buy it at half-price and give me ss ae Be hat line of b ” laughing “I’m not in that line of business ug \ - Come up here so I can see you. What is your name?” ** Dick Darling, or Darling Dick. I’m called both wa ~ Rage “ What do you do for a living?” “ Anything that’s honest and easy. I'll black your boots, if you want, hold your hosses, carry your bundles, or most anything else.”’ “And what are you after to-day?” Dick’s reply was to hel self to a chair, and to establish himself in the exact attitude of his adjoining window, and his chair tilted back. “Can talk biz’ness a good deal better when I'm comfort’ble,” he explained. ‘ Don’t pay to wait for jnvertations nowadays.” ‘Well, if he ain’t cool enough to freeze hot water, I'll sell out,’’ was Frazer's expressed opinion. “Now, out with it, Dick,” commanded Jack Bounce, in an am tone. ** What business have ‘you in hand to day?” “I’ve guv up all retail lines. I’m arter that set of eounterfeiters that’s making things howl in the money market, and that’s laughin’ in their sleeves at Pinkerton’s and the Secret Service.”’ * What do you know about it?” asked Bounce, his feet falling to the floor in his surprise. “Tt know that Will Frazer and Jack Bounce, two of Uncle Sam’s best men, have been smellin’ round for months, and haven't found a bad egg in the ket yet. I know that Ned Hogan his pals think they've got a scent, which won't work up worth adime. And, finerly, I’ve got a stupid notion in my head that I see an openin’ into the den of ras- “Ah! and what is your opening?” “T wish you’d take a close look at my eyes, Mr. Jack Bounce, and see the color of them. If you can find an Breen there, then buy me cheap, that's all." 5 Whic means that you don’t intend to tell me ou mean?”’ ch means,”’ answered Dick, “‘ that I’m on the make, I know there’s money in this. I’m for my sheer, that’s all. Don’t calkerlate to spend my life carting around an ulster that don’t fit, I’m in for ani my fortune, and goin’ into and ‘What do you think of this fellow, Will?” asked Bounce, t to his con. “I think he will never die from ag strik- img in,” Will answered. ‘‘ He’s took it, like the wear Fe on the pole salah as . ou and me can cry q a 5 ee it yesterdays ub what aa defian ‘“You took me for a sell yesterday; T’ve a notion you sold yourself. Now I'll give Mr. Bounce jis chance. If he don’t take—why, me and Ned Hogan knows one another; that’s a word to the | the wise, “ What do you want, Dick?’ asked Bounce, in a tone of amusement. “*T want ten dollars now, to begin on. And I want to beletalone. Them’stwo things. I won't promise that’ll be my last draw. It takes rhino to push these jobs through. If I have to shut up my office, I’ve got to be floated awhile in cash.” ** Where is your office, Dick?”’ “The last one I opened was on a toadstool seat in Independence Square,” confessed Dick, with un- ed effrontery. “ MaybeI can rent it out till through this small matter of biz’ness. I'm ared, though, it’ll be hard to collect the rent." “And what is our security for our ten dollars?” — “My face,” looking Jack squarely in the eye. “If u can’t see ten dollars wuth of honesty there, we'll es quits.” Dick rose from his chair and began butto his coat, his habitual action when he meant ness, “Of course it’ll be sheer and sheer alike, in re- wards, profits, and sich,’’ he added, pausing a mo- ment, “Do you take? If you do, lork over the needful. If you don't, why, don’t be long about say- it %) “Strictly to the point Dick, eh?” said Jack, laugh- . “Come, my lad, I shouldn’t wonder if you érncll a rat somewhere. Guess I won’t mind risking a ten on your personal security.” He took a bank-note from his pocket-book, and handed it to the boy in his easy, careless manner. Dick examined it with the eye of a connoisseur. * Well, do you think it crooked, eh?” “Thought mabybe it might be one of the new edition,” said Dick, honestly, “I don’t trust detec- tives too far; and you’re a bit green to trust a street nt like me.” ack Bounce laughed heartily with an amusement which was not shared by his companion. *T can scent lonesty in the air, my boy,” admitted Jack. ‘That is part of my business. And shrewd- ness, too. That is in oe face, or I wouldn't risk on your honesty alone, think I can venture as high va bcc on the chance of your working up your scheme,”’ ‘*T dunno,” deprecated Dick, with a close setting of the lips. ‘‘ You mought lose your cash, I’veonly got a pin-hole to see through, so far, but I’ve a no- nm that I can see a mighty long ways ——_ it; and a thunderin’ pile of rascality at the ri telegraph when I want your help.” 4 Sst Detective Dick. Ceere erson or by letter?’ asked Will Frazer, sar- castically. “By an Sener a wire of my own. Guess I made all [ can o _ to-day. Ill vamose now till I want a few more of the din ts.” With a dignity that would have done him credit in as tragedy, Dick stalked from the room, not deigning a glance behind, “*T think you are sold, Jack.” “I think not,’’ unconcernedly. “And I've just backed my opinion with an X.” CHAPTER IV. THE SELLER SOLD. Tue boy had designs on the ten-dollar bill which y been contemplated by the giver. His next appearance is in a South street second-hand clothing establishment, surrounded by a plentiful array of ‘‘old clo’’’ which had experienc ene- ration, so far as their sins of the body would t. The proprietor, a cadaverous-looking gentleman, whose well-hooked nose seemed the er portion of him, came bustling forward to where Dick had planted himself firmly on his sturdy legs, and was surve the stock in trade with the eye of a critic. ? at can I do for my young friend to-day?” asked the storekeeper, with a habitual rubbing of his hands. ** Dunno when linterduced you "mong my friends,”’ returned Dick, with a look of serene haughtiness. “ Jist you keep your distance, Solomon. I didn’t come here to be talked to death.” The proprietor drew back, as if abashed by Dick’s reproof. latter continued his survey of the stock, his nose superciliously in the air. “Got any other room, where hem keep raglans and cutaways and sich?’’ ed Dick. “T've got a deautiful assortment here,” the Jew ah “I know I can fit you out and make a anlar 6 gentleman of you. What shall I show you?” Show me your coat-tails, if you’re goin’ on this way,’ answered Dick, disgustedly. ‘‘ Heaven take the Somat that could be made of your polished- ms old rags. Give us a squint at that short-tailed ver. The dealer brought down the coat indicated, hand- ling it with a look of intense admiration. ** What an eye the lad has!’ ejaculated ** Old Clo’.”’ ‘**He has hit on the very finest piece of English cloth in my store, at first glance.”’ “ Sure of that, Solomon?" “Yes. Just look at the nap of that! itis made. Look at that buttonhole!” * Hang it u ‘in,”’ ordered ing naps and Butto oles.” But, my dear friend—" * Cheese all that, old boy! You're a good deal too fond of talk. Never see’d a feller so chock-full of blow. Jist let me alone. I’m doin’ my own buy- 6 a eet a looked as if he would like to give Dick the benefit of his boot and an open door. But the boy, with an exasperating indifference, continued his critical survey, and examined and tried on coat after c coat with a fastidious taste that quite disgusted esman. “T don't think I have anything to please you,’”de- cided the latter, at length. ‘! “Well, it makes blamed little difference what you think,”’ rejoined Dick, independently. ‘‘ I’m here to do the thinkin’. What do you want for this scoured- up old rag, now?" ick had on a coat the very reverse of the one he meen Sage The tails reached but little beyond his and it looked like a roundabout which had recy eons a partial process of development into a -coat, “Ragt’’ screamed the Hebrew. “If he ain't the funniest fellow. Best French cloth, and very little w and to call it a rag! Why, just look at that gloss! And it is the latest style.” “Yes, I see that gloss,’’ was Dick's curt answer. ‘Looks as if the owner had nt his time polishin’ a a ge icy Can't say that I keer much for style.” ck half dislocated his neck trying to twist his head around to get an idea of the set of the coat in the back. “Come here. This way. Totheglass,’’ suggested the Jew, hustling Dick eagerly before a very small square of mirror. ‘How much is a fellar 'spected to see of hisself at once in that bizness?” asked Dick, impatiently, after vainly endeavoring to see from his waist to hig shoulder. “Let me hold it for you,” said the Jew, eagerly. “Tt's a beautiful fit—deautiful/ See how smooth it sets in the back. Such an elegant fit!" Dick got his head round over his left shoulder, but failed to see the wrinkles which the Jew was indus- triously smoo out. “ Mought the price was agree’ble. What's the —- up “That coat ought to bring not a penny less than ten dollars, and dog-cheap at that, for such a piece of cloth. “Cheap at that,eh? What price mought it be dear at?’’ asked Dick, sarcastically. The Jew held up his hands with a sickly smile. * Well, if he ain’t a droll one!’’ be exclaimed. “Take a squint at that bit of broadcloth, Solo- mon," and Dick picked up his own old coat. “ Jest look at that elegant garment. Observe the button- holes, and the nap. Git your optical organs on the style. See here. Sol, I'll make a trade with you. t'll you give to boot?” “What! for that dilapidated old—” “Don’t run that coat down now. It's stuck by me through sun and rain, You mought be glad to git a And see how “TI ain't buy- nr ee ee oe ee faithful old piece of broadcloth like that. It only wants some scourin’, and a stitch or two.”’ soe Jew examined it all over with the eye of an artist. - cave me five dollars and I'll trade,”’ he said, at ength. ‘“Guv you five d’imonds!”’ answered Dick, con- temptuously. ‘Make it even up and I’m your man; and you've got a dead bargain.’ ** What, give that elegant French cloth frock for this old sack!” exclaimed the Jew. I’m breaking up business? Five dollars boot is a’ ruinous sacrifice.”’ “Here you are, Sol,’ and Dick pulled out a two- i dollar bill. ‘‘Say the word on the nai’, quick as | d lightnin’. Got biz on hand, and can’t stand ° “Four dollars. An at's a t fall,”’ nded the Jew, powsnny ” _ “ Here’s your old antiquity then,”’ cried Dick, hast- ily stri ping off the coat. ‘* Hand over my Japanese broadcloth.”’ ‘*Make it three,’’ conceded the Jew, as he saw Dick walking briskly to the door. “Two. And that’s the last word,” onded Dick decidedly, as he emerged into thestreet. **Come back,” groaned the Jew. ‘I can't bear to see you leave such an elegant fit behind you. But, I'll be ruined entirely if I make many such sales.”’ ** Oh, you are a generous-hearted old cuss,” and Dick resumed the coat, and passed over his two dollars. ‘‘The a ought to make up your losses. You're a charitable old beat, you are.”” And with a smile of contempt Dick left the store, proud at heart of his new attire. ‘Well, if Iain’t done the Jew! Didn’t think old Solomon would bite at such a gudgeon as that. It’s enough to make a chap feel p he’s a human, to sin ee skinny old penny-squeezer. I feel jist one 00 er.”’ And fae a pad to himself at thought of his great beren Dick progressed through the classic precincts of South street, entering store after store, and picking up new cheap articles of oppares at ruin- ous prices, until he emerged like a butterfly in spring array, and minus five do in pocket. Fine feathers ‘“*Guess I’m gay and lively now. Disposing of what remained of his old suit, Dick make fine birds.”’ way to the vicinity of a stationery establishment on Chestnut street above Eighth. Here he was seized with a desperate attack of lounging, and eee several hours with no other apparent pur- than to display himself in his new spring suit to he fashionable denizens of that locality. Yet it might have been noticed that he paid his re- gards to the store in question so closely that not a soul entered it without passing under his eyes. Not until the store closed for the night did Dick cease his task of espionage. The next morning found him on his post again and though hour after hour passed he never strayed ‘ bese easy _eye-shot of the paper-selling establish- ment. Yet Dick was not without his sources of entertain- ment. One of these was the pulling of a torn envel- ope from his pocket, and looking through the paper toward the sun. He always returned it to his pocket with the re- mark: “There's riches in that. That bit of is my end of the trail.”’ od His other source of amusement was the thought of how he had done the Jew. “* Jist to think of old Sol tradin’ off an elegant coat like this for my old residenter!”’ It seemed as if he could never think of his shrewd- ness without breaking into a fit of laughter. Passers- by turned in startled rise at Dick’s sudden ex- plosion of merriment, only tc see him surveying his new coat with vast complacency, “*No use fp ee great on a . Wish ae vege come, It’s past dinner-time, and I'm n’ holler.”’ Bis wish was speedily gratified by the entrance of & person to the stationery-store whose appearance gave Dick a sudden start. In a minute more he was across the street and had entered the store behind this rson, a a Kaudecuic, aggre Pome ave you the paper ready whic ordered last week?” he asked, of the pro riedoe ** Yes, sir,”’ replied the latter, proceeding to get it, while customer ae waited, “Ts it the Gordon 8 paper, as I ordered?" “Certainly, sir. You may see the water-mark," holding up a sheet before his eyes. ‘What will you have?” asked a salesman of Dick. “Got any nice note-paper, with double D. for a mORY erat th “*T can let P es have it with D.”’ “T want double D. or nothing,” said Dick, posi- a, ‘“*T can have it made for you.” “Can't wait. The ‘stablishments I deal with all keep double D’s. Didn’t know this was a one-hoss retail concern, or wouldn’t pera you,”’ said Dick, walking out with great dignity. The gentleman with his package of paper had just left the store, and Dick kept his eyes intently on him as he followed him rather closely. Passing up Chestnut street he came, near Tenth street, face to face with Miss Andrews, whom Dick at once recognized as the pupil in the singing-lesson. he had interrupted. The gentleman nodded familiarly to her as he , & fact of which Dick made a mental note as e continued his close pursuit. The line of pursuit soon left Chestnut street, and —_ less uented streets in an up-town dirac- 2. | JOO “Do you think | the ordeal of : <S- GO EOmic de