Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 765 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

pat oft Yt & . - . . > - Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol.3 ee ee backin’ down on my part. In fact, we can’t | face. It served to show him plainly what com- back down; we have got so deep in the mire we | pany he was in, must keep on, anyhow,” j ‘*Tt’s all right, too. I'm satisfied. Keep yer eye always open, Meg; the young feller is a prisoner up-stairs, Should he get away, it’s good-by ter us!” “Sure! But he won’t get away; there’s no traitors in this house, an’ we all are on the watch.” At this point Flipper Flynn heard a sound be- hind bim, which drew his attention at once, It was that of footsteps; a sound be bad occasion to look upon with fear. He turned quickly, and was just in time to see a man emerge from the covered way at the foot of the stairs, and go to the outer door. Reaching that point, he calmly turned the key, and the Patrol suppressed an in- clination to whistle in dismay. His retreat bad been cut off! The man then entered the front room, Flip- per meditated. He was now confident he had zain run the gang two earth, and that Isaac oss was in the house! This was an important point gained, but one other person was there, also—tbe Patrol, himself. “Shall I go up the stairs an’ take a sneak, or shall I waltz up ter Isaac’s room an’ hustle him out? He may be stronger, now, than he was then, an’ the thing might be possible, Still, I don’t guess you want ter be too funny, old chap. My advice is, skip while you kin!” He proceeded to attempt this plan, though the chances would have impressed an ordinary per- son as very unpromising. Luck attended him at the start, however; he passed the front part of the hall without attracting the attention of him who had entered the front room, Then he stole lightly up to the * parlor floor,” The hall was unoccupied, Success seemed certain, but he had a shock as he laid his band on the knob. The front door was locked! “* Howlin’ byenas! I’m in fer it!” His lugubricus comment was not an exagger- ation, With the way of escape cut off it seemed his troubles were only just beginning, While he hesitated there was a stir in the par- lor, and he believed some one was coming out, His wits raoved quickly. He turned and ran up the next flight, two steps ata time. On reacb- ing the top he paused to look back, What he saw showed how wisely he had acted in moving so promptly. Mrs, Jacobs and Gilbert Dunning were there! ‘*)’ve got em!” Flipper muttered, exultantly. ** Yes; an’ b’jinks! they’ve got me! It’sa tie all ’round, but I guess l’m worse tied than any- body else. Old chap, keep yer brain-dish clear, or you'll be a done-up kid!” At this moment the bell rung, and Gilbert opened the door with the air of a man who feels sure he knows who has applied. The result did not disappoint him; he cordially greeted a man who had the natural marks of a rascal all over him, They began to talk, but not in voices audible to the Patrol. The latter improved the chance to look around and find out his exact situation. _ It was what was to be expected, for the house ‘was like all of itsclass. Heshook his head. ** Don’t see no way ter get out only ter fly, an’ I ain’t got my wings with me. Old chap, you’ve got ter saw wood an’ say nothin’!” The trio below suddenly turned toward the stairs, and the Patrol burried into the room nearest him, It overlooked the street, and he was of the opinion that the enemy could not safely do injury to him while he was so well situated for giving the alarm. ‘“*Mebbe the fun’s only jest beginnin’, old chap,” he muttered; and then, seeing the door to the next room had a transom over it, he mounted to a chair to get a look that way. The first glance made him start, Isaac Moss wus there! | The prisoner looked none the worse for bis recent experiences, but his expression was gloomy. Flipper had notime to investigate further. Steps close at band warned him to save himself. He looked around hastily, Only one way was presented to his notice: the generous-sized table had a cover which hung almost to tue floor, It was a timely refuge, and he gave one dive and was out of sigbt, Tbree persons entered. They were Gilbert, Old Spicer and the new-comer, All sat down near the concealed Patrol, who gazed at them with a good deal of uneasiness, Dunning was not of repulsive appearance, and Spicer was only the typical tramp; but he who bad come last was of different mold, Flipper thought he | | | | | | | Eee eee eee em ——— ‘Now, Blogg,” began Gilbert, ‘‘ I think we need not waste time in getting down to busi- ness?” **Not a bit,” returned Blogg, in a hoarse voice, ‘* T have sent for you—” ‘*] know; ter do the feller up!” ‘* Plainly, that is it.” ‘*]T knew that before. Don’t beat around the bush! You want the fellerdone up! Well, lay out yer plan,” , ‘*This is delicate work!” observed Gilbert, nervously, ‘* Not a bit; every-day affair.” ** It may be for you, but is not forme, Don’t think me a softy,” the speaker burriedly, and apologetically added: ‘‘I have done my share of delicate work, but notin this line, See?’ * Yes; I see you are nervous: but you will get we ter it when you hev donea few jobs of the kind. Gilbert shivered. It was plain that he had not advanced far enough in villainy to match Mr. Blogg’s calm unconcern, and be shrunk from the deed be had himself planned, Blogg rolled a chew of tobacco placidly in his big mouth and added: ** Ain’t we losin’ time?” ‘* We are,” Gilbert agreed, with a start. ‘* Well, sir, the man we are to speak of is in the next room. He will not bea bard person to manage, for he is so enfeebled with disease that he cannot even stand.” i keer ef he’s as strong as Golias! Talk on It was clear that the speaker did not approve of slow work, and Dunning took the hint and became terse enough for the occasion, ‘*T have an enemy in there, I was a fool ever to take him; now | have him, he is a millstone on my hands. I dare not let him go. Hearing from Old Spicer that you were accustomed to help folks out, I want you to do so by me.” ‘** Tt shall be done ter-night!” 73 How 7 “How? Why, jest walk inan’ stampon bim!” *‘Do you think you can arrange it so we shall not be found out?” ‘* No danger, at all. Ez fer gittin’ him away, I’}l bev my wagon at the door in good time, You see, when I doa jobl always employ the same driver, It’s business way, an’ it’s safest, too. I hev got this thing reduced toa science, The re- sult is, no slip-ups; no squealin’, no perleece no- sin’ around. Yes; it’s a mere business, an’ I’m prond o’ the way [| hev it figgered down!” The atrocious scoundrel’s manner bore witness to his words, and even hardened Old Spicer moved uneasily in his chair, Pride in such a trade was a horror, And Flipper Flynn thought the whole matter, men and ali, was off the same piece. What w ould be his fate if he was discovered? CHAPTER XIV, DARING THE DOOM, THE three men continued to go over the de- tails until the whole affair was arranged to their satisfaction, At one o’clock in the night the wagon was to be at the door, and the burden was to be ready for it! Gilbert did not get more nerve as the discussion progressed, but Blogg promised to take charge of the final act, and dis- pose of Isaac Moss in a neat and business way. Flipper Flynn found it hard to credit that any one could be quite so villainous, but he had Bloge’s own assurance to prove it, _ The fellow intended to dispose of Isaac as lightly as if that unfortunate was only a dog. ‘Lucky I come bere,” thought the Patrol. “Yes, it’s lucky—ef 1 don’t get done up, my- self!” Gilbert continued nervous, showing that he bad outstripped his nerve in this last step in crime, ‘““Can’t you rush the growler?” asked Blogg, presently, Dunping thought he could, and Old Spicer was sent out for that purpose. Mr. Blogg grew more interested, He drew up to the table, thus placing himself within a few inches of the Patrol. He had a keen taste for beer, and proved it when the article arrived. He drank copioualy, and his mood grew jovial. ‘*T ain’t goin’ ter leave bere until the fun is over!” he declared, ‘I like here, an’ [ like your company. Bring paper an’ ink, an’ I'll write ter my man so he'll hev the wagon’round in time. This’!l give us a chance ter paint the town red while we wait.” Gilbert did not look particularly pleased over never had seen a mure vicious and murderous | the plan, but be could not object. He had LLL LLL Ps abcess Can Te nad, : “J? M 11 placed himself in Blogg’s power, and must make the best of bis company. The latter went for the writing materials as if to a personal encoun- ter with an enemy, but managed to write the letter after a fashion. When it was done, he gave all his time to enjoying the beer. His companions bad to keep him company still—something which was very much to Old Spicer’s taste, but severe upon Gilbert, The latter was alreudy experiencing the results of having sold bimself to a bigger villain than he ever had dared to be, himeelf. Flipper Flynn began to find his position un- pleasant. He could not move about at all, and this, a trifle at the start, finally grew painful. He found aches and paius creeping into his bones, and there was no prospect of relief, Outside, darkness bad fallen, Lamps were lighted, and the evening began to wearon, It. was, however, still a long way to the bour set. for Blogg’s work. That person grew somewhat hilarious. He rose and executed a clumsy dance, after which he remarked that he saw no reason why he should take life too laboriously. ‘*]’'m goin’ ter lay down an’ be happy,” he as- serted, and at once put his plan into execution. Disdaining the offer of tbe lounge, he tipped bis chai: up at an angle and used it for a re- clining place. This did tiot interest eitber Gil- bert or Old Spicer, but it had a striking interest. for Flipper Flynn. The change of position not. only brought Bloge nearer to the Patrol, but they were now on the same level. The fellow’s: back was toward Flipper, but he had only to turn his bead slightly and he would see the now- demoralized spy. This he was fiable to do at any time. He reached over his head and played with the cloth of the table. As it swung back and forth it each time struck the spy. He gained an opinion of Blogg which momentarily in- creased in severity. He longed to come out of ambush and give the ruffian a specimen of justice, but decided to defer hostilities until a more favorable time. Old Spicer fell asleep in bis chair, Gilbert moved uneasily, and wished for the 2nd. Oni7 Blogg was calmand content, There was no limit to his erratic notions, ‘Why shouldn’t we get that job out 0’ cas way?” he finally asked. ‘‘ Hev we got ter wait fer the wagon ter come? Wal, I sbould say nor. Le’s run it off!” ‘*tlad we better?” returned Dunning, nervous- Vi Why not?” * Well, 1 don’t know.” Nor me! Le’s git a move on!” ‘* Old Spicer is asleep,” ‘* Let him sleep; we don’t want him!” Blogg scrambled to his feet. Now the notion bad struck him be was eager to proceed, and just enough under the influence of liquor to be deaf to the wishes of others. He faced Gilbert. like ademon brought up from some nameless region; while the master of the place brushed his band nervously across bis forehead, There was perspiration there which was not occasioned by atmospheric heat. **] don't know!” he muttered. ‘* Do ye want the job done, or not?’ Blogg spoke sharply, and it was enough to recall Gilbert’s former frame of mind, He remembered that Isaac Muss stood in the way of his pet plans; be bardened his heart. ‘* Your way is best, no doubt, Itsball be as you say. Give me your instructions; they shal) be followed to the letter.” bo OBE chuckled, as if he had won a great vic- Go et a piller,” he directed, ‘ There’s nothin’ like it fer quick an’ silent work, I'l? wait fer you in the ball.” He moved that way, and this time Gilbert did not hesitate. Both passed out, leaving Old Spicer asleep in bis chair, The door had hardly closed upon them before Flipper Flynn was out of his ambush, “* Howlin’ hyenas! but ain’t I got ter git a move on!” was bis excited exclamation. It was clear that only quick work would save Isaac Moss, He could not be reached by way of the ball, for Biogg was lingering there. What other means existed? The Patrol’s geze wandered to the transom, It “as unusually large, and he felt sure he could pass through it, if left alone. Would Old Spicer condescend to sleep on? Flipper sprung forward and reached the connecting doors, Previous investigation had shown theny to he locked, so he lost no time there. He wheeled a chair up to the point and leaped into it. This brougbt him to the level of the tran- Tal iP ™ a - ; = aw ’