Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 133) (1880 02 10)

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égiit¢ =— eer 1A Ua ih in a SB Ee {Ie | $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Copyrighted in 1880 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. Vol VI Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, : f Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. BOSS BOB, THE KING OF BOOTBLACKS: or, The Pawnbroker’s Plot BY BDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” “ROSEBUD ROB,” “ GILT-EDGED DICK,” ‘‘ BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETO, gee77 me Wh 4 se ibieasl \G Widen ae 4 Lp gsi tit “waz, NOW, GEE HEER, MY HEBREW FRIEND, IF YEOU DON'T WANT MB TER Gtr UP AX’ BOOT YE, YE HADN'T BETTER SOT A PAW ON THIS BOW. BY wAste'g JOREUA EVERGREEN, FROM PLOIKWT, VARMONT, Ax’ TD REMKON IMS Gogh 1 Toe, Pe RY DAY OY A WERK, AN’ “ICR O8 eriepaY.” ‘

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2 ‘BOSS BOB, THE KING OF BOOTBLACKS; OR, The Pawnbroker’s Plot. A STORY OF PHILADELPHIA. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “‘DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘“ ROSEBUD ‘RoB,” “| GILT-EDGED DICK,” “ BONANZA ; BILL,” ETC. —_-— — CHAPTER I. BOSS BOB, THE KING OF THE BOOTBLACKS. *** Surg me name it’s Maloney. Faix, I’m thin an’ bony, And tha d—’s own crony, Sez Mistress McGrady— Too! la! de la, toodle de da-a-a!’”’ Inthe clear early ocminget a June morning, these words were sung out, in a rollicking, boy- ish voice, which was tinged with the broad of the Emerald sod. Then, after a slight Souey, ipere caine another outburst of poetry ! black yer boots! | YE “Black yer makes fine, pull Gow est, st yer colar, own yer Vv All Yor half a dime, . An’ if ye aren’t satisfied Whin I hev partly done, : Gi’ me a dime an’ the toe o’ yer boot, An’ then ye’ll see mé run.” There was no ogee the fact that the had the key to jolly elivery. time was two o’clock, morning. The locality was the Market street brid ; which forms one of the several links connecting East Philadelphia with its western sister. Bvery where a-myriad of street lamps shone, but only feebly lit up the extreme darkness, Through its wide channel the majestic Schuyl- kill crept silently away toward: the ocean; a few ae only were seen upon its , The bridge was deserted, but peing abroad, and it_was-yet an hourere the. sinkle of car-bell would be heard. Tho of a locomotive in the yard of the Pennsylvania Railway, announced that a late rain had just arrived, with a cargo of human ‘reight—visitors A AN left the A few steps down Market street brought him #® the bridge. At the western end.a grim, figure a pillar, silver star upon ais coat betokened his ke Moriarty, ger tiver; then paused, se ’ the ovidge, and wiped the on his »row as he leaned against the railing and gi "She might. ane ee ayy n was - ve. ea hung.over the lower: cts of the eit; mn eave Te Se of sulphurous came from the ouse on the sou’ ool aluices wish Pa remained in my sleeping- ‘ar until morning,” the stranger mused, gazin nto the dark waters of the silent Schuylkil It is so different here from what I deemed it. { am in a mighty city—how much larger, I | wonder, than Toledo? Ah! the city the G@en- ‘ommial!l A thrill gh me when I a fact, eagerness wns trouble. It. was at this moment that the rollic snatch of song was h .. Weirdly stran sanded, in the dead of night, yet Oliver Morti- mer listened, eagerly. He was.an ardent lover xf music, be it in the crude or refined state. Footsteps were coming nearer, from the east- wn side, in a shuffling sort of gait, keeping time 70 a whistled accompaniment of ‘‘ Muldoon “Gaxidenly a Maz eNaaN Ot tas dark ya dove oO rkness, and then: MAL Lor” ; “Black yer boo’s? Make ’m:shine, Costs you but a half a dime. Touch yer corns up like a feather, Make a mirror of yer leather!”’ “ Jem, mister?” 0. ors gucrenrt * Well, 1 don't mind,” Oliver Mortimer re- ight, shed eee Rikisnet you ape good Job, Cacnge few pedestrians want to find, jest mentivn his or her “Shure, an’ it’s niver an ondacent job ye’ll see me l’ave at all!” and the youth went upon his knees before his customer, with alacrity. He was a strange-looking fellow, to say the least, and Oliver Mortimer surveyed him, with a twinkle of amusement in his gray eyes. ‘ No boy, evidently, was this manipulator of the blacking brush, for he was nearly a man in stature, though it was hard to judge of his because Of the smut and grime upon his een face, the eyes of which resembled lumps of coal-diamonds, His ents were ragged and ill-fitting, the pants being several sizes too large, and the coat as much small, and they, too, seemed to have inherited some of the grime that was upon his visage, A remnant of what had once been a “ nobby ” silk cap was his head-covering, the ‘‘ scoop” ing tuned up a la Dutch comedian, nd could the face have been sufficiently washed, Oliver Mortimer concluded the boot- black would not have been unhandsome, ‘*Cum down ter see ther elerfant, hey you?” the ‘‘ shiner ” demanded, as he polished away. ae I did come for that purpose,” was the reply. K 5 est’ got in on ther excursion?” ““ Yes. ’ “Pho’t so. Stran ain’t ye?” ‘* Tam, true eno “ From mg “No; from Toledo.” “Toledo? Phew! I tho’t sure you was frum Bosting, by themm utton-chopso’ yourn.. Them Bosting chaps calculate they’re a peg higher’n we cit 0’ Phil’y, but. they ain’t. ey’ve got ‘culchaw,’ but we’ve got ther elerfant.’ ni oa _ er reg sae e saw that his voluble ‘ was disposed to be talkative. ‘*T suppose so,” he replied. ‘ Are there many visitors here, now?” “* You bet. Huckster-cart loads of’em. Never been here afore?” ac No.” ‘*Then ye wanter look out. There’s more ‘ peelers ’ here than I ever see’d afore.” 4 ‘* More peelers?” “ Yes—ti ht-finge kleptomanyacks, ‘ con- fiders,’ ‘cribbers’*an’ ‘grabbers.’ A feller ’s got ter keep an’ eye out or they’ll steal even his looks. 7 Pi ‘* Well, thatis bad. What is bia name?” “Maloney; fer.short, or Boss by dost as ye please. The b’hoys call me Boss Bob, ’ca’se I inerally boss this purtickler de ent 0’ in- ag My father’s Terrance ey, & cop once, but now boss coke-heaver, down at the lower gas works. Me mother’s a Dutch cat-fish dler, whom ye’ll see wid a tray forninst the av her toad, an’ when she gifs purthy full on lager, she kin scoop ther top o’ Terrance’s scull off wid a brickbat, shure. As fer myself, Tm a. straight-grained Yank, ther master o ’a’ dozen erent brogues, the solid Muldoon | in a_fight, an’ ready fer ennything thet cums onest. % , Bob, who is that individual yonder?” and Oliver Mortimer pointed into a gigumy bert of the great bridge, where the faint outlines of a human figure were rnible. F Wi git mo ys the Nondescript,” Boss Bob re- plied, y. ‘He and I ginerally tramp to- gether, re know. He’s mum, is the Nonde- script—l! do all the talkin’ an’ he salts it away. He’s got a memory like, a telegraph-pole, an’ when ye cum to fightin’ he can lick amy chap of his size. He’sa ferret, too, is the Nondescript, ef he is queer, an’ knows his P’s an’ Q’s.”— * By this time one boot was done up in admira- ble ayie, the polish being faultless. = enough,” the man from Toledo said, <7 goa “T see you understand your ess. Do you get out this early, every manning, Bob?’ ginerally, onless it rains. The ’arly worm ketches the bird, sez the poet, an’ I most allus makes u half.a dollar afore Idiné.” . “Are you well acquainted around town, then?” _. wat AP I? Well, I reckon! Nondescript an’ I knows every corner an’ rat-hole frum north ter south, an’ east ter west. Ef thar’s ge i ye ture. an’ deposit yer collatteral, an’ here’s what'll ppc ye. Ef ye want an introduct ter Stokely, artranft, Goshorn, Hawley or Dom Pedro, jest call on me, fer I’m personally acquainted wi’ them roosters, an’ then there’s "Lyssus |. Grant, a favorite o’ mine, who. kin be reached thru me. Ef ’Lvssus wants a shine, he sits down an’ telegraffs to me, an’ either if or ther Nondescript responds.” ‘its confines—the thrill of antici Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. Oliver Mortimer laugte1, outright. The boy ap so earnest, and his story was so b that it tickled this man from Toledo. ‘Perhaps you know Morton Prescott, then?” he said, amusedly. “Prescott! Prescott?” repeated Boss Bob, paieing to scratch his head, ‘Let me see— eeps a big importin’ establishment down on Second street, don’t he?” “Yes, that’s the man.” “Then, I twig him—course I do! He’s purty square sort of a. rooster—a leetle close wi’ his collatteral, but no h-o-g, fer all. Luks kinder down in the mouth, lately. His paper ain't worth much, I guess—financial embarrassment, you see—” and the King of Bootblacks brushed away industriously at the refractory boot, witk a knowing nod. Oliver Mortimer whistled slowly. This street Arab was a mystery to him. What he did not appear to know, was seem- a (hel little. ‘Come down to see Morton on biz, I s’pect,” Bob went on, volubly. ; ‘*No, not exactly.” I t to meet an Eng: lish barrister, here—Colonel Rutherford by name,” ‘*Oh!” Bob accepted, and became suddenly mum. And as the Toledoan did not manifest any further disposition to continue the conver- sation, little more was said. The boot soon shone like a mirror, and Boss Bob’s tools went into his box. ‘Heer’s my keerd, mister,” he said, as he reached it forth, to ye.” a Good-morning,” Oliver Mortimer said, seiz ing | his sachel, and hurrying on across the ri ge. Boss Bob,. in his crouching position, gavzea after him until his footsteps became inaudible, long after he had disappeared from view; then he scratched his. frowsy head, and arose to his feet with a sigh.. ‘‘ Heigh ho! thet’s the way et goes. Jestas I was gittin’ interested in that chap, he’s cff like a skyrocket. Hello! he’s dropped something! Nondescript?’ The figure came forward, quickly—a burly, thick-set youth, of seventeen years, whose face strikingly resembled the countenance of an owl, the eyes being large and round, the nose hooked, and a hairy substance covering the owl-shaped face. Like the bootblack king, he was poorly clad. and looked as if be had slept in a coal-Lin. Where the Toledoan had stood, scmething white lay upon the bridge. . “Pick it up,” Boss Bob said, directing th» Nondescript’s aitentién to it. The youth promptly obeyed. ‘Keep it, and give it to the chap who jest a tg off,” Bob said. ‘Did you memorize im? The Nondescript nodded, his big eyes grow- ing brilliant in their expression. ‘All right. Ccme alcng, then. We'll see how matters look up at the Pennsylvania.” The Nondescript stowed the package of papers he had picked up, in an inner pocket of his rag- ged coat; then, with their boxes in hand the strange pair made their way across the Lridge to the West Philadelphia side, and to the Penn- sylvania depot, two squares above. The gloom was lessening enough so that the grim house-tops and spires of the old city were growing discernible. A ear on the Chestnut street ‘‘all night ” line was just tinkling on its way eastward, Policemen ay to stir from their Peengove doorways; milk wagons and cery deliveries were just. crawling out; soon the bustle of an- other day in the great Centennial city would t the hearing of the mary strangers within tion again to enter many and many an eager-heart. A glance within the specious waiting-rooms of the depot, revealed a scene at. cnce peculiar and ive of what a peorle will endure’ for the sake of satisfying their curicsity and desire to see. A hundred or more people of both sexes and all ages were there, eagerly waiting for the dawn of their first eventful day at the Centen- nial—many of them as yet unprovided with a stopping-place during their stay. ere sat an aged couple whose years number: ed close, u our-score. years. and ten; they had come thousands of miles to see the ‘‘show , , and, wearied by their long ride, had fallen asleep, with their heads pillowed together,

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Boss Here, a fid; couple, many years younger, whose potion bare ust hi age octigeorase d judging nd the iclous way they regard their neighbors in the next seat, and hang upon their ket-books, In their estimation, every black-mustached stranger is a_ pick- pocket... Here is a young married couple from the extreme rhral ‘* deestricts,” who are munching their first Centennial nuts, that cost the bashful young Benedict ten cents for a whole quart! Dog cheap, neow! “Black yer boots, make ’em shine, Only costs you half a dime, Touch yer corns up like a feather, Make a mirror of yer leather!”’ ‘Shine ’em, mister?” ‘“Waal, neow, I don’t know., How much, d’ye sa Pa “Five cents! Jest let me tackle them daisies o’ yourn, senator. I'll make ’em shine like a forty-dollar diamond, so they'll reflect a hull mirage of ther Centennial grounds.” ‘*Pshaw!. Ye don’t say “I will, darn my buttons!. When ye want ter comb yer hair, all ye’ll have ter is ter luk at yer feet for yer fortygraff.” tf Waal, go aieots Five cents. ain’t much ter lose, when taller brings eight cents a pound!” And the shine was satisfactorily performed in a jiffy—and a dozen more; for, where the man who wanted to tread upon the great Cen- tennial aisles, with unpolished feet? A wearied mother paced the floor, with a fretful babe in her arms, “Say, missus, here’s an antedote fer that youngster!” and from the pockets of Boss Bob came some rather mussy candied sweetness; but it sufficed to quiet the child, and make one mother thankful. “Come, Nondescript;; no more tin here! Away we go fer a fresh lay!” CHAPTER Il. ALBERT ALBERTS, AND HIS TERMS, Upon the first day of January, 1876, several months prior to the aise of the Centennial, Morton Prescott upon the oat of his mammoth wholesale importing and jobbing house, on Second street, a ruined man. Once a millionaire, but now no richer than the common day-laborer, from which position he had cnee before sprung to wealth and afflu- ence. For five years he had been a prominent merchant, a popular citizen, and had honorably occupied several itions and city offices of trust; his philanthropy had often been the sub- ject of remark, and yet he had amassed large wealth—just how much nobody ever knew, but pee (oye over a million, said the wise onés. All had gone well, and he had prospered, and rejoiced in having one of the largest es in his line, in the sturdy Quaker City, until he was drawn into the toils, consequent upon first les- sons in gambling in stocks. Of course he lost—not only once, but time and again, for he was attacked with the same in- fatuation that has bled many a man of a round fortune, and p: him for a harder life afterward. ; Of course he lost only once ina great while does a “ greenhorn ” win. : Go into Third street of Philadelphia or Wall street of New York, and you may have pointed out to you men who have served a life’s appren- eee and spent several fortunes, ere they were able to “conquer the demon.” . Piece by piece Morton Prescott’s money had melted away, until his several bank ey Bara had all vanished; then his row of business struc- tures went, upon sale, to satisfy his insatiable greed for stoc gambling. One piece of bark d after another followed suit, until on the first day of Jan —that memorably strange exultant day in Philadel- phia, which thousands of clamorous bells, guns and voices had ushered in with horrible din—he had awakened to the fact that he was the abso- lute owner of—nothing! To be sure, he still retained possession of the mammoth importing house, but both that and his ma nificent residence on Oxford street, near Broad, were mortgaged for their full value. Some pee were who rary an ae of ae stress ©; airs—many, in so great a city, for the Lag ay had failed to expose the calamity; but his paper was not wanted in financial circles, and business men, in the main, regarded Prescott as a poor man. Leaitg. Wis office upon this foggy, cloudy Now Year's morning, when a vapor pregnant with excitement, tin Borne, flags and gunpowder seemed to hang over all objects, the merchant walked down to Market street, and ore end ap hiaynene to Broad pgm e to the gorgeous display o flags, ing and patriotic decorations that an enthusias- tic people embellished her with, me Broad and Market he took a cab, and gave the directions, and in less than twenty minutes att?’ the merchant de thro res Se Wisse nie ine e res) y.. ‘Show you up, ’ ? merchant replied, ascending the Stairs, : An rg, ened appointed and furnished pore was the li , and here Morton Prescott found his wife and peas 9g Pearl, the latter men- tioned, was a charming maiden of seventeen summers, of winsome manners, refined pearance, in which haughtiness or cold vanity she mae ne 1 Pe r etite o re, and graceful, urely chiseled features, rose-tinted with happy ealth—hair that shone like golden glimmer— er rs. A stylish dresser and acnomplehed in conver- sation, music, and drawing, Pearl Prescott was a daughter of whom the merchant had just reason to be proud. Sylvia, Morton Prescott’s second wife, was also young, having seen only four-and-twenty years of life, but, unlike her step-daughter, was vain, supercilious and t.. The merchant had found this out to his cost, but he submitted to her petty tyranny without remonstrance. As a general thing, she kept a civil tongue in her head, even if by various acts she betrayed her nature. A tall, magnificent blonde, of comely propor- tions, pretty face, and ic ice, she was universally admired by men and envied by women. Some said that her antecedents were obscure, and that she had only married Morton Prescott for his money and position; others said she was the daughter of nglish i and the heiress to an earldom; but Morton Prescott, pore was the only man who knew the truth or falsity of either She dressed gorgeously, and queened it ‘in o- ciety, and few took’ pains to in into her antecedents, having unlimited faith in the say- ing Gold, g: and beauty her.” h ladies were seated in thé , read, ing, when the merchant entered, but loo . pe yy into his pale,” face. - All is lost!” he replied, f , in answer to the in tive look. “I ventured my la: and lost. € are paupers!” : An exclamation came from both ladies, and Pearl was by the merchant's side in an instant, her arms around his néck. nee you do not really mean what you say?” “Every word of it. Weare penndlen_sed just. when the grandest chance of m speculation career, of dawrs before my gaze,” f “Tell me how you mean pa?” « t makes me wild when I realize that the chance must by me. There a, nett Fao Le ter a and all oreign ions, an ough the may not acamte materially, the coming Ex sition will increase the sales to fabulous figures, and were I now in the same financial con that I was two a , Pd send to Schofel, and have him the entire stock, low pooaee so that I could thribble on the net profits here.” “Oh! ! If you only had the money, or could sean Pearl sa ihastnge her bani, prettily, and studying the > bes in the plush carpet upon the floor. “If—if you could only we: Mt f !” the merchant exclaimed, ly. Whee in child, ev mortgaged—this a as and contents, the ware- ver. through that | | eyes whose sparkle was like the diamonds upon | Bob, The King of Bootblacks. ‘No, I can find them myself, I guess,” the if I oly had my earldom in my control.” | | | ; / magnetic presen ed but is aristocracy I him. together. | saps, es, S that |} soul. pes wish dition kno : SS LS AS - qonniampeliats “Have you no further credit, Morton?” the second Mrs, Prescott languidly inquired, from the depths of the great easy-chair. “No credit—no nothing!” was the despairing reply. “‘My paper would not sell for twenty- Third their homes and build-| five cents on the dollar, to-day, in avenue.” “Oh! dear! what shall we do? It will be such a disgrace—such a talk there will be. For was Tee before what he had once been proud we eure a han: = seeeirage lagi? cg to call his home, —the terrible disgrace from m rs G Mounting the steps and ringing the bell, he | I shall never go into society again.” was speedily admitted by a col man-servant | “it society would only refuad what we—yow in livery. | and I—have squandered upon it, madame, poor «“ will I find Pearl and Sylvia, Hag-| papa could again hold up his head, on Second off his | and Third, and sell his paper at par!” Pearl before ! flashed, indignantly. “To be sure, my dear child, but, really, you ‘i des find ’em in de library, sah,” | know, we have barely been able to keep up to the times, on our father’s meager income,” Mrs. Prescott wled, affectedly. ‘Ah! me; es, if you only had!” Pearl sighed, the itorto dar, reall d ~ n, » you y must do somethi for, me,or I have to send for Le Geena Tt thet affected. pupp | \ t ever crosses m threshold again, Sylvia, Twill kick him out <p the street!” the merchant declared, angrily. Then he turned to Pearl. “I see but one way out of the dilemma— know of but one source of aid, romising suc- cess in securing this bonanza of the year,” he said, with thoughtful graveness, born of des peration.” “Ah! tell me, then, if there is hope. If I cam be of any use, command me, and [ will not re- fuse!” the girl said, eagerly, earnestly. “You promise this, my child?” “IT swear it, if necessary!” Pearl replied, bravely. of whom I propose to Dr. A ” 4 pa!” in alarm. “Nay! do not interrupt me!” the merchant replied, “I know what you would say—he is an unscrupulous Jew, of whom many dark. ports are circulated. But, I do not fear for this. He is the only man in Philadelphia with whom I can deal on credit. He perhaps hasac- cess to more ready cash than any other man in the city, for he not only owns countless ties, but is treasurer and banker for many Jew- ish firms. He may be a modern merchant of Venice, but IT shall deal with him as cautiously would with a rattlesnake I will go at Snee, and learn what terms I can make with “Oh ing I fear to have you deal with that man, is unprincipled—a Villain. Twice he has insulted me in the street, by stopping me, and declaring bis ardent admiration of mys ce you are under obligations to him, will unwelcome attentions not turn to actual persecution?” ‘No! I will see to that. Asa Jew, he cap never enter my house. On the street I will’ see that he. never insults you. . If I can get a half a million of him, in clean cash, I am once more made. ; An hour later, in the di shop of Dr. Albert Alberts, Morton Prescott stood before that personage, and made known ag otis ed him, sharpl ith his k ey’ 'y, Ww een eyes, seemed to be the mirrors of shorn He was a thin, wiry fellow of thirty-five, with swarthy complexion, an extremely large nose and mouth, pearly-white teeth, gray eyes, and black hair as straight as an Indian’s, despite his Je origin. He dressed richly, however, and a a four rings wa gold set with diamonds and other rare jewels, upon several fingers of his two hands. as “You want haff a million of tollars, eh?” he repeated, when Morton Prescott had made pk Ree reaped. otras haff a million ars, andt you pe Morton Prescott, te Second street merchant?” “Exactly. I am known to-day, in financial Circles, as a pene wee. I have barel pec am money in my et to purchase a go igar— such as T used to smoke, And, nee, when to- tally wrecked of fortune, a chance looms up be- fore me to make money. A half 8 million of geo will set me upon Sankar tha ee up the Sere upon m: give me a full hundred thousand *: work upon, You bave money—you must he'p me!” “T must, Mister Prescott “You must, sir.” pawnbroker’s

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ok “Vell, I take your word for it. What, se curity can you give?” ‘“*None. I have not a dollar’s worth of actual property in the world.” Av’ yet you vant dem haff million, all de same?’ **) do—must have them!” Alberts scratched bis head; the gleam in his eyes Was, very cunuing. “‘Ldream apout dose,” he said, with a grim chitickle. ‘‘ Two minutes, I come back.” Thon he entered a room in the rear of the shop, and locked the door. In just two minutes, by a shelf-clock in the store, he reappeared, bearing in his hands a small iron-bound box, and a bunch of curiously- wrought keys. ‘* Mister Prescott,” he said, honest mans. I don’ vas like to see you fF rob someé bank, an’ go to brison for it. So I helps you. ‘Here ish von paper. It reads: ‘** PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Jan, 1, 1876. ““*™his is to certify that my father, Morton Pres- cott, of said city and State, has, in my presence, on said date, oorrowed of Albert Alberts, One Half - lion Dollars, in U. 8. Currency, the same to be paid baek to said Albert Alberts, by said Morton Prescott, in my presence, at the ig chew shop of said Al- bert Alberts, upon the 10th day of September, 1876, at one minute before twelve o'clock, a, M. “* But if, by any way, shape or manner, said Mor- ton Prescott, of first part, fails to comply with the terms of this agreement in ing back the =, princinal and interest, I, Pear Prescott, daughter o said Morton Prescott, do solemnly swear to deliver wareeit and person up unto said Albert Alberts, in istian marriage, at any time said Albert Alberts order, after twelve o’ciock, a. m., September 10th, 1876. To all of which I do agree, and hereunto my Senatute, on this, the first day of January, Bien oa, “vou ish an CHAPTER III. PEARL'S DECISION—THE MORTGAGE SIGNED. ! ‘© You takes dat to your young daughter,” | Alberts said, with a villainous smile, “and if she is willing to assist you so much ash I am, she vill come pick mit you, an’ sign t’e leetle ent! See?—an’ den I gives you dis half million tollars, shust like it was your own, undil der tenth of Sepdember!” “My heaven, man, you areasecond Merchant of Venice!” the speculator , faintly. He had heard every word utte by this crafty, scheming German-Jew, and the ificance fill- ed his heart with a great horror. ‘‘If I should fiod it impossible to meet niy obligation on the precise day and minute thereof, you—you—” “Tf ose mine mortgage, you pet!” was the ae reply, there being a spice of devilish Triumph in the man’s tone. “I ish no Merchant of Venice, Mister Prescott—I do dish to brotect myself ad my ee 1 By: dey hg haff te money ash de , or de @ money— hodds is der Sifercnee.* if Morton Prescott took a turn about the little shop, laboring in a state of great excitement. It was the most astounding ti he had ever bcard of—this proposition of the Jewish man of money, and, yer To accept the terrible terms seemed the dis- tressed merchant’s only salvation, in a pecuniary semISe, “With the half a million, Schofel could _ etiaee. the ‘crash’—ay, with a quarter million or perhaps, and with the remaining quarter I could redeem the mortgages against my resi- dence and warehouse, Then, if the reached me about the first of July, I am confident Ican got at least thrice what it cost me, and thus pay off this Jew-devil’s loan. But, will Pearl consent te the terms? She said if I could use her, to do s0) Ah! heaven! Pd see her dead before Alberts ahould ever lay claim to her!” Thus the merchant mused, as be paced to and i Alberts the meanwhile watching him like a aw kk, “Vell, Mister Prescott, vat you say?” he de- manded, finally, jingling the keys he held in his band. “‘Can = find von easier way to raise haff a million “No; uor a harder one, for that matter,” the merchant replied, grimly. ‘‘ Give me heed ig and I will see my child. If she is willing to risk Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks, in her private sitting-room, which was a model of taste and thorough elegance, in the way of arrangement and furnishing. “Pearl, you promised I might command you, did I need to use you?” the merchant said, vely.” “Ves, papa;” yet there came into Pearl’s brown eyes a light of surprise not unmingled with alarm. “Then read that,” Prescott said, extending the Jew’s paper. “That will tell you upon what terms I can borrow a half a million, and it now remains for you to, or not to Boye your signature—just as you believe may be for the With hands that. perceptibly trembled, Pearl Prescott received the document, and bore it to the light, that she might read it. The merchant watched her gravely, anxious- 6 decision was all in all; it was to decide whether he was destined to have a stand- ing amongst his fellow-men, once more, or whether he was to travel hand in hand with un- certain, unreliable fate. From a roseate tint of health the shade grew to the hue of the white waxen ee Pearl’s face; her eyes assumed an exp: on of un- utterable borror and loathing, as she read; the rd from her nerveless grasp, to the Ser, as turned to the father who was awaiting her answer. “Father, I said you might useme! Tell me— will you Pay that borrowed money back, when it comes due?” “Good God helping me, I will. If I cannot make the amount out of the London crash, I will bin it some other way. You shall be re- deemed “T believe you more, I will depend upon your father’s love to save your child. Stay! I will my wraps, and we will go at once.” o—not until to-thorrow. To-day is the nation’s day—the first eventful one of the Cen- tennial year. To-morrow will do as well, for this ess.” Accordingly they waited upon Albert Al- berts, M. D., on the following morning, at ten o'clock, The German-Jew was behind his counter, a Vex Seu upon his Lai ye! features. paper was duly ed and delivered; then the Jew unlocked the iron box, and in clean gold and per, counted out one half million of dollars, and laid them at Morton Prescott’s disposal. “There ish your monish—here ish my pay, perhaps,” he said with a sinister smile, and a nod toward Pearl, who shrunk away, in terror. wi ou good: ta Mister Prescott! Von oY ow ear, Miss Prescott, for yester- ha that day, Morton Prescott d ited his loan in different banks; and a cablegram flashed across the Atlantic to Gustave Schofel, 62 Strand, London: ee hundred and amen aoners coped: order, Catch the crash. ¥ ‘Teaton camo” And in ten days came back: “T have caught it for $100,000. Thec up admit of the be- nos cargo touching your po’ b . . 1 Contry a dreamy month in staid old Phila- deiphia, but not so this Centennial year. * Black yer make'm shine, Only ete ron halt a dime: Touch yer corns up like a feather, Make 'r mirror of yer leather." “Shine ’m, mister!” Down upon his knees went the King of Boot- rote ga did he ‘let up,’ until he had per- a round twenty shines. It was early in the forenoon—moreover, it bi 7 ree 4 ight had d its ch Long ore day sprea eerftl- ness over the Ci ieee the street cars be- gan to } of living freight westward ! and the steam cars bore their invoice of “Jersey” folk from every nook and corner ———————— senna the sacrifice, I will come back, If not, you of the State of sand and watermelons, And, may 8 your money box away.” ' long before the turn-stiles began working, to ad- “Very well, Mister Rresoott_ look Soe you | mit £7,000, yisibers of New een ots pack, to-morrow morning, accompanied py ngs of people were congregated on the ‘your sharming daughter. Good-ta i onteide of inclosure, upon Elm and Belmont y, sir, 0 ott , ashe avenues. “ Good-day, sir,” Morton Prescott said, as h eft the office and once more emerged into the Many famous artists have we in our otic festive New Year's scene. : land, but none of them their _ Crowded were the streets with eager sight- smartest to picture these vast concourses of seers, but the merchant elbowed his way along, Centennial visitors. Only one who was “thar” and to balf an bour, stood before his hter, ‘ constantly can recall to memorr what.a mor- ster album of strangely-contrasted faces was in one of those crowds, and yet you might search a week, and never find any two just alike. Pretty faces, homely faces, ‘‘ character” faces—here, there, everywhere. Men and wo- men of every civilized and many uncivilized nations, and as mauy different tongues and tones—a heterogeneous mixture of a mighty world’s pie. Bootblacks now had their harvest before the gates were open—not a few, but a swarm of them whose numerical count could not be esti- mated—a dirty, ragged, impudent, dare-devil, irrepressible army ot them, ot whom an artist aie t make a study for a hundred genre pic- ures. As a rule, the most successful of these Cen- tennial artists were the class who were the ‘‘sassiest,” cheekiest, and tonguiest, although the pale-faced, intellectual lad yonder, whose apparent timidity announces that this is his first attempt,—he will catch not a little patron- age of those people who—proudly may it be said—are ever scaring up subjects ot charity and com ion. ‘here is not much “fight” in the boy, but the doubtful, sad expression in his brown eyes fights its way to the tender heart of humanity better than fists or words could do, Trace that lad, at’ the conclusion of his weary day’s struggle with fortune, to his home—what a revelation might we not exhume! A pale but intelligent-looking mother sits in a cheerless apartment, and plies a weary needle, when even the pangs of hunger may be gnawing at her vitals; she has no money—no burband whose strong hands may support her—only her little boy! But the fire of patriotic enthusiasm burns strong in ber bosom; she came to see the Centennial—has seen it—will see more of it; for, within those great acres of exhibitions, she is carried away with admiration and wonder; what she sees there of God’s great works amply repays her for what she suffers from want, “ Black yer boots, make 'm shine Costs you only half a dime." ‘‘Shine ’em, mister. Jest let me wrassle wi’ them rauegs d squeite 0’ yourn, an’ ef I can’t make ’em | ike a forty-dollar mirror, I’) set up ther peanuts, you bet! Tell ye what I did, once, mister, ef it’ll be any inducement, an’ ne needn’t believe it ¢f ye don’t wanter. A feller he telegraffed ter me thet thar war a feller down in Jarsey who hed never bed his feet blacked—that is, his boots, ye see. He'd allus been newaght up on watermelons, salt-water clams, shuck eyesters, an’ sech like, an’ bis feet war so big thet et cost more fer blackin’ ter give his boots a good decent shine, than ther sale o’ his hull crop 0’ melons cum to. So this feller who telegraffed me, Le took compassion on ther Jarsey man, an’ offered me fifty dollars ter go down an’ shine ’em, bein’s | ar’ ther Ki and High-Low-Jack o’ this purtickler branch o ind . Waal, ter cut a short story long, as ther novelists say, I packed my kit an’ waited on thet Jarse “Result: absence from this moral bemisfear of a hundred pounds o’ Bixby’s best an’ six brushes. But, you lein’t no Jarseyman, stran- ger; no, sir-ee—not you! An’ your pumps are suggestive 0’ aristocracy an’ refinement. So VI ock the price clear down fer this time, and ch you gol pan a dime. Take it in time an’ it comes in rhyme, Shine ’m, mister?” Of course the ker was Boss Bob. He had cleared a quarter, square, from the finish of one job, and planted bimeeli in front of a tall, richly-dressed and aristocratic-looking before the great main stranger, who hud eens, entrance to the Trans-Continental Hotel, to © look about him At first a frown of annoyance came upon the handsome face of the man, who was clearly a foreigner, and he raised his formidable walking- stick, threateningly. But as the irrepressible king of the brash rattled on at a rapid rate, not apparently the least disposed to ‘‘ give it up so,” the cane gradually slipped to the stranger’s side, anda faint smile came to his mustache- shaded li ; The faint smile increased to a broad one by the time Boss Bob had _ paused for breath, and the stranger’s shapely but dusty boot went for- ward upon the box. ‘‘Black away, my lad,” he said, with some- thing like a chuckle. “ You've at least learned your lingo perfectly. Give my boots a first- class shine and I'll pay you a first-class price— the London price, by the way.” “ Bet I will!” Boss Bob replied, settling to his work quickly. ‘So you’re a London rooster, he von? Krow’d ye warn’t no Jarseyman, by

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ae Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. 5 ther size o’ yer feet an’ float o’ yer jibboom. formed a sort of ring around an irate Yankee, Tell a Jarseyman fur’s { can see’im. at acka- | whose voice it was whi h had attracted the at- line nose an’ Rochambeau tater-trap o’ yourn | tention of Boss Bob, ar’ better’n a family history. Little ed up wi’ yer Brit, ain’t there?” “Yes, a trifle, I say,” was the reply. “Be lively, now, young mau. The ga’ = open, and I want to get in ahead of the ‘*Oh, you’re one o’ them fast hosses, be ye?—a reg’lar fox-chaser! I’ve re’d about sum 0’ you fiery John Bullions, I have! But, I tell you what it is, Johnny, old Uncle Sam is jest scoop- in’ it to all ther b’yees this deal. Never see’d sech a sarcus over on ther island like that, did td and the eyes of the bootblack wandered riumphantly across the thronged avenue to the Main Building and its next great brother, Ma- chinery Hall. ‘‘No, my friend; I’ll acknowledge that this exposition sur anything on record,” the man from London responded, with a smile. “T know’d it,” Bob declared, elated at his victory. ‘*I sed you wasn’t no clam -fatted Jarsey man, the minnit I'spied ye. I’m a purty good guesser, ginerally, an’ whin I twigged yer main-topsail, an’ reefad yer yard-arm ter ther breeze, sed I to myself, thet ain’t Grant, Bedle, Hartranft, ner John Wanamaker, ’case his lower jaw’s too clean; but sez I, that feller’s name is Colonel Rutherford.” The stranger gave a sudden start, and gazed at the bootblack in great surprise. ‘*By Jove!” he said, after a prolonged whistle. ‘* How in the name of common sénse did you learn my name, boy? I deemed my presence unknown.” “Then, you’re the colonel?” **Of course I am, Tell me, where did you ever hear my name?” “ That’s for me ter know an’ you ter guess, I *gpect,” the king replied, with a chuckle. “If yer collatteral is flash, mebbe Pll tell you.” ‘There! the turn-stiles are open; I must go,” the colonel said, hastily. ‘‘ But, I must see you again, boy—where?” di ‘*| ginerally have some visitin’ cards about my duds,” Bob said, and at last fished out a dirty slip of paper from one of his pockets, upon which was rudely scrawled in penciled chiro- hy: Or Ross Bob, Schuylkill River, Bines & Scheaff’s Coal-‘us, Bin Pe sAB i gee ew Nut. Squeal *Keno,’ in falsetto voice.—B. B,” ee CHAPTER IV. ' $083 FOB MAKES.A NRW ACQUAINTANCE. THE next minute the stranger had seized the interesting card, and was gone, With the crowd, Risin > his: feet, with his ‘‘ kit” in hand, Boss Bob gazed after hins. «Well, now, ef that ain’t ther tallest sorter ’coon I ever see’d, I don’t steal no more lame cats fer old Shyder, the grinder. Never paid me a Centennial red, he didn’t, fer all I twig his signature, an’ give him a in| London polish. An’ he sed he’d give me - don pay. Ef that’s ther sort o’ collatteral they’ve over on John Bull’s side, 1 want no more of it. But, maybe he’s honest, an’ absent- nch ——— minded, Seen sech ’coons, afore this. Say, Nondescript?” The boy approached from where he had just finished a polishing job, y “Ye see’d thet fureigner I war jest shinin’?” the King of Bootblacks Temended. The boy nodded. “T thort ye did. Lsee’d yer big optics squan- dered this way. Know who’t was?” _ The boy shook his head in the negative. ‘* Well, Nondescript, thet was Colonel Ruther- ford from Hengland. He be an aristocrat, thet snoozer be, an’ if ye twig his jib, ag’in, jest ac- cost him, five cents’ worth, on my aceount, Mebbe he fergot all about ther collatteral— maybe! These ’ere distinguished inderwiduals ginerally hev hull buckster-cart loads of it stored away—in their m 4 A train had just arrived from New York, at the branch depot, upon Elm avenue, and people were pouring from it into the one join in the restless eursing de of humanity that ed continuously through the busy to the Exposition. Men, women, children—from nearly every State and territory, the New Jerseyans, to-day, of course predominating, swarmed in a mass that even the policeman found hard to break. ** Hello! something’s the row over yonder,” Boss Bob said, grasping the Nondescript by the arm, and poly toward the main entrance to the groun: ‘* Let’s take a look.” Across the street they sprung, and soon form- ed one of a circle of curious persons who had ! -stiles, i - te; will } cle ter back what he sez, too, by A brawny six-footer was the stranger, with an undisputable Yankee face, the lower part of which was covered with a thick stubble of sandy beard; the nose was extremely long, the eyes brown, and now ing; the mouth ladi- crously large, the corners being stained with tobacco-juice; the hair long and tangled, and of a towy color. oeeae A subject for an artist was the u free manner—a he stood in the center of the his slenched Pye about in +3 ypi greenhorn, c in homes stogy boots, and a battered, old-fashioned.“ plug hat, while he wore a red necktie about his throat, and a full blown poppy in his but- ton-hole. A titter of amusement escaped Boss Bob as he saw, the countryman, he nudged. the ep re shyly. 3 : out, now, pard; heer’s a greenhorn, in distress, an’ mebbe we'll hev some fun, If he’s | half as green and gawkey as he looks, he can be sold out, dog cheap,” ; ““T wanter see that darn-nation mean skunk who stole my ten dollars,” the countryman vociferated, excited to such a, pitch as to be up- on the point of crying. “T say I want tew fasten on tew him. I’ve been robbed, feller- citizens—boldy robbed in broad daylight, arter comin’ all the way down heer ter vimt this ey Centennial. Oh! ye needn’t laff; thar ain’t nothin’ ter laff about, Ten. dollars. ain’t picked off frum_every gooseberry, bush, not by a long shot, an’ I jest wanter get a grab at.thet ornery skunk who stole my ten do that’s what ails Sarah Jane... My name’s Joshua Ever- green, if ye want ter_know who, Lam, an’ ’m a citizen o’ Plunkit, Vermont.. An’ my pair o’ earn. steers is a-goin’ ter, take ther prize at he Live Stock show, tew boot, An’ 1. didn’t come down heer ter be imposed ou, or laffed at, Mebbe I luk a leetle green, an’ my eddica- tidn hain’t so prime as sum o’ you city haps, but, when ye cum down tew the solid facta, bet I can lick any one 0’ ye, with one band tied ahind my back,’ aed ‘Ob! ther chap’s warmin’ up,” Bob observed to the Nondeseript. ‘‘ Guess he’s got ther mus- looks 0’ his statter.” ditgavi “Tell us how you came to lose your money, sir?’ a clerical-looking man said, Yankee. ‘ Perhaps we can find it.” = “Of course ye could, if ye was a mind téew,” Joshua avetiony confidently. ‘‘ Ye see, I hedn no change ter put inter ther turn-stile, an’ 50 asked a spruce sorter chap if he could rey bill fer me, an’ he sed if Pd wait right here two minnits, he’d take the bill an’ git’ it changed fer me. An’ heer Pve stud, half an hour, an’ the dirty mean skunk hain’t cum back, yet!” an A murmur of escaped from lips of those of the spectators who were’ native |’ P elphians.: There was no doubt in their minds but what the man from: Vermont spoke the truth, for this was no unusual occurrence. Nightly and daily these accommodating ras- cals, known as “ confiders,”: plied their bekd a. successfully. They were’ always near e turn-stiles or in front of the th ready to get money changed or to buy tickets for any visitor to the city, who did not ‘know ‘the ropes,” and. it is to add that the oc- casions were often: Hundreds of timid and trusting ones, whom the ral crowd could not or would not bother with, when in need of eh ,, but without that commodity, would give their bills to one of these polite ‘con 9} who had already ‘‘spotted” them, and off he would go, through the crowd, and the d would not see him or their money again, athe accommodating party ever took care to hie himself to some other fat pose, probably send- ing a back to look out for other victima These “ confiders” were here, there, everywhere, and the havoc they t was great, in the vecuniary ‘possessions Centennial visitors, who were too fresh to be wary and watchful. “Pll bet a hoss I know ‘who the snoozer was, who. bled the Evergreen-horn,” Boss Bob from his position. ‘‘He’s bin hangin’ here, doing the accommodatin’, every day fer a 7 cays a: it.” oes you're the young man we wan sec, then,” the gentleman said, v ho had first mani- ested interest in Joshua vergreen’s behalf. he sort of a person is the man ‘you refer ,? a a us pee an’ don’t ye fergit ; eying his interrogator, sharp- ly, and making him out to be a clerical party, La) of five and forty—one of those benevolent souls every in search of somebody to comfort and assist. ‘‘ He’s a tall, slim feller, w’at never was brought up on eyesters an’ salt-water clams, an’ he’s a luk asif he ae as well bin a gal ef natur’ hadn’t willed different by stickin a few sickly yaller hairs on his upper 5 His nose ar’ thin an’ peaked, like as ef was blessed with a mother-in-law, an’ his mouth would make a good target fer s Gattlin gun. He wairs goggles, sumtimes, ever his eyes, an’ sumtimes he don’t. He dresses like a clerk ina williner store, an’ walks wi’ a cane, wot’s got a statter of old Neptune. on .ther handle-cend. That’s the chap I mean, sir— his hair in the middle, an’ calls himself Chawles Augustus Rothschild Fitz Noodle, when he’s in a burry, addin’ in seven more, when thar ain’t no cops “Tsw’ar if that ain’t the very skunk, young feller,” Joshua Evergreen declared, excitedly. * a squeaky voice, didn’t he?” “Yes—a falsetter voice—a cross twixt a Thomas cat’s an’ a cat-fish vender’s.” “ The wey chap, by hokey! I say, sonny, ou see that feller?” ‘kon I did, while ago. Used to know him when be’slept in the next coal-bin to me, on warm nights, but he’s graddywated since that, an’ every time we meet, he tries ter poke ther planet o’ Jupiter wi’ his nose. *Stonishin’ what money will do!” “Then, if you think you know the man, why not assist the loser, here, in hunting him up, handing him over to the authorities?” suggested the clerical gee de “S’pose I might; Evergreen-horn. hes got heaps ©’ collatteral, fer instance.” ‘By gol!.that will be all right, sonny,” the Vermonter declared. ‘Jest you show me that skunk who tuk off wi’ my ten dollars, an’ Tl take ye inter the show, free o’ charge, an’ ba the soda water; too—gosh hanged if 1 won't! hain’t ecb much —— along, but, dad’s got lots up at- Plunkit, an’ he’s fattin’ five shoats ter woe pe too. i ain’t no hog, on small matters, an’ erall ter do the square by a feller even et i pave it give him my terbaccer-box.” And here the Yankee grinned broadly, at his es facetiousness. ‘Well, come along, Josh,” Boss Bob said, with a grimace, as he ee = his kit. ‘* Trot along wi’ me, an’ we'll waltz down around the Rialter, an’ see if wi’ a leetle figgerin’ we can’t spot his nibs.” , And away went the bootblack and the long- Vermonter, through the crowd, the voice of the former ringing out in his favorite ery— “Black yer boots, make ’m shine, Costs ye only half a dime—”’ “Who is that fellow?” asked a bystander, as the twain strode away—‘‘he with the glib e, and the blacking-box?” “‘Oh! that’s Boss Bob,” the clerical man said, with a peculiar smile—“ a bootblack by profes- sion, and, unconsciously, perhaps, one of the most expert detectives wé have. There isn’t scarcely a place or a policeman, in the city, whom he does not know, or that does not know him, and the same with the heft of our rascals. He is, though but a mere youth, an acute reader of human nature and faces, and by a seeming natural gift, a ‘spotter’ of no mean order.” “Then why does not some one give him a lift, to a better position?” was the inquiry. “Tet him alone; he will raise himself fo a ition of prominence, and be all the better for t.. He is now the right party in the right place, for his profession its him to places where detectives are most needed—the streets and drinking saloons. The ‘city fathers’ are ‘not wanrindtel of his existence, or of its value, and the great secret of his worth is that he has no fear or reverence for mortals-here below.” In the meantime Bob and his new friend pro ceeded down through Elm avenue toward the; eastern terminus of the grounds, where the crowd was nearly as dense as at the main on-” trance. Indeed, for that matter, it was crowd- ed, everywhere. The mass of saloons, side- shows, venders of wares, and nuts; the of the pestered street-car drivers, and the shrill treble shriek of their whistles; the music from -easies or hand-organs; the pell-mell rush of eager visitors—all these were sights or sounds peculiar to. Elm avenue, at early fore- noon, “My gosh! what swads an’ swads o’ folks!” ejaculated Joshua Evergreen, as he and Boss b elbowed their way along. ‘“‘ Who'd aver thort the country’d take sech a puke, jest for one show? I wish dad an’ mam could’ see all

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6 fair was some pe: up at Plunkit, but I be gum- f thi three fairs.” ting his dirty countenance. ‘“‘ But, goin’ ter be, Ther hull site ‘o’ Philadelphia ‘ar’ goin’ ter be used fer ther grounds, an’ all ther houses roofed over, an’ turned inter one build- ing—that is ef I am nominated president o’ the’ concern. ‘Spect Philadelphy is purty near as hig as: Plunkit, eh?’ ‘Well, L guess not—leastwise thar’s only a a an’ tavern. Hellow! what's the rip, now They had reached the eastern end of the fence ; sa ay, on Elm Avenue, Boss Bob had seized the arm of his companion,’ and pointed a few feet distant, to a foppishly swell who stood apart from the crowd that streamed by. His face was a peculiar one, being somewhat feminine in feature, the complexion rather sallow, mouth large, nose thin and poate and eyes shaded by a pair of green 50% gles. His attire was rich and stylish;—a summer suit of white duck, anda silk hat upon his head, in addition to a liberal display of jewelry, made appearance quite natty. “There! that’s Chawles Augustus Rothschild Vitz Noodle, from Bosting!”’ announced Bob, ‘Does he look like the feller who skipped the tra-la-la-loo wi’ yer X?”’ ‘By gum! that’s the same mean skunk, sure’s pose n’!’ Joshua declared, excitedly. ‘“‘ Jest go my arm, an’ see me go up and boot him, once, Ili wake up his ijees, a little.” **No! no! that won’t do,” Bob interposed. **-You dassent boot a chap, here, like you do a i Plunket, ef ye don’t want a night in ther tion ’us. There’s a policemas, who will help you out.” And as he spoke Bob motioned to number 836, of the City Police, who approached, quickly. ‘Well?’ he said, interrogatively — ‘‘ what now? Another greenhorn robbed, or lost?” ‘* Yes—this chap’s out an X, ener con- fider,’ and so we’ve tracked and spot him, and now ef you'll jost jerk him, we're all right. “Very well. Ifthe losee is sure of his man, point bim out, and I'll lift him!” the officer said. *Thar’s the mean_skunk,” Joshua declared, pointing out the swell, | ‘ He’s the very skunk that pcomised to get my billchanged, but didn’t come back, gol darn his picter!” “And he calls*himself. Fitz Noodle!” Be Bob added, _ ** He’s one o’ the hossiest co: in the city.” 10 “TY have suspected hislay, for several days, but haven’t found him in the act. But, Pll take |}, him now. nowever,” the officer said. .sad, walking softly up to the fop, number 836 clapped his coud hand upon the shoulder of that individual, with the grim mont; announce- ** Young man, you must come along, with me, }|1 You are my prisoner. No objections, now, or Vil put the nippers on ye!” ‘The ‘econfider’ wheeled around with a oath, but instantly cha his demeanor that of a cringing, frightened coward, a Heavens! what do you say my deah man— arrest me?” he gasped. ‘“ Why, my deab sir, ou have made a mistake—a fwightful mista) Lemire you! Weally, I am not the party. y have taken me for. Iam from Bosting, deah man—right from the hub, which. y might infer by my culchaw.” "Yor a darned liar!” Joshua declared, a proaching, with doubled fists. ‘‘ You’re gosh hanged skunk who tuk my ten dollars, an’: run off wi’ it, don’t eare ef you cum from bins or Belzebub.”, ; . *Yos, we twig yer nibs,” Boss Boy added, witha grin. ‘You've got yer figgerhead inter a deefikilty, Mr. Fitz Noodle. Yer culchaw don’t do ye no good, now. Off ter ther jug you a) onless ye fork over Evergreen-horn’s ‘Spare me! spare me!” Fitz Noodle protested, in accents wild. ‘ Weally this isa fwightful— a horwible mistake!” ‘Come along with you,” number 836 replied, put: ‘“Yecan prove yer case, when he get ore his Honor.” ‘* Stop!” a voice cried. no further. ¥ vouch for dat!” CHAPTER V. \ OL, RUTHERFORD AND ALBERTS--THE PAWN- BROKER AND BILL HEART-EATER. party who had interfered came forward Bob, but the officer THE mow. and not only Boss these folks. We used ter think ther country | ain’t bigger nor two’ or “Ob! you bet,” Bob assured, with a quizzical smile re ‘, this hain’t no shakes ter what ther next one’s f “Dis insult. must go. Dat mans ish not a‘ confider,’ an’ recognized him as Dr, Albert. Alberts, the pawnbroker and wealthy money-lender. He was dressed in the hight of fashion, and walked with a cane, the gold head of which glittered with settings of costly diamonds. ' “Dot vas an innocent man, an’ you must not arrest him,” he’ repeated, in re cer’s stare.’ “Tam Dr. Albert Alberts—I haff ‘tmonish—I go bail for de shendlemons.” “Well, sir, the place to ar that is before the judge of the police court,” No. 836 replied, sternly. ‘“‘ You'll find hid friend there, to- miorrow morning, for a ring. Come along, ‘prisoner.” “And August Fitz Noodle was forced to obey, as he was no match for the burly officer in point of size‘or strength. Alberts made no attempt to follow; on the contrary, he turned angrily upon Boss Bob and Eee, who stood by. “ You cause der arrest of dot shendlemans?” “he demanded, savagely, of the yoting boot- black, “Yaw! yaw! I arresd him mitouta virrant, n’ ten dollar from dis mon!” Bob mimicked, grimly. “Den petter you look out,” Alberts declared, inarage. “T haf young vagabond like you taken up an’ sent mit der House off Correction.” *Oh! xe do, do ye, darn yer picter,” put in Joshua, doubling up his fists, in high dudgeon. “Well, now, ‘see r, my Hebrew friend, if bie don’t want me ter git My Aad boot ye, ye "t better sot a paw on this boy. My name’s Joshua Eve: m, frum Plunket, Varmont, an’ I reckon I’m's good’s I luk, ev’ry day in a week, an’ twice on Sunday, I’ve got a pair o’ mus- cles hyar on my arms as big as a being tw Sima an! ef ter stickin’ yer nose inter my be leg I po fd Ag I ain’t afeard ter knock ther 8 elean off’m an’ a dozen more jest Now, what do yeow say?” “Oho! so you vas one ugly cusdomer, eh?” Alberts eat once angry flame in his fiery eyes, Vell, vell, you fats me alone, an’ dot prisoner und I ' ten dollar, all de vile.” **QOh! no won't) Capting,” Boss Bob inter- @ can’t buy us out cheap, nary a If that ‘confider’s’ one o’ yer buzzom pals, ye’d better drap his acquaintance afore you get jugged yerself. Ye remember thet yo ur Chambers’s?”’ metime,” he growled, t, 80 ,burning away. ‘‘I don’d vas fo’get you, all de w'tle. - \. ©Hat hal” Bob said, turning Tile and ta acktaaras actoaiie is ter slin ing >to Josh. ae slug at him, I tell ye. Wonder wha Noodle is to him, anyhow? ’Spect they’re goin’ inter partnership in sum sort 0’ devifiry, ow, eam slong, Josh, an’ we'll skip down ter station 'us’, an’ ye can enter a complaint ag’in the confider.” , ae whar’s my ten dollars?” Joshua de- now, an’ his ou’ll never get what, luks, who hes a card o' interduction ter all ther big guns, and whom experience hes, ht ter twig ther son-of-a- guns, an’ he can git along very well. But let wn, an’ nothin’ but ill-luck a cum ter an ty Recon greets him. Hain’t ye got no beside thet ten —e wich yeain’t collatteral |. gott.. No bonds or mo ‘Not a darned cent, I swow, ’cept my re- burn ticket, ter Plunket!” ature ng around uncle Mort lives, Joshua declared hopefully. * Ye see, uncle Mort. he’s rich, and puts on lots o' style, an' I know he’d be glad tew see me, seein's I, jest cum down from Plunket on pur- pose tew see’em an’ fetched a roll o’ butter algne in my sachel fer ’em.” ‘ t dippendence on yer said, nodding his head, $ z= Fas E ther country eousins didn’t find ther folks ter _ Yew don't ext Joshua replied, anxiously. “ Well, now, I'll be gum-blasted if they can git rid o’ me, so easy. Mebbe I am sorty n, like, but T ain’t no gol-darned fool, ef I did to the offi- ‘mit pleasure,” a APPT SDE ESS SCE IV SEED 2 SAA AO ene ee a yaantiomnnnsom 9 come from the country. No sir-ee! I’m jes) goin’ ter hunt up uncle Mort’s folks, an’ pay em a visit.” Feeling it his duty to assist the country stranger as much as he could, conveniently, Bob .conducted him to the station-house at 39th _ street and Lancaster avenue, wherea complaint was entered against Fitz Noodle, to be trans- ferred to the Central Police court on the follow - ne morning; when the hearing was to take Then Bob loaned his country acquaintance a dollar, and left him to pursue his search for his city relations. ving reaped his principal harvest for the day, the young boot-black then trudged on down into the old city, to finish out the after- noon. Albert Alberts sat in his office, that sam. afternoon, engaged in smoking a cigar, and reading a German paper, when the door opened to admit a tall, distinguished-looking perscnage, of rich attire, and a genial countenance, pro. minent features of which were a pair of band- scme brown eyes, @ classical nose, finely sha mouth, and a golden-hued mustache that was heavy, and the endscurled. His form, too, was noticeably well proportioned. 2 He might have been five and thirty years of age, but looked considerably younger. _ ‘‘Good-morning,” was his brisk business-like salutation. “Do I behold Albert Alberts, M. “Yaw! dot vas me,” the Jew replied, eyin bis visitor, sharply. ‘I am Albert Alberts. “Then you are the indtvidual I seek, I pre- sume,” the stranger replied, seating himself without invitation. “ name is Rutherford —an English lawyer, and counselor, by profes- sion. I have a card of introduction to you from Schauss and Co., bankers.” ‘“Yaw! I see,” Alberts replied, regarding the card, with an approving nod. ‘‘You come o see me on business.” “Exactly. They stated that you were wide- ly acquainted here in Philadelphia, and would be able to assist me, they thought.” “Dot ish right. If I can ib ree tere @ pawnbroker replied. ‘‘ Tel) me vat you want of me.” ‘“Well, you_ see, I am prosecuting the search for heirs to a great English estate, which ha: lain in disuse. until it is on the eve of being out- lawed, and confiscated by the Queen. ere are several heirs thought to be living in Ameri- ca, and I am in search of them.” .“* Ah! if you haff no more definite clew ash dot, you no find ’em.” “Perhaps not. But the case is like this: Years ago there was an old British aristocrat, named Lord Derby Rutherford—a very miser, they say; at least, he amassed a monstrous for- tune, in lands and moneys. But, being an old bachelor, on his death his wealth must all go to the commonwealth, to be handled by the Govern- ment, as he had no lawful heirs. This being against his notion, he set about to dispose of his by by will. A will-was made as follows: ‘o an old tenant’s youngest child, whose name was Sutherland; he bequeathed one quarter of his total wealth, the will to be kept a secret un- til the old man’s death; if the heir to the first quarter was blessed with children, the estate was to be entailed to the youngest child, and so on through each successive generation; but, understand you, this was only to be a gift in name, as none of the heirs were to touch a pen- ny’s worth of the property until one hundred years after the date of the will, when the then youre existing heir of the first legatee of the rst quarter was to receive the quarter due him, minus interest, which was to be left out. The said interest, was to go to the attorney who had charge of the settlement of the estates, which were all to be “onverted. into money, one year previous to the Seeman of the hundred years, said money to be held in possession of the attor ney, or his heir-deputy, until the heirs to the fortune should be found. “The second quarter was bequeathed to an vu? poacher’s son, by the name of Mortimer; the thd to a gardener’s son, named Elliston, and the . vurth to a hunter’s son, named Preston, all uncer eee provisions and stipulations as re rst quarter. e Dot vasa strange vill,” Alberts said, a glit- ter in his eyes. ‘‘ You haff the monish for all heirs?” de ‘Yes, aboard my private steam yacht, in which [ crossed the Atlantic. I am the grand- son of the son of old Jervis Ruth d, to whorn Lord Derby Rutherford confide@iMs legal af- fairs in 1776, and the settlement of"bis estates.”

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- “ ae es der same. ps ‘* No; the two Rutherfords bore no traceable relationship to each other.” “ How much does the whole fortune amount tof” Alberts asked, his eyes glittcriug greedily, and a perceptible nervousness in his voice. “Ido not know, hardly, for it is a fabulous sum. A year ago, when my father died, he closed up the affairs, and placed each heir’s por- tion in an iron strong-box, respectively, direct- ing me to tale charge of them, and find the heirs. That is my errand, principally; here in America.” You vas a relative, ‘Vell, how furder you haff traced dese heirs?’ ! Alberts interrogated. ‘* Down to the present generation, The E1l- stons are all dead, and there are no heirs to their portion. The Sutherlands are somewhere in America, as arethe Prestons and tie Morti- mers; but where, Iam unable to say.” ‘An’ vat, den, you expect of me?” “T want you to keep an eye out for any so- named parties, as you may be able to strike them quicker than I. I will call again, some other time, and see what success you have. If you discover any of the rightful heirs I will pay you liberally.” * All right. Yust iff me some of der names and I vill be watchful—on account off your in- tro.luction py Schauss & Company.” “Very well. Thefirst quarter was bequeathed to Duke Sutherland. He died and leis ason, who may be living yet; if so, aged aboutseventy ears The second quarter was left to Ethelbert Mortimer; he died leaving a son named Wal- cross. He I believe to be dead, leaving a sun; name unknown. The third quarter was left to Arnold Elliston; all heirs su > to be dead. The fourth and last quarter of the fortune, was left to Sefton Preston, who die1, wna gs: a son, named Ralpt Preston, who died young, leaving a son by name Morton Preston, yet supposed to be living.” * Allright. I haff take’emdown. Goot-tay, | Mister Rutherford.” “Good-day. I will call again, witbin the month.” And rising, Colonel Rutherford took his de- ture. After he had gone, Albert Alberts rubbed his hands together, an exultant smile flitting across his sinister countenance. “Yaw! yaw! Mister Rutherford, you come ‘to me, and I helb you, maybs, but I also helb myself. You was a rich goose, and I pluck your fedders, all de wile. You make me your agent; I vill see apoud dose, Dis vas von valuable case, and I giff it my attention. I haff got some poys vat help me. I haff you shadowed. I play a lone hand, and I vin de game, maybe!” Night dropped its somber mantle once more over the City of Homes, but the streets knew no rest. Tramp, tramp, tramp went the thousands of pedestrians through its streets—some still sight- seeing, despite the fatizis of a day at the ex- position; others seeking their lodgings—busi- ness men, loafers, visitors, policeman, all mixed up in a jangling mass. At the corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets, Alvert Alberts stood in a shadow cast by an awning—stood there and watched with eager gaze the crowd, as it passed by. What is his mans we do not pretend to know, but judging by the expectant expression upon his coantenance he is watching for some one. “He always passes along this side of the street at about this hour!” the pawnbroker mutters, with manifest impatience. ‘I would not miss him, to-night, for dollars.” clear unbroken English the Jew now ——— instead of his broken accent, which evi- ences the fact that he is not unable to speak correctly. A habit, probably—his broken speech. The minutes wing by, laden with the peculiarly exciting scene; still the shadow upon the pawnbroker’s face tells that he has not yet M Sen nett h tters agai “Tho ran, e mutters n. pe they’ ve 4 nabbed hin, on old scores.. Ah!” e step’ suddenly into the thickest of the crowd, and tapped a man upon the shoulder— then retreated to his first position. The. man followed him—a burly, rougbly- dressed chap, with a countenance that an excess of liquor had made red and repulsively sinister, what with the coarse heavy black mustache, and the fiery bloodshot eyes. A typical pirate or and was he, in appearance, from head to ; | t | ‘ Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. ° vi ecling ter yer ‘ish’ and ‘ ash’ and ‘ dot : | “Well!” he wled, gruffly, eying the | long’s wnbroker, nites Gots lovingly. = en 3 ‘dose’,” Heart-Eater confidently declared. ‘‘What d’ye want of Bill Heart-Eater?” “Or till ye git rid .o’ the smell o’ garlies anc “Much,” Alberts Py geome blandly... ‘* You |. onions. ’, ef, ye. wan’t yer pursestring: ish der very man’s vot I want to see. I haff pen | loosened, I'll do et, cheap as anybody,” prom for you ash much ash von hour. Come “Yaw, yaw! if know; you lift. ”em,_ toc own here. He led the way down a pair of stairs that. de- scended from the street inte a dive that was then known as Noonan’s Varieties, ; The first apartment entered was a bar-room, with chairs and tables strewn abouts. | /) °- At one of these tables, in a retired,corner, to follow his example, which he did. ‘Now den,” the pawnbroker said, lighting a cigar, ‘‘ ye will proceed to pizness,” CHAPTER VL. AN INFAMOUS SCHEME—EUNICE, THERE was'a special emphasis upon the Jew’s word, *‘ pizness,” meant to carry weight to the auditor. ‘‘ Well, go ahead,” the other replied, .‘‘I am Bill, Heart-Eater, an cx-pirate trom the high seas, an’ I’m generally to be commanded fer a fair stipend. But, if ye’re goin’ ter talk wi’ me, jest shake off them ‘ash’ and ‘ishes,’ an’ cum down to old United States dialect.” The pawnbroker smiled. ‘‘You no like der goot old speech of der faderland, den?’ he said. “T allow not,” Heart-Eaier replied. ‘*Then I will speak plain English. The other is somewhat of a habit, and then, you know, comes natural, I have been anneal y waiting temper Bloas the con sed: fi eft Liverpool yesterday. ‘*'The devil you say!” ‘ ‘‘No—the ship Sea Breeze, laden with goods for Morton Prescott, Philadelphia. It could not be detained longer, although I spent every thousand you gave me ter hirder it. Prescott kept ther cable hot wi’ telegrams, and they finally had to pull out.” | ‘* Prescott is worried, then?’ the Jew asked, | eagerly. ‘Somewhat; I reckon, for ef ther Sea Breeze | ain’t in soon, it’ll be hot fer him, and don’t you fergit it.” . ‘Yes, it will be interesting,” Alberts replied. “‘ How long before the Sea Breeze will be due?” ‘Let her make her fastest time and she can- not shove her nose into Pier 26, Delaware, be- fore September 10th, at one o’clock!” The pawnbroker rubbed his hands gleefully. * Dot ish goot!” he muttered. ‘‘ Dot ish goot. He no raise der monish—den.I take th» girl. | But, how ’poud it—if der ship should get in be- | git fore dot time?” | ‘*He issaved. A gang of retail dealers stand ready to take ther cargo off of his hands, for ready cash.” The Jew uttered an oath. ‘*Den dot ship must not touch port ous to the eleventh of September,” he said, flercely. | ‘* You hear vot I say, Pill Heart-Eater?’ : “T reckon I ain’t ,;” the ex-pirate replied, , with a chuckle. ‘‘I shall hev to choke yer nom though, ef ye don’t cheese thet old clo’ rogue. “Den I stop,” Alberts returned. ‘The ship Sea Breeze must be delayed in some way, SO as not to reach the harbor.” “You want me to stop her?’ asked the ex- pirate. “Yes! yes! You are the very man for the | job. Will you do it?” “ Yes, for a thousand dollars, spot cash!” “You are afool, Inot give you that.” ; ‘* Odds is the diff’rence ter me. For amass thousand I will scuttle the Sea Breeze in Dela- are bay. Even if she don’t sin a ware bay. E if she don’t sink, it’ll delay her. No thousand—no scuttle!” st Then, maybe I send you to Moya for offenses,” the pawnbroker. suggested, a sneering coolness that caused Peart-Eater to | darken. “You'd better not try it,” he growled. .‘‘If you want fight, youl git licked. I hold as many points ag’in aoe as you doag’in’ me, if | — few more. How high do-you value the | ‘** At one million of dollars. ‘Phew! I never see’d ther piece 0’ feminin- | ity I’d give one million cents fer.” “The girl’s a beauty. She has education, | social position, refinement, and admission to all the hest circles of metropolitan ‘society. | That I have not ‘ ’ ’ pots with her as my wife, I could have it. She would Joosen my _ purse- | strings, and make me so popaer aman that the world would forget that Iam a Jew.” “Bet yer sea-boots they wouldn't fengit it so / -gallon, of, old, Alberts seated himself, and motioned the other }, ch oe j much!” Alberts PaBtied with a chuckle, “Put Tam no hog, if 1 amaJew. Ve_will take some visky, to le our throat; den I propose some No ‘whisky, Zr ane-nothin’ Yees'n cham si INo whisky, for’me—nothin’ lees’n chan “2 the ex-pirate — growled. ** Pye made eR. nzeen, sick, to-day, an’ now Fl, fer ther fun uy it.” ‘ .. Without,.demur, the pawnbroker ordered an«" ome for a ‘half-dozen of champagne, in pint bys They were soon served, by a waiter, and tiie- two aen—the conspirator and his pack finished one, before they conversed fur ‘‘ Now, then, [m ready to receive money pro pasa: Heart-Eater said, smackiug, bis 5 ips. ‘tEf ye’ve got any paying cash jobs, jos tors em at me, right peart.” ‘* Vell, I tell you vot 1 do,” Alberts said, after’ amoment of meditation. ‘‘ You vonce delf m: Pill, vot, you haff a fortune comin’ to you, ole in England.” ‘* Yes, but it ll allus be comin’ I reckon, fer :. hev lost all clew ter it, long ago,” the ex-pimat-.-: replied. R Put maybe I helbs you to get dot fortune Pill?’ Alberts suggested, cunningly. ‘ You sa yot your father’s name vas Ellston.” ‘Yes, thet was bis name.” heir?” * An’ you re on’s onl ““Humph! 1 was ther old man’s son, but ace: much uvaheir, All ther old cuss had whem he: flopped his last trump, was sum ragged toga, am: an mane tobaccer-box.” ** Vell, den, Pill, how much you giff tokmoe how to git dish fortune?” “Tl give you six inches o’ steel, if ye don’t. ess tome gabble, the ex-pirate growled y. **Den, I stop!” Alberts said. ‘This fortune of yourn, Bill, is awaiting a claimant. The un years is now up, and you can hage it freely, if you only know how and where t got it,” “Cuss you. How do you know anything about it, you infernal Sow?" **Oh! 1 find out.” ‘An’ ye can tell me how an’ where terlap - my claws on it?” ; ‘If you do shust as i want.” “ Look out fer my knife, you infer—” “Oh! I forgot again,” Alberts apologimed ou do just as I want, Bill Heart- t fortune, and place half of it 1 your: “ possession.” ‘*What in the devil wit ee do with the ter demanded sien half, then?’ Heart- “Ohi I keep for you de odder half—the efex- half 1 would say—till you getold. Maybe you - need it, then.” ‘*Oh! you’re an accommodatin’ cuss, yomgire And if I don’t agree to that?” ‘You get nore?” “Cuss ye! Well, I sup ou’ve got hal. | yer own way, and I'd better take thax none. Shove out yer pro Raf “Very well. I want you, first of al on up afellow whose name is Rutherford, . i tall, blonde, handsome. Tien, I want find out whereabouts his private steam-yettt: lies, about the harbor, and report to me. » Hipie: a ‘fat goose,’ and if you can ‘sample’ him, per» - share th andl: ou, can make a raise, an haps me. ind you don’t harm him, though.” “ Black yer boots, make ‘m shine, Only costs you half a dime. Touch yer sins up like a feather, _ Reflect yer natur’ in yer leather,” With a sudden curse Alberts wheeled ay to find Boss Bob just passing, boot-blacking in hand. ‘Satan take the boy!” he growled, Heart-Eater. ‘“‘He’s always around. su) he overheard us?” ‘What ’f he did? the ex-pirate d emended, _ dashing the neck off bis second bottle of eham -- Page. **He’s only a young urchin.” lynx, and as quick to hear as a deer.” i ¥ Never mind him—go on with your propost ons.’ ‘Well, next, I want you to see that the Sex. Breeze does not touch this port before. § - ber 10th. . After that, I may have another se job or two for you to do.” ‘Buti ben am I ter git the cash!” * When I am done with you,” Do yo". - ? as keen asa razor, as sharp-eyed ap r..

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—EEE — ———————— Som “That may be never.” “You err. When I get the young and ac- hed Miss Prescott, I '—have—noth- mg do with such men as Bill Heart-Eater.” See here! D’ye mean ter cast a slur on ther “ At present, yes. I will leave you to en the rest of hatches shipag tie Wines Weocmnaey se my interests, you may find me at my office, and rising, the scheming Jew left the dive. Not so with Heart-Eater. To have left without finishing the remaining bottles of champagne, would have been in his estimation a great sin. Moreover, he had a great capacity for stimulating drink, which he k every opportunity available to test. The contents of the third, fourth and fifth bottles found passage down his throat, and at last, when he had finished, his head dropped for- ward the table. He was overcome—drunk! Not far away Boss Bob and his strange com- On, the Nondescript, stood secretly watching | while they smoked a cigar. “Thare! that settles his hash!” the King of Beotblacks said, as the ex-pirate went off into a ove. ‘ Now, you stay heer, Nondescript, or hereabouts, an’ when he ‘trots home, you trot after him, an’ memorize his palatial abode. It ma ‘eee oy fer us ter know heerafter. D’ye nk "The other youth nodded; then Bob turned away, anias he once more eme u the street, his peculiar cry was h familiar, to this day, no doubt, to many a Centennial visit- or— , ‘| | “ Black yer boots—make’m shine, Gu Only costs ye half a dime—" Pe Alberts was at home, later, that same oh whe common home, either, was the abode of the t pawnbroker. I residences to ‘be was one of the princel adelphia—a stone found upon Green street, P ‘ari@/briek structure of castellated appearance, the magnificent exterior of which was but a foretasce of the interior. Everywhere was the ren pes eee and costly furni- ture, grand pictu ch ts, artistic hang- dings and fresco work—every g in the hii ‘of art or ornament that a heart could desire, or |- afancy crave, was there, showing that, villain he was, the pawnbroker prince had a rare avid well exercised taste, which his abundant means could well afford to gratify. Miya private parlor, sacred to his tread, the pawnbroker sat, in an easy-chair, while his slippered feet rested upon an ottoman, and a e wine table at his right hand contained many choice brands of liquors, in decan cigars, lasses, and and tobaccos, all o ' en olten kinds. Pipes - His* head was bowed forward, resting upon his band, and it was evident that he was buried “in deepest thought. ‘That his senses were keen- ‘ty on the alert, however, was manifest 5 roo : k raising of his head, as a footfall was t- audible u the soft carpet. ** Eunice!” he articulated, sternly. a a finely- shaped and handsome before him, ciad in the costume of the streets. “I wonder that yon are able to pronounce my meer yy sae pausing to recall it, Albert!” “Ah!” The pawnbroker’s manner changed from sternness to bland demeanor. ‘‘ Why say vou 80, my dear Eunice?” "Because you have so long neglected to call upon me, that I thought you had quite forgot- sen that such a person existed as me. Do not my dear,’ to me, Dr. ; I will not toler- MT kad h ti, ? Are why not, pray you not mine— betrothed from the cradle, by an agreement be- tween our respective parents?’ ‘Exactly! Do you remember what is the padres either you or I should back out of the contr son **Ah! no; I really have forgotten about that, {—Il—ahem!” “T have not forgotten, Dr. Alberts,” the maiden cared growing momentarily more ex- sited. ‘No, indeed, I have not id apes The wronged never forget. My bl is just as pure and high as yours. lam of Hebrew de- _scent—you are the same. By that fact we should be bound ther bye strong tie. The forfeit, sir, of which I spoke, is ten thousand Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. _ dollars, to be paid by the one who backs out, to the other!” “So much? Well, what of it? I do not think that I have given verbal dissent to our union.” ‘*'You have not? What am I to infer, when I receive no more visits from you? You have not darkened my deor since about the time of the owe of Centennial. What is the rea- son ** Ah! D sey are sensible, now, to ask that,” Al- berts replied, good-naturedly. ‘‘ Business! busi- ness, my dear—a could keep me so long from your side. night I have labored, until to-night, I am forced to seek my home, from sheer fatigue.” “You lie, Albert Alberts—you lie like the base villain that you are! Think you I do not know the reason why you have not come? If 80, you err, most strangely. I know the one and only reason. How? Bah! Iam no fool— leave it to me to find out. You expect to fore- close a mo’ soon upon the person of a pret- Christian girl; you sit here at your ease, hts, dreaming over the he ‘es f you =n® to eve. Do you ever think of Eunice Res- sauer? No, indeed, no! has omg Bye out of your thoughts. But, beware, Albert Alberts! ou should know me amount of business alone Day and She, in such moments, well enough to know that I would never Jet you have her—no! no! no! a thousand. times, no /” ‘Eunice! Eunice!” the pawnbroker exclaimed, anxiously; “‘ calm yourself, my dear girl. You are wild—excited—” ‘*Stop! donot interrupt me. and then I will go. Iam not wild; I know just what I am saying. I have been gathering wrath, for over a month, and making it ready to convert into vengeance. All I require is a moment’s notice to pour that vengeance upon you. I have said you should not have the Christian girl—more, I have sworn it! Death shall be my agency of prevention. She shall not die, she is not to blame. It is you who shall die, unless you let her free. Remember—such is the oath of Eunice Rassauer!” Then, turning, with a face flushed with indig- nation, the Hebrew gir] we from the room. When she had gone, Alberts poured out a Hear me out, glass of gulp. re Ve shall see!" be said, grimly, returning to his dialect; ‘‘ ve shall see apoud dis bizness! > It dakes two ter settle such questions as dose.” Rhine wine, and swallowed it at a CHAPTER VII. BOSS BOB TO THE FRONT AGAIN. “Papal” Pear! Prescott stopped her father in the grand hallway, as he was about to on the evening of the second ae dee him by barricading his passage with her slight figure. “Well, rap reed the merchant kindly inter- rogated, as he stroked her soft, luxuriant hair. Papa, come in here, if you can spare me a moment;” and she threw open the library door, and entered, the merchant following. ‘ Now Tell me,” Pearl said, a wild, anxious look in her eyes—‘* tell me if the Sea Breeze has yet arrived? I cannot longer wait without knowing. For the last month I have been noting how troubled you look at times, but un- til now have refrained from asking you.” “No, the Sea Breeze has not arrived,” Mor- ton Prescott replied, gravely. A faint moan came from Pearl, “Tt is as I have all along anticipated,” she said, attempting to be very brave, when in truth her heart was sinking. ‘The ship will not touch the port in time, and I—I am lost!” “By Heaven, no!” the merchant replied pacing the floor go y “Something wi yet turn up, I hope, to rid you from the claim of the scheming Jew!” *“ Ah! if the Breeze does not come home, Bowe Bat can an pein A turn LM Can you money to the loan a I fear neh, ad mf the ship arrives. As soon as she touches her prow in port, I can board her, and dispose of the whole within ten minutes, at reasonable figures. But unless she arrives previously to one minute to twelve, it will be impossible for me to raise a dollar, ex- cept by mo this place again, and that ald sattehy the densand:* t the mansion, growing anxious, by would not At this juncture a servant entered. “ A bootblack, sir, at the door, who wants to see Mr. Morton Prescott, sir,” the worthy said, bowing. ‘Shall I bounce ’im?’ ‘No, Lawlor; show him in,” the merchant —— after a moment of thoughtfulness. Then, the waiter had gone, he turned and an- swered Pearl’s surprised gaze. ‘My views have changed somewhat, you see,” ay of September | need ot pene eee he said, with a faint smile. ‘“‘I am ina pros pect of coming down to the level of bootblacks, and may as well acquaint myself with their wa ‘The ragamuffin, sir,” announced the voice of Lawlor, and the next minute a person was shoved forward into the room, and the door oD iehnacaseas, Bias Seeeilalpandragond person was y an as ever, and equi with his even dirtier looking blacking kit; which he forthwith deposited u the sofa, while he dropped confidentially into an easy-chair. And the merchant and his pretty daughter, standing a short distance away, at the street gamin in uised astonishment. ‘*Evenin’ to on Bob said, not appar- ently in the least discomposed at the situation. ‘* Ruther cheeky, ain’t I, ter take persession in this shape? But then, ye see, it’s pardonable, ’ca’se I’ve been head over neck inter bizness ever since daylight. ‘Spect you’re Morton Pres- cott, Eskwire, ain’t ye; an’ that purty young lady is yer darter?” “T am Morton Prescott—yes, sir; and the young lady is also my daughter,” the merchant replied, sewn *Tho’t so, I did! “You two look as near alike as two peas. Tho’t I’d meander down this way, and call in, jest fer fun—ter see if ye didn’t want ter engage a purfessional detective. Ain’t purtickler about ther good repertation I make —you kin have that gratis, All I’m after’sther collatteral!” ‘‘Do you pretend to call yourself a profes- sional detective, then?’ the merchant demanded, with a smile. “Yes, I reckon I'll adopt ther thing, since P've hed ther luck to git a recommend from Stokely. Didn’t use ter aspire ter a posish above blackin’ boots, but, since I’ve see’d Grant, an’ all ther other big guns paradin’ theirselves around heer at ther Centenyal, ve jest made up my mind ter rise, too. Hain’t goin’ ter shake off wi’ ther boots tho’, til I strike a permanent job. ’"Twon’t be long afore I'll be as big, an’ fat, an’ corpulent, an’ high-toned as all these fust-class roosters, fer I'm goin’ ter cum down ter eyster an’ clam- bake diet. So, ef ye think ye hain’t gotno openin’, jest tip us yer tongue, ter thet effeck, an’ |’ll meander off.” Morton Prescott laughed, lightly, and even Pearl’s eyes flashed with amusement, for both saw that their visitor, although a street Arab was more than his terse, illiterate manner of speech would seem to indicate. “Well, I don’t know that I have much need for the services of a detective,” the merchant “ What caused you to think I might one “Oh! it kinder popped inter my noddle. Ye see, = a see gets onto ar ene ey th a precipice, an’ can’t see no way out ’cep er sacrifice oO’ a life, he needs a friend an’ a leetle help » Party bad. “A very truthful bit of logic; my youn friend. But, have you any idea you furnish the requisite relief?’ “* Dunno about that; might, an’ ag’in I might not. Wouldn’t be much afeard ter tackle ther case, ef I hed all o’ ther p’ints jotted down.” “ What is your name, sir?” ‘* Boss Bob, fer short. There’s anuther name o’ Maloney hitched onter me, but I don’t take to it kindly. *Mongstther b’hoys, I’m ginerally called ther King o’ Bootblacks, because I gin- nerally ‘corner’ ther apy sce mon ther traffick o’ sech guns as Stokely, Hartranf Dom Pedro, ’Lysses Grant, an’ in fact all ther chief magnates an’ ‘’way ups.’” $8 b, eh? I think name is not un- familiar to me. I have heard the Chief of Police speak of you.” “Yas; the know me as well as they do their ‘clubs’ when their hand is flush.” “Well, sir, since you seemed to have gained some insight into my affairs, sup you tell me just what you do know?’ the merchant Boss Bob scratched his ‘ peeled’ heada mo- ment, as if trying to determine what was best to do; a ceme Re head, it was, too, large and well developed. i “Well, ter come down to solid facts,” he said, after a moment, ‘‘I heerd down on ’Change, thet yer financial condishun wazzent prime. Thet was along sum spell ago. Next, I found out, I was secreted in Alberts’s pawnbroker shop, last New Year's, a-watchin’ fer deposits o’ seelins goods, when you cum in, an’ barg’ined off yer gal ter thet Jewsharp. That made me mad, it did, fer I know’d w’at a rusty customer thet Alberts war, an’ sez I ter myself, sez I: Til keep my eye peeled till this peach ripens,

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scarcer than teeth in ther Bozs Eob, The King of Bootbl2c an’ mebbe I[ kin git a bite. So I've kinder spotted ther Jew ever since, an’ caugnt him in several other gum games.” ‘* Ah! you are more valuable thanT at first deemed you, boy,” the merchant said, eagerly. ‘“What else do you know relative to this busi- ness?” ““T know that unless you: are ‘flush’ wi’ col- latteral about one minute to twelve o’clock, eight days after to-day, yonder gal is a goner, sure’s preechin’.” x ‘“* Alas! I am in no danger of getting money enough to repay the loan,” the merchant groan- ed, and he began to pace and tio. ‘“‘ What is to be done?” ‘* Well, thet ‘ depends,’ as the old woman said, when she pointed to her husband, who was 'per- forming on -a perpendicular tight at Moyamensing. Ef ye want ter make an en- ment o’ my perfessional services, I'll en- Seaver ter give ye a lift.” ' “Of course—of course! If you can and will assist me out of my dilemma, I will be your humble servant, forever.” “Nixy! thet ain’t what ’m after,” Boss Bob averred, shaking his head. “I kin get lots o’ jobs, if I'd take my pay in friendship an’ all sech lollygag. Tell ye what it is, boss: I’ve stubbed’ my way through ther world since I was big enough ter pick up cigar stubs an’ sell ‘em, an’ I never found a better an’ trustier friend than solid collatteral. You folks who waz brought up in luxury an’ illegance ma hev a warm admiration fer so-called * friend- ship,’ but, ef ye hedn’t but’ a shilling or two, blame me if you wouldn’t find yer so-call friends ack OV’ a saw. Solid cash an’ Panty o’ cheek "Il carry a feller thru the world in better shape than a huckster cart-load _o’ hot-house friends. Ain’t them Centennial facks, now?” ‘*Well, I must admit that there is considera- ble logic in your argument. Of course you shall be well paid for your work for me if-you can in an way assist me, and shall also have my friendship. ‘And mine, too. If you will help papa to ainsay that odious Jew’s claim upon me, Pil— ‘ll just worship you,” Pearl cried, clasping her hands, enthusiastically. At which Boss Bob gave vent to a little pro- longed whistle of amazement. ‘Well, now, that ain’t bad, fer high,” he ad- mitted, surveying Miss Prescott. ‘* You're the first young lady I ever met, who has compli- mented me—an’ you're a reg’lar beauty, too, I most gennerally git broomsticks, bootjacks, an’ scrub buckets fired at my head, when I go ter shinin’ around ther gals.’ So, T'llv jot ye down in my memory, an’ ef [ ever conclude , down r « eee act he} h Alberts, has bin s’pose ye know thet Jewsharp r workin’ ag’in’ you, all the while?” “Indeed, no—I know nothing of the ‘sort. Every time I have met him he has seemed very ntlemanly, and has manifested the greatest tek eat that I should get my ship ia, in time to dispose of my cargo, so that I could pay him back the loan.” ‘*Oh! he’s bin soft-soapin’ you, hes he? Well, I kinder tho’t that was his game. But, ter come right down ter ther solid facts ‘o’ ther case, he’s bin playin’ off on ye, so thet ye shouldn’t get yer ship in, time enuff ter sell yer cargo, an’ raise ther rhino. He hez in his em- ploy, a big ex-pirate, an’ through this same daisy’s aid, has caused the Sea Breeze from be- in ree sh ae Rang = bs aan A is fin- ally on its way here, a nothing happens will strike this port sometime between ther 9th and 11th of September.” ‘*‘ Ah! then there is yet hopes!” the merchant exclaimed. ‘* Mebbe and mebbe not,” Boss Bob replied. “These ships and Re mgt much _ hoe nded on, ginnerally, when it comes ter a day or two. AR then, too, ther Jew hes got wind vf about ther time she’s due, an’ he’s goin’ ter start this Heart-Eater off ter scuttle her!” ‘What! Can this be true?” “Yas; true’s ski cheese. An’ ef we don’t circumnavigate that precious pt 0’ knaves ther Sea Breeze will be delayed, if not grounded on ther bottom o’ Delaware bay.” ' “By Heaven! this is the most infamous thing I have yet heard of!” the merchant cried, great- ly exci “As you say, these consummate rascals must be balked. If what you say is true, this Jew is even a greater rascal than [ d him.” eemed A “Oh! he’s a hoss, and no mistake. I thort I’d , and wake up yer eyedeas on ther sub- drep in ject of his virtues, an’ havin’ done it I'll go, I eee iat ae “ But, you will come again, m ry,” Mor- ton Prescott said, warmly. r; ‘Oh! you bet yer boots on that! I'll *tend ter A ae an’ ef anything turns up, I'll re- port.’ “Do so. I shall want to see you again, after T’ve had time to think this matter over. I must think the matter over, and then—” ““Mind yer P’s and Q’s an’ ye’ll wether ther gale. Yes, [ll cum again, fer I’ve sot an eye on yer purty daughter, an’ fer her sake, I’m goin’ ter go my last dollar on savin’ yer ven- ture. But, a penny earned is a penny more added to ther foundation o’ a fortune, an’ as.yer boots look rusty, I’il add business ter pleasure, by shinin’ ’em, free gratis.” And the next minute the irrepressible Arab of the streets was briskly busied at blacking the merchant’s boots. When the job was completed, he cheekil accepted a proffered fifty-cent piece, and dof- fing his hat fo his new acquaintances, took his departure, giving vent, when he reached the street, to his peculiar ery: “Black yer boots, make ’em shine,” ete, That same evening,*a man stood upon the top of the «beautifully gas-illumined double- decked bridge, which crosses the Schuylkill river at Spring Garden street, and endeavored to decipher the writing upon a piece of paper, which he held in the light of one of the pillared gas-lamps. a sia “This must be the directions the boy gave me,” he mattered; ‘and as 1 am in the ideality, I must find him, for it strikes me he’s the very chap I want. Somehow, it occurs to me that I made a fool of myself when 1 took that in- fernal Jew into my confidence, for I saw, him regarding me, to-day, witha ——_ expres- sion upon his face, which sent a shudder down my backbone. Humph! I’ve been here well on toward a month, now, and am no nearer the conclusion ‘of my job than I was on my arrival, despite my advertisements, and the search of the directories. The next thing for me to do is to employ a bootblack to assist. Ha! ha! my Colonel Dick Rutherford~-what would your blue-blooded relations:say, did they know that you Were stooping to notice common bootblacks? Well! well! we are all flesh and blood, and I don’t know why one isn’t as good as another, “Let me see! This is the queerest Mea eard I ever. struck: ‘Boss Bob: Schuy)lki river; Bines and Scheaff’s Coal-’us; Bin 12— Hard—Large Nut; Squeal ‘Keno’ in falsetto voice. ‘*Now if that isn’t characteristic, I’ve lost my ‘guess. Yet it’s plain cud, no doubt, when one knows how to take it. His residence, evi- dently, is in Bines and Scheaff’s coal-house, Coal Bin No. 12 of the Hard, Large Nut species. Now the next thing is to find the coal-house in question. I saw the name, somewhere along here, yesterday.” A few glances around found the coal-house in question, stahding upon the west shore of the river, and identified from other buildings by the name of the firm upon it in large letters, To reach it Colonel Rutherford would be ob- liged to reach the lower deck, which was acces- sible by crossing the river to the eastern side and then descend the reservoir path into East Fairmount park, into which the lower deck or Haverford street section of the bridge bad an opening. Then he would have to recross the river again tothe western side. oanes brisk walker, however, he soon com- pleted the task, and stood in the vicinity of the great building, used for the purpose of unloading and storing the coal of river traffic. When but a few rods from this building, he Sere faren be aco sc u e r, it sounded any uu falsetto in tone. to him. : Then, standing in the darkness, he waited for an answer. CHAPTER VIIL DOWN THE SCHUYLKILL—TOO LATE! Drrectiy there was a reply. ‘Hello, there—what’s wanted?’ came from somewhere about the barn-like edifice, Rutherford went forward. He recognized the voice as that belonging to Boss Bob. “It’s I—Colonel Rutherford,” he said. ““Where will I find you? These premises are nee to “e and it’s darker than the seven shades ro) ‘ A little whistle denoting surprise, came from out the darkness. Then footsteps, and later the form of the King o! the Bootblacks followed. is, 9 ‘So it’s you, is it?” be demanded, surveying the colonel, by aid of a small dark lantern, on which he ss the slide. se ware lookin fer extinguis visitors at) this time o’ night. Didn’t know but some o’ the roughs had — ter dust my ulster, as théey’ve frequently prom- ao, todo. Come along inter my private par- or.’ And, following his initiation the strange youth led the way into the great storehouse, and up a pair of stairs to a second floor. Here were numerous bins of coal, upon theside front- ing the river; black and dirt were the chief characteristics of the place, as the colonel had surmised One bin had been long in disuse, evidently, and this had been cleaned and washed until it was in more of a presentable condition. It’s furniture consisted of a large oaken chest, bound with iron; two stools, and a pile of straw in one corner, covered with blankets. Into this novel habitation, Boss Bob conducted his visitor, and pointed him to a stool, while hé set his lantern upon thé chest. ‘‘Heer we aire,” the King of thé Bootblacks said, with a glance of pride at his surroundings. “This is my castle, every day ina week, when Lain’t absent. How d’ye like it, Curnel?”’ ‘*You don’t mean to tell me this is the onl home you have?” the London barrister de - ed. ‘Yas, I opine itis,” Bob replied, producing a couple of oranges, and offering one to his visi- tor, which was accepted with thanks. “I'll allow it ain’t no brown-sto: e, nera brick abode, but two'‘ bricks’ occeryiies it, nights, which’ is jest. the same. As 'terhevin’ any other home, I spect there’s anuther domysile,, down on St. Mary’s street, wa’t claims me, but I don’t never respond, ye see. I cut locse from ther old folks over a year ago, ’ca’se I tuk it inter my bead they warn’t my parents. ©The 6ld woman she is Dutch, the old man is Irish, an’ I’m clear Yank, ter ther backbone,.an’ I couldn’t make it ap- pear thet they war my natteral born progeni- ters,» An’, then, visions rized inter my mind thet mebbe I was a lost heir ter sum Duke, or Vice-President, an’ so lL cut loose from ther old uns, an” left ther’ old leddy ter yell ‘catty— catty—cat-fish,”in a falsetter voice, an’ ther old man ter heave coke, jest as he used ter, in days of Yorick. «‘*’T wasn’t never safe up there, no- how ye could make it, fer both of ’em used ter cum home b’ilin’, an’ sumtimes ther air’d be ful- ler 0’ chairs, long-neck bottles, an’ brickbats, oe a yaller dorg is o’ fleas. So I cut loose. Colonel Rutherford finished the orange, and lit a cigar, a smile upon his face. “You did right,” he said, after a moment. ‘*T don’t believe mage that you,sprung from such parentage. But, that. is neither here nor there. I have a little need of your services, and wn er os well, if you succeed,” ‘Well, ’m willin’, olay; a ere’s collatteral an’ no crime attached ter ther job. So ce sing out yer wants in short meter, an’ J’]] listen.” Seocadinesy Ane pacaped f pethed, him me errand whi ad broug im to America, the same way that he had explained it. to Al- berts, the pawnbroker, adding the fact of his a, - the Jew into his confidence. ‘““There’s jest where ye made a foolof your- self,” Boss Bob declared. ‘‘I wouldn’t trust that Jewsharp wi’ a cutting uv my little toe- nail, I wouldn't. He’s a sly rooster, an’ a deep schemer. Bet a five-cent cigar r twig thar me. ‘“‘ Ab! how do you mean?” “Tl tell ye. I’ve bin spottin’ that. same Is- raelite fer awhile back, an’ ther other night I overheard a part o’ his conversation wi’ an ex- pinata, who sails under ther name of Bil! Heart- ter. Your name was mentioned, and so I listened. Alberts was a-tellin’ Heart-Eater about a big fortune to which ther latter was a int heir; an’ the Jew told Elliston, or Heart- ter, thet if he’d help bim do some jobs, he’d git him his share o’ the fortune.” ‘‘Ab! what kind of a man is this Heart- Eater, then?” “A regiler bony-fide ruffian, who'd as lieve knife a feller as to luk at him. He’s bin a Pirate, he sez.” ‘* And claims that his name is Eliston, eh?” “Tt seems so.” ‘* Did you learn anything else?” ‘No; not jest then. I know a few about thet ar’ Alberts, all the same. He’s playin’ ther base violin wi’ a doublesbow.” ‘“* How do you mean?” “Oh! in multitudinously various ways, I reckon. He’s tryin’ one little transaxion w’ot I reckon won’t work.”

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10 Then, in his own je way, the young King of Bootblacks related the state of affairs that was menacing the Prescott ere Colonel Rutherford listened attentively; the a oa his handsome eyes showing the interest © ‘*You say this merchant’s daughter is very prettys eh?” he interrogated, when Bob had fin- I F ‘““Purty? Well, I guess so: She’s purtier’n any ripe peach or arsey watermelon ye ever see, lame me, ef I wasn’t so ambishus ter reach ther presidential cheer, I b’leeve I'd ask ’er ter share my sorrers an’ ew The English barrister laughed heartily. ‘I presume so. Prescott, you say the name is?’ “You bet!” ““Prescott—Prescott. Humph! I wonder if there is any significance in the resemblance be- tween the two names. I say, boy, can you not take. me around to this Prescott’s, and give me a recommend?” Boss Bob scratched his head a moment, re- flectively. **T dunno about that,” he said, with a smile, ‘‘ Luk’s ter me as if ye were goin’ ter try an’ cut me out.” ‘Oh! no fear of that, at all. It kind of oc- curs to me that this Prescott may be the Preston of whom I am in search, but I may easily be mistaken. It won’t dono to make a cau- tious investigation, at least.” “No, it won’t, that’s a fact; but ye see, thar’s sumthin’ else that absorbs yer personal atten- tion jest now.” “ t?”’ fies a (le Sere a: re ther eelberte a ago, y, when along cum rij up ter kill, along wi’ anuther feller—a ° his, jest out o’ Moya—an’ they wanted ter & little steam tug.” 44 Well?” “ Waal, I've kinder bin in’ my bump o’ phrenology as ter what fer then chen wented thet tug fer. Alberts has a yacht of his own, an’ is sum’at uainted ’ ther riggin’ o water crafts. But I reckon he hain’t agoin’ ter take no moonlight excursion on sech a tug.” ‘* Did he hire it, then?” “Yes. Paid slap down fer it; but didn’t want ter use it till ter-night, well on ter mid- night. Oh! probably he has some trip under view, necessitating a h craft,” the colonel said. ** Yas, mebbe; though his yacht is a good race- hoss, an ar’ widely known fer its grace an’ cim- ‘s Perkare ou have formed some idea as to the nature of his have you not?” ‘* Well, yes; I reckon I twig ther durned Jew- sharp’s game, It’s one o’ two thin ither in’ ter help intercept ther Sea Breeze, or else dtl oe our ship o’ ther fortune you’ve fetched across water.” The colonel started, violently. “By Heaven! maybe you're t! If you had not spoken of it, I should not have th 7 of such a thing—but, now, I have no doubt but he the bere Jow is bent Hae ee Tey uchess, for the purpose you have men ‘ Something must be dine.” “Yas, ef ye don’t want ’er part wi’ yer for- tin’,” Bob assured. ‘‘ What time is it by your turnip?” The colonel at his watch. ** Just mi ht,” he said. ‘* Which be about ther time ther Jew was ter start. Whar does yer ship lay?” ‘In Delaware Bay, nearly opposite the mouth of the Delaware. I left hor there, believing the treasure would be safer out of the. city limits.” “Phew! there’s where ye made a mistake. How many is there aboard?” ““Two—the engineer and a ——- old seaman whom I have long had in my employ. rest of the hands I discharged for a vacation as soon as we dropped anchor.” “Then, ef we don’t put in ovr say, pl suddint, yer fortin’s a_goner, you bet!” Bob declared. ‘Ther Jew an’ his pal aire up ter snuff, an’ et won’t take ’em long ter git away wf yer two chaps.” “True! true! But, what shall I do? It will be next to impossible for me to reach the Duchess ahead of them, unless I can charter a swift steamer.” r. * Which ye can’t do, short o’ thé Delaware,” Boss Bob said, grimly. ‘ But, I’ve got a plan worth two'o’ yourn. Can ye pull a géod stid- dy stroke?” “Ah! yes. I flatter myself few better oars- men ever glided over the moody Thames.” “Then, mebbe we're all hunk yet, tho’ I've a forebodin’ we'll git in too late. me! let’s git Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks, po caro Hello, ther’, Nondescript, you ras- ca In answer to the Bootblack King’s call, there was a commotion in the straw, at one corner of the bin, and the person of the Nondescript came into view. ‘*Come!” Boss Bob said, sharply. ‘Help me git out the Long Tom!” The trio then descended the stairs to the lower portion of the building, and Bob and his stran companion brought forth a long regatta shell, with four oars, and seating capacity for three persons. This was borne down to the water’s edge, and Col. Rutherford soon found himself out upon the river, with a pair of oars in his hands, in company with the two young Arabs, who, in London, he woull not have deigned to notice. The second pair of oars were manipu- lated by Boss Bob, while the Nondescript held the tiller, his strange owl-like eyes peering ahead sharply into darkness. A thorough oarsman, it took Colonel Ruther- ford but a moment to learn that he had found his equal in the young bootblack. Superior in stren to most yonths of his size and years; quick and precise, with accuracy of measure, Bob was well skilled as an oarsman. And as the colonel was the same, the twain found it an easy task to row together, and sent the long shell plowing through the water at a = rate. e keen as of the Nondescript keptthe prow ht in the center of the river, except when some larger boat loomed up in its path—then he would veer it enough to one side to avoid a col- lision. Market, Chestnut and South street bridges were passed, and still the two oarsmen plied their oars steady and —— each dip bending the ashen blades, and shooting the boat alon like a thing of life. The colonel was the to perspire, but he kept resolutely at his work for he knew that much depended upon his ans the Duchess of the rascally ew. Boss Bob seemed equally interested that they should reach their destination on time; but, un- like the colonel, he did not easily perspire, for he was tough and rugged, and inured to all sorts of harpships. ‘Tl won't take long, now,” he said as the the bluff’s at the rear of Woodlands tery. ‘‘ Ef we keep on at this rate, we’ll hr A Alberts, w’ich would tickle me a “ Ah! it would also put me at ease,” the col- onel said, anxiously. ‘‘ But, something tells me that we will be too late. <A steam tug, if right- ly managed can double on our time.” ee in,” Boss Bob assented, — the salt water that exhaled from the 10 Ba heir oars. ‘* But, sumthin’ may have detained ’em —mebbe they won't durst board the Duchess, until the night gits darkest, jest before dawn.” “We wil hope so, until welearn differently,” was the colonel’s reply. Then they rowed on, with increased speed, through the gloom of the night. “s op yer eye led fer the Harbor Perlice Script, becautioned. ‘Ef they was ter spot us a-pullin’ away, like this, they’d most likely want ter interview us, which would waste preshus time.” Then on again, they went. Neither of the triohad been over the course before, and Boss Bob was somewhat deceived as to the distance they had to go before reaching the outlet into the Delaware. Work the best they could, it was after 3 a. M., ere they shoved out into the bay. arkness reigned supreme, except for an oc- tg a — yet he ery oe ocating the anchorage of various of Hold tps minute,” the colonel said, etl I can get my bearings. I shall have to look around me, till I find my ship.” Accordingly the oars were allowed a and the lawyer around . “Ah! there’s the Duchess,” he exclaimed inting to the south-east—the ship with the Fight at the top of the mainmast. “‘ Ahead we go—lively, now!” And, once more they bent to their oars, In half an hour they came to a neat, stanch-look- ing steamer; in five minutes more, leaving the Nondescript in the boat, the colonel and Boss Bob were on deck. And there, lying bound and gagged, the found the engineer and seaman, whom the col- onel had left in command. Both Rutherford and Boss Bob knew what this meant:—Albert Alberts and his confederate had already been there! As quickly as possible, they were liberated and assisted to their feet. ‘Quick, now!” the eolonel cried; ‘tell me the worst—what tbis means—all!” ‘‘The money’s all gone, capt’in,” the seaman said, bowing his he ‘* We were surp a couple of chaps, in masks, and as they ‘ cover- ed’ us, an’ threatened to blow our brains out if we resisted, we had the choice of death, or ac- quiescence. We took the latter!” CHAPTER IX. THE VERMONTER SCORES A HIT—TWO LETTERS. Mrs. Prescort sat in her own private parlor of the great mansion—sat with her fair face radiant with smiles, and listened to the words | of a foppish, stylishly-dressed fellow, who lognged in an easy-chair: before her. ‘‘ Le Grande,” my lady said, ‘‘ you have been a faithful friend to me, and more than once I have felt it was for my best to fly from this home, and seek shelter and protection from ou. “ Aw! Sylvia, why did you not? You know aw! that your reception would have nm welcome... It was a rash move of bee deah Mrs. Prescott—that of giving your rl where your heart could not go.” ‘True, but the thought of being the mistress of such a home, and of so much gold, impre me greatly, and caused me to wed a man whom I never did and never can care for.” “Tt is not yet too late to leave him. His financial ruin is now almost e matter of certain- ty. I was talking with Alberts, to-day, and he assured me that the Sea Breeze would not touch port at all. So you see, Morton Prescott is again literally penniless, and his amiable daugh- ter becomes the victim of the Jew.” Mrs. Prescott’s eyes sparkled. ‘Nothing could suit me better than to see the Jew take that girl!” she said, with a trifle of malice. ‘‘I hate her, even more than I do him. But, why is it that the Sea Breeze will not arrive?” ** Alberts did not say in so many words, but hinted that she was liable to touch bottom be- fore she touched port. It may be possible however, that she will turn up, all safe an sound, after the 10th of September at one minute to twelve o’clock.” ** You think _~ though?” “Exactly. And in case it does not come in, Morton Prescott will have to recommence life on a smaller scale, and your fashionable friends will notice youno more. In that case, you had parker qa im, forme. He has no culture; J have, He will haye no mone ; I have. You know bew I get it; what of it? You love me, you say.” “YT will think—I will think about it,” the merchant’s wife said. ‘‘If I could only—” The door opened, and a servant entered the room, bab i 4 you please, ma’am,” he said, bowing, ‘‘there’s a countryman at the door, who wante to see the master. I said he was not in, but he insists on seeing the missus, then.” “Tell him to go away, Dick. I do not re- ceive visitors at this hour—nor at any other hour do I receive country clodhoppers. Order him to be gone.” “Yes’m—ah! oh! "hem! There’s the fellow, now, missus, cum in wid out any invitation. And, sure enough, a burly figure p the servant, and entered the room. And the man was Joshua Evergreen! “ Howdy do, aunty,” he said, advancing to- ward Mrs. Prescott, with outstretched hand. “Gol darn me ef I ain’t glad ter see ye! Where’s uncle Mort, an’ ther rest o’ the folks?” : “ Sir?’ Mrs. Prescott said, rising, heughtily. ‘Who are you, and what do you mean by this intrusion?” ‘Haw! haw! Guess ye don’t know me, mebbe!. I’m Josh Evergreen, frum Plunket, Varmont, an’ I cum down ter see ther Centen- nial, and uncle Mort, and the rest 0’ you. You're uncle Mort’s second wife, eh? aal, that accounts fer yer not knowin’me. Gosh darn my aga 8 you're a good looker, an how, Uncle Mort he allus were a good jedge o weemin. Phew! ess I'll set down, fer I’m almighty tired. n trampsin around this aSiested city fer every since J arriv’, and hev fad enuf adventures ter fill a dickshunary.” “Sir!” Mrs. Prescott said, again, with su- reme stiffness, ‘“‘ your intrusion here is unpar- onable, Ido not know 7 nor do J care to make the acquaintance of your ey high- ness. If you came to see my husband, the ser- vant will show you to the cellar kitchen, where you may await his return from town,”

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SS ee Git out, will ye!” Joshua grunted, both sur- sed and offended. ber guess I shan’t do noth- n’ o’ the kind: This ar’ uncle Mort’s house, an’ I s’pect Pll hev the best it affords. Ye needn’t git yer back up, ’cause I cum from Plunket. I’m gol-darned sure thar’s jest as good folks in Plunkes as thar is in Phila elphy ; an’ ef ye doan’t want to know me ye can do the other thing. I doan’t ask no odds of no female eritter thet ever breathed, I doan’t, ’cept they treat me decent.” Sylvia Prescott grew fairly livid with rage. To be thus bea in her own apartments by a rough son of the rural districts, was some- thine too horrible for her sensitive nerves to stand, and she turned to her companion, in de- spair. ‘Le Grande, my dear, I appeal to you’ to protect me from insult, and abuse!” she cried. Hello!” Josh ejaculated, ‘as ‘he took ‘a good look at the dandy. ‘‘Gosh darn my buttons éf ou ain’t the same chap who stdle my ten dol- ars, up to the Centenyal, an’ afterward got parding frum ther judge. Yes! sir-ee! I know you now.” And to his feet the brawny son of the State of Vermont leaped, his sledge-hammer fists doubling up, sug vely. “Yas, I know ye,” he continued, grimly, as Le Grande, alias Fitz Noodle, fidgeted, and grew pale. ‘I know ye jest like a calf knows sweet milk frum buttermilk, an’ I sweared, when the jelge freed ye, thet ’'d take thet ten dollars out o’ yer gol-darned hide. Shouldn’t wonder ef this was ordained ter be ther opper- tunity I want, ter tan out yer jacket, you mean sim an’ I’m goin’ ter do it. Mebbe I ama country clodhopper, as ye call it, but I can lick you or any other stuck-up chap that ever wore vaper collars, you hear me! So, which wa Pye want eer frum ther shoulder, or s i pick ye up an’ throw ye down-stairs? Jest as tief do one as ’tuther.” “You had best not lay hands on me, you coarse booby!” Le Grande cried, thrusting his hand significantly into his hip pocket.. ‘ I will thoot you, like a <~ “ Oh! ye will, will ye?’ Josh growled, sav- agely. ‘‘Gol-darn it, ef I only had a revolver, T could shoot, too. I'll be gum-blasted, though, ef I believe you've got one.” ‘‘ Better come at me, and see!” the ‘ confider’ gritted, fiercely, although there was a pti- e nervousness in his manner which not es- -eape the eye of Josh. ‘Guess I'd better tew,” he replied, chuckling. “ Don’t imagine thet I'd git hurt wnuch.” The next instant he had bounded forward, and ted one of his great fists full in the face of the dandy villain, in a way that evidenced wi yishout 90 much groan, Le Gran ; out so m as &@ de ‘dr to the floor insensible. ; hy a oe en e, n Flu os rning to Mrs. Prescott, with a broad grin.” “Didn't I give that durned skunk an old sockdollager, ‘tho’? He jest went down as perlite as yer please, _ “Villain! outrageous brute? how dare you thus insult my dear friend? Get ont of ‘the house, sir, or I will have you horsewhipped.” Br py Won't do it,” the Vermonter declared. “This is uncle Mort's house, an’ I’m goin’ ter stay right heer, tillhe comes. Ef ye don’t like my style, ma’am, ye can go intoa corner, an’ suck yer thumb.” ‘‘Hello! here; what is the matter?” a deep voice demanded, and the next minute Morton Prescott stepped into the room. , “ What is it, Sylvia: who is this fellow, and what does he want here?” “Th tell ye-who I am, ” the Vermonter cried springing to his feet. ‘I’m yer nephew; Josh vergreen, frum Plunket, Vermont, an’ I come down here to see ther elerphant, but yer woman here, she do not like me, an’ tells me to git out ° Mindecdt” It Eve a p you are an rgreen, are welcome,” the merchant said, shaking tim by the hand. “ Sylvia, this is Mr. Ev my nephew. His mother was a sister of Daisy, my first wife.” , ‘* Ah! Lalways imagined the first Mrs. Pres- eott was from rural districts,” was the re- ply, with a faint sneer. ‘““Gol-darn it, she had better breedin’ than you have, anyhow,” Josh averred, savagely. “ Sylvia, you will please treat Mr. Eve with more consideration, for I’ve seen and heard quite enouga to give him my confidence,” Mor- ton Prescott said, sternly. ‘‘ Come, Josh, let’s seek my luncheon table,” “Ef you s:y so; uncle Mort, I hain’t no ob- jections. I hain’t had a good square meal since I | eft. Plunket, gol-darn me ef I hev. I fetched | along sum home-made cookies, but, ye see, sass- | éngers ain’t ripe yet, an’ ther cookies played | out, afore I got here.. Yes, 1 don’t care ef Ido | eat a bite,” : Giving only a glance of wrath at Sylvia, and , Boss Bob, The King’ of Bootblacks, 11 ‘* PHILADELP’ Pa., Nov. —%. “Dear MoRtiver— Your pro ion was ble, and I_at cnee set_a London agent at work. From him I learn :hat Rutherfor will sail for Phila- delphia some time in July, on a search for the heirs, bringing with him the four fortunes. He will be recommended to me by Schauss & Co., and I'll work it with care. Make it your point to be here by the at the still insensible man upon the floor, the , first of tet if possible, and we'll capture the merchant led the way to his own apartments, in-which with his new visitor he'dined, pleasant- | | yFrhen, leaving Josh to finish the wine, he don- ned his hat, and once more left his mansion, taking the first car for town. After the announcement made by the seaman, Colonel. Rutherford eri the deck slowly, for several minutes, his head bowed; and’ his face betraying the bitterness he felt at his loss, don’t know, capt’in, except that they came an’ went over the starboard.” “Did you hear or see anything that would lead to the identification of the rascals?” ‘‘ But.one thing, sir—I heard one call the other Oliver, and later, as they were descending to the cabin; he called bim Mortimer.” ** Ah!” the colonel said, with a little start. ““Kerwhoop! bet ye a shine I twig that chap, Ido! Met him once, an’ blacked his boots, on Market street bridge. I say, salty, did the other feller talk as ef he hed jest cum out from a Jew restaurant?” “What he said was in a very broken way, “Then I’ve got the game collared, all Picca- dilly. Curnel, ef ye’ll invite me inter yer pri- vate offis, we'll put our heads tergether, provi- din’ yours ain’t buggy, an’ com notes. Accordingly, the colonel led the way to his state-room, accompanied by Boss Bob and bis companion, and soon all three were a facing each other. ‘* Now, then, let us hear from you,” the Eng- lishman said to Bob. ‘‘ The money is gone, and must be recovered, if possible. If it cannot be, T shall have to give up my search for old Ruth- erford’s heirs, as I would not care to hunt them uP, only to tell them that I had lost the for- une, “ Guess you're about solid eg AF ne eg assented. ‘*Ef ye don’t recover ther money, an’ ther heirs don’t know nothin’ about ther im- pendin’ fortune, they won’t feel a bit disap- ere Now, you told me thet one o’ ther 44 a ergy ortimer, didn’t ye?” “Well, as I sed before, I blacked ther boots o’ a feller, one night, on Market street bridge, who sed he was Oliver Mortimer, an’ hed come down ter ther Centennial ter meet Col. icked em up, an’ gave ’em to the alenetici fer safe-keepin’, an’ heven’t thought ter examine ’em since. Mebbe they might throw some light on the subject of what.thur Jew an’ the f eter bas doing tergether.” . 6. Have you got papers with you?” ‘‘ No—not unless the Nondescript has vera.” The owl-eyed boy shook his head. “Then they’re down in my escritory, whar I stop,” the King of Bootblacks said, © §’ : we slope in that direction, as we ain’t liable to find out much more here.” “Very well. We will go at once. I desire to learn how this Mortimer ever came in pos- session of my name.” Accordingly, they took their departure from the Duchess, and pulled back for Philadelphi 77 ; rascals » 7 f lt, confronting tbe sentoan, i a ther hands o’ ther Jewsharp, an’ he’s figgered “ ame, and n divide the spoils. It will not be a ard thing to do, when we once get. fairly to Nate and the remuneration is worth the working for. there ‘is anything else you have 19 suggest, do so, believing me your faithful triend and co ederate, ' ‘‘ ALEERT ALBERTS." CHAPTER X. THE ACT OF A DARING SCOUNDREL. ““KRPERECT!” Boss Bob said, when the colonel had stopped reading, *‘ Thet’s ther key-note ter ther bull: bigness, in er falsétter voice. Ther feller, Mortimer, hevin’ an iiklin’, hes left it in et out, an’ got it down fine. So, twixt you an’ /mé, an’ the Nondegcript, heer, ther Jew an’ Ber war ther ones thet robbed the c *“You are undoubtedly right,” the colonel admitted. “}ut what proof is there of it?” “‘Not much, sure’s an oyster hates a Con- egressman. Ye cculdn’t swear thet Alberts were mixed-up in ther affair: tharfore Mortimer’s the only ’coon left ter clinch onter. Ef ther fortin’s ever found, he'll hev ter be collared, an’ treated ter ther acy ye of a private lynch pic-nic, so’t he’ll turn State’s evidence,” 4 , again you are right! Before the stolen fortunes cai be recovered, we must trap the man Mortimer. But, it may bea lifetime, ere we can find him.” ‘Most Lkely he’s skinned out already, but it won’t be no harm ter look fer him. S’posin’ we take a skip down to the Delaware, an’ cee ef the tug hes been returned yet?” The colone] hesitated a mcment; his eyes were contrastin couterments with his own e **Oh! ye needn’t be afeared o’ ny togs,” the bootblack said, quickly noticing the hesitation. “Ef you're partial ter walkin’ wi’ a gent) man o’ my style o’ garb, you can take one side o’ thet thurrofare, an’ I'll take t’other.” **No! no! my boy. Though your garments are not quite presentable, your heart is clean, avd I am not ashamed to You shall ing. bis Bet yer a dollar on that! Don’t want no other togs. Id make a gallus loukin’ sweil, now, weuldn’t I? Ha! ha! ba! Ef ther b’hoys was ter see Boss Bob decorated in high-tide Bob’s ay tyes dirty ac- omenade the streets with you. ave a new outfit of clothing.” raiment, ther price of onhealthy hen-fruit ¥ ould advance amazin y! No, sir-ee. I dcen't want _no better togs till run fer Congress or Senator, an’ then I'll scoop et ter all ther boys.” The colonel smiled. He saw that there was no use of arguing with this young Arab, whose head was co “ leve).” Leavirg the Nondescript at the coal-hcuse, Bob and the colonel hied themeelves to the Wire Bridge, and there took the Race and Vine strees cars for the Delaware river. Tlecar was ‘ell filled, and during the ride the Londoner’s ye was fully tested, for Boss Bob's irrepressible chatter constently rung in bis ear, and he responded promptly, Many curious glances were turned upon him by the feshionable ones in the car—many won- dering thoughts why so distinguished a lookin personage should engare in conversation with an incorrigible bootblack. If the colonel knew of these thoughts and pence , be did not heed them, except by a slight which was perceptible upon his face. On reaching the termination of the car lin Bob and the colonel left the car, and walk down to Delaware avenue and the river, In . the course of ten minutes’ walk along this thoroughfare, they came to the pier from which n c. brought forth the rs which had been pi | the steam-tug had been hired by Alterts. hey a sires: bridge. Ll The found the roar, a stout little Irishman, xamination proved them to be a le of n an em -barrel, gazing out etters, minus Their envelopes—the one | onto the dark blue Waters of the restless river. being from Alberts, the pawnbroker, di- Hello, Mike!” Bob saluted. the mornin’ to yez! rected to Oliver Mortimer. Colonel Rutherford glanced it over, and then read it aloud to Bob and the Nondescript, who listenied attentively. It was as follows: . OLIVER MorTIMER, © aes Smr—I have tiered the inquiries, as per your direction, and find that the fortune, of w you are a fourth heir, is deposited in the hands of I. Rutherford, Maiden Lane, London. I await further orders from you. Dr. A. ALBERTS.” The next was from the Jew to Mortimer, but more to the point: Shure "has the aa , an e Virgin Mary returned yet?” “Divil a bit of it, Bob! Niver a won have I sane of it since she pointed her nose down the e. “Told ye so,” said Bob, turning to the colo- nel. The cusses have slid off ter New York or Bosting, an’ thet’s ther last ye’ll see o’ ther , however, © is guilty, ave | “J fear you are right. Let's and see if we can find Alberts. ith _ he must in seme way betray the fact

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Ss ee a ” 12 They accordingly left the wharf and betook themselves to the pawnbroker’s office, where, sure enough, they found the scheming Jew be- hind his counter. ‘* Ah, good-morning!” he exclaimed, as the colonel entered. ‘‘1 vas habby to see you, Mister Rutherford. Vatsuccess haf you made, may I ask?” ** None at sir; and I have come to apprise you that I shall need your services no longer, as I have concluded to prolong the search no further. Good-day, sir, until I know of you further.” “Tra! la! loo!-old Jewsharp!” put in Boss Bob, as they left the shop. ‘Look out you don’t get asepped yet. Ef thar’s enny virtue in promises, I'l see you again.” “Well, did you observe anything suspicious in the looks of the rascal?” Rutherford demand- retraced their steps toward entered, didn’t he?” “Yes; or at least it appeared to meso. But as we have no positive proof of bis guilt, I guess it will hardly pay to bother with bim.” “Not fer you. But I'll keep a kinder watch on him. He’s playin’ anuther keerd, too, w'ich I’m goin’ ter gum, ef he tries ter flopp a trump. Hello! there she goes now!” ‘Who?’ ‘* Miss Prescott! Cum along! chance fer a knock-down!” And; before the.colonel was fully aware of it. he found himself standing in, the presence of one of the prettiest girls he had ever met. _ “Miss Prescott, this is Colonel Richard Ruth- erford, of ther Queen’s legal staff, who owns more’n two-thirds o’. ther British island, an’ has AD to’ bein’a next king. Bein’ an inter- mate friend o’ mine, an’ a gallus cove; wi’ lotso’ swag an’ no wives, 1 tho’t you’d like to know him?” said Boss Bob, the essence of a mischiev- ous spirit beaming from his eyes, Pearl blushed, and bowed modestly ; hesitated, was confused, until the colonel came to her res- eue. ‘You will of course excuse our irrepressible friend here,” he said, with a, smile... ‘Bob. means all.right. Iam most happy for this | Now’s yer privilege of knowing you, Iam sure. 1 bid you a pleasant good-day,’ ‘Good-day, sir,” the merchant’s daughter re- plied smilingly, and continued on her way. fs Bob, ou young rascal, I’ve half a vad ve youthe cat-o’-nine-tails for your audacity!” e colonel said, turning with a flushed face.to the King of Bootblacks, “ You not only placed the yous dey in a_queer pvusition, but put me to my wits’ ends. Your etiquette won’t answer for all occasions,” : “ Hang ther eterket!” Bob rted, independ- ently. ‘ Wot’s ther use 0’ ‘bela? bashful over pothin’? Wot’s ther use 0’ goin’ thru this world ef ye don’t know sumbody? Guess I know w’ot The colonel did not reply. e They soon reached a h office, and here the King of Bootblacks te leave of his distinguish friend, he Urrgace along with peculiar business sang froid, while the colonel entered the office before mentioned. — ; Here he sent two dispatches to the chiefs of police in New York an m, containing de- scriptions of the Virgin Mary tug-boat, and of the man Mortimer—which had been furnished ae by Bob—with orders for apprehension, and 80 fo He then sought his hotel, to await the issue, although he had no faith that he would ever | hear from either the man or the boat. He had not as yet seen all of the Centennial that he wished to, and he was resolved to put forth every effort to secure the restoration of the prize which he had lost. Another thing had quickened his resolve to re- | main longer in the City of Homes—the glim of Pearl it’s face which he had gained. That | Abenae | while seated in his office at his | warehouse, th a weary, troubled expression | upon his face, Morton Prescott received a vis- itor in the person of Alberts, the pawnbroker. | Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. The Jew had found the door unlocked, and entered without ceremony, as was his wont. * Ah! t-evening, my frient,” he said, as he beheld. the merchant. ‘‘I see dot you vas still in business.” “Why should I not be?’ Prescott demanded, somewhat say. ... ‘Do ,you imagine Pm oing $0 wine tops baitiage. ecnuee a rascal lke you is conniving at my ruin? No, sir. I C) ou! Th dot. so, Mister Prescott! I don’d vas understand you. You act ash if you vas mad at your benefactor,” “My benefactor—you my benefactor? Ha! ha! Isee, youare inclined to be facetious. . Al- berts, do not for a moment think that I do not understand you—your whole e, from be- ginning to end, for you will mistaken. I ow you,and your plot, but you shall not ; hen your devilish schemes seem most sure of success, I will defeat you.” “You vill do dot, Mister Prescott?’ ‘** Ay! I will do, it, Heaven helping me!” y ~ 0 what if Heafen don’d vas help you—vot en “Heaven will help me. Whoever relies upon the Lord, loses nothing.” ‘‘ Yaw! yaw! You shust keep on d’inking dose thoughts, unt dot vill pe all right. All de difference, I vant my monish purdy quick, or I dakes your girl ash my wife.” “« Curse you, no! You shall never lay a hand upon the child, if I have to murder her myself. er death would be a thousand times prefer- able to the knowledge that she was in the power of a.ruthless villain like you.” “Ve will see apoud dot, mine frient Prescott. Der law vill giff me her, when I show him dot paper. If I do not got her alive, I claim her ¥ und wreak mine vengeance on dot.” “Bah! I will not listen to you. The Sea Breeze may touch harbor soon enough so that I can dispose of the cargo, and meet my obliga- tion to you, you villain.” ““T am afraid not. You don’d vas need ge? up matters, for I jest ash lief haff der girl der monish,” was the chuckling reply, as the Jew bowed himself out, From the warehouse, he proceeded direct to the Prescott mansion in his private The door was opened by a servant in livery. “What's wanted?” he demanded, eying pawnbroker, suspiciously. ‘*Oh! tell Miss Prescott that Colonel Ruther- ford would like to see her, in the parlor,” Al- berts renters husning past the servant, into the hall, and thence to the grand parlor, the door of which was open. ; With a growl of something about “ no cards,” the servant went away to deliver the lying mes- mE tile parlor Alberts waited, near the door a cunning expréssion upon his features, That Heise evil purpose was in his mind, was evi- ent. : Soon light footsteps came down the stairs, and the ful figure of pretty Miss Pearl had swept into the parlor,” next instant Alberts closed the door through which she had just entered, and locked it, ie the key into his own pocket. he did so, Pearl wheeled around, with a of horror. sggeting back, ar Gough mutton by an uneead as sm an unseen ror time ¥ “Exactly, my dear Miss Prescott; I am here. Undoubtedly you are glad to see me?” “Glad to see you, sir? Ah! I see; you are king, ina villain’s way. No! I am not glad ‘0 see you. What brings you here, pray, where your presence is least desired?” “Oh! as to that, the time is drawing near when we must become as one, in the bonds of wedlock, and I deemed it best to call around and get better nted with you, Besides there is a grand ball to-night, in the lower end of town, and I thought perbaps you might need an escort.” “Sir! do you think I would accept of you as'such? TI would not trust a hair of my head, within your reach!” “Tut! tut! One would infer that I was a terrible desperado, to hear you talk. Surely will be more amiable after we are mar- ou ried?” ‘“We will never be marri sir! vere e think would free me learned of your villainy, in hin Breeze, and that alone from the claim. Butif it should not, I would take my own life before I would be forced to wed a man of your stamp.” ** You swear to this?” ‘“‘ A thousand times if necessary!” I have “Then we will secure you beforehand, to make sure!” the wabrober cried, with sud- den STO as he left his chair, and sprung upon her. |. The move. had evidently been premeditated, for he was armed with a heavy shawl, with which he dextrously enveloped her head before she could scream, When she did attempt to give the alarm, her cries of course were in a measure drowned, for the villain had raised her in his strong arms, and held the shawl closely over her mouth. ‘‘There, curse you!” he muttered, savagely. ‘You shall not cheat me out of my game, be- fore I’ve won it. Tve you fast enough, ship or no ship. The next thing isto get to my car- riage without being observed.” ith his victim in his arms, the pawnbroker managed to unlock and Lay the door, after which he peered cautiously into the hall. Fortunately for him the coast was clear, “The next thing, is to listen!” he mused. He approached the door opening upon the street, for this purpose, when it was acenly flung open, and Goes Bob, the King of the Boo blacks, and his strange companion, the Nonde- script, stood confronting him! ND yer don’t, old Jewsharp!” the former cried, “Jest you drop thet gal, or I'll drop | you, quicker’n ever a Jerseyman ever made a watermelon look sick—you hear us, oney | and Co., perfessionals!” | CHAPTER XI. |. THE KING COUNTERPLOTS—HEART-EATER. Writs a frightful curse Alberts took in the situation ata glance, and even as quick he had formed his resolve. Dropping Pearl from his | arms in no gentle manner, he made a sudden bound forward through the open ros into | the street. The next instant he had leaped into his carriage and was driven furiously cate |». The result-of his sudden, rush into the street, | had been to overturn both Bob and the Non- | descript, as their barricade of the passage did | not withstand the force of his ang itate rush. | ~ Well, may I be swallered fer a Jarsey eye- ster, ef that Jewsharp didn’t put in a good stroke fer liberty, anyhow,” the Bootblack Bing muttered, as he ape himself up, and felt his bones to learn if they were in their usual places. ‘Blamed ef I didn’t think ther end o’ time hed cum. Eh? Nondescript—hurt any by yer sud- den ante?” The owl-éyed boy shook his head. ‘Waal, ther next thing’s ter look after ther girl: ’*Spect metbe she’s fainted. Wimmen olks ‘most allus faint when they don’t know what else ter do.” When they re-ascended the steps and entered the hall, they found the merchant’s daur*,ter awaiting them. “Oh! you dear good Ww,” she said, ad- vancing when she saw Boss Bob, and extending her fair hand, fearlessly, ‘‘ How can I ever re- pay you for saving me from a terrible fate? I was just wondering whom I had to thank for the intervention that prevented the Jew from oar me away with him.” a et’s me an’ my pard, as ye ve,” Bob assured. ‘‘ Miss ' take ye ac- uainted wi’ ther Nondescript. He’s dumb, is er Nondescript, an’ don’t often le his jaw, in ther way o’ conversation, but he’s famous on rakin’ in ther p’ints an’ saltin’ em down so they won’t sp’ile, with age.” “Tam oe to see you both,” Pearl said, earn- a ‘as e into the parlor, and be seated, while you tell me how ir to Stchared cB A rtunely on om just as that villain was about me off, “Oh! that waz enay ernuff,” Boss Bob re- plied, as he and the Nondescript accepted seate in the grand parlor. ‘*We’d bin spottin’ ther em eye a jest fer ther fun o’ ther thing, an’ ollered him up heer, calcylatin’ he was up to sum deviltry. BS or how, 2 now, to ggehe is money ter us, I’ve got a little suggestion ter make; Pil make et, an’ then git ter other biz- ness, “Very well; I will give you my attention, I assure you,” Pearl replied.” ‘I feel that what you would say interests papa and myself.” : “Youre purty at guessin’, you aire. Yes et’s about yer interests, thet I would speak. Ther matter concerns ther arrival o’ ther Sea Breeze, It’s .gittin’ p near time she war makin’ herself manifest, an’ et’s Ee en near time yer Governor know’d where his chips are comin’ frum, ter meet ther Jew’s Dw “Very true. But I fear papa does not know which way to turn,” Pearl replied, anxiously. ‘* He still has faint hopes that the ship will ar- rive in time for him to discharge the cargo and

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Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. 13 get the cash for it. Several prominent retail | reach ther Sea Breeze, ther more apt we aire ‘Et wouldn’t belay my ideas ef she did. It merchants stand ready to take it off his hands | ter git ahead o’ Bill Heart-Hater.” . . has been fair breezy weather ever since she on sight, at a good price. But, ah!—I—I am so Accordingly Pearl gave him what money she | started, and, what with her steam and sails, fearful that it will not arrive!’ had, fully trusting to his honesty, and equipped | she ought co touch fresh water by noon, the “‘Kerect. You hey cause ter fear, fer even | with it, the young Bootblack King lett the | ninth.” ef ther ship comes wi’in a day 0’ port, sbhe’ll not | mansion and hurried with all speed toward “She must not be hailed before that. If you et heer, unless we do sumthin’ ourselves. | South street wharf. ' work right, you. can creep up on her, in the y Vie will send that Bill Heart-Eater out, ter Within the hour he had ‘‘ nailed” the Belle of ; night before, can you not?” scuttle her, an’ et depends on us whether we git | Boston. “ Leave that tome. Ishall leave here so as ter ther Sea Breeze afore he does, or not!” to get to the bay before sundown, the 8.b, in ‘* We, you say?” Laterthat same evening, after Pearl had re- | time to make observations. I have an old “Yas, we! you must go along an’ "tend ther | tired, Morton Prescott returned from town, | Spanish glass there in a chest, that'll diskiver steerin’ oar. Nondescript an’ I'll pull ther | and sought his wife’s apartments. Not finding | ther nature an’ name o’ a craft sixty miles stroke.” her in the parlor, he entered her bedchamber, | away, an’ I can soon tell my game. I'll board “But pete you would not think of ventur- | but she was not there. Somewhat surprised at | her in the night, an’ fix things right afore she in’ out to sea in an open boat?” this absence, he began to look around him, and | touches fresh water.” “Dunno. 'Spect so. When a feller hain’t | upon adressing-case found a sheet of monogram Your plan is excellent. The sooner pot no ship, he’s got ter take up wi’ a ea nord paper, containing a few hastily written words, | she is scuttled, the safer it will be for me, for C) ? Pd swim, afore I'd let ther Jewsharp as follows: the mercbant means mischief in some way, but on Miss Prescott laughed a little. is I have not yet learned how. Anyhow, he has ’ The earnestness of this irrepressible street Dear Mortox—By the time you read this I shall | parties waiting for the cargo, at a moment’s urchin amused her; and then, too, it added | bave placed ee a miles between you and me. Of course you have known that I did not care for flame to her own spirit on the subject. you—that your wealth and social ition were the “Bravo!” she said, gladly. “You are a | only ties that bound me to you, And, now, as both brave, good boy, and I like you for it. Of the wealth and position slip away tet ee you course the Jew must not be permitted to tri- | little less than a beggar, I deem it only fair that I umph, and so long as I can be of any use, you should also fade away from your view. Ihave gone may command my aid.” with my dear Le Grande, whom I worshiped before “Now, then, thet sounds bigness like,” Boss | ¢ve" 1 saw you. Of course you will not seek for me ’ * - for you aré doubtless as glad to get rid of me as I Bob nodded, wisely. But, there’s one p’int we | am of you. Synvia.” should cum ter an understandin’ on. ebbe I’m jest as old as yerself, ef I do black boots, That was all; and the merchant upon an’ ye must treat me wi’ consideration ekal to | the paper, with whitening face and glaring eyes, fs) That’s all. I don’t wanter be | 4 groan of anguish com from the depths my years. hig boar, gu ing P’ warning, when the Sea Breeze touches port, Sbe must not touch port, or my money has gone, and I have lost the girl in the yi ‘Don’t ye fear. I'll fix her so she won’t sight Philadelphia afore September 12th,” the ex- pirate said, with a villainous chuckle. ‘‘ But I must have a bundred dollars ter get me a tug. Thar’s one I’ve got my eye on thet can hired fer that amount.” Without a word, the pawnbroker took out bis plethoric purse, and counted out the desired amount, and Heart-Eater raked it in ee ‘That will ‘nail’ the ‘Belle of Boston,’ ” he cee et LC co no nabob, fer I despise a nabob wuss’n I said, peering into the em itcher. ‘' Now do a green Jarseyman. Et ever [ rise, et must “‘May God in heayen help her, as I cannot!” | [ye only ome other want, on shall be ready be ter Guvner or President, or else I’ll never go | he murmured, as he turned and staggered down | to tackle the job with a will.” barks on ea s Aya You Wo : the stairs and out into the night, 2 — is t me Aitiede replied: ass r.—Bob., w ou hold such an 1 edie oney enoug it on a bi 80 a8 antipathy against the Jerseymen?” Pearl asked, After his escape from the merchant's man- | ter tend}: my tertes,” Whe rains: said, with a smiling. ; Sor, Albert Alberts was driven to Broad and = —_ wig WU a th ae Meats eardiees eet eS is cones want a ae ooo gee See ) . * ere,” an e pawnbroker drew a at eyesters, an’ watermelons, an’ ther combine His features were now covered with an im- | flask from an inived pocket. ‘Get as ‘arank as eck is ter make their feet grow big. Then, | mense black beard, which gave him quite a vil- — please; only see to it that you attend to they cum over heer, an’ expect we o’ the pur- | lainous, if not a distinguished, appearance, usivess.” fession ter shine ’em fer ther same price we do Walking down Market street to Ninth, he| ‘Ef I don’t, ye can cum here an’ cut my ordinary mortals. Ef we won’t do et, we lose crossed through that street to Chestnut, where | heart out, en’ I’ll’eat it myself,” the ruffian an- their custom. Bizness is bizness, ye know, an he had, on a previous night, waited, and inter- | swered, as he seized the bottle eagerly. ry we'd ruther like ther Jarsey fellers ef it wasn’t | cepted the ex-pirate, Bill Heart-Eater. | With a grim smile, the Jew buttoned his coat, fer their big feet. ‘aking up the same positon, to-night, he | took his hat, and leaving Heart-Eater in his Ob! I have often wondered the reason why | waited for over an hour, but could see nothing room, made his way out of the tenement-house, the strest urchins were s> prejudiced. You | of the ruffian in the passing crowd. and as rapidly as possible from Alaska street. were sp2akinz about Fpeching the Sea Breeze At last, with a grow] of impatience, he struck | Left alone with the bottle of liquor, Heart- before the man sent by the Jew pawnbroker. | off of Chestnut t, southward, and walked | Eater proceeded straightway to business, and How should we be able do, so not knowing | briskly. in the course of fifteen minutes he had drained how to get in its path? : ; In half an hour he brought up before a dirty | it to the dregs! Oh! et’ll take a leetle figgerin’, but I spect brick tenement house in ska street, and as- | In the course of ten minutes more his head thar ain t mon N, sech exam es like thet, wich | cended a pair of stairs to the third landing. ee forward, and presently he pitched me an ther Nondescript en’t wrassle with, Opening a door immediately at his left, he foremost upon the floor, and lay there in when we ’zamine our compass. entered, without ceremony, an apartment t | a drunken stupor. Though a man of strong . When will this man Heart-Eater start?” , | Wasa novelty in the way of Mn pietion. will and p ous physical strength, be had to Dunno, thet, yet. Ken soon find out tho’, Bind socom 3 had for the most part fallen off; | succumb at last to that demon with whom no Bcript, he 3 famous at nosin out sech matters. the windows were ornamented witb cobwebs | man can wrestle long and successfully. Gess ye’d better go an’ find out at once, too,” | and stains of Ng me while a portion of | Perhaps an hour passed after the ruffian fell Bob said, turning to his queer companion, | the floor had been up—probably for forward upon the floor, when a pile of dirty “Run down ther Jew, an’ shadder him, an’ | kindling wood. blankets, which had lain carelessly heaped in ye’ll eventually find yer cue! Everywhere were dirt and disorder; the fur- | one corner of the room, began to unr , and The Nondescripi’s eyes twinkled knowingly niture was broken; upon a three-legged table | out of them came the form of no less a person ashe arose with a bow. Evident it was that | were a pitcher and glass; the wall was hun than the Nondescript! There was a quiet ex- Boss Bob had in him a safe and trusty com- | with ls, cutlasses, ropes, knives, and vari- | peace of triumph upon his face which bespoke penion, whose love was a surety of his faith. ous implements belonging to a burglar’s profes- | the fact that be had been listening, having some Pearl showed him out, and then returned to | sion. ~ | time _ previously secured a position in the ex- Bob. . | Ina broken arm-chair by the table, on which | pirate’s quarters. “T have a better plan than that of attempt- | sputtered a candle, sat the ex-pirate, with his; After leaving bis place of concealment, he ing to find the Sea Breeze in a common row- head dropped forward, as if in a drunken sleep. | searched around the room for some time, and boat,” she said, sea nerself. I have a The pawnbroker uttered a curse, at the sight, | oy. found the marine spy glass of which little sam of money which I have saved up, and went forward and shook him savagely. | H Eater had spoken to the Jew. from time to time, and with it, we might possi- | Wake up, you drunken fool!” he growled. Armed witb this, he then shook his fist at the a bly be able to charter a small steamboat, or— What do you mean by gorging syoureelt with | slumbering ruffian, and left the place. Good bully om ge Bob aoe Remon, vane knees you the most be, : He had heard all that was necessary to im tossin, husiastically. eart- used, partl gazed directi * . is joak ther sj How much coliatteral | the Jew with a leew. yas byes bis oon sies'yy Hae ye got, ed ig can give a dognoses of Ty el = you, is art he dere age gruffiy. mor CHAPTER XI. e case at on want an of me spit it out. I’m Bi EVERGREEN UNMASK.—EOSS BOB'S MISSION. ” 4 . a li forty-one dolar, SEALE fp pe eart- Eater pig eet i seas.” | ee eptcmber 8, 1876, dawned upcn the en we’re ‘ ” Fe. dep esigentps Pet Le fe von en loafer!” the Jew re- | city of Philadelphia, bas jo and Waim, but South aig whar hey ph ud the ‘Belle o plied, sour: oe brought with it no event of especial impcrtanee, } little steam Segoe’ 6 Ep ti ' Cheese t!” the other returned, ceri ringe A wel more than the moving of migh Bosting, an’ she jest pee r ay ee) tay Yd ~ ad rew a long knife from his bootleg, ongs of citizens and strangers, Centennial- steam’s up, an’ scoot f Srey, Rs | ieee hgie edge by shaving a few hairs from the | ward. Each day that now passed but served to bor Police boat, w’ich rw §° - y ype pin hand. ‘I’ve told er "bout enuff to | add to the mighty hosts that flocked frem far = ee Page 5M ss r= A bsp co ts arnt yy an’ I'll have a heart to | and near to ati the grandest world’s fair ever day, a han f i rua h tH Ae her, ye veoh mind. held. - over yer collatteral an g ; Alberts shuddered, In and around the mammoth Exposition ter once. Don’t make no aiff’rence 'bout ther | The wolfish glare in the bloodshot eyes of the | eve i cash bein’ short, fer I ain’t. got no empty sock, | ruffian « id not conduce to his ease. olneever’ wasiie hats enh Ser if Sen could be after blackin’ boots all my days.” I fo I'll be more careful hereafter,” he ness or woe in s0 ; such a as unhap “ at once, and secure te-bont ond said, apologetically. ‘TI came to see you on | sp raat _ ay find out veha$, time we had better am business, ve you heard anything more in - ’ gral A tag _ not afraid to go with you, en will be ready | regard to the ship?" Perhaps not; we will aig Upon this eighth morning ‘of the month of “*Kerect! I'll go at once Sesh, an well Os 98 r, Morton Prescott arose early, r be “You think she will touch the waters of the the m te Milman, baton aXe gery a start as possible, fer sooner we bay by the 9th?” else was up, had not seen Pearl to q.ak

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14 Boss Bob, The King of Bootblaclas. with her, but he was aware that she knew of his trouble, and sympathized with him. As he left the house for the street, he found Joshua Evergreen seated on the front steps, en- gaged in pte man 3 on a piece of pine wood he somewhere picked up. “What? you up already, Josh?’ the mer- chant exclaimed, in rise. ‘“*Waal, yas, uncle Mort; [ tho’t I’'a git u an’ whittle a little,” the Vermonter replied, with a grin; “‘an’, ’side from that, I wanted ter see ve on bizness.” ‘Very well; I am going to my warehouse, and you may come along with me.” *‘ Accordingly, I will,” Evergreen replied, and he maie haste to follow the merchant. In the course of half an hour, both were seat- ed in the latter’s office; then Morton Prescott turned upon his relative, inquiringly. ‘*T am now ready to hear what you have to say,” he said, pan. “My time is limited, but I will hear from you.” ‘« Well, it will not take long forme to make known my business,” the other replied, his tone of voice and manner of speech entirely changed, ‘“Allow me to introduce myself—Josh Ever- n, at your service, junior partner of the of Batcheldor and Evergreen, Boston, and also your nephew. Iam not lately from Ver- mont, but haye been getting rich, and wishing to visit the Centennial, I coneluded to have a ‘little masquerade, by mating the honest but illiterate son of the State of Vermont. A little washing off of paint, re-twisting of features, and the removal of wigs, and so forth, and I believe the change would be satisfactory, so pardon my absence, while I step over tomy hotel, and restore myself,” He tlien took a smiling departure, but in. the course of an hour a handsomely dressed and not homely young man returned and seated himself in the merchant’s office, “You see the rich Josh, now,” he said with a quiet smile; “so I’ll further tell you my busi- ness here. Of course Icame to do the Centen- nial, but that was not my sole motive in com- ing. I heard that you were in pecuniary diffi- culties, and having no lack of ready means, believed I might be of some assistance to you. And, now, while I smoke a cigar, I want you to tell me all about yourself and affairs, so that I may nderstand your case.” “My dear boy, I will willingly do so,” the merchant replied, whereupon he related the situation of all. his affairs, as is known to the reader. Joshua listened, with no little surprise and interest. ‘Tt isa remarkable romance, from beginning to end,” he said, as the merchant concluded. “ A strange matter throughout. I think Iknow this Jew, however, who holds the mortgage upon my fair cousin, Pearl. Such a party borrowed a sum of money of us, a few..years ago, upon misrepresentation, an failed. to pay it back. We never made him any trouble, ‘as we did not deem it worth while. But he is undoubtealy a deep rasca!.” ; ‘‘In truth he is; and, rather than see, my Foal his wife, I'll kill her or him with my own 4 HEavely Mow) It would be a sacrilege to wed a Christian woman to such as he. And there shall be nothing of the kind, Wait. If your ship does not arrive on time, we will manage. somehow. to defeat this execrable scoundrel,” _ At this moment the door opened, and Boss ow walked into the office, blacking kit. in nd, ‘*Mornin’!” he said, with. a. nod, to the mer- chant. .‘* Tho’t maybe Tl find. ye heer. A cornered clam allus keeps close to his shell., Any cash jobs, hereabouts?”’ “Well, yes; you may as well black my boots, I suppose. Bob, thisis Mr. Evergreen, a nephew of mine, from Boston.” “ The youth wheeled suddenly, and surveyed | the Bostonian critically. **See heer!” he exclaimed, scratching his head through a rent in his cap. “I’m an eye- ster, ef [ ain’t a leetle fogged. That chap, Evergreen? No, sir-ee; ye can’t discount me, Ther Evergreen I see’d was greener’n a green Jarsey melon, an’ didn’t luk no more like this chap than I luk like Guv’ner Hartzanft.” _“ Nevertheless, we were one and the same party, Evergreen replied v, ith a laugh—“‘ only tead of coming from ‘ Plunkit, Varmont, came from the Hub.” ‘* Well, ef thet doesn’t beat Bixby’s Best, ma I never shine another understandin’!” the boo black exclaimed. ‘“Sech a metamorphozus takes ine ’way off my cue, Beats ther Black Crook transformation all ter blazes, An’ 80 ye’re a relation ter my friend, heer?” with a nod toward the merchant. ‘*'Yes, a nephew, I believe.” Bob gave vent to a prolonged whistle, and then set to werk at the merchant’s boot, with an occasional shake, suggestive of how much he had been ‘‘ taken in” on the Easterner. When he had finished, he also blackened Evergreen’s boots, after which he arose and turned to the merchant. ** Now, boss, if it’s all ther same to you, I’d like ter give ye a little advice, concernin’ yer own affairs. On course, I don’t run this ’stab- lishment, an’ ’tain’t rh Oa aig but ef ye’re after my pattern 0’ architec hint than a hit, enny day.” “Certainly, my boy. If you have any sug- gestions to offer that you think may be of bene- fit to me, I shall be most happy to hear them.” ‘“‘Kerect.. Then, bere goes. I’m goin’ out ter save the Sea Breeze!” ‘* You?” the merchant ejaculated. ‘* Yes, J,” was the sturdy reply. ‘‘I hate ter see villainy triumph over cheek, an’ so I’m goin’ ter tread ther deck o’ ther Sea Breeze afore Bill Heart-Eater does; so then, when he cums ter scuttle her, we’ll jest about scuttle him!” “My noble young—” ‘*Cheese it!” Boss Bob interrupted, with an autboritative wave of his hand. ‘“ My name’s Boss Bob, an’ I black boots, an’ ar’ considered about fit fer a door-mat fer sech folks as you. Thet’s my pedigree, an’ any one thet don’t walk on ther sidewalk wi’ me, can take a street car. I’ve a huckster cart-l 0’ bad streaks in my composition, an’ I don’t allow no man ter go ter eulogizin’ me, fer a cent. When I do a job, I do it on my own hook,.an’ that’s my biz. I never was made ter do what I didn’t wanter, vit. Sometimes I feel like givin’ a citerzen a lift, an’ cause I do et, I ain’t a-goin’ ter take no back talk. Ef I hed my choice o’ swallerin’ dishwater, or human praises, I’d take dishwater, ea'se it would stick ter one’s ribs. Talk is cheap, an’ ye ken’t expect a penny pie ter be like a five-center. **So when I tell ye I’m goin’ ter trod ther decks o’ ther Sea Breeze afore Bill Heart-Eater, 1 don’t want no eulogy ner praise-puddin on my plate. Ef IT save ther ship, an’ git her inter port, all right. All I want is whatever cash collatteral you’ve a mind ter diffuse, w’ich ’Il be all right. Bizness is bizness, ye know, an’ the man who shines on a collatteral basis, he rises; while ther one who tries ter make a livin’ on eulorgy an’ wind-puddin’—he sinks!” Both Morton Prescott and Evergreen smiled their spree for each felt he had learned a lesson from the street Arab. ‘“Your services shall, of course, be properly rewarded,” the former said. “I am glad to have so'shrewd and earnest an advocate to my interests.” “Think I’m shrewd, then, do ye?” the king of bootblacks demanded. * You certainly seem pees of more than ordinary shrewdness and good sense; yes.” “Much obliged: You’re the second one as ever complimented me. ’Lysses Grant, he sed he tho’t my cheek would make my forttne. But, that’s neither here ner there, as the little dorg sed when he tried to catch his tail, I cum heer ter make a suggestion in time, so ye ked digest it, fer wittles ain’t healthy di- gested, so the doctors say. I’m goin’ ter start ter meet the Sea Breeze, some time ter- day. Bill Heart-Eater, he’s goin’ ter stari, too. Mebbe he’ll git there afore I do, and scuttle ‘er. Ef he does, I'll git there next, an’ we'll bail her out, an’ git as nigh port as possible. Ef yedon’t see her nose in harbor by sunrise; ther tenth, jest/hire a ship ter fetch ye out till ye find us. on’t only cum along yerself, but fetch yer buyers. Ef ye work mn Fy ye can git yer cash, an’ git back ter ther pawn-shop on time.” mii t. ut if something should hinder, and I should “Then, let Alberts whistle! Miss Pearl, she be goin’ along’ wi’ me, ‘an’ thar she’ll stay till ou git things mara wi’ the Jew. Don’t ye ear but I'll take keer of her in good shape, an’ she'll be safer on ther waters, fer laws can’t cum out an’ tech her there; while ef she war on land et would nab her quicker’n a Schuylkill eel kin tell a cop. Thet’s my ijeer.” ‘‘And a correet one,” Jack Ev mM ex- claimed, enthusiastically. ‘‘ Boy, you’ve an old head on your shoulders.” “ Bet ye ashine ’tain’t as old as yourn,” Bob lied, indignantly. ; ‘Well, maybe not in years, but full older in the shrewd conception of original and valuable ‘‘Humph! that’s nothin’, Ef you’d had yer ure, ye’d ruther take a | head thumped as many times as I hev, youd hev more sense stirred up. <A feller don’t pelt around Philadelphy till he’s a Septembergen- arian, all fer nothin’, or I’m a sott-shell clam! This ain’t no Bosting ‘culchaw’ place, not ef she ar’ acquainted wi’ her Centennial nibs,” “Your plan is ~xcellent, Bob,” Mr. Prescoit said, appreciatively, ‘‘and I will adopt it, in case the Sea Breeze does not come in on time. Is there anything else?” “Guess not. You'll heer frum me if there is. T’m off now,” ““Good-day. See that you take good care of my child.” **Oh, you bet! He'll hey ter climb over a | belchin’ volcaner wot gits her! By-by!” And RE att IL a aa eine A Ea I ce DE et SI ce se Fae a A lc i en SS ar EE eR A aE a Ete oe an DNS A meer apyamamammammmm a eae — the next instant the King of Bootblacks had left the office, and_ his voice was heard singing out, as he wended his way along the street— ‘*Black yer boots, make ’m shine, ca costs ye half a dime, Tech yer corns up like a feather. Make a mirror uv yer leather; Fill wi’ blackin’ all the dents, An’ take a nickel fer five cents! Shine ’m, mister?” “You must have consider ible faith in that, young Arab, uncle, to.trust my charming c Hf ge care,” Evergreen observed after Boss Bob ne. “So I have,” the merchant replied, ‘“ He’s as trusty as a bank safe.” About noon that day, Boss Bob called at the merchant’s residence for Pearl, and found her waiting, enveloped in a water-proof, and wear- ing a jaunty oil-cloth covered hat. ; ‘* Good enough,” he observed, with a knowiig nod. ‘You're rigged out jest right. All ye want is a thick vail over yer face.” ‘‘ What for?’ Pearl asked, in surprise. ‘Oh! ter hide yer features till ye git aboard the Belle o’ Bosting. Ef Alberts was ter sight ye, he might object, ye see, an’ delay us.” Pearl saw the logic of this, and in a few min- utes was grat y vailed. Thenshe accompanied. Boss Bob, feeling that she could put implicit trust in him. y taking the street cars upon an adjoining street, they were in due time land- ed within a couple of blocks of their destination, and completed the journey to the wharf on ti oot. The Nondescript was already there, and also Colonel Dick Rutherford. “ Hello, kernal, what you doing down here?’ Bob b gee * rE ’ er, “Ab! you, is it , you see, I j s pened down here, and the owner of ite little steamer, yonder, wanted me to ‘ pull the spokes,’ ant him, while he takes a party outside the har- r. “Well, now, ef thet ain’t famous, I’m an eye- ster,” Bcb cried, in glee. - “We're the passengers, an’ you be thercrew. Ha! ha! Miss Pearl, this be Colonel Rutherford, an’ he’s goin’ ter steer ther Belle fer us.” Pearl raised her vail, and smilingly acknowl- edged the colonel’s gallant salute. Then Bob inte ve oro“ along, miss, inter ther cabin, fer fear some of Alberts’s crew might steer down this way:” ‘They accordingly went aboard the Belle of Boston, which was a pretty, small-sized steam- boat with a little calin and all necessary ac- commodations, Leing about one-third the size of the ordinary pleesure steamboats, Bob con- ducted his feir companion into the cabin, and then returned to the wharf. The owner of the boat had just arrived, clad in overalls, ready sor busines . : ** You Icok like bizness,” the Bootblack King observed, with’ comical im Fortine “Git down inter yer pit, now, lively, an’ hev steam up in thirty ninutes, so thet ther Pelle kin jest tork. Bin any one else here after her?” ‘‘- Yes— Bill Heart-Eater. Maddéer’h thunder, , ‘cause she was tuk.” ‘“‘Let him mad. Didhe git anuther?”’ ““Yes—the Alarm. Shé’s a good ’un, but no- where at ther heels o’ ther Belle.” ‘How long ago did he git started?” Bob ask- ed, anxiously. ‘Over an hour: but that don’t make. We'll overhaul him, if you want to.” : . “Don’t want him ter see us. ef it kin be heiped. Git steam up as soon as } iprskins captain.” The man nodded, and went aboard, followed’ by the Nond t. Boss Bob conversing with the colonel, uni" or TAS Oa There came a shout, and he saw Alberts, the pawnbroker, rushing down South street, to- ward the wharf. ‘ ~*~

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ckly pulling the colonel aboard the Belle, oe - glance at the smoke-stack of the little craft. Huge volumes of smoke were rolling out, and alpasdy the rising of steam was perceptible by the tremor traversing the deck. ‘Tl do it, ona ventur’,” he muttered, grimly, as he cast off the fastenings, and with the cur- rent the little craft at once drifted from the landing, just as Alberts rushed up, covered with perspiration, and purple with rage. “Stop! stop! Y vant der get cn poard!” he cried, gesticulating wildly. ‘‘Dere pe some- y on poard ash I vant der see.” ‘“On! no thar ain’t, cully,” Boss Bob assured, with a provoking grin. ‘‘ We don’t want to — c you. ‘Tra! lal la! la! skip the gutter! wi er chin! This is one you owe me, old Three alls! Au revoir |” CHAPTER XIII. HOW THE SHIP CAME IN FOR ALL. As may well be imagined, the e of the Jew pawnbroker knew’ no bounds. @ raved and cursed like a madman, and offered large rewards for the detention of the boat, as he saw it drifting slowly out into the river. But, as he could give no satistactory expla- nation why the boat and its tenants should not be allowed to proceed, of course no one could be of assistance in stopping her. Well did the wily Jew know that he was beaten one point, for a spy had informed him that Miss Prescott was on board of the Belle. But a man of strong determination, and reso- lute will, he began a hasty search along the Delaware wharves for a steam yacht that would be able to follow the fugitives, as he now deemed them. Slowly the Belle drifted out into the stream, but Boss Bob stationed the colonel at the wheel, while he descended into the snug engine room, 1 explain to the skipper his reason for cutting 008e, “* Tt’s all right,’ the old sea-dog grunted, stuff- ing more coal into the roaring furnace. “T’ll have a plenty o’ steam, in a ji y, an’ show you how to git down-stairs wi’out fallin’ down. That Jow waz around heer afore you caer: 98 a . he didn’t git no infermation from me. ' man at the w’eel?” “Yes. Go ahead,” The next instant the whistle rung out, and the skipper of the Belle of Boston gradually turned on the steam. At the same time the boat began to move out into the stream, then, with her nose point- ed down-stream, shot forward like a thing of life. . ; Within five minutes after they had started Boss Bob came to the conclusion that he had made a wise move in securing the Beile of Bos- ton, for they a paint turough the water at a tremendous speed. = Sending the Nondescript down to. part £> firing, he then took the glass which the forn had captured from the ex-pirate’s apartments, and, positioning himself in a chair upon the top of the wheel-house, he scanned such vesséls as they were at anchor, or that were be ing towed Bato harbor, but could see none ye ih | to the description of the Breeze. Presently Pearl came on deck, and Bob joined her, for a chat, after which he went back to the wheel-house, where Rutherford. held the Ices. spo “Dll spell ye now, ef ye wanter make yerself agreeable ter the young leddy,” he said, with a smile. “ I’ve changed my mind.” ‘‘Changed your mind?” the colonel asked. “Yas, changed my mind, Since I fust see’d ther angel down thar, I’ve bin thinkin’ sum o’ committin’ appt sels but when I reflect how menny boots dirty, I guess I won’t. ‘step off,’ jest yet. So Ill pass, an’ give ye a clear field, on condishun, thet ef ye make a go uv it, en roe up—cum down superfine. What e say? cf I “a much obliged, I am. sure, for your un- selfish generosity,” the colonel responded laughingly. ‘But I am afraid I wou:dn't make much of a lover.” “Git out! It ain’t nothin’, once ye git yer hand in. I’ve pop ter lots o’ girls, an’ it’s fun. Besides, ther ittle gal she be a poorepea lady, an’ a distinguished furriner like you’d sure ter make er impression.” “Ha! ha! thanks for your good opinion. Ill not let her get lonely, at least, if talking will do any good—and, mind you, boy, if anythin chomla happen like a wedding, it will be wo: your while to name a price.” So the gallant colonel and Boss Bob chan, positions, and the former was soon in Boss Bob, The King of Bootblacks. animated conversation with the merchant’s daughter. “Bet a soft-shell clam that’s a go,” Bob mut- tered, as he gave them a quizzical glance; ““Inow’d they’d mate, bein’s both ar’ eddicated an’ polished, an’ they’re made fer one anuther, too; jest like I’m good ier blackin’ boots. Bet her guv’ner won’t kick, nutber, wh n he finds ther kernal out. Phew! how ther tub scoots! Must be we’ll overhaul Heart-Eater soon. But they did not, as fast as they went. ong before sunst they steamed out into Delaware bay, and then skipper Jones came up from bilow. ‘““Where, now, young man?’ he asked. “We've got our prow in the bay.” “Danno,” Bcb replied. ‘Guess you better let her cruise around awhile, till I make obser- vashuns. I'll git ther kernal ter take my snap, while I go aloft.” The skipper bowed, and returned below. * Helio! palais hain’t ye popped yit?’ yelled Bob from the wheel-box. ‘“ Re ye ain’t, be spry, or I'll give ye ther cat fer tardiness.” “Tm coming! l’m coming!”. the colonel re- plied, blushing like a school-boy, as he rose and excused himself to Miss Prescott, ‘* What’s ther matter?” Boss Bob demanded, with a quizzical grin, as he gave over the charge of the wheel. ‘‘ You’re redder’n a sun- baked lobster.” “ Boy, es are incorrigible,” the other re- plied, with a smile of vexation, Bob laughed triumphantly, and mounted once more to his look-out, glass in hand. “Ther kernal’s did fer, sure,” he mused. Then, for several hours—until sunset, in fact, did he sit and gaze over the beautiful bay through the powerful marine glass. A grand panorama it was, the mighty sheet of water, dotted thickly with vessels, steamers, yachts, and little tugs, some of them constantly rs) coming from out the watery horizon, and others disappearing; while still others steamed about the bay, or rode at anchor, Just as dusk began to settle its first shadows down upon the bay, Boss Bob sprung to his feet, and waved his cap in the air with a shrill yell. ‘*There she is! there she isi thank fortune!” he cried, as the skipper and Pearl ascended to the wheel-house top. ‘‘ Off yonder, two p’ints nor’ o’ due east. An’ thar’s anuther tub smaller ’n ourn, not fur from her, an’ Bill Heart-Enxter’s in it, you bet! Lively now, ski per—tuck in yer fuel, an’ open yer durned old throttle, fer we must make ther Sea Breeze afore eleven, to-night, ef et bu’sts ther old b’iler. Mind yer wheel, kernal! Ill give ye ther pints asye need’em. You stay up heer, wi’ me, Miss Pearl, fer ef ther Belle bu’sts her b’iler, we'll be sev’ril pegs nearer ther moon!” “Ohl sir, you don’t think she will blow-up, do you?” the merchant's daughter demanded, erasping his arm, in alarm. __ “No, ma’am, ye needn’t fear,” Jones replied, doffing ,his. hat, respectfully. ‘‘I’ve see’d ther Belle red hot all over, an’ she never bu’sted a peg.” ** Avast, there: you lubber!” roared Bob, mak- ing a trumpet of his hands. ‘‘ Tumble into ther engine-room, or blast my eyes ef I don’t cut short ye grog fer tellin’ sec 1a comborstible lie!” car and the colonel laughed at Bob’s attempted skipperism, while Jones gave his oe a comical hitch and once more went ow. The next instant the boat trembled asa greater head of steam was put on, and Rutherford brougkt her to her course. Away they plowed through the calm waters of the bay, fasterand faster, which told that the sippy was crowding his little craft to. her ut- most. Once Boss Bob took a peep into the engine- room, where Jones and the Nondescript stood like fiery phantoms before the roaring furnaces, but he crept hastily back to the top of the wheel-house, to escape the stifling heat. Faster and faster, if possible, went the Belle, as night settled over the water, a continuous sheet of flame leaping from the smoke-stack, and lighting the gloom. With pale, affrighted faces, Boss Bob and Pearl kept their cadaver the latter clinging to the adventurous tblack as if for protection. Never for an instant did the youth allow his eyes to wander from a star that marked the di- rection where he had last seen the Sea Breeze. Eight! nine! half-past nine o’clock passed and it was a quarter to ten, when the King o Bootblacks gave a sigh of relief, and pointed ahead over the water. ¥ “There she is, now, not overa mile away. See! she has a light at her mast-head, Come, let us get down from here,” 15 He assisted her to the cabin; then hastened down to the engine-room, which was as hot as an oven. “Cool her off! the Sea Breeze is within a mile of us, now!” he ordered, and Jones nodded, grimly. Next the Bootblack King ascended to and en- tered the wheel-house, and gave the colonel in- structions, after which he went on deck, to cool his feverish brow. He was stili somewhat excited, fearing lest he oa, reach the merchantman too late to save er, In a short time they were alongside the era steamsbip, which looked like a leviathan of the deep, as compared with the Belle. “Ship ahoy!” tung out Bob. “* Ahoy, yourself,” came the prompt response. ‘* W hat’s yer name?” **Sea Breeze, bound for Philadelphia.” ‘Then we want to come aboard, for we hev got imperative business,” Bob shouted back, In ten minutes the Sea Breeze came to a suffi cient stop to allow all but the skipper of the Belle to go aboard. “What’s your business?” the captain of the Feta tatee demanded, as they gained the ** Hain’t no time ter tell ye, yit, as time saved may save a hole!” Bob replied, excitedly. “ Search the ship fer a scuttler !” With a paling face the captain gave the orders, and then Jed the way to the cabin. As they descended the companion-way a dark fi darted past, and gained the deck. With a howl of rage the captain sprung in pursuit, followed by Bob and the .Nondescript. But, simultaneous with their reaching the deck, a — was heard in the water, and they knew e scuttler had escaped. Boats were lowered, and a search made, but ine darkness nothing could be found of the villain. When this conclusion was arrived at, the Sea Breeze cnce more steamed on toward Philadel- bia, with our friends on board, the Belle of soston following in its wake. Tn the cabin, a clear and concise explanation of affairs was made to Captain Reynolds, and le declared that he could touch anchor in Phila- delphia harbor, early on the morrow, es exami- nation bad proved that Heart-Eater had not sueceeded in his infamous purpose, By daybreak the next morning, the Sea Breeze was met by the Harbcr Police, andall the necessary arrangements perfected for entry into the harbor of Philadelphia, which was made at aLout eleven o’clock, of the same day. She had no sccner dropped anchor, than Mor. tcn Prescott and Josh Evergreen came aboard, acecrrpanied ty several merchants, and inside of three hours the said merchants were the joint ov ners, of the said cargo, and the father of our leroire held the checks in hands for — but. we vill notsay just how:much. Suffice to say that tlhe emount realized was more than enough to satisiy the Jew’s claim, and redeem the mort- gage held by bim against Pearl. nd thé way in which the victorious speculator received Boss Bob, would have pleased an Anchorite, to say the least. We must needs draw to a close, but will add a few final remarks. Albert All erts, was pramesy paid back his lean, on the 10th day of tember, at one n inute to 12 o’clock, and the ge mortgage redeemed and destroyed. Baiked in. this the chief of all his villainous designs, the Jew scon after dispcsed of his in- terests in the Centennial city, and departed for perts unknown, Heart-Eater returned to the city, but kept shady util the matter of his villainy had some- what blown over. As soon as possible, before the disgrace of bis second wife’s rash act was known, Morton Prescott closed up bis business in Philadelphia, and in company with his nephew, Josh, sought a western field of enterp1ise—first, however, properly rewarding Boss bob with a eash pres~ ent «ia thousand dollars. Pecrl and the colonel accompanied him, but returned to take up their residence in Philadel- phia as man and wife, one of the happiest cou- ples the sun ever shone upon, The Rutherford fortune has never as yet been recovered, and probably never will be. Of the eventful life of Boss Bob and his strange companion, the Nondescript, we bave given, as it were, but the first ebapter, and closing, we may add that the Boo k King may come to the front again. tegns > THE END.

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