Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 512 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

eee, your action to-night, . ayne —_—- * - et 8 Oe pera » bd PT e ey ee hel Ra (ha geen eet Ee v7 ea at ; p - t Before Peter Prayne could reply, Jack o’ Dia- monds went to the door, and called a name in tones that reached the merchant’s ears. In response to the call, footsteps were heard, and a rather handsome man entered the room. The new-comer was introduced to Mr. Prayne | as Theodore Chaffinch, a lawyer who occupied the office. In truth, the man was Red Reynard, Jack’s confederate who was ready to play any hand that would advance the crook’s big scheme. Mr. Chaffinch volunteered to accompany the merchant to his house and receive a package at his hands, and having expressed this willingness, retired leaving Jack and Peter Prayne alone. Again Peter Prayne wondered what had be- come of the boy, Dodger Dick. Were his keen o on the alert, and did he know anything about the present interview? But for the Dodger he would never have re- ceived ery ome his library, and the scheme to rob him of fifty thousand dollars—he could iook at it in no other light—would never have been encouraged. Now he was ip the clutches of two consummate rascals, one of whom was to accompany him home and bleed him for both to the tune of twenty-five thousand dollars, W hat the next ~4 3 would be no one knew. ‘*Within twenty-four hours after Mr. Chaf- finch returns with the guarantee money, your lost son will be in your arms,” resumed Jack 0’ Diamonds when his confederate had retired to be called for when wanted. ‘‘ The boy is not in very good health, but your physician can make him himself again. Now, Mr. Prayne, if you are ready to show Mr, Chaffinch to your house, we will conclude this interview.” The merchant did not leave his chair. ‘¢T cannot say that I like to surrender that amount of money to a stranger,” he remarked. Jack showed a frown. -“*T see your affection cools as the years go by,” he said with cruel sarcasm. ‘No! My love for my boy is as strong to-day as it ever was,” was the quick retort. ‘* You say that you can produce him. What proof have ag ot of this?” Jack o’ Diamonds thrust one of his hands into a vest pocket and produced a bright-colored a at sight of which the merchant started visibly. ‘*Isn’t this proof enough?” he went on display- Tene button and finally laying it on the table. “You have a right to expect proof, Peter yne, and I am glad to be able to accommo- date you. Ah! I see you recollect the button!” It was evident that the New York merchant had seen that identical button or one like it pre- vious to the interview. He took it up and looked at it along time, ““T do know it,” he suddenly exclaimed. ‘ It was one of a number that graced my boy’s jacket the day he disa geese I never saw any like them on any other child.” “‘No other child ever wore them,” answered the crook, ‘That button, Mr. yne, came from your boy’s clothes.” After awhile the merchant handed back the gilt button, and looked at the face which was of triumph in its expression. ‘‘What if I cannot pay the guarantee to- night?” he asked. Then I cannot continue these negotiations,” was the nt y, and Jack o’ Diamonds leaned across the little table at his elbow as the last words left his lips. ‘‘The restoration of pa child depends on member this, Peter Acd his lips closed like the lips of a king who has spoken an ultimatum. ys That is a threat,” passed through the mer- chant’s mind. ‘‘Tbis man knows something about kon boy else he could not have produced the but- n Then he said aloud. - ** Where is Mr. Chaffinch?” Jack o’ Diamonds went to the door for the ; 3 y second time and called bis pal. Tn an instant Red Reynard was on hand ready a . ; for the twenty-five thousand-dollar swoop, ' . This gentleman is ready to go,” Jac throwing a glance toward the merchant. ** You will a packet for me, said, He understands that the second halt of an agreed sum is to be paid on m ue | ‘made no au A he ~ > i ae -* the delivery of a certain specified object.” Peter pain se slightly inclined his head, but ible reply. The next moment he walked toward the door accompanied by the disguised villain who was | > to be his guard to his private room S. Red wil] not come off without the notes!” 4% ox, Temain with him till he gives you > . : + oe eR FAN : « . 1. ~e at i - ce Dodger Dick. ejaculated Jack, rubbing his hands with delight. ‘* This is only the first draw though it is a good one. My experience with these money nabobs is that when the ice has been broken, the con- tinuance of the game is easy. Why, this but- ton is worth a fortune to me, and the boy under the dock is the key that unlocks the gold-mine. I willrun up and see Larry before Red gets | back. I want to tell him that the trap was suc- | cessfully sprung this afternoon, and that the | ring he lost needn’t bother bim any more. Jack o’ Diamonds locked the room behind him and went away. He was not far behind the merchant and Red Reynard, and while he went up-town, he did not take the-same route taken by them. In due time Jack o’ Diamonds reached the hotel where Larry boarded, and as he alighted re the car he noticed a surging crowd in the lobby. ‘* What is the matter?” he asked, as he touch- ed the sidewalk. ‘* Didn’t you see it? No? Well, a. young re- porter named Donald Dustin has just whipped a guest in there. It was a complete and. neat thing, too. I saw it all. Something about a woman, The fellow’s name is Larry some- thing.” Jack waited to hear no more, but turned and walked away. CHAPTER XIII, THE FIGHT AT THE HOTEL. It was true that Donald, the youhg reporter, had found Larry the person supposed to be re- sponsible for Rosa’s disappearance, Ever since his discovery that the girl was missing, he had been on the lookout for the young ex-clerk, and though he had promised Dick that he would not raise any disturbance if rd found Larry, the temptation proved too reat. A short time before Jack o’ Diamonds reached the hotel, Donald strolled into the lobby with no expectation of finding Larry there. e had heard Dodger Dick’s account of his attempt to follow the young fellow in the cab, but the boy had been careful not to name the hotel which enjoyed Larry’s patronage. When Donald saw the Jew’s clerk compla- cently smoking a cigar in the lobby, he could hardly believe his eyes. Larry did not see him, and the reporter stud- ied bim for some time, as he waited for him to quit the hotel and make a trail which should ' lead to Rosa. There was no longer any doubt of Larry’s con- nection with the abduction, The ring found by Dick Sly in the picked-up boat had proved to be his, and Larry’s associa- tion with Jack o’ Diamonds had been established beyond all doubt. osa was hidden somewhere, and the well- dressed, brazen-faced young man, who coolly enjoyed his cigar, held the key to the secret! onald thought of all these things while he watched Larry. The ex-clerk did not seem eager to show him the trail, and the longer Donald watched him the stronger grew his rage, ‘‘T'm going to force the young rascal to know me!” he suddenly ejaculated, ‘I can’t keep my pledge tu Dick any longer. It is time for me to make a pass of some kind, Here goes!” The next moment he walked toward Larry, and the first intimation the city sport had of onanye presenoe was his voice as he accosted im. ‘“Good-evening, Mr, Lang,” spoke the young reporter. arry started and looked at Donald as the color left his face. I believe I don’t know you,” he answered. Perhaps not; our acquaintance has not been very close. Ihave seen you several times be- hind Mr. Strauss’s counters.” Larry threw a frightened look around the room. Donald had reached delicate ground. ‘* When did you quit Mr. Strauss’s employ?” ‘*‘ Some time ago. ‘**For good, may I ask?” ‘6 Yes,” ‘‘-Your relations were always pleasant, I pre- sume?” = ** Quite so.” as I had a talk with Mr. Strauss since you eft. The young sport colored, ‘* Are you in my old place?” asked Larry. “No. I could not think of giving up my pres- ent berth for Solomon Strauss’s counters.” ‘* You are—” ‘*IT am Donald Dustin, the friend of Rosa. Is tet ae 2 Se TY ae “ype = AAS ES & eee. f — ae eee Sy Suey rts F ieee ® \ - aly yt SY te ee em ee Se" ~~ ae . “me; : . 4 st ae i 3 Re : es _ on * it possible, Mr. Lang, that you have not suspeci- ed me before this?” The half-smoked cigar almost dropped from Larry’s fingers. ‘* What do I know about the person you call Rosa?’ he exclaimed. ‘* A good deal!” was the response, and Donald leaned forward as he lowered his voice. ‘‘ Solo- mon Strauss is very anxious to see you, and the police will want you unless you tell the truth to me about the girl.” ‘‘ By Jupiter! you have a power of cheek!” cried Larry, bursting into a derisive laugh. ‘* This is the first time I’ve ever had blackmail attempted on me.” Donald flushed to the temples. ‘* Blackmail, you miserable rascal!” he scorn- fully retorted. ‘‘ You can’t laugh down the charges I can bring against you, theft and ab- duction. Here! quiet down, and don’t attract the crowd.” “Go to Halifax!” retorted Larry, starting back. ‘*I don’t want anything to do with you. If you attempt to follow me—” Donald stepped instantly after him, ‘You don’t slip away in this mapner!” he cried, ‘‘Il am here to make you hear me!” And he caught Larry’s arm and jerked him under the electric light. In an instant all the tiger of the city sport’s nature seemed to spring into being. He wheeled upon Donald with a flash in his eyes and an oath on his lips. ‘* Release me!” he snarled. ‘*‘ By heavens! things have come to a pretty pass when a gen- tleman isn’t safe in New York’s best hotels!” He spoke in a tone of voice heard by the scat- tered groups in the lobby, and all eyes were turned to the speaker. At the same time Larry jerked back and raised the thick rattan cane he held in his hand. The next moment Donald darted at him, and threw up one hand to ward off the blow about to descend upon his head. This action exas- perated Larry still further, and the cane de- scended with force as the young reporter struck out from the shoulder! During the next: second several blows were given and received by the enemies, but Donsld was too quick for the sport, and all at once a | well-directed blow sent the scoundrel against the marble-topped counter at the clerk’s desk! Larry struck the marble with a dull thud and would have dropped to the floor if some one had not prevented. ‘* He is sufficiently punished.” said a gentle- man, touching Donald’s arm. ‘‘ You have made Mp item for your pencil; now go off and write it up. The man bad recognized Donald asa reporter, ani as he finished, he took the young man’s ge led him through the crowd to the side- walk. Fortunately for Donald there was no police-» man on the scene, and he walked away unmo- lested. ‘* May be I was foolish, but I could not help it,” he remarked to himself. ‘*I have showed the rascal that he can’t laugh down: some charges with impunity. My only regret is that I did not give him more than I have. When he recovers, he will do what? The first thought will be of Rosa and he will fly to see whether she is safe. He won’t cause my arrest. I know Larry too well for that.” As hig left the hotel Jack o’ Diamonds came up, but the two did not meet. The crook did not want to appear on the scene just then, and, as we have seen, he walked off until every- thing had settled down. Larry had been taken to his room where half an hour later he was confronted by the dis- guised crook who came in on tip-toe, anxious and somewhat displeased. Larry met him with a lugubrious smile. ‘* This is an excellent way to keep a secret!” Jack exclaimed. “If you don’t keep out o? broils the whole thing will go up the flume, an’ I will lose my rrize.” “I could not keep it. That was Rosa’s re- rter, the young man who has been Jooking for er ever since we played the little hand that took the bird. He made my blood hot, and I raised my cane when he landed one between my peepers, almost flooring me, Wait! TU get even, Jack. Before to-morrow night I'll more than even with the pencil-shover. What time is it?” Jack o’ Diamonds glanced at his watch and told Larry the time. ‘“What news have you got, Jack?” the city sport asked. ‘* Some little,” replied the crook, as his eyes twinkled. ‘In the first place, we sprung the m ~COMICE > 1. 9; oe" - ’ . Mint * “4 » *, ad « + }) . P ~ 4 ~ L, . 4 py J Pa os , 4 V -& @ @) | | € *. yy ‘ ( » . & 2 _| — — | | Fu im re ‘ ee