Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 111) (1886 02 24)
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Tae re oa y im NL} i ye Copyrightod, 1886, by Beanie anv Apams. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N.Y., a8 Raned Class Mail Matter. Vv ] Ix 2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, 0 a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., New York. Five Cents, Fer. 24, 1886. No, 111, Boss? Wipnisn Wig, GONE BY EDW. LWHEELER™ “WELL, NOW, SEE HEER, MY HEBREW FRIEND, IF YEou DON’T WANT ME TER GIT UP AN’ BOOT YE, YE HADN'T BETTER SOT A PAW ON THIS BOY. MY NAME’S JOSHUA EVERGREEN, FROM PLUNKET, re -YARMONT, AN’ I RECKON I'M'S GOOD’S I LUK, EV'RY DAY IN A WEEK, AN’ TWICE ON SUNDAY.” ~
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ris 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,” ETC. CHAPTER I. BOSS BOB, THE KING OF THE BOOTBLACKS, * “Sure 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-al’” In the clear early gloaming of a June morning, these words were sung out, in a rollicking, boy- ish voice, which was tinged with the broad brogue of the Emerald sod. Then, after a slight pause, there came another outburst of poetry and melody— “ Black yer boots! black yer boots! Make ‘em neatly sbine, Dust yer collar, pull down yer vest, All fer half a dime. An’ if ye aren't satisfied Whin I hey partly done, Gi’ me a dime an’ the toe o” yer boot, An’ then ye’ll see me run.’ The time was two o’clock, morning. The locality was the Market street bridge, which forms one of the several links connecting East Philadelphia with its western sister. Everywhere 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 lights only were seen upon its surface. The bridge was deserted, but few pedestrians being abroad, and it was yet an hour ere the tinkle of the first car-bell would be heard. The pulf of a locomotive in the yard of the Pennsylvania Railway, announced that a late train had just arrived, with a cargo of human freight—visitors to the great Centennial. A man left the Pennsylvania passenger depot, sachel in hand, and strode eastward. He had come in upon the delayed excursion train, but chose aot to remain inthe depot until morning, as bundreds of others did, nightly, during the great Exposition. A few steps down Market street brought him to the bridge. At the western endagrim figure stood against a pillar, but the silver star upon his coat betokened his calling—Mike Moriarty, regular, at your service, The stranger advanced midway across the river; then paused, set his sachel upon the bridge, and wiped the perspiration from his row as he leaned against the railing and gazed over into the river. ‘ The night was sultry, oppressive. A heavy 2 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. vapor hung over the lower districts of the city; an uninviting stench of sulphurous smoke came from the gas-bouse on the southeastern shore. ‘*T almost wish ’d remained in my sleeping- car until morning,” the stranger mused, gazing into the dark waters of the silent Schuylkill. ‘‘Tt is so different here from what I deemed it. T am in a mighty city—how much larger, I wonder, than Toledo? Ah! the city the Cen- tennial! A thrill passes through me when I Map fact, and eagerness drowns trouble. eho: It was at this moment that the rollicking snatch of song was heard, Weirdly strange it sounded, in the dead of night, yet Oliver Morti- mer listened, eagerly. He was an ardent lover of music, be it in the crude or refined state. Footsteps were coming nearer, from the east- ern side, in a shuffling sort of gait, keeping time to a whistled accompaniment of ‘‘ Muldoon the Solid Man.” Suddenly a figure dove out of the darkness, and then; “Black yer boots? Make ‘m shine, Costs you but a half.a dime. Touch yer corns up like a feather, Make a mirror of your leather!” ‘Shine ’em, mister?” ** Well, I don’t mind,” Oliver Mortimer re- peed 4 into the light, shed by a gas amp. ‘‘ Mind that you do a good job, though.” “Shure, an’ it’s niver an ondacent job ye'll see me lave 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 years, because of the smut and grime upon his keen face, the eyes of which resembled lumps of coal- diamonds. His garments were ragged and ill-fitting, the pants being several sizes too large, and the coat as much too 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” be- ing turned up a /a Dutch comedian. And could the face have been sufficiently washed, Oliver Mortimer concluded the boot- black would not have been unhandsome. “Cum down ter see ther elerfant, hev you?” the “‘ shiner” demanded, as he polished away, “Yes, I did come for that purpose,” was the reply. : ‘Jest got in on ther excursion?” So-Veg.? “'Tho’t so. Stranger, ain’t ye?” “T am, true enough.’ 7 ‘*Rrom Bosting?” “No; from Toledo.” “oledo? Phew! I tho’t sure you was frum Bosting, by them mutton-chops 0’ yourn, Them Bosting chaps calculate -they’re a peg higher’n we citizens 0’ Phil’y, but they ain’t. They’ve got ‘culchaw,’ but we've got ther elerfant,” Oliver Mortimer smiled, ; |
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| | | Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 3 He saw that his voluble “‘ black ” was disposed to be talkative. ‘¢T suppose so,” he replied. vinitora here, now?” ‘“You bet. Huckster cart-loads of em. Never been here afore?” “ No.” “Then ye wanter look out. There’s more ‘ peelers’ here than I ever see’d afore.” “More poe Yr “ Yes—light-fingered kleptomanyacks fiders,’ ‘cribbers’ an’ ‘grabbers.’ A got ter keep an’ eye out or theyll steal even his good looks.” “Well, that is bad. What is your name?” ** Maloney, fer short, or Boss Bob, jest as ye please. The b’hoys call me Boss Bob, ’ca’se | inerally boss this purticuler department o’ in- ustry. My father’s Terrance Maloney, a cop once, but now boss coke-heaver down at the lower gas works. Me mother’s a Dutch cat-fish peddler, whom ye'll see wid 9 tray furninst the top av her head, an’ when she gits purthy full on lager, she kin scoop ther top o’ Terrance’s scull off wid a brickbat, shure. As fer meself, I’m a straight-grained Yank, ther master o’ a dozen different brogues, the solid Muldoon in a fight, an’ ready fer ennything thet cums along honest.” ‘Well, Bob, who is that individual yonder?” and Oliver Mortimer pointed into a gloomy part of the great bridge, where the taint outlines of a human figure were discernible. “Oh! that’s the Nondescript,” Boss Bob re- plied, airily. ‘‘He and I ginerally tramp to- gether, you know. He’s mum, is the Nonde- script—I 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 any chap of his size. He’s a ferret, too, as 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 style, the polish being faultless, **Good enough,” the man from Toledo said, approvingly. ‘I see you understand your business, Do you get out this early, every morning, Bob?” “Most ginerally, onless it rains. The ’arly worm ketches the bird, sez the poet, an’ I most allus makes a half a dollar afore I dine.” “Ar’ you well acquainted around town, then?” “Ar I? Well, I reckon! Nondeseript an’ I knows every corner an’ rat-hole frum north ter south, an’ east ter west. Ef thar’s any one ye want to find, jest mention his or her signature, an’ deposit yer collatteral, an’ here’s what/ll guide ye.” Oliver Mortimer laughed, outright. “Perhaps you know Morton Prescott, then?” he said, amusedly. “Prescott! Prescott?” repeated Boss Bob, pausing to scratch his head. ‘Let me see— keeps 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 little close wi’ his collatteral, but no h.o-g, fer all. Luks kinder down in the mouth, lately. His paper ain’t werth much, I guess—financial embarrassment, ‘“* Are there many *con- feller ’s’ you see”—and the King of Bootblacks brushed away industriously at the refractory boot, with a knowing: nod. Oliver Mortimer whistled slowly. This street Arab was a mystery to him. What he did not appear to know was seem- ingly very little. “*Come down to see Morton on biz, I s’pect,” Bob went on, volubly. “No, not exactly. I expect tomeet 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, at the same time receiving a nickel. ‘Ef yo evyer come my way, ye'll ginerally find me or the Nondescript thar, after midnight. Mornin’ to ye. * Good-morning,” Oliver Mortimer said, seiz- ing his sacbel, and hurrying on. Boss Bob, in his crouching position, razed after him until his footsteps became inaudible, long after he had disappeared from view; then he scratched his frowsy head, and arose to bis feet with a sigh. “* Heigh-ho! thet’s the way et goes.. Jest as I was gittin’ interested in that chap, he’s off 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 ow], the eyes being large and round, the nose hooked, ant a hairy substance covering the owl-shaped ‘ace, Like the bootblack king, he was poorly clad, and looked as if he had slept in a coal bin, Where the Toledoan had stood, something | white lay upon the bridge. “Pick it up,” Boss Bob said, directing the Nondescript’s attention to it. F The youth promptly obeyed. “Keep it, and give it to the chap who jest Mi ap off,” Bob said. ‘* Did you memorize nim?” The Nondescript nodded, his big eyes growing brilliant in their expression. “Allright, Come along, then. We'll see how matters look up at the Pennsylvania.” TM 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 bridge to the West Philadelphia side, and to the Penn- sylvania depot, two squares above. A glance within the spacious waiting-rocms of the depot revealed a scene at once peculiar and suggestive of what a people will endure for the sake of satisfying their curiosity and desire to see, A bundred or more people of both sexes and, all ages were there, eagerly waiting for the dawn of their first eventful Cey at the Centen- nial—many of them as yet unprovided with a stopping-place during their stay. Here sat an aged couple, whose years number-
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4 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. ed close upon four-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. Here, a fidgety couple, many years younger, whose troubles have just begun, evidently. judging by the suspicious way they regar their neighbors in the next seat, and hang upon their pocket-books, In their estimation, every black-mustached stranger is a_ pick- pocket. Here is a young married couple, from the extreme rural ‘‘ deestricts,” who are munching their first Centennial peanuts. ‘Black yer boots, make ’em shine, Only costs you half a dime; Touch yer corns up like a feather, Make a mirror of your leather!” “ Shine ’em, mister?” “Wal, neow, I don’t know. How much, d’ye say?” ‘Five cents! Jest let me tackle them daisies 0’ yourn, senator. Ill make’em shine like a forty-dollar diamond, so they’ll reflect a hull mirage of ther Centennial grounds.” . “Pshaw! Yedon’t say?” “YT will, darn my buttons! When ye want ter comb yer hair, all ye’ll have ter do is ter look at yer feet for yer fortygraff.” “Wal, go ahead. 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 was the man who wanted to tread upon the great Centen- nial 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 the mother thankful. ‘*Come, Nondescript; no more tin here, Away “we go for a fresh lay!” CHAPTER II, ALBERT ALBERTS, AND HIS TERMS. Upon the first day of January, 1876, several months prior to the opening of the Centennial, Morton Prescott stood upon the steps 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 posttion he had once before sprung to wealth and afflu- ence, For five years he had been a prominent merchant, a popular citizen, and had honorably occupied several positions 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 som *thing over a million, said the wise ones. All had gone well,.and he had prospered, and rejoiced in having one of the largest: trades 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 prepared him for a harder life afterward. To be sure, he still retained possession of the mammoth importing house, but both that and his magnificent residence on Oxford street, near Broad, were mortgaged for their full value. Some there were who knew nothing of this stress of affairs—many, indeed, in so great a city, for the papers 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, Leaving his office upon this foggy, cloudy New Year’s patie when a vapor pregnant with excitement, tin horns, flags and gunpowder seemed to hang over all objects, the merchant walked down to Market street, and through that crowded thoroughfare to Broad street, giving little heed to the gorgeous display of flags, bunt- ing and patriotic decorations that an enthusias- tic Pe re their homes and build- ings with. ‘At Broad and Market he took a cab, and gave the directions, and in less than twenty minutes was landed before what he had once been proud to call his home, Mounting the steps and ringing the bell, he was rere, admitted by. a colored man-servant. “Where will I find Pearl and Sylvia, Hag- att?” the merchant demanded, throwing off his great-coat, and brushing his long beard before the pier-glass. 7 “Spect you'll find ’em in de library, sah,” Hagatt replied, respectfully. ‘‘Show you up, sah?” ‘No, I can find them myself, I guess,” the merchant replied, ascending the stairs. An elegantly appointed and furnished place was the library, and here Morton Prescott found his wife and daughter, Pearl, the latter men- tioned, was a charming maiden of seventeen summers, of winsome manners, and refined ap- pearance, in which haughtiness or cold vanity was not to be found. Petite of figure, and graceful, she possessed purely chiseled features, rose-tinted with happy health—hair that shone like golden glimmer— eyes whose sparkle was like the diamonds upon her fingers. A stylish dresser and accomplished in conver- sation, music, and drawing, Pearl Prescott was a daughter of whom the merchant had just reason to be proud. Sylvia, Morton Prescotit’s second wife, was also young, having seen only four-and-twenty years of life, but, unlike her step-daughter, was vain, supercilious and arrogant. The merchant had found this out to his cost, but he submitted to her petty tyranny without remonstrance, A tall, magnificent blonde, of comely propor- tions, pretty face, and magnetic presence, 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 English aristocracy and the heiress to an earldom; but Morton Prescott, perhaps, was the only man who knew the truth or falsity of either report. She dressed gorgeously and queened it in so-, ciety, and few toek pains to inquire into heyy
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% Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 5 antecedents, having unlimited faith in the say- ing, ‘‘ Gold, goodness and beauty go together.” Both ladies were seated in the Siren , read- ing, when the merchant entered, but looked up, in pers into his pale, haggard face. * All is lost!” he re died, faintly, in answer to the interrogative look. ‘TI ventured my last, and lost. We are paupers!” An exclamation came from both ladies, and Pearl was by the merchant’s side in an instant, her arms around his neck, nds Oh! papa, you really do not mean what you say? ‘Every word of it. We are penniless—and just when the grandest chance of my career of speculation dawns before my gaze.” ‘Tell me how you mean, papa?” ‘A report from London has just reached me, of a coming ¢rash in silks and laces, A leading house is going to ‘drop bottom’ within ten days, and their stock can be bought at a tre- mendous sacrifice. It makes me wild when I realize that the chance must slip by me. There is now an active market here for silks and all foreign importations, and although the prices may not advance materially, the coming Expo- sition will increase the sales to fabulous figures, and were I now in the same financial condition that I was two years ago, I’d send to Schofel, and have him pe off the entire stock, low enough so that I could thribble on the net profits here. . And rising, the troubled merchant paced to and fro, pe eg across the floor, his brows knitted perplexedly. “Oh! papa! If vou only had the money, or could raise it,” Pear] said, clasping her hands, prettily, and studying the figures in the plush carpet upon the floor, ‘‘If—if you could only mortgage the—” ss Mortgage!” the merchant exclaimed, shar 1 fg aod by y, my child, everything is already mortgaged—this house and contents, the ware- house—everything!” ‘*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 pao would not sell for twenty- five cents on the dollar, to-day.” “Oh! dear! what shall we do? It will be such a disgrace—such a talk there will be. For heaven’s sake, Morton, do something to avert the —the terrible disgrace from my poor shoulders. Ishall never go into society again.” “Tf society would only refund what we—you and I—have squandered upon it, madame, poor papa could again hold up his head on Second and Third, and sell his paper at par!” Pearl flashed, indignantly. “To be sure, my dear child, but, really, you know, we have barely been able to keep up to the times, on your father’s meager income,” Mrs. Prescott drawled affectedly. ‘Ah! me, if T only had my eerldom in my control.” “Yes, if you only had!” Pearl sighed, the least bit sarcastically. “Morton, dear, you really must do something for me, or I shall have to send for Le Grande, to console me.” “Tf that affected puppy ever crosses my threshold again, Sylvia, I willkick him out upon the street!” the merchant declared, angrily. Then he turned to Pearl. “T see but one way out of the dilemma; I know of but one course of aid, promising 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 can be of any use, command me, and I will not re- fuse!” the girl said, eagerly, earnestly. ‘* You promise this, my child?” “T swear it, if necessary!” Pearl replied, bravely. “Then, I will tell you of whom I propose to seek relief— Dr, Alberts!” * Papa!” 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 re- 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 has ac- cess to more ready cash than any other man in the city, for he not only owns countless proper- ties, but is treasurer and banker for many Jew- ish firms. He may be a modern merchant of Venice, but I shall deal with him as cautiously as I would with a rattlesnake. I will go at ppbe had learn what terms I can make with im. ‘“‘ Oh! papa, I fear to have you deal with that man, He is unprincipled—a villain. Twice he has insulted me in the street by stopping me, and declaring his ardent admiration of myself. Once you are under obligations to him, will his unwelcome attentions not turn to actual perse- cution?” “No! I will see to that. As a Jew, he can never enter my house. On the street I will see that he never insults you. If I can get half a million of him, in clean cash, I am once more made,” An hour later, in the dingy pawnbroker’s shop of Dr. Albert Alberts, Morton Prescott stood before that personage, and made known his wants, Alberts eyed him sharply with his keen, gray eyes, that seemed to be the mirror of an evil soul, 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 Jewish origin. He dressed richly, however, and there were four rings of gold set with diamonds and other rare jewels upon several fingers of his two hands. * You want haff a million of tollars, eh?” he repeated, when Morton Prescott had made known his errand, ‘‘ You want haff a million of tollars, andt you pe Morton Prescott, t’e Second street merchant?” ‘ ‘Exactly. I am known to-day in financial circles, asa ruined man. I have barely enough money in my Mh sesans: to purchase a good cigar— such as I used to smoke. And, now, when to- tally wrecked of fortune, a chance looms up be- fore me to make money. A half a million of dollars will set me upon footing again—square
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6 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, up the mortgages upon my estate, and givemea full hundred thousand toworkupon. You have money—you must help me!” “T must, Mister Prescott?” “You must, sir.” Vell, I take your word for it. ty can you give?” “None. I have not a dollar’s worth of actual property in the world.” “An yet you vant dem haff million, all de same?” “T do—I must have them.” Alberts scratched his head; the gleam in his eyes was very cunning. “T dream apout dose,” he said, with a grim chuckle. ‘*Two minutes I come back.” Then he entered a room in therear 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, ‘‘ you ish an hon- est mans. I don’ vas like to see you go rob some bank, an’ go to brison for it. SoTI helps you. Here ish von paper, it reads: ** ParLADELPAIA, Pa., Jan. 1, 1876 “' This is to certify that my father. Mor on Pres- cott. of said city and State, has, in my presence, on said date, borrowed of Albert Alberts, One Half Mil- lion Dollars, in U. S. Currency, the same to be pid back to said Albert Alberts, by said Morton Prescott, in my presence, at the pawabroker 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 agreementin paying back the loan, princival and interest, I, Pearl Prescott, daught»r of said Morton Prescott, do solemnly swear to deliver myself and person up unto said Albert Albert: in Christian marriage, at any time said Albert Alberts may order, aft+r twelve o’clock, A. M., September 10th, 1876. To all of which T do agree, and affix hereunto my signature, on this, the first day of January, a. D. 1876 What securi- oar “ “Sioned, 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 pack mit you, an’ sign t’e leetle agreement. 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 are asecond Merchant of Venice!” the speculator gasped, faintly. He had heard every word uttered by this crafty, scheming German-Jew, and the significance fill- ed his heart with a great horror. ‘‘Iif I should find it impossible to meet my obligation on the precise day and minute thereof, you—you—” “T foreclose mine mortgage, you pet!” was the prompt reply, there being a spice of devilish triumph in the man’s tone. Morton Pr°scott took a turn ‘about the little shop, laboring in a state of great excitement. It was the most astounding thing he had ever heard of—this proposition of the Jewish man of money, and, yet— To accept the terrible terms seemed the dis- tressed merchant’s only salvation, in a pecuniary sense, ™ ‘“‘ With the half a million, Schofel could pur- chase the ‘ crash’—ay, with a quarter million or less, perhaps, and with the remaining quarter I could redeem the mortages against my resi- dence and warehouse. Then, if the cargo reached me about the first of July, I am confident I can get at least thrice what it cost me, and thus pay off this Jew-devil’s loan. But, will Pearl consent to the terms? She said if I could use her, to do so! Ah! Heaven! I’d see her dead before Alberts. should ever lay claim to her!” Thus the merchant mused, as he paced to and ak Alberts the meanwhile watching him like a awk. “Vell, Mister Prescott, vat you say?” he de- manded, finally, jingling the keys he held in his hand, ‘Can you find von easier way to raise haff a million?” ‘*No; nor a harder one, for that matter,” the merchant replied, grimly. ‘‘ Give me the paper, and I will see my child. If she is willing to risk the sacrifice, [ will come back. If not, you may put your money box away.” ‘Very well, Mister Prescott—I look for you pack, to-morrow morning, accompanied py your sharming daughter. Good-tay!” “ Good-day, sir,” Morton Prescott said, as he left the office, and once more emerged into the festive New Year’s scene. Crowded were the streets with eager sight- seers, but the merchant elbowed his way along, and in half an hour, stood before his daughter, in her private sitting-room. “Pearl, you promised I might command you, did I need to use you?’ the merchant said, gravely. “Yes, 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, append your signature—just as you believe may be for the best.” With hands that perceptibly trembled, Pear] Prescott received the document and bore it to the light that she might read it. The merchant watched her gravely, anxious- ly, hopefully. From a roseate tint of health the shade grew to the hue of the white, waxen lily upon Pearl’s face: her eyes assumed an expression of un- utterable horror and loathing, as she read: the paper dropped from her nerveless grasp to the floor, as she turned to the father who was awaiting her answer. > “Father, T said you might use me. 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 raise it some other way. You shall be re- deemed!” ““T believe you; more, I will Beene upon your father’s love to save your child. Stay! I will get my wraps, and we will go at once.” “No—not until to-morrow. To-day is the nation’s day—the first eventful one of the Cen-
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tennial year. To-merrew will do as well for this business.” 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 wily smile upon his homely features. The paper was duly signed and delivered; then the Jew unlocked the iron box, and in clean gold and greenbacks, 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. “T pid ia ood-tay, Mister Prescott! Von happy ew Year, Miss Prescott, for yester- ay!”. ee that day, Morton Prescott deposited his loan in different banks; and a cablegram flashed across the Atlantic to Gustave Schofel, 62 Strand, London: “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars deposi- ted in ——, ——. —— Banks, by me, subject to your order. Catch the crash, Morton Prescorr.” And in ten days came back: “T have caught it for $100.000. The clearing up will not admit of the cargo touching your port be- fore August, ScoHoFe..” August! , Usually a: dreamy month in staid old Phila- delphia, but not so this Centennial year. “ Black yer boots, make ’em shine, Only cost you half 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- blacks, nor did he ‘let up’ until he had per- formed a round twenty shines. It was early in the forenoon— moreover, it was Jersey day! Long before daylight had spread its cheerful- ness over the City of Homes, the street cars be- an to bear loads of living freight westward 0! and the steam cars bore their invoice of “Jersey” folk from every nook and corner of the State of sand and watermelons. And, long before the turn-stiles began working, to admit the 67,000 visitors of New Jersey’s famous day, throngs of people were congregated on the outside of the inclosure, upon Elm and Belmont avenues. Bootblacks now had their harvest before the ieee were open—not a few, but a swarm of em whose numerical count could not be esti- mated—a dirty, ragged, impudent, dare-devil, irrepressible army of them, of whom an artist mlghs 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 toughest, 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 of charity and compassion. There is not much “ fight” in Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. ” 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 oa a weary needle, when even the pangs of hunger may be gnawing at her vitals; she has no money —no husband whose strong hands may support her—only her little boy! But the fire of patriotic enthusiasm burns strong in her 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, Cost you only half a dime.” ‘* Shine ’em, mister. Jest let me wrassle wi? them shapely quaits o’“yourn, an’ ef T can’t make ’em luk like a forty-dollar mirror, I'll set up ther peanuts, you bet! Tell ye what I did once, mister, ef it'll be any inducement, an’ ye needn’t believe it ef ye don’t wanter. A feller he telegraffed ter me thet thar war a feller down in Jarsey who hed never hed his feet blacked—that is, his boots, ye see. He’d allus been brought up on watermelons, salt-water clams, shuck eyesters, an’ sech like, an’ his feet war so big thet et cost more fer blackin’ ter give his boots a good decent shine, than ther sale 0’ his hull crop o’ melons cum to. So this feller who telegraffed me, he took compassion on ther Jarseyman, an’ offered me fifty dollars ter go down an’ shine ’em, bein’s I ar’ ther Kin and High-Low-Jack o’ this purtickler branch o industry. Waal, ter cut a short story long, as ther novelists say, I packed my kit an’ waited on thet Jarseyman. ‘Result: absence from this moral hemisfear of a hundred pounds o”’ Bixby’s best, an’ six brushes. But, you hain’t no Jarseyman, stran- ger; no, sir-ee—not you! An’ your Pompe ore suggestive o’ aristocracy an’ refinement. Pu knock the price clear down fer this time, and charge you only half a dime. Take it in time an’ it comes in rhyme. Shine ’m, mister?” Of course the speaker was Boss Bob. He had cleared a quarter, square, from the. finish of one job, and a himself in front of a tall, richly-dressed and aristocratic-looking stranger, who had paused before the great main 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 brush 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. me a faint smile came to his mustache-shaded ips. . "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-
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thing like a chuckle. ‘‘ You’ve at least learned your lingo perfectly, Give my boots a first-class shine and V’ll pay you a first-class price—thoe London price, by the way.” ‘“* Bet I will!” Boss Bob replied, settling to his work quickly, ‘‘So you’re a London rooster, be you? Know’d ye warn’t no Jarseyman by ther size o’ yer feet an’ float o’ yer jibboom. Tell a Jarseyman fur’s I can see ’im. That acka- line nose an’ Rochambeau tater-trap o’ yourn ar’ better’n a family history. Little French mixed up wi’ yer Brit, ain’t there?” ‘Yes, a trifle, [dare say,” was the ac gh “T know’d it,” Bob declared, elated at his victory. ‘I sed you wasn’t no clam-fatted Jarseyman the minnit I spied ye. I’m a purty good. guesser, ginerally, an’ when I twigged yer main-topsail, an’ reefed yer yard-arm ter ther breeze, sed I to myself that ain’t Grant, Bédle, Hartranft, ner John Wannamaker, ’case_ his lower jaw’s too clean; but sez I, that feller’s name is Colonel Ri pford,” The stranger gave a sudden start, and gazed at the hactbiaoks in great surprise, “ By Jove,” he said, aftera prolonged whistle. ‘* How in the name of common sense did you learn my name, boy? I deemed my presence unknown,” “Then, youre the colonel?” “Of course I am. Tell me, where did you ever hear my uname?” “ That’s for me ter know an’ you ter guess, I *spect,” the king replied, with a chuckle. “There! the turn-stiles are open; I must go,” the colonel said, hastily, ‘‘ But I must see you again, boy—where?” “*T 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 Padaly scrawled in penciled chiro- graphy: ney’ , “ Boss Bob, Schuylkill River, Bines & Scheaff’s Coal-us, Bin 12—Hard—Large Nut. Squeal ‘ Keno,’ in falsetto voice.—B. B.” CHAPTER IV. BOSS BOB MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE, THE next minute the stranger had seized the interesting card, and was gone, with the crowd. Rising to his feet, with his ‘kit” in hand, Boss Bob gazed after him, “ Well, now, ef that ain’t ther tallest sorter coon I ever see’d. Never paid me a Centennial red, he didn’t, fer all I twigged his signature, an’ give him a reg’lar London polish, An’ he sed he’d give me London pay. Ef that’s ther sort o’ collatteral they've over on John Bull’s side, I want no more of it. But, maybe he’s honest, an’ absent-minded. Seen sech coons afore this. Say, Nondescript?” The boy 5 faa a from where he had just finished a polishing job. ‘Ye see’d thet fureigner I war jest shinin’?” the King of Bootblacks demanded. The boy nodded. “I thort ye did. 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 account. rs Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks Mebbe he fergot all about ther collatteral— mebbe! These’ere distinguished inderwiduals gineraliy hev hull huckster cart-loads of it stored away—in their minds.” A train had just arrived from New York, at the branch depot, upon Elm avenue, and people were pouring from it into the street, to join in the restless, surging tide of humanity that streamed continuously through the busy turn- stiles into the Exposition, Men, women, children—from nearly every State and Territory, the New Jerseyans to-day, of course, phat wt 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 pointing toward the main entrance to the poet ** Let’s take a look.” Across the street they sprung, and soon form- ed one of a circle of curious persons who had formed a sort of ring around an irate Yankee, « whose voice it was which had attracted the at- tention of Boss Bob, 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 flashing; the mouth ludi- crously large, the corners being stained with tobacco-juice; the hair long and tangled, and of a towy color. A subject for an artist was th> stranger, as he stood in the center of the group, swinging his clinched fists about in a free manner—a typical greenhorn clad in homespun, stogy boots, and a battered, old-fashioned ‘* plug ” hat, while he wore a flaring red necktie about his mp, and a full-blown poppy in his button- hole, A titter of amusementi escaped Boss Bob as he saw the countryman, and he nudged the Non- descript shyly. ** Look 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 sea 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. ‘I say I want tew fasten on tew him. I’ve been robbed, feller- eitizens—boldly robbed in broad daylight, arter comin’ all the way down heer ter visit this plaguey 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 dollars—that’s what ails Sarah Jane. My name’s Joshua Ever- green, if yer want ter know who I am, an’ I’m a citizen 0’ Plunkit, Vermont. An’ my pair o’ yearlin’ steers is a-goin’ ter take ther prize at the Live Stock show, tew boot. An’ [ didn’t come down heer ter be imposed on, or laffed at. Mebbe I luk a leetle green, an’ my eddication hain’t so prime as sum 0’ you city chaps, but when ye cum down tew the solid facts, I'll bet I can lick any one 0’ ye, with one hand tied ahind my back.” ‘Ob! ther chap’s warmin’ up,” Bob observed to the Nondescript. ‘‘ Guess he’s got ther mus- otal ~~. >- oe
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 9 cle ter back what he sez, too, by ther looks 0’ his statter.” ‘Tell us how you came to lose aves money, sir?” a clerical-looking man said, addressing the Yankee. ‘‘ Perhaps we can find it.” ‘“*Of course ye could, if ye was a mind tew,” Joshua averred, confidently. ‘‘ Ye see, I hedn’t no change ter put inter ther turn-stile, an’ so I asked a spruce sorter chap if he could change a bill fer me, an’ he sed if ’'d wait right here two minnits, he’d take the bill an’ git it changed fer me. An’ heer I've stud, half an hour, and the dirty mean skunk hain’t come back yeti!” A murmur of significance escaped from the lips of those of the spectators who were native Philadelphians. There was no doubt. in their minds but what the man from Vermont spoke the truth, for this was no unusual occurrence. “Pll bet a hoss I know who the snoozer was, who bled the Evergreen-horn,” Boss Bob said from his position. ‘“‘He’s bin hangin’ aroun here, doing the accommodatin’, every day fer a week, an’ I know it.” * Ah! youre the young man we want to see, then,” the gentleman said, who had first mani- fested interest in Joshua Evergreen’s behalf, Pn sort of a person is the man you refer to ‘Oh! he’s a gallus ’coon, an’ don’t ye fergit it,” Bob assured, eying his interrogator, sharp- ly, and making him out to be a clerical party, of five and forty—one of those benevolent souls ever 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. His nose ar’ thin an’ peaked, like as ef he was blessed with a mother-in-law, an’ his mouth would make a good target fer a Gattlin gun. He wairs goggles, sumtimes, over his eyes, an’ sumtimes he don’t. He dresses like a clerk in a milliner store, an’ walks wi’ a cane, w’ot’s got a statiter of old Neptune on ther handle-eend. That’s the chap I mean, sir—parts his hair in the middle, an’ calls himself Chawles Augustus Rothschild Fitz Noodle, when he’s in a hurry, addin’ in seven more, when thar ain’t no cops near,” “Tsw’ar if that ain’t the very skunk, young feller,” Joshua Evergreen declared, excitedly. “ Had a squeaky voice, didn’t he?” “Yes—a falsetter voice—a cross twixt a Thomas cat’s an’ a cat-fish vender’s.” “The very chap, by hokey! I say, sonny, did you see that feller?” “ Reckon I did, ’while ago. Used to know him when he 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, and handing him over to the authorities?” suggested the petice athe B h h 9 pose I might; Evergreen-horn hes go heaps 0’ 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’ Pll take ye inter the show, free 0’ charge, an’ bu the soda water, too—gosh hanged if I won’t! hain’t got much stamps along, but, dad’s got lots up at Plunkit, an’ he’s fattin’ five shoats ter butcher, too. i ain’t no hog, on small matters, an’ I ginerally try ter do the square by a feller, even ef I have ter give him my terbaccer-box ” And here the Yankee grinned broadly, at his supposed facetiousness. “Well, come along, Josh,” Boss Bob said, with a grimace, as he picked up 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- geared Vermonter, through the crowd, the voice of the former ringing out in his favorite cery— ** Black yer boots. make ‘em shine, Costs yer only half a dime—” “Who is that fellow?” asked a bystander, as the twain strode away—‘‘he with the ghb tongue, 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 we 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 to a sition of prominence, and be all the better for it. He is now the mgue party in the right place, for his profession admits him to places where detectives are most needed—the streets and drinking saloons, The ‘city fathers’ are not unmindful 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 mafn en- trance, “My gosh! what swads an’ swads o' folks!” es Joshua Evergreen, as he and Boss ob elbowed their be along. ‘‘ Who'd ever thort the country’d take sech a puke, jest for one show? I wish dad an’ mam could see all these folks. We used ter think ther coun fair was some pumpkins, up at Plunkit, but Pll be gum-blasted ef this ain’t bigger nor two or three fairs!” “Oh, you bet!” Bob assured, with a quizzical smile radiating his dirty countenance. “ But this hain’t no shakes ter what ther next one’s goin’ ter be. Ther hull site o’ Philadelphia ar’ oin’ ter be used fer ther grounds, an’ all ther ouses roofed over and turned inter one build- ing—that is, ef I am nominated president 0’ the concern. *Spect Philadelphy is purty near as big as Plunkit, eh?” “Well, I guess not—leastwise thar’s only a postoffis an’ tavern, THellow! what’s the rip, now?” They had reached the eastern end of the fence fronting upon Elm Avenue,
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10 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. Boss Bob had seized the arm of his companion, and pointed a few feet distant to a foppishly dressed swell who stood apart from the crowd that streamed by. ° His face was a peculiar one, being somewhat feminine in feature, the complexion rather sal- low, mouth large, nose thin and peaked, and eyes shaded by a pair of green goggles. His attire was rich and stylish—a summer suit of white duck, and a silk hat upon his head, in addition to a liberal display of jewelry, made his appearance quite natty. “There! that’s Chaawles Augustus Rothschild Fitz 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 reachin’!” Joshua declared, excitedly. ‘‘ Jest let go my arm, and see me go up and boot him once. I'll wake up his ijees a little.” “No, no!—that won't do!” interposed Bob. “ You dassent boot a chap, here, like you do up in Plunkit, ef ye don’t want a night in the sta- tion ‘us’. There’s a policeman, 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, through a ‘ con- fider,’ and so we’ve tracked and spotted him, and now ef you'll jest jerk him, we're all right.” “Very well, If the loser is sure of his man, point him out and Pil lift him,” the officer said. “Thar’s the mean skunk,” Joshua declared, pes out the swell. ‘‘ He’s the very skunk hat promised to get my bill changed, but didn’t come back, gol darn his picter!” ** And he calls himself Fitz Noodle!” Boss Bob added, ‘‘He’s one of the hossiest confiders in the city.” ‘*T have suspected this lay, for several days, but haven't found him in the act. But, I'll take him now, however,” the officer said, And, walking softly up to the fop, number 856 clapped his broad hand upon the shoulder of that individual, with the grim announce- ment: “ Young man, you must come along with me, You are my prisoner. No objections, now, or Tl put the nippers on ye!” “The * confider’ wheeled around with a sharp oath, but instantly changed his demeanor to that of a cringing, frightened coward. “Heavens! what do you say, my deah man— arrest me ?” he gasped, ‘‘ Why, my deah sir, ou have made a mistake—a fwightful mistake, assure you! Weally, Tam not the party you have taken me for. I am from Bosting, my deah man—right from the Hub, which you might infer by my culchaw.” “Yer? a darned liar!” Joshua declared, ap- proaching, with doubled fists. ‘‘ You’re the gosh-hanged skunk who tuk my ten dollars an’ run off wi’ it.” “Ves, we twig yer nibs,” Boss Bob 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 g0, onless ye fork over EVergreen-horn’s X. “Spare me! spareme!” Fitz Noodle protested, in accents wild. ‘ Weally this is a fwightful— a horwible mistake!” . “Come along with you,” number 836 replied, ruffily. ‘‘ Ye can prove yer case, when he get efore his Honor.” “Stop!” a voice cried. ‘‘ Dis insult must go no further. Dat mans ish not a ‘ confider,’ an’ I vouch for dat!” CHAPTER V. COL, RUTHERFORD AND ALBERTS—THE PAWN- BROKER AND BILL HEART-EATER. THE party who had interfered came forward now, and not only Boss Bob, but the officer 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 reply to the offi- cer’s stare, ‘I am Dr. Albert Alberts—I half monish—I go bail for de shendlemons.” “ Well, sir, the place to arrange that is before the judge of the police court,” No. 836 replied, sternly. ‘‘ You'll find your friend there, to- morrow morning, for a hearing. 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 agrny. upon Boss Bob and Ever m, who stood by. ‘You cause der arrest of dot shendlemans?” he demanded, savagely, of the young boot- black. “Yaw! yaw! I arrest him mitout a varrant, yust for sdealin’ ten dollar from dis mon!” Bob mimicked, grimly. ** Den petter you look out,” Alberts declared, in a rage. ‘I haff young vagabond like you taken up an’ sent mit der House off Correction.” “Oh! ye do, do ye, darn yer picter, put in Joshua, doubling up his fists, in high dudgeon. ‘* Well, now, see heer, my Hebrew friend, if eou don’t want me ter git up an’ boot ye, ye adn’t better sot a paw on this boy. My name’s Joshua Evergreen, frum Plunket, Varmont, an’ IT reckon I’m’s good’s Iluk, 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 couple goose eggs, an’ ef ye go ter stickin’ yer nose inter my bizness, I calculate I ain’t afeard ter knock ther spots clean off'm you, an’ a dozen more jest like ye. Now, what do yeow say?” “Oho! so you. vas one ugly cusdomer, eh?” Alberts observed, an angry flame in his fiery eyes, ‘Vell, vell, you lets me alone, an’ dot prisoner und I giff you ten dollar, all de vile.” “Oh! no ye won’t, Capting,” Boss Bobb inter- posed. ‘Ye can’t buy us out cheap, nary a time. If that ‘confider’s’ one o’ yer buzzom pals, ye’d better drap his acquaintance afore you get gugged yerself. Ye remember the* night up at Arthur Chambers’s?” The German-Jew scowled darkly, and his teeth went grating together. “T pay you for dat, sometime,” he growled, ee away, ‘‘I don’d yas fo’get you, all doe vile, | ; | | |
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, if '“Hal ha!’ Bob said, turning to Josh. ‘¢ Ther way ter get shut uv a reptile is ter sling an old slug at him, I tell ye. Wonder what Fitz Noodle is to him, anyhow? ‘*Spect they’re coin’ inter partnership in sum sort o’ deviltry. ow, cum along, Josh, an’ we'll skip down ter ther station-us’, an’ we can enter a complaint ag’in’ the confider.” **But whar’s my ten dollars?’ Joshua de- manded, anxiously. “Oh! his nibs has got it now, an’ his *honer’ will finger it next. You'll never gef fat on that X ag’in, you bet! Tell yer what, ther great city ain’t no place like et is in ther country ter turn greenhorns loose, Take a fel- ler o’ my statter an’ good luks, who hes a card o’ interduction ter all these big guns, and whom experience hes taught ter twig ther son-of-a guns, an’ he can git along very well. But let a greeny cum ter town, an’ nothin’ but ill-luck an’ misfortune greets him. Hain’t ye got no collatteral besides thet ten dollars, wich ye ain’t got? No bonds or mortgages?” “Not a darned cent, [ swow, ’cept my re- turn ticket ter Plunket!” “Well, don’t worry yerself inter a premature tomb. [ve got a little capital laying around loose, an’ I won’t let yer starve.” “Bf I could only find whar uncle Mort lives, T'd_be all hunk,” Joshua declared hopefully. **- Ye see, uncle Mort he’s rich, and puts on lots o’ style, an’ I know he'd be glad ter see me, seein’s I jest cum down from Plunket on pur- pose tew see ’em an’ fetched a roll o’ butter along in my sachel fer ’en).” ** Now don’t put no great dippendence on yer city relates,” Boss Bob said, nodding his head, sagely. ‘‘Ef I’many jedge o’ wharf-rats, they- *re a mighty oncertin set, especially ef yeu’re in from ther country, an’ hain’t got lots o’ style an’ collatteral. Know’d sev’ral instances whar ther country cousins didn’t find ther folks ter home.” “Yew don’t say!” Joshua replied anxiously. “Well, now, I'll be gum-blasted if they can git rid 0’ me so easy. Mebbe I am sorty green, like, but I ain’t no gol-darned fool, ef I did come from the country. No, sir-ee! I’m jest 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, where a complaint was entered against Fitz Noodle, to be trans- ferred to the Central Police court on the follow- ing morning, when the hearing was to take ce, : Then Bob loaned his country acquaintance a dollar, and left him to pursue his search for his city relations, Having 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 same after- noon, engaged in smoking a cigar, and reading a German paper; when the door opened to ad- mit a tall, distinguished-looking personage, of rich attire, and a genial countenance, prominent features, of which were a pair of handsome brown eyes, a classical nose, finely-sha mout and a golden-hued mustache that was heavy, an the ends curled. His form, too, was noticeably well proportioned. He might have been five and thirty years of age, but looked considerably younger. “Good-morning,” was his brisk, business-like Se “Do I behold Albert Alberts, M. a “Yaw! dot vas me,” the Jew replied, eying his visitor, sharply. ‘‘I am Albert Alberts.” “Then you are the individual I seek, I pre- sume,” the stranger replied, seating himself without invitation. ‘‘ My name is Rutherford— an English lawyer and counselor, by profession. I have a card of introduction to you from Schauss and Co., bankers.” “Yaw! I see,” Alberts replied, regarding the eard, with an approving nod. ‘You come to see me on business,” “Exactly. They stated that you were widely acquainted here in Philadelphia, and would be able to assist me, they thought.” “Dot ish right. If I can helb you,I do so mit pleasure,” the pawnbroker replied. “Tell me vat you want of me.” ‘* Well, you see, I am prosecuting the search for heirs to a great English estate, which has lain in disuse until it is on the eve of being out- lawed and confiscated by the Queen. There are several heirs thought to be living in America, 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 property by will. A will was made as follows: To an old tenant’s youngest child, whose name was Sutherland, he a aet 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 youngest existing heir of the first legatee of the first quarter was to receive the quarter due him, minus interest, which was to be left out. Tho said interest was to go to the attorney who had charge of the settlement of the estates, which were all to be converted into money one year previous to the expiration 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 old poacher’s son by the name of Mortimer; the third to a gardener’s son named Eliston, and the fourth to a hunter’s son named Preston, al}
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12 Boss Bob, the King of Dootblacks. | under the same provisions and stipulations as regards the first quarter.” “Dot vas a strange vill,” Alberts said, a glit- ter in his eyes. ‘‘ You haff the monish for all de heirs?” “ Yes, aboard my private steam yacht, in which I crossed the Atlantic. Iam the grand- son of the son of old Jervis Rutherford, to whom Lord Derby Rutherford confided his legal affairs, in 1776, and the settlement of his estates.” “Der name is der same. perhaps?” “No; the two Rutherfords bore no traceable relationship to each other.” **How much does the whole for'une amount to?” Alberts asked, his eyes glittering greedily, and a perceptible nervouseess in his voice. “T do 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 take charge of them, and find the heirs. That is my errand, principally, here in America.” “Vell, how furder you haff traced dese heirs?” Alberts interrogated. “Down to ths present generation. The Ell- stons are all dead, and there are no heirs to their portion. The Sutherlands are somewhere in America, as are the Prestons and the Morti- mers; but where, I am 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 giff me some of der names and I vill be watchful—on account of your in- troduction by Schauss & Company.” “ Very well. The first quarter was bequeathed to Duke Sutherland. He died and left a son who may be living yet; if so, aged about seventy years.” The second quarter was left to Ethelbert Mortimer; he died leaving a son named Wal- cross. Him I believe to be dead, leaving a son; name unknown, The third quarter was left to Arnold Elliston; all heirs sup d to be dead, The fourth and last quarter of the fortune, was left to Sefton Preston, who died, leaving a son, named Ralph Preston, who died young, leaving a son by name Morton Preston, yet supposed to be living. “Allright. Ihaff take’em down. Goot-tay, Mister Rutherford.” You vas a relative, ““Good-day, I will call again, within the month,” And rising, Colonel Rutherford took his de- parture, 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, maybe, but Ialso helb my- self. You was a rich goose, and I pluck your fedders, all de wile. You make me your agent; I vill see apout dose. Dis vas von valuable case, and I giff it my attention, I haff got some poys vat help me. Ihaff you shadowed. one hand, and I vin de game, maybe. ‘f I play a 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 fatigues of a day at the ex- position; others seeking their lodgings—business men, loafers, visitors, policemen, all mixed up in a jangling mass. At the corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets, Albert 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 business, we do not pretend to know, but judging by the expectant expression upon his countenance, he is watching for some one. “ He always ae along this side of the street at about this hour,” the pawnbroker mutters, with manifest ey pry 3 “T would not miss him to-night for fifty dollars.” In clear, unbroken English the Jew now speaks, instead of his broken accent, which evi- dences 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 seen his man, “Strange!” he mutters again, “TI hope they’ve not nabbed him on old scores. Ah!” He stepped 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, roughly- 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 cp brigand was he, in appearance, from head to ‘oot. “ Well!” he growled, gruffly; eying the pawn- broker, none too lovingly. “ What d’ye want of Bill Heart-Hater?” “Much,” Alberts replied, blandly. _‘t You ish der very man’s vot I want to see. I haff pen looking for you ash much ash von hour. Come down here.” He led the way down a pair of stairs that de- scended from the strect into a dive that was then known as Noonan’s Varieties. The first apartment entered was a bar-room, with chairs and tables strewn about, At one of these tables, in a retired corner, Al- berts seated himself, an! motioned the other to follow his example, which he did. ‘* Now den,” the pawnbroker said, lighting a cigar, ‘‘ ve will proceed to pizness.” CHAPTER VI. 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 lied. ‘I am | Bill Heart-Eater, an ex-pirate from the high seas, an’ I’m generally to be commanded fer a
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 13 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 fader- land, den?” he said. ““T allow not,” Heart-Eater replied, “Then I will speak plain English. The other is somewhat of a habit, and then, you know, comes natural. Ihave been anxiously waiting to know about the Sea Breeze?” “Tt left 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 thous- and you gave me ter hinder ik, 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, itll 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 the girl. But, how ’poud it—if der ship should get in be- fore dot time?” “He is saved. <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 previous to the eleventh of September,” he said, fiercely. “You hear vot I say, Phil Heart-Eater?” “T reckon I ain’t deaf,” the ex-pirate eed, with a chuckle, ‘TI shall hev to choke o yer wind, though, ef yer don’t cheese thet old clo’ brogue.” “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 a fool. I not give you that.” “Odds is the diff’rence ter me. For a straight thousand I will scuttle the Sea Breeze in Dela- ware bay. Even if she don’t sink, it'll delay her. No thousand—no scuttle!” “Then, mebbe [ send you to Moya for past offenses,” the pawnbroker suggested, with a sneering coolness that caused Heart-Eater to darken. “You'd better not try it,” he growled. “If you want fight, you'll git licked. I hold as many points ag’in’ you as you do ag’in’ me, if ed . ew more. How high do you value the gir ‘* At one million of dollars.” “Phew! I never see’d ther piece o’ feminin- ity I'd vive one million cents fer.” _ “The girl’s a beauty. She has education, social position, refinement, and admission to all the highest circles of metropolitan society, That I have not got; with her as my wife, I could have it. She would loosen my _ purse- strings, and make me so popular a man that the world would forget that I am a Jew.” “Bet yer sea-boots they wouldn't fergit it so long’s ye cling cer yer ‘ish’ and ‘ash’ and ‘ dot’ and ‘dose,’” Heart-Eater confidently declared. “Or till ye git rid o’ the smell o’ garlies and onions. An’, ef ye want yer purse-strings loosened, 111 do et, cheap as anybody.” “Yaw! yaw! I know; you lift ’em_too much!” Alberts replied with a chuckle. ‘' Put, Tam no hog, ifam a Jew, Ve will take some visky to gargle our throat; den I propose some- dings to you.” ‘No whisky for me—nothin’ less’n champy,”. the ex-pirate growled, ‘‘ ve made a balt-gall on of old benzeen sick, to-day, an’ now ll change off, jest fer ther fun uv it.” ithout demur the pawnbroker ordered and scat for a half-dozen of champagne, in pint ottles, They vere soon served by a waiter, and the two men—the conspirator and his tool—each finished one before they conversed further. ** Now, then, I’m ready to receive ee ake osals,” Heart-Eater said, smacking his flabby ips. ‘Ef ye’ve got any paying cash jobs, jest toss’em at me, right peart.” ‘Vell, I tell you vot I do,” Alberts said, after a moment of meditation. ‘* You vonce dell me, Phil, vot you haff a fortune comin’ to you ofer_ in England.” “Yes, but it ll allus be comin’, I reckon, fer I hev lost all clew ter it, long ago,” the ex-pirate replied, ‘Put maybe I helbs you to get dot fortune, Phil?’ Alberts suggested, cunningly. ‘* You say vot your father’s name yas Elliston.” “Yes, thet was his name.” * An’ you pe Eliston’s only heir?” ; “umph! I was ther old man’s son, but not much uv aheir, All ther old cuss had when he flopped his last trump, was sum raggedtogs, an’ an empty tobaccer-box,” Vell, den, Phil, how much you giff to know how to git dish fortune?” “Tl give you six inches o’ steel, if ye don’t drop that gabble,” the ex-pirate growled gruffly. “Den, 1 oy Alberts said. ‘This fortune of yourn, Phil, is awaiting a claimant. The hundred years is now up, and you can have it, freely, if you only know how and where to get it “Cuss you. How do you know anything about it, you infernal Jew?” “Oh! T find out.” ; “ An’ ye can tell me how an’ where ter lay my claws on it?” ‘Tf you do shust as I want.” “ Look out fer my knife, youinfer—” “Oh! I forgot again,” Alberts apologized. “Tf you do just as I want, Bill Heart-Eater, I git that fortune, and place half of it in your possession.” ° “What in the devil will you do with the other half, then?” Heart-Kater demanded, imly. me Ol! I keep for you de odder half—the other
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14 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. nee ———————— nent half I would say—till you get old. Maybe you need it, then.” “Oh! you’re an accommodatin’ cuss, you are. And if I don’t agree to that?” “ You get none!” ““Cuss ye! Well, I suppose you’ve got it all yer own way, and I'd better take half, than none. Shove out yer proposals.” “Very well. I want you, first of all, to hunt up a fellow whose name is Rutherford. He is tall, blonde, handsome. Then, I want you to find out whereabouts his private steam-yacht lies, about the harbor, and report to me. He is a‘ fat goose,’ and if you can ‘sample’ him, per- haps you can make a raise, and share it with 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 around, to find Boss Bob just passing, boot-blacking out- fit in hand. ‘Satan take the boy!” he growled, turning to Heart-Eater. ‘‘He’s always around. Do you suppose he overheard us?” ‘What ’f he did?’ the ex-pirate demanded, dashing the neck off his second bottle of cham- gne. ‘* He’s only a young urchin.” “But as keen as a razor, as sharp-eyed as a lynx, and as quick to hear as a deer,” “Never mind him—go on with your proposi- tions,” * Well, next, I want you to see that the Sea Breeze does not touch this port before Septem- ber 10th. After that, I may have another slight job or two for you to do.” ** But when am I ter git the cash!” * When I am done with you.” “That may be never.” *VYouerr. When I get the young and ac- complished Miss Prescott, I haff—have—nothing to do with such men as Bill Heart-eater.” ** See here! D’ye mean ter cast a slur on ther pirates o’ ther high seas?” “No, no slur at all.” “Yo'd better draw in yer bow-line. I’ve made better men than you walk ther plank, I tell ye. Is this all?” “At present, yes. I will leave you to enjoy the rest of the champagne. When necessary to my interests you may find me at my office, and ponte hen 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 took 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 forward upon the table. He was overcome— drunk! Not far away Boss Bob and his strange com- anion, the Nondescript, stood secretly watching m, while they smoked a cigar. “Phere! that settles his hash!” the King of Bootblacks said, as the ex-pirate went off into a doze. ‘* Now, you stay here, Nondescript, or hereabouts, an’ when he trots home, you trot after him, an’ memorize his palatial abode. It may be useful fer us ter know heerafter. D’ye understand?” The o.her youth nodded; then Bob turned away, and as he once more emerged upon the street his peculiar cry was heard, familiar to this day, no doubt, to many a Centennial vis- itor— “Black yer boots—make 'em shine, Only costs ye half a dime!” Albert Alberts was at home, later, that same evening. No common home either was the abode of the wily pawnbroker. It was one of the princely residences to be found upon Green street, Philadelphia—a stone and brick structure of castellated appearance, the magnificent exterior of which was but a foretaste of the interior. Everywhere was the evidence of wealth—luxurious and costly furni- ture, grand pictures, rich carpets, artistic hang- ings and fresco work—everything in the shape of art or ornament that a heart cou'd desire, or a fancy crave, was there, showing that, villain though he was, the pawnbroker prince had a rare and well exercised taste, which his abundant means could well afford to gratify. In a private parlor, sacred to his tread, the pawnbroker sat, in an easy-chair, while his slippered feet rested upon an ottoman, and a marble wine table at his right hand contained many choice brands of liquors, in decanters. cigars, glasses, and pipes and tobaccos, all of the choicest kinds. His head was bowed forward, resting upon his hand, and it was evident that he was buried in deepest thought. That his senses were keen- ly on the alert, however, was manifest by the quick raising of his head, as a footfall was faint- ly audible on the soft carpet. ‘“* Eunice!” he articulated sternly. “Yes, Eunice!” came the reply from a finely- shaped and handsome young woman who stood before him, clad in the costume of the streets, “T wonder that you are able to pronounce my name, without pausing to recall it, Albert!” “Ah!” The pawnbroker’s manner changed from sternness to bland demeanor. ‘‘ Why say you so, my dear Eunice?” : “Because you have so long neglected to call upon me, that I thought you had quite forgot- ten that such a person existed as me. Do not ‘my dear,’ to me, Dr. Alberts; I will not toler- ate it.” “And why not, pray? Are you not mine— betrothed from the cradle, by an agreement be- tween our respective parents?” “Exactly! Do you remember what is the forfeit, if either you or I should back out of the contract?” ‘Ah! no; I really have forgotten about that. I—I—ahem!” *“T have not forgotten, Dr. Alberts,” the maiden replied, growing momentarily more ex- cited. ‘ No, indeed, I have not forgotten. The wronged never forget. My blood is just as pure and high as yours. I am of Hebrew de- scent—you are the same, By that fact we
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootbiacks. should be bound together by a strong tie. The forfeit, sir, of whichT spoke, is ten thousand 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 door since about the time of the opening of the Centennial. What is the rea- son?” “ Ah! you are sensible, now, to ask that,” Al- berts replied, good-naturedly. ‘‘ Business! busi- ness, my dear—a great amount of business alone could keep me so long fronfyour side. Day and 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 so, you err, most strangely. I know the one and only reason. How? Bah! I am no fool— leave it to me to find out. You expect to fore- close a mortgage soon upon the person of a pretty Christian girl; you sit here at your ease, nights, dreaming over the victory ou expect to achieve. Do you ever think of Hunice Bes. sauer? No, indeed, no! She, in such moments, has entirely dropped out of your thoughts. But, beware, Albert Alberts! vou should know me well enough to know that I would never let 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! do not interrupt me. Hear me out, and then I will go, I am not wild; I know just what I am saying. I have been gathering wrath, for over a month, and making it ready to convert inte vengeance. All I require isa 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 girl swept from the room, When she had gone, Alberts poured out a glass of Rhine wine, and swallowed it at a gulp, ‘*Ve shall see!” he said, grimly, returning to his dialect; ‘‘ ve shall see apoud dis bizness! It dakes two ter settle such questions as dose.” CHAPTER VII. BOSS BOB TO THE FRONT AGAIN. Papa!” Y Pearl Prescott stopped her father in the grand hallway, as he was about to quit the mansion, on the evening of the second day of September Bp him by barricading his passage with her slight figure. . : “Well, my dear?” 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, 16 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 growing anxious, by 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 [ 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 Jost!” be M Heaven, no!” the merchant replied. pac- ing the floor excitedly. ‘*Something will yet turn up, I hope, to rid you from the claim of the scheming Jew!” “Ah! if the Sea Breeze does not come home, how will—how can anything turn up? Can you get the money to pay back the loan?’ “T fear not, unless the ship arrives. As soon as she touches her prow in port, I can board her, and dispose of the whole cargo 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 mortgaging this place again, and that would not satisfy the demand.” 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 replied, after a moment of thoughtfulness. Then, after the waiter had gone, he turned and answer- ed Pearl’s surprised gaze. “My via Dae changed somewhat, you see,” he said, with a faint smile, ‘‘1 am in a pros- pect of coming down to the level of bootblacks, and may as well acquaint myself with their ways.” “The ragamuffin, sir,” announced the voice of Lawlor, and the next minute a person was shoved forward into the room, and the door shut after it. j The person was Boss Bob, dirty and ragged as ever, and phil ste with his even dirtiet-looking blacking kit; which he forthwith deposited up- on the sofa, while he dropped confidently into an easy-chair, And the merchant and his pretty daughter, standing a short distance away, gazed at the street gamin in undisguised astonishment. ‘*venin’ to ye!” Boss Bob said, not appar- ently the least discomposed at the situation, “Ruther cheeky, ain’t I, ter take possession in this shape? But then, ye see, it’s pardonable, ‘ea’se I’ve been head over neck inter bizness ever since daylight. ‘Spee you’r 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, ey 2 i ‘Tho’t so, I did! You two look as near alike as two peas. Tho't ’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 purticular about ther good repertation I make —you kin have that gratis, All I’m after’s ther collatteral!” at
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. 16 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, “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 ve hed ther luck to git a recommend from Stokely. Didn’t use ter aspire ter a posish above blackin’ boots, but since ve see’d Grant, and all ther other big guns paradin’ theirselves around heer at ther Centenyal, I’ve jest made up my mind ter rise, too. ain't goin’ ter shake off wi’ ther boots tho’, till I strike a permanent job. "['won’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 got no 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 replied. ‘‘ What caused you to think I might need one?” “Oh! it kinder popped inter my noddle. Ye seo, when a feller gets onto the verge of a precipice, an’ can’t see no way out cept by ther sacrifice 0’ a life, he needs a friend an’ a lettle help purty bad.’ “A very truthful bit of logic, my young friend. But have you any idea you could 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 had 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. ’Mongst ther b’hoys, I’m ginerally callad ther King o’ Bootblacks, because I gin- nerally ‘corner ther market, an’ monopolize ther traffick o’ sech guns as Stokely, Hartranft, Dom Pedro, ’Lysses Grant, an’ in fact all ther chief ra an’ ‘ way ups.’” ** Boss Bob, eh? I think your name is not un- familiar to me. I have heard the Chief of Police speak of you.” “Yas; they all know meas well as they do their ‘clubs’ when their hand is flush.” “Well, sir, since you seem to have gained some insight into my affairs, suppose you tell mae just what you do know?” the merchant said. Boss Bob scratched his ‘peeled’ head a mo- ment, asif trying to determine what was best to do; a finely shaped head, it was, too, large and well developed. ‘* 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 Albert’s pawnbroker shop, last New Year’s, a-watchin’ fer deposits 0’ stolen area 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: Pll keep my eye peeled till this peach ripens an’ mebbe I kin git a bite. So Dve kinder spotted ther Jew ever since, an’ caught him in several other gum games,” ‘* Ah! you are more valuable than I 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- lateral about one minute to twelve o'clock, eight days after to-day, yonder gal is a goner, sure’s preachin’.” ‘* AJas! I am in no danger of getting money enough to repay the loan,” the merchant groan- ed, and he began to pace and fro. ‘* What is to be done?” e ‘* Well, thet ‘depends,’ as the old woman said, when she pointed to her husband, who was per- forming on a pee, tight rope, down at Moyamensing. Ef ye want ter make an engage- ment o’ my perfessional services, I'll endeaver 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 0’ jobs, if ’'d take my pay in friendship an’ all sech lollygag. Tell ye what it is, boss; Pve 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 may 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 scarcer than teeth in ther back uv a saw. Solid cash an’ plenty o’ cheek "ll 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 any way assist me, and shall also have my friendship.” “And mine, too. If you will help papa to capes that odious Jew’s claim upon me, [’ll— ‘11 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 ennerally git broomsticks, bootjacks, an’ scrub buckets fired at my head when I go ter shinin’ around ther gals. So, I'll jest jot ye down in my memory, an’ ef I ever conclude ter hitch up in double-harness, (ll give you ther fu’st chance. Now, gineral, I guess you're all honest Injun, an’ I'll give ye a lift. Is’pose ye know thet Jewsharp, Alberts, has bin 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 gentlemanly, and has manifested the greatest interest that I should get my ship in, 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, most
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacis. 1% I kinder tho’t that was his game. But, ter come right down ter ther solid facts o’ ther case, he’s bin no head off on ye, so thet ye shouldn't get yer ship in, time enuff ter sell yer cargo, an’ raise therrhino, He hez in his employ a big ex- pirate an’ through this same daisy’s aid, has caused the Sea Breeze from being started from time to time. But it is finally on its way here, and if nothing Rag Nee will strike this ort sometime between ther 9th and lith of Be ptembe.? “Ah! then there is yet hopes!” the merchant exclaimed. “‘Mebbe and mebbe not,” Boss Bob replied. ‘These ships and winds ain’t much ter be de- pended on ginnerally, when it comes ter a day or two. An’ then, too, ther Jew hes got wind of 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 skippery cheese. An’ ef we don’t peer ater that precious pair 0’ knaves, ther Sea Breeze will be delayed, if not grounded on ther bottom 0’ Delaware bay.” “By Heaven! this is the most infamous thing I have yet heard of!” the merchant cried, great- ly excited. ‘‘As you say, these consummate rascals must be balked. If what you say is true, this Jew is even a greater rascal than I deemed him.” ‘*Oh! he’s a hoss, and no mistake. I thort I’d drop in, and wake up yer eyedeas on ther sub- ject of his virtues, an’ havin’ done it Pll go, I reckon.” “But you will come again, my boy,” Morton Prescott said, warmly. “Oh, you bet yer boots on that! Tl ’tend ter business, an’ ef anything turns up, I'll re- port.” , “Doso. Ishall 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 weather ther gale. Yes, I'll cum again, fer P’ve sot an eye on yer purty daughter, an’ fer her sake I’m goin’ r go my last dollar on savin’ yer venture, But a penny earned is a penny more added to ther foundation o’ a fortune, an’ as yer boots look rusty, I'll 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 cheekily ac- cepted a pro ered fifty-cent piece, and doffing his hat to his new acquaintance, took his depar- ture, 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. . “This must be the directions the boy gave me,” he muttered; ‘‘ and as I am in the locality, 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 I took that in- fernal Jew into my confidence, for I saw him regarding me to-day with a malignant 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 ycur 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 visitin card I_ever struck: ‘Boss Bob: Schuylki 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 enough, 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 ques- tion, I saw the name somewhere along here, yesterday.” ; > A few glances around found the coal-house in question, standing 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 Hast Fairmount park, into which the lower deck or Haverford street section of the bridge had an opening. Then he would have to recross the river again to the western side. Being a 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 raised his voice and shouted ‘“‘ Keno,” as direct- ed upon the paper, but it sounded anything but falsetto in tone, to him. Then, standing in the darkness, he waited for an answer, CHAPTER VIII. DOWN THE SCHUYLKILL—TOO LATER! 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. “Tt’s I—Colonel Rutherford,” he said. “Where will I find you?’ These premises are new to me, and it’s darker than the seven shades of Bey.’ A little whistle denoting surprise came from out the darkness, Then footsteps, and later the form of the King of the Bootblacks followed. “So it’s you, is it?” he demanded, surveying the colonel, by aid of a small dark lantern, on which he turned the slide. ‘* Wasn’t lookin’ fer extinguished visitors at this time o’ night, Didn’t know but some o’ the roughs had cum
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is Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacis. ter dust my ulster, as they’ve frequently prom- ss do. 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 the side 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 blaukets. Into this novel habitation Boss Bob conducted his visitor, and pointed him to a stool, while he set his lantern upon the chest. ‘Heer we aire,” the King of the Bootblacks said, with a glance of pride at his surroundings. “This is my castle, every day in a week, when I ain’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 demand- ** Yes, I opine it is,” Bob replied, producing a couple of oranges, and offering one to his visi- tor, which was accepted with thanks. “VU allow it ain’t no brown-stone, ner a brick abode, but two ‘bricks’ occerpies it, nights, which is jest the same, As ter hevin’ any other home, 1 spect there’s anuther domysile, down on St. Mary’s street, w’at claims me, but I don’t never respond, ye see. I cut loose from ther old folks over a year ago, ’ca’se I tuk it inter my head they warn’t my parents. The old woman she is Datch, the old man is Irish, an’ I’m clear Yank, ter ther backbone, an’ I couldn’t make it ap- ear thet they war my natteral born progeni- rs. An’, then, visions rized inter my mind thet mebbe I was a lost heir ter sum Duke, or Vice-President, an’ so I 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. *Twasn’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 fuller o’ chairs, long-necked bottles, an’ brick- bats, than a yaller org 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 myself, that you sprung from such parentage. But, that is neither here nor there. I have a little need of your services, and will pay you well, if you succeed.” ‘Well, ’'m willin’, as long’s there’s collatteral an’ no crime attached ter ther job. So jest sing out yer wants in short meter, an’ I’ll listen.” Accordingly the colonel explained to him the errand which had brought him_ to America, in the same way that he had explained it to Al- berts, the pawnbroker, adding the fact of his taking the Jew into his confidence. “There's jest where ye made a fool of 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 foe, schemer, game.” ““ Ah! how do you mean?” “Tl tell ye. I’ve bin spottin’ that same Is- raelite fer awhile back, an’ ther other night T overheard a part o’ his conversation wi’ an ex- ae who sails under ther name of Bill Heart- “ater. Your name was mentioned, and so I listened. Alberts was a-tellin’ Heart-Eater about a big fortune to which the latter was a joint heir; an’ the Jew told Ellston, or Heart- ater, thet if he’d help him do some jobs, he’d git him his share o’ the fortune.” “Ah! what kind of a man is this Heart- Eater, then?” “A reg’lar bony-fide ruffian, who'd as lieve knife a felier as to luk at him. He’s bin a pirate, he sez.” “ And claims that his name is Ellston, 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 double bow.” “ How do you mean?” “Oh! in multitudinously various ways, I reckon. He’s tryin’ one little transaxion w’ot I reckon won’t work.” Then, in his own unique way, the young King of Bootblacks related the state of affairs that was menacing the Prescott family. Colonel Rutherford listened attentively; the a Sg his handsome eyes showing the interest ne felt. “You say this merchant’s daughter is very pry eh?’ he interrogated, when Bob had fin- ished. “Purty? Well, I guess so! She's purtier’n any ripe peach or Jarsey watermelon ye ever see, lame me, ef I wasn’t so ambishus ter reach ther presidentiul cheer, I b’leeve I'd ask ’er ter share my sorrers an’ joys.” 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 grim smile. ‘‘Luk’s ter me as if ye were goin’ ter try an’ cat 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 do no harm 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.” “ hat?” “Tl tell ye. I was down ter ther Delaware, a spell ago, ter-day, when along cum Alberts, rigged up ter kill, along wi’ anuther feller—a pal o’ his, jest out o” Moya—an’ they wanted ter hire a little steam tug.” “ Well?” “Waal, I’ve kinder bin puzzlin’ my bump g! Bet a five-cent cigar I twig thar oJ ae
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootbiacks. 19 phrenology as ter what fer them chaps wanted thet tug fer. Alberts has a yacht of his own, an’ is sum’at acquainted wi’ 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 uso it till ter-night, well on ter mid- night.” ‘Oh! probably he has some trip under view, necessitating a stanch craft,” the colonel said. “Yas, mebbe; though his yacht isa good race- hoss, an’ ar’ widely known fer its grace an’ cim- etery.” “Perhaps you have formed some idea as to the nature of his errand, have you not?” ** Well, yes; I reckon I twig ther durned Jew- sharp’s game. It’s one o’ two things—either he’s goin’ ter help intercept ther Sea Breeze, or else’ he’s goin’ ter rob your ship o’ ther fortune you've fetched across the water.” The colonel started, violently. “By Heaven! maybe you're right! If you had not spoken of it, I should not have thought of such a thing—but, now, I have no doubt but what the accursed Jew is bent on boarding the Duchess, for the purpose you have mentioned. Something must be done.” “Yas, ef ye don’t want ’er part wi’ yer for- tin’,” Bob assured, ‘‘ What time is it by your turnip?” The colonel glanced at his watch. “ Just midnight,” 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 her 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 trusty old seaman, whom I have long had in my employ. The rest of the hands I discharged for a vacation as soon as we dropped anchor.” ; “Then, ef we don’t put in our say, mighty suddint, yer fortin’s a goner, you bet!” Boss Bob declared. ‘‘Ther Jew an’ his pal aire up ter snuff, an’ et won’t take ’em long ter git away wi’ yer two chaps.” “True! true! But, what shall T do? It will be next to impossible for me to reach the Duchess ahead of them, unless I can charter a swift steamer.” “Which ye can’t do, short o’ the Délaware,” Boss Bob said, grimly. “ But, ’'ve got a plan worth two 0’ yourn. Cap ye pull a good stid- troke?” baat yes. I flatter myself few better oars- men ever glided over the moody Thames.” “Then, mebbe we're all hunk yet, tho’ Ive a forebodin’ we'll git in too late. Come! let’s git to bizness. Hello, ther’, Nondescript, you ras- cal!” 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 portien ef the building, and Bob and his strange 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, whom, in London, he would 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- fort but a moment to learn that he had found his equal in the young bootblack. Superior in strength to most youths of his size and years; quick and precise, with accuracy of measure, Boss 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 rapid rate. The keen eye of the Nondescript kept the prow straight in the center of the river, except when some larger boat loomed up in its path—then he aeora veer it enough to one side to avoid a col- ision, Market, Chestnut and South street bridges were passed, and still the two oarsmen plied their oars steady and strong, each dip bending their ashen blades, and shooting the boat along like a thing of life. The colonel was the first to perspire, but he kept resolutely at the work for he knew that much depended upon his reach- 7% the Duchess ahead of the rascally Jew. ‘oss 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 hardships. “Twomt take long, now,” he said, as the passed the bluffs at the rear end of Woodlands Cemetery. ‘“‘Ef we keep on at this rate we'll git thero afore Alberts, wich would tickle me like a fisb.” - ‘Ah! it would also put me at ease,” the col- olonel said, anxiously. “ But, something tells me ° that we will be too late. A steam tug, if right- ly managed can double on our time.” “True ag’in,” Boss Bob assented, sniffing the salt water that exhaled from the spray of their oars. ‘But, sumthin’ may have detained ’em —mebbe they won’t durst board the Duchess, until the night gits darkest, jest before dawn,” ‘We will hope so, until we learn differently,” was the colonel’s reply. Then they rowed on, with increased speed, through the gloom of the night. “ Keep yer eyes peeled fer the Harbor Perlice, Script,” Bob cautioned. ‘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 trio had 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. Darkness reigned supreme, except for an oc-
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20 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. casional starlike gleam that came across the bay, locating the anchorage of various ships, Hold up a minute,” the colonel said, ‘till T ean get my bearings, I shall have to look around me, till I find my ship.” Accordingly the oars were allowed a rest, and the lawyer gazed around him. ‘Ah! there’s the Duchess,” he exclaimed, ointing to the southeast—the ship with the ight 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 colonel cried; ‘‘ tell me the worst—what this means—all!” ‘The money’s all gone, capt’in,” the seaman said, bowing his hcad. ‘‘ We were surprised by a couple of chaps, in masks, and as they ‘cov- ered’ us and 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 lounged in an easy-chair before her. “Te 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 been most welcome. It was a rash move of yours, my deah Mrs. Prescott—that of giving your hand where your heart could not go,” _ “True, but the thought of being the mistress of such a home, and of so much gold, impressed 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 finan- cial ruin is now almost a matter of certainty. 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 liter- ally penniless, and his amiable daughter becomes the victim of the Jew.” Mrs. Prescott’s eyes sparkled. “Nothing could suit me better than to see the Jew take the 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 roped. pert It may be possible, how- ever, that she turn up all safe and sound after the 10th of September at one minute to twelve o’clock.” * You think not, 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 you no more. In that case you had better quit him for me. He has no culture; I have. He will have no money—I have. You know how I got it; what of it? You love me, you say? “T will think—I will think about it,” the mer- chant’s wife said. ‘‘If I could only—” The door opened, and a servant entered the room. “If you please, ma’am,” he said, bowing, *there’s a countryman at the door, who wants 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, come in widout any invitation.” And sure enough, a burly figure pushed past the servant and entered the room, And the men 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’ ther folks?” “Sir!” Mrs. Prescott said, rising, haughtily. ‘“Who are you, and what do you mean by this intrusion?” *“Haw! haw! Guess ye don’t know me, meb- be! I’m Josh Evergreen, from Plunket, Var- mont, an’ Icum down ter see ther Centennial, and uncle Mort an’ the rest o’ you. You’te un- cle Mort’s second wife, eh? Wal, that accounts fer yer not knowin’ me. Gosh darn my boots! you're a good looker, anyhow. Uncle Mort, he allus were a good jedge’o’ weemin. Phew! guess [ll set down, fer I’m almighty tired. Been trampin’ around this gum-blasted city for ever since I arriv’, and hev had enuff adventures ter fill a dickshunary.” “Sir!” Mrs. Prescott said, again, with su- preme stiffness, “‘ your intrusion here is unpar- donable, I do not know you, nor do I care to make the acquaintance of your country 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.” “*Git out, will ye!” Joshua grunted, both sur- prised and offended. ‘I guess I sha’n’t do noth- in’ 0’ 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 Plunket as thar is in Philadelphy; an’ ef ye doan’t want to know me ye can do the other thing. I doan’t ask no odds of no female critter thet ever breathed, I doan’t, ’cept they treat me decent.” Sylvia Prescott grew fairly livid with rage. To be thus bearded in her own apartments by a rough son of the rural districts, was some- thing too horrible for her sensitive nerves to stand, and she turned to her companion, in de- spair,
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, 21 ‘“‘ Le Grande, my dear, I appeal to you to } ro- tect me from insult, and abuse!” she cried. ‘- Hello!” Josh ejaculated, as he took a good look at the dandy. ‘‘ Gosh darn my buttons ef ou ain’t the same chap who stole my ten dol- ars, up at 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 doub- ling, up, suggestively. “Yas, I know ye,” he continued, grimly, as Le Grande, alias Ritz Noodle, fidgeted, and grew pale. ‘‘I know ye just like a calf knows sweet milk frum buttermilk, an’ I sweared, when the jedge freed ye, thet I'd. take thet ten dollars out o’ yer gol-darned hide. Shouldn’t wonder ef this was ordained to be ther opper- tunity I want, ter tan out yer jacket, you mean skunk, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it. Mebbe I am a country clodhopper, as ye call it, but I can lick you or any other stuck-up chap that ever wore paper collars, you hear me! So, which way d’ye want it—right frum ther shoulder, or shall I pick ye up an’ throw ye down-stairs? Jest as lief do one as t’uther.” “You had best not lay hands on me, you coarse booby!” Le Grande cried, thrusting his hand significantly into his hip pocket. ‘1 will shoot you, like a dog.” ‘Oh! ye will, will ye?” Josh growled, sav- agely. ‘* Gol-darn it, ef I only had a revolver, I could shoot, too. Tl 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 perceptible nervousness in his manner which did not escape the eye of Josh. ‘ “ Guess I’d better, tew,” he replied, chuckling. “Don’t imagine thet I'd git hurt much.” The next instant he had bounded forward, and planted one of his great fists full in the face of the dandy villain in a way that evidenced his skill in puguism. Without so much as a groan, Le Grande drop- to the floor insensible. : “Thar! that’s ther way wo knock down cat- tle up in Plunket,” Josh declared, turning 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 out of the house, sir, or I will have you horsewhipped!” “Won't do it,” the Vermonter declared. “This is uncle Mort?’s house, an’ I’m goin’ ter stay right heer till he comes. Ef ye don’t like my style, ma’am, ye can go into a 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?” “Tl tell ye who I am,” the Vermonter cried, springing to his fect. ‘‘ I’m yer nephew, Josh Evergreen, 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 Q’ the house,” “Indeed! If you are an Evergreen, you are welcome,” the merchant said, shaking him by the hand. ‘‘ Sylvia, this is Mr, Evergreen, my nephew. His mother was a sister of Daisy, my first wife.” * Ah! IT always imagined the first Mrs. Pres- cott was from the rural districts,” was the reply, with a faint sneer, “ Gol-darn it, she had better breedin’ than you have, anyway!” Josh averred, savagely, ‘Sylvia, you will please treat Mr, ies Treen with more consideration, for I’ve seen and fara quite enough to give him my confidence,” Mor- ton Prescott said, sternly. ‘‘Come, Josh, let's seek my luncheon table.” ‘‘ Ef you say so, uncle Mort, I hain’t no ob- jections. I hain’t had a good square meal since | left Plunket, gol-darn me ef I hev. I fetched along sum home-made cookies, but, ye see, sass- engers ain’t ripe yet, an’ ther cookies played out aren got here. Yes, I don’t care ef I do eat a vite. Giving only a glance of wrath at Sylvia, and at the still insensible man upon the floor, the merchant led the way to his own apartments, in which with his new visitor he dined pleasant- ly. Then, 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 paced the deck slowly, for several minutes, his head bowed, and his face betraying the bitterness he felt at his loss. “ Which way did the rascals go?” he cried at last, confronting the seaman, “T 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 cal) the other Oliver, and later, as they were descending to the cabin, he called him 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, sir. “Then Ive got the game collared, all Picca- dilly. Curnel, ef yell invite me inter yer pri- vate offis, we'll put our heads tergether, pro- vidin’ yours ain’t buggy, an’ compare notes.” Accordingly the colonel led the way to his state-room, accompanied by Boss Bob and ‘his companion, and soon all three were seated, facing each other. ‘“Now then, let us hearfrom you,” the Eng- lishman said to Bob, ‘* The money is gone, and must be recovered if possible. If it cannot be, I 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 1 had lost the for- une. “Guess youre about solid there,” Boss Bob assented. ‘Ef ye don’t recover ther money, an’ ther heirs don’t know nothin’ about ther impend- in’ fortune, they won't fee] a bit disappointed,
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SS 22 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. Now, you told me thet one o’ ther heirs was Mortimer, didn’t ye?” “ I did.” “Well, as I sed before, I blacked ther boots 0” a feller one night on Market street bridge, who sed he was Oliver Mortimer, an’ hed come down ter ther Centennial ter meet Colonel Rutherford. He also inquired about Morton Prescott; an’ an’ after he went away, I found a packet of papers, which he must have dropped. I picked em up, an’ gave ’em to the Nondescript fer safe- keepin’, an’ heven’t thonght ter examine ’em since. Mebbe they might throw some light on the subject of what ther Jew an’ the feller Mor- timer, were doing tergether.” “True. Have you got the papers with you?” ‘*No—not unless the hac has ’em.” The owl-eyed boy shook his head. “Then they’re down in m escritory, whar I stop,” the King of Bootblacks said. *‘* S’posin’ we slope in that directlou, as we ain’t liable to find out much more here.” “Very well. We will goat once. I desire to learn how this Mortimer ever came in possession of my name.” Accordingly they took their departure from the Duchess, and pulled back for Philadelphia, over the Schuylkill course, arriving at tho first starting point early in the forenoon. Once more Boss Bob conducted the colonel to his lodgings in the disused bin of the coal-house, and from the old chest, which he unlocked, brought forth the papers which had been picked up on Market street bridge. Examination proved them to be a couple of letters, minus their envelopes—the first one being from Alberts, the pawnbroker, and directed to Oliver Mortimer. Colonel Rutherford glanced over it, and then read it aloud to Bob and the Nondescript, who listened attentively. It was as follows: “Mr, Ottver Mortimer, Esq.:— * Dear Sir:—I have instituted the inquiries, as per your direction, and find that the fortune, of which you are a fourth heir, is deposited in the hands of Colonel 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. ** PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Nov. —75. “Dear Mortimer:—Your proposition was agre- able, and I at once set a London agent at work, From him I learn that Rutherford will sail for Phila- delphia some time in July, on a search for the heirs, bringing him the four fortunes. He will be recommended to me by Schauss & Co,, and I'l! work it with care! Make it your point to be here by the first of August, if possible, and we'll capture the game. and then divide the spoils It will not be a hard thing to do. when we once get fairly to work, and the remuneration is worth the working for. If there is anything else you have to suggest, do so, believing me your faithful friend and confederate, ‘* ALBERT ALBERTS.” CHAPTER X. _ THE ACT OF A DARING SCOUNDREL. ** KeERECT!” Boss’Bob said, when the colonel had stopped reading. ‘‘Thet’s ther key-note ter ther bull bizness, in er falsetter voice. Ther teller, Mortimer, heyin’ an inklin’, hes left it in ther hands o’ ther Jewsharp an’ he’s figgered et out, an’ got it down fine. So, twixt you an’ me, an’ the Nondescript, heer, ther Jew an’ Mortimer war ther ones thet robbed the Duchess.” ““You are undoubtedly right,” the colonel admitted. ‘‘ But what proof is there of it?” ‘“Not much, sure’s an oyster hates a Con- gressman, Ye couldn’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 prospects of a private lynch picnic, so’t he'll turn State’s evidence.” “Boy, again you are right! Before the stolen fortunes can be recovered, we must trap the man Mortimer. But, it may be a lifetime, ere we can find him.” “Most likely he’s skinned out already, but it won’t be no harm ter look fer him. §\posin’ we take a skip down to the Delaware, an’ see ef the tug hes been returned yet?” The colonel hesitated a moment; his eyes were contrasting Bob’s ragged and dirty ac- couterments with his own elegant attire. “Oh! ye needn’t be afeard of my togs,” the bootblack said, quickly noticing the hesitation. “Ef you’re partial ter walkin’ wi’ a gentleman o’ my style o’ garb, you can take one side o’ ther thurrofare, an’ I'll take t’other.” ‘No! no! my boy. Though your garments are not quite presentable, your heart is clean, and I am not afraid to promenade the streets with you. You shall have a new outfit of cloth- ing. “Bet yer a dollar on that! Don’t want no other togs. ’'d make a gallus lookin’ swell, now, wouldn’t I? Ha! ha! ha! Ef ther b’hoys was ter see Boss Bob decorated in high-tide raiments, ther price of onhealthy hen-fruit would advance amazingly? No, sir-ee. I don’t wan’t no better togs till Irun fer Congress or Senator, an’ then Pll scoop et ter all ther boys.” The colonel smiled. He saw that there was no use of arguing with this youug Arab, whose head was so “ level.” Leaving the Nondescript at the coal-house, Bob and the colonel hied themselves to the Wire Bridge, and there took the Race and Vine street ears for the Delawnre river. The car was well filled, and during the ride the Londoner's pride was fully tested, for Boss Bob’s irrepressible chatter constantly rung in his ear, and he responded promptly. Many curious glances were turned upon him by the fashionable ones in the car—many won- dering thoughts why so distinguished a looking personage should engage in conversation with an incorrigible bootblack,. If the colonel knew of these thoughts and glances, he did not heed them, except by a slight flush which was preceptible upon his fare. On reaching the termination of the car line, Bob and the colonel left the car and walked down to Delaware avenue and the river. In the course of ten minutes’ walk along this thoroughfare, they came to the pier from which the steam-tug had been hired by Alberts. They found the owner, a stout little Irishman, seated upon an empty half-barrel, gazing out onto the dark blue waters of the restless river, at
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- Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. . 23 ‘Hello, Mike!” Bob saluted. ‘The top av the mornin’ to yez! Shure, an’ has the Virgin Mary returned yet?” “¢ Divil a bit of it, Bob! Niver a won haverl sane of it since she pointed her nose down the strame.” “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 swag. “T fear you are right, Let's go, however, and see if wecan find Alberts. If he is guilty, he must in some way betray the fact.” 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. ‘ ‘a vas habby to see you, Mister Rutherford. Vat success haff you made, may I ask?” ‘None at all, 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.” “Tra! la! loo! old Jewsharp,” put in Boss Bob as they left the shop. ‘* Look out you don’t get ie yet. Ef thar’s enny virtue in promises, Ill see you again.” “Well, did you observe anything suspicious in the looks of the rascal?” Rutherford demand- ed, as he and Bob retraced their steps toward the river, involuntarily. ‘*Tho’t he looked kinder startled like when we entered, didn’t he?” “Yes; or at least it appeared to meso. But as we have no positive proof of his guilt, I guess it will hardly pay to bother with him.” “Not fer you. But ll keep a kinder watch onhim. He’s playin’ anuther keerd, too, wich I’m goin’ ter gum, ef he tries ter flopp a trump. Hello! there she goes now!” “ Who?” “‘Miss Prescott! Cum along! Now’s yer chance fer a knock-down!” 7 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 a prospect o’ bein’ a next king. Bein’ an inter- mate friend o’ mine, an’ a gallus cove, wi’ lots 0’ swag an’ no wives, I tho’t you’d like to know him!” said Boss Bo ee essence of a mischiev- s spirit beaming from his eyes. “aEenet blushed, ahd bowed modestly; hesitated, was confused, until the colonel came to her res- eae will of course excuse our irrepressible friend here,” he said, with a smile. ‘Bob means all right. I am most happy for this privilege of knowing you, [ am sure. I bid you a pleasant good-day.” z ‘Good-day, sir,” the merchant’s daughter re- plied, smilingly, and continued on her way. “Bob, you young rascal, I’ve half a mind to give you the cat-o’-nine-tails for your audacity !” the colonel said, turning with a flushed face to the King of Bootblacks. ‘‘ You not only placed to my wits’ ends. Your etiquette won’t answer for all occasions,” ‘‘ Hang ther eterket!” Bob retorted, independ- ently. ‘* W’ot’s ther use o’ bein’ bushful over nothin’? W’ot’s ther use o’ goin’ thru this world ef ye don’t know sumbody? Guess I know w’ot I'm about! Ef I see any consarned male or fe- male I wanter know, I chip in an’ interdooce myself, ’thout any mincin’. Thet’s how I get along so famuss, Fer instance, that’s how I got acquainted wi’ Grant. See’d him standin’ in ther Continental one day, an’ so I waltzed right up ter him. I axed him was he ’Lysses, an’ he sed he was. Then I interdooced myself, an’ asked him if he’d ‘smile,’ an’ he sed he would. Since then, whenever he sees me, he sings out, ‘ Wie gehts, Bob?” The colonel did not reply. They soon reached a telegraph office, and here the King of Bootblacks took leave of his distin- guished friend, he proceeding along with pecu- liar business sang froid, while the colonel en- tered the office before mentioned. Here he sent two dispatches to the chiefs of police in New York and Boston, containing de- scriptions of the Virgin Mary tug-boat, and of the man Mortimer—which had been furnished him by Bob—with orders for apprehension, and so forth. 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 glimpse of Pear] Prescott’s face which he had gained. That evening, while seated in his office at the warehouse, with a weary, troubled expression upon his face, Morton Prescott received a visi- tor in the person of Alberts, the pawnbroker. The Jew had found the door unlocked, and entered without ceremony, as was his wont. “Ah! goot-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 savagely. ‘Do you imagine I’m going to give up business because a rascal like you is conniving at my ruin? No, sir, [ defy you!” “Ish 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 you are inclined to be facetious. Al- berts, do not for a moment think that I do not understand you — your whole game, from be- ginning to end, for you will be mistaken, I know you and your plot, but you shall not win. When 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!” i aut what if Heafen don’d vas help you—vot aen?é ‘* Heaven will help me. Whoever relies upon the young lady ina queer position, but put me | the Lord loses nothing,”
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24 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. “Yaw! yaw! ‘You shust keep on dinking 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 vill see apoud dot, mine friend Prescott. Der law vill giff me her, when I show-him dot aper. If I do not get her alive, I claim her i y, und wreak my 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.” “Tam afraid not. You don’d vas need hurr: up matters, for I jest ash lief haff der girl as 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 carriage. The door was opened by a servant in livery, “What?’s wanted?” he demanded, eying the pawnbroker suspiciously, ‘*Oh! tell Miss Brescott that Colonel Ruther- ford, would like to see her, in the parlor,” Al- _ berts replied, pushing past the servant: into tho 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- ange n the parlor Alberts waited, near the door, a cunning expression upon his features. That some evil purpose was in his mind, was evi- ent. Soon light footsteps came down the stairs, and the graceful figure of pretty Miss Pearl had swept into the parlor. The next instant Alberts closed the door through which she had just entered, and locked it, pais the key into his own pocket, As he did so, Pearl wheeled around, with a gasp of horror. ‘Albert Alberts, you here!” she articulated, pegesring back, as though smitten by an unseen hand, “Bixactly, my dear Miss Prescott; I am here. Undoubtedly you are glad to see me?” “Glad to see you, sir? Ah! I see; you are joking, in a villain’s way. No! I am not glad tosee 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 acquainted with you. Besides, there is a grand ball to-night, in the lower end of town, and I thought perhaps you might need an escort.” . “Sir! do you think I would accept of you as such? I 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, you will be more amiable after we are mar- ried?” “We will never be married, sir! I have learned of your villainy, in hindering the Sea Breeze, and that alone I think: would free me from the claim, But if it should not, I would take my cwn life before I would be forced to wed a man of your stamp.” “You swear to this?” ‘ A thousand times if necessary!” ‘Then we will secure you beforehand, tomake sure!” the pawnbroker cried, with sudden fierce- tit 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 dexterously 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 ’ve won it. Pve got you fast enough, ship or no ship. The next thing is to get to my car- riage without being observed.” With his victim in his arms, the pawnbroker managed to unlock and open 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 suddenly flung open, and Boss Bob, the King of the Boot- blacks, and his strange companion, the Nonde- script, stood confronting him! “No yer don’t, old Jewsharp?” the former eried. “Jest you drop thet gal, or Pll drop you quicker’n ever a Jerseyman ever mada a watermelon Jook sick—you hear us, Maloney and Co., perfessionals!” CHAPTER XI. THE KING COUNTERPLOTS—HEART-EATER. Wira a frightful curse Alberts took in the sit- uation ata glance,and even as quick he had form- ed hisresolve. Dropping Pear! from his arms in no gentle manner, he made a sudden bound for- ward through the open portal, into the street. The next instant he had leaped into his carriage and was driven furiously away. The result of his sudden_rush into the street, had been to overturn both Bob and the Nonde- seript, as their barricade of the passage did not withstand the force of his precipitate 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 King muttered, as he picked himself up, and felt his bones to learn if they were in their usual places. “* Blamed if [ didn’t think ther end o’ time hed cum, Eh? Nondescript—hurt any by yer sud- den ante?” The owl-eyed boy shook bis head. ** Wal, ther next thing’s ter look after ther girl. ‘Spect mebbe she’s fainted. Wimmen folks ’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 daughter awaiting them. “Oh! you dear, good fellow!” she said, ad- vancing when she saw Boss Bob and extending her fair hand fearlessly, ‘‘ How can I ever re-
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—S Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacixs. 26 pay you for saving me from a terrible fate? I was just wondering whom I had to thank for the intervention that ig a the Jew from earrying me away with him.” ‘** Well, et’s me an’ my pard, as you perseeve,” Bob assured, ‘‘Miss Prescott, make ye ac- quainted wi’ ther Nondescript. He’s dumb, is ther Nondescript, an’ don’t often wiggle his jaw, in ther way of conversation, but he’s famous on rakin’ in ther p’ints an’ saltin’ em down so they won’t sp’ile with age.” ‘*T am glad to see you both,” Pearl said earn- estly. ‘‘Come into the parlor, and be seated, while you tell me how it was you were so op- portunely on hand just as that villain was about to carry me off.” “Oh! that waz easy enuff,” Boss Bob replied, as he and _ the al ape accepted seats in the grand parlor. ‘‘ We'd been spottin’ ther awnbroker, jest fer ther fun o’ ther thing, an’ Follered him up heer, caleylatin’ he was up to sum deviltry. Thet’s how; an’ now, as time is money ter us, I’ve got a little suggestion ter make; Ill 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.” “You're purty good at guessin,’ you aire. Yes, et’s about yer interests that I would speak. Ther matter concerns ther arrival o’ ther Sea Breeze. It’s gittin’ purty near time she war makin’ herself manifest, an’ et’s also purty near time yer governor know’d where his chips are comin’ frum ter mcet ther Jew’s paper.” “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 get the cash for it. Several prominent retail merchants stand ready to take it off his hands on sight at a good price. But, ah!--I—I am so fearful that it will not arrive! “Kerect. You hev cause ter fear, fer even ef ther ship comes wi’in a day o’ port, she’ll not get heer unless we do sumthin’ ourselves. Alberts will send that Bill Heart-Eater out ter scuttle her, an’ et depends on us whether we git ter ther Sea Breeze afore he does, or not!” “We, you say?” “Yas, we! you must go along an’ ’tend ther steerin’ oar, Nondescript an’ I ‘ll pull ther stroke.” “But surely, you would not think of ven- turing out to sea in an open boat?” “Dunno. ’Spect so. When a feller hain’t got no shiv he’s got ter take up_wi’ a tub, ain’t he? Td swim, afore I’d let ther Jewsharp beat.” Miss Prescott laughed a little. : The earnestness of this irrepressible street urchin amused her; and then, too, it added flame to her own spirit on the subject. “Bravo!” she said, gladly. ‘‘ You are a brave, good boy, and I like you for it. Of course the Jew must not be permitted to triumph, and so long a T can be of any use, you may command my aid, F “Now. then, thet sounds bizness-like,” Boss Bob nodded wisely. ‘But, there’s one pint we should cum ter an understandin’ on. Mebbe I’m jest as old as yerself, ef I do black boots, an’ ye must treat me wi’ consideration ekel to my years. That’sall, I don’t wanter be counted no nabob, fer I despise a nabob wuss’n I do a green Jarseyman, Ef ever I rise, et must .be ter Guv’ner or President, or else Pll never go back on Bixby’s Best. You hear me?” ** Mr.—Bob, why is it you hold such an anti- pathy against the Jerseymen?” Pearl asked, smiling. ““Humph! ain’t afeard ter tell ye that. Jer- sey folks live on salt-water clams, an’ shuck eyesters, an’ watermelons, an’ ther combined effeck is ter make their feet grow big. Then they cum over heer an’ expect we o’ the pur- fession ter shine ’em fer ther same price we do ordinary mortals. Ef we won't do et, we lose their custom. Bizness is bizness, ye know, an’ we'd ruther like ther Jarsey fellers ef it wasn’t fer their big feet.” “Oh, I have often wondered the reason why the street urchins were so prejudiced. You were speaking about reaching the Sea Breeze before the man sent by the Jew pawnbroker. How should we ke able to do so, not knowing how to get in its path?” “Oh, et’ll take a leetle figgerin’, but I ’spect thar ain’t menny sech examples like thet, w’ich me an’ ther Nondescript ken’t wrassle with when we ’zamine our compass.” ‘* When will this man Heart-Eater start?” “Dunno thet, yet. Ken soon find out, tho’. ‘Script, he’s famous at nosin’ out sech matters, “Gess ye’d better go an’ find out at once, too,” Bob said, turning to his queer companion. “Run down ther Jew an’ shadder him, an’ ye’l) eventually find yer cue!” The Nondescript’s eyes twinkled knowingly as he arose with a bow. Evident it was that Boss Bob had in him a safe and trusty compan- ion, whose love was a surety of his faith. “ Pearl showed him out, and then returned to ob. “T have a better plan than that of attemptin to find the Sea Breeze in a common row-boat, she said, seating herself. ‘‘I have a little sum of money which I bave saved up from time to time, and with it we might possibly be able to charter a small steamboat or—” Good! bully fer you!” Boss Bob cried toss» ing his cap into the air enthusiastically. ‘* Thet is jest ther fit. How much collatteral hev ye got, an’ then I can give a dognoses of the case at once?” “T have forty-one dollars.” ‘Then we're all hunky! There’s a feller down at South street wharf, Delaware, who has got a little steam pleasure-boat called the Belle o’ Bosting, an’ she jest can tork bizness when her steam’s up, an’ scoot right away from the Har- bor Police boat, wich hain’t got many ekals in these parts. Can rent her fer twenty-five a day, wi’ a band ter run her, an’ ef ye say so, dish over yer collatteral an’ I'll go an’ nail her ter once. Don’t make no diffrence ’bout ther cash bein’ short, fer I ain’t got no empty sock after blackin’ boots all my days ” “Then go at once and secure the boat, and find out what time we had better start. Tam not afraid to go with you, and will be ready when you come for me.” “Kerect! Ill go at once then, an’ will get as
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26 Boss Bob, the Kizg of Bootblacks. rene early a start as possible, fer the sooner we reach ther Sea Breeze, ther more apt we aire ter git ahead o’ Bill Heart-Eater.” Accordingly Pearl gave him what money she had, fully trusting to his honesty, and equipped with it, the young Bootblack King left the mansion and hurried with all speed toward South street wharf, Within the hour he had “‘ nailed” the Belle of Boston, Later that same evening, after Pearl had re- tired, Morton Prescott returned from town, and sought his wife’s apartments. Not finding her in the parlor, he entered her bedchamber, but she was not there. Somewhat surprised at this absence, he began to look around him, and upon a dressing-case found a sheet of monogram paper, containing a few hastily written words, as follows: “Dear Morton:—By the time you read this T shall have placed many miles between you and me. Of course you have lon nown that I did not care for you—that your wealth and social position were the only ties that bound me to you. nd, now, as both the wealth and position will slip away, leaving you little less thana beggar, I deem it only fair that I should also fade away from your view, I have gone with my dear Le Grande, whom I worshiped before ever Isaw you. Of course you will not seek for me, for you are doubtless as glad to get rid of meas I am of you. SYLv1A.”’ That was all; and the merchant gazed upon the paper, with whitening face and glaring eyes, a groan of anguish coming from the depths of his heart. “May God in heaven help her, as I cannot!” he murmured, as he turned and staggered down the stairs and out into the night. After his escape from the merchant’s man- sion, Albert Alberts was driven to Broad and Market streets, where he left the cab, and dis- missed it. His features were now covered with an im- mense black beard, which gave him quite a vil- lainous, if not a distinguished, appearance. Walking down Market street to Ninth, he crossed through that street to Chestnut, where he had, on a previous night, waited, and inter- cepted the ex-pirate, Bill Heart-Eater. ‘aking up the same position to-night, he wait- ed for over an hour, but could see nothing of the ruffian in the passing crowd. At last, with a growl of impatience, he struck off of Chestnut street, southward, and walked briskly. In half an hour he brought up before a dirty brick tenement-house in Alaska street, and as- cended a pair of stairs to the third landing. Opening a door immediately at his left, he en- tered, without ceremony, an apartment that was a novelty in the way of dilapidation. The plastering had for the most part fallen off; the windows were ornamented with cobwebs and stains of tobacco-juice, while a portion of the aha had been torn up—probably for kindling wood, Everywhere were dirt and disorder; the fur- niture was broken; upon a three-legged table were a pitcher and glass; the wall was hung With pistols, cutlasses, ropes, knives, and vari- ous implements belonging to a burglar’s profes- sion, In a broken arm-chair by the table, on which sputtered a candle, sat the ex-pirate, with his head dropped forward, as if in a drunken sleep. The pawnbroker uttered a curse at the sight, and went forward and shook him savagely. “Wake up, you drunken fool!” he growled. “ What do you mean by gorging yourself with poison, when I need you the most?’ Heart-Eater aroused, partly, and gazed at the Jew with a leer, “Oh, it’s you, is it?’ he grunted, gruffly. ‘If you want anything of me spit it out. I’m Bill eart-Eater from the high seas.” ‘““You pe von drunken loafer,” the Jew re- plied, sourly. “ Cheese it!” the other returned, significantly, as he drew a long knife from his bootleg, and tested the edge by shaving a few hairs from the back of his hand, ‘I’ve told yer ’bout enuff to drop that Jew gabble, an’ I'll have a heart to eat, ef ye don’t mind.” Alberts shuddered. The wolfish glare in the bloodshot eyes of the ruffian did not conduce to his ease. “T forgot—I’ll be more careful hereafter,” he said, apologetically. ‘‘I came to see you on business. Have you heard anything more in re- gard to the ship?” ‘© Not a bubble.” ‘You think she will touch the waters of, the bay by the 9th?” “Bt wouldn’t belay my ideas ef she did. It has been fair breezy weather ever since she started, and, what with her steam and sails, she ought to touch fresh water by noon, the ninth.” ‘*She must not be hailed before that. If you work right, you can creep up on her, in the night before, can you not?” * Leave that to me. I shall leave here so as to get to the bay before sundown, the 8th, in time to make observations. I have an old Spanish glass there in a chest, that?ll diskiver ther nature an’ name o’ a craft sixty miles away, an’ I can soon tell my game. Pll board her in the night, an’ fix things right afore she touches fresh water.” “Good. Your plan is excellent. The sooner she is scuttled, the safer it will be for me, for the merchant means mischief in some way, but I have not vet learned how. Anyhow, he has parties waiting for the cargo, at a moment’s warning, when the Sea Breeze touches port. She must not touch port, or my money has gone, and I have lost the girl in the bargain.” “Don’t ye fear. Tl fix her so she won't sight Philadelphia afore September 12th,” the ex-pi- rate said, with a villainous chuckle. ‘* But T must have a hundred dollars ter get me a tug. Thar’s one I’ve got my eye on thet can be hired fer that amount.” Without a word, the pawnbroker took out his plethoric purse, and counted out the desired amount, and Heart-Eater raked it in greedily. ‘That will ‘nail’ the ‘ Belle of Boston,’” he said, peering into the empty pitcher. ‘‘ Now I’ve only one other want, and T shall be ready to tackle the job with a will.” ‘““What is that?” Alberts replied,
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Boss Bub, the Kine « f Bootblacks, 24 ree ee ‘“Money enough ter get on a big drunk, so as ter steady my nerves,” the ruffian said, with a wolfish ae “T brought you along a bottle of rare cognac, here,” and the pawnbroker drew a great flat flask from an inner pocket, ‘Get as drunk as ‘ou please; only see to it that you attend to paces,” ‘Bf I don’t ye can cum here an’ cut my heart out, an’ I'll eat it myself,” the ruffian answered, as he seized the bottle eagerly. With a grim smile, the Jew buttoned his coat, took his hat, and leaving Heart-Eater in his room, made his way out of the tenement-house, and as rapidly as possible from Alaska street. Left alone with the bottle of liquor, Heart- Eater proceeded straightway to business, and in the course of fifteen minutes he had drained it to the dregs. In the course of ten minutes more bis head dropped forward, and presently he pitched head- foremost upon the floor, and lay there in a drunken stupor. Though a man of strong will and prodigious physical strength, he had to suc- cumb at last to that demon with whom no man can wrestle long and successfully. Perhaps an hour passed after the ruffian fell forward upon the floor, when a pile of dirty blankets, which had lain carelessly heaped in one corner of the room, began to unroll, and out of them came the form of no less a person than the Nondescript! There was a quiet ex- pression of triumph upon his face which bespoke the fact that he had been listening, having some time previously secured a position in the ex- pirate’s quarters, After leaving his place of concealment, he searched around the room for some time, and finally found the marine spy-glass of which Heart-Eater had spoken to the Jew. Armed with this, he then shook his fist at the slumbering ruffian and left the place. He had heard all that was necessary to in that direction, CHAPTER X11. EVERGREEN UNMASKS—BOSS BOB'S MISSION. Fripay, September 8, 1876, dawned upon the city of Philadelphia, bright and warm, but brought with it no event of especial importance, publicly, more than the moving of mighty throngs of citizens and strangers Centennial- ward. Each day that now passed but served to add to the mighty hosts that flocked f:om far and near to attend the grandest world’s fair ever held. Tn and around the mammoth Exposition every one seemed smiling and happy, and an observer would have wondered if there could be such a thing as unhappiness or woo in so sprightly or merry a gathering. Perhaps not; we will hope so. Upon this eighth morning of the month of September, Morton Prescott arose early and left the mansion, as he supposed, before any one else was up. He had not seen Pearl to speak with her, bas 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 whittling on a piece of pine wood he had somewhere picked up, “What? you up already, Josh?’ the mer- chant exclaimed, in surprise, “Waal, yas, uncle Mort; I tho’t I'd git u an’ whittle a little,” the Vermonter replied, with a grin; ‘‘ an’ ’side from that, I wanted ter see ye on bizness,” “Very well; I am going to my warehouse, and you may come along with me.” ‘** Accordingly, I will,” Evergreen replied, and he made 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. “Tam now ready to hear what you have to say,” he said, gravely. ‘‘ My time is limited, but I will hear from you.” “Well, it will not take long for me 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- green, at your service, junior partner of the firm of Batcheldor and Hvergreen, Boston, and also your nephew. lam not lately from Ver- mont, but have been getting rich, and wishing to visit the Centennial, I concluded to have a little masquerade, by personating 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 ever to my hotel, and restore myself.” He then 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 Vil further tell you my busi- ness here. Of course I came to do the Centen- nial, but that was not my sole motive in com- ing. Iheard that you were in pecuniary diffl- eaiitns, and having no lack of ready means, believed I might be of some assistance to you, And, now, while I smoke a cigar, { want you to tell me all about yourself and affairs, so that I may understand 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 is a remarkable romance, from beginnin to end,” he said, as the merchant Rese “A strange matter throughout. Ithink I know this Jew, however, who holds the mortgage upon iny fair cousin, Pearl. Such a party borrowed a sum of money of us, a few years ago, upon misrepresentation, and failed to pay it back. We never made him any trouble, as we did not deem it worth while. But he is gir aed a deep rascal,” - “Tn truth he is; and, rather than see my Pear] his wife, I'll kill her or him with my own hands.” “Bravely spoken! 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
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28 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. m somehow to defeat this execrable scoundrel?” At this moment the door opened, and Boss Se walked into the office, blacking-kit in nd. ** Mornin’!” he said, with a nod to the mer- chant. ‘‘Tho’t maybe I’d find ye heer. A cornered clam allus keeps close to hisshell. Any cash jobs, hereabouts?” “Well, yes; you may as well black my boots, I suppose. Bob, this is 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. ‘‘T’m an eyester, ef Lain’t a little fogged. That chap, Evergreen? No, sir-ee; ye can’t discount me. Ther Ever- green 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 Hartranft.” “Nevertheless, we were one and the same party,” Evergreen replied with a laugh—“ only, instead of coming from ‘ Plunkit, Varmont,’ I came from the Hub.” “ Well, ef thet doesn’t beat Bixby’s Best, may T never shine another understandin’!” the boot- black exclaimed. takes me ’way off my cue. Beats ther Black Crook transformation all ter blazes. An’ so 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 work 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 my lip-in; but ef ye’re after my pattern o’ architeckture, ye’d ruther take a hint than a hit, enny day.” “Certainly, my boy. If you have any sug- estions to offer that you think may be of bene- it to me, I shall be most happy to hear them.” “Kerect, Then here goes. I’m goin’ out ter save the Sea Breeze!” “ You?” the merchant ejaculated. “Yes, I,” 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 authoritative wave of his hand. ‘‘My name’s Boss Bob, an’I black boots, an’ ar’ considered about fit fera door-mat fer sech folks as you. Thet’s my pedigrees, an’ any one thet don’t walk on ther sidewalk wi’ me, can take a street car. Ive a huckster cart-load o’ bad streaks in my composition, an’ I don’t allow no man ter go ter enlogizin’ me, fera cent. When I doa job, I do if 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 “Sech a_metamorphozus | back talk. Ef I hed my choice o’ swallerin’ dishwater, or human praises, I’d take dishwater, ca’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, I don’t want no eulogy ner praise-puddin on my plate. Ef I save ther ship, an’ git her inter port, all right All [ want is whatever cash collatteral you’ve a mind ter diffuse, w’ich’ll 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 approval, 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 ’'m shrewd, then, do ye?” the King of Bootblacks demanded. * You certainly seem possessed 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 fortune, 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 till digested, 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 start too. Mebbe he'll git there afore I do and scuttle ’er. Ef he does, I’ll get there next an’ we'll bail her out, an’ gitas nigh port as possible. Ef ye don’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 sharp, ye can git yer cash, an’ git back ter ther pawn-shop on time.” ; md if something should hinder, and I should ai “Then, let Alberts whistle! Miss Pearl, she be goin’ along wi’ me, an’ thar she'll stay till you git things squared wi’ the Jew. Don’t ye fear but Pll take keer of her in good shape, an’ she'll be safer on ther water, fer laws can’t eum out an’ tech her there, while if she war on land et would nab her quicker’n a Schuylkill eel kin tella cop. Thet’s mv ijeer.” “And a correct one,” Jack Evergreen ex- claimed, enthusiastically. ‘* Boy, you've an old head on your shoulders.” “Bet ye a shine ’tain’t as old as yourn,” Bob revlied, indignantly. ““ Well, maybe not in years, but full older in Me shrewd conception of original and valuable ideas. “ Humph! that’s nothin’. Ef you'd had yer head thumped as many times as I hev, you’d hev more sense stirred up. A feller don’t pelt around Philadelphy till he’s a Septembergena- rian, all fer nothin’, or I’m a soft-shell clam! This ain’t no Bosting ‘culchaw’ place, not ef she ar’ acquainted wi’ her Centennial nibs.” “Your plan is excellent, Bob.” Mr. Prescott said, appreciatively, ‘“‘ and I will adopt it, in
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 29. case the Sea Breeze does not come in on time. Is there anything else?” ‘¢Guess not. You'll heer frum me if there is. I’m off now.” “Good-day, See that you take good care of my child.” ‘Oh, you bet! He'll hev ter climb over a belchin’ volcaner w’ot gits her! By-by!? And 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, Only 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 considerable faith in that young Arab, uncle, to trust my charming cousin in his care,” Evergreen observed, after Boss Bob had gone. “So I have,” the merchant replied, ‘' He’s as trusty as a bank safe.” About noon thet day, Boss Bob called at the merchant’s residence for Pearl, and found her waiting, eavelcped in a water-proof, and wear- ing a jaunty oil-cloth covered hat. “ Good enough,” he observed, with a knowing nod, ‘‘ Youre 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 phyest ye see, an’ delay us.” Pearl saw the logic of this, and in a few min- utes was properly vailed. Then she accompanied Boss Bob, feeling that she could put implicit trustin him, By taking the street cars uponan 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 foot. The Nondescript was already there, and also Colonel Dick Rutherford. “Hello, kernal, what you doing down here?” Bob saluted, in surprise. “ Ah! you, is it? Why, you see, I just hap- pened down here, and the owner of the little steamer yonder wanted me to ‘pull the spokes’ for him, while he takes a party outside the har- bor,” ““ Well, now, ef thet ain’t famous, I’m an eye- ster,” Bob cried in glee. “We're the passengers an’ you be ther crew. Ha! ha! Miss Pearl, this be Colonel Ruther- ford, an’ he’s goin’ ter steer ther Belle for us.” Pearl raised her vail, and smilingly acknowl- edged the colonel’s gallant salute. Then Bob interposed. : i “ Come along, miss, inter ther cabin, fer fear some of Albert’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 cabin and all necessary accom- modations, being about one-third the size of the ordinary pleasure steamboats. Bob conducted his fair companion into the cabin, and then re- turned to the wharf, The owner of the boat had just arrived, clad in overalls, ready for business, ** You look like bizness,” the Bootblack King observed, with comical importance. ‘‘ Gitdown inter yer pit now, lively, an’ hev steam up in thirty minutes, so thet ther Belle kin jest tork, Bin any one else here after her?” ‘“Yes—Bill Heart-Eater, Madder'n thunder, *cause she was tuk.” ‘ “Tet him mad. Did he git anuther?”’ “Ves—the Alarm. She’sa good’un, but no- where at ther heels q’ ther Belle.” ‘* How long ago did he git started?” Bob asked 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 helped. Git steam up as soon as possible, captain,” The man nodded, and went aboard, followed by the Nondescript. a Bob stood conversing with the colonel, until— There came a shout, and he saw Alberts, the pawnbroker, rushing down South street toward the wharf. Quickly pulling the colonel aboard the Belle, he aye a glance at the smoke-stack of the little craft, Huge volumes of smoke were rolling out, and already the rising of steam was perceptible by the tremor traversing the deck. “Pll do it, on a 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! I vant der get on poard!” he cried, gesticulating wildly. ‘‘Dere pe some- pody on poard ash I vant der see.” ‘Oh! no thar ain’t, cully,” Boss Bob assured, with a provoking grin. ‘* We don’t want to see you. ‘Tra! la! la! la! skip the gutter! wipe off er chin! This isone you owe me, old Three alls! Aw revoir!” ’ CHAPTER XIII. HOW THE SHIP CAME IN FOR ALL, As may well be imagined, the rage of the Jew pawnbroker knew no bounds, He 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 satisfactory expla- nation why the boat and its tenants should not be allowed to proceed, of course no one could be of assistance in rip her. Well did the wily Jew know that he was beaten one point, for a spy had informed bim 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, to explain to the skipper his reason for cutting loose. | ‘‘Tt’s all right,” the old sea-dog grunted, stuff.
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30 Boss Bob, the Kisg of Bootblacks. ing more coal into the roafing furnace. ‘“TIl have a plenty o’ steam, in a jiffy, an’ show you how to git down-stairs wi’out fallin’ down. That Jew waz around heer afore you cum, but he didn’t git no infermation from me. Gota 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 Belle of Bos- ton, for they were plowing through the water at a tremendous speed. - Sending the Nondescript down to assist in firing, he then took the glass which the former had captured from the ex-pirate’s apartments, and, positioning himself in a chair upon the top of the wheel-house, he scanned such vessels as they were passing at anchor, or that were be- ing towed into the harbor, but could see none answering to the description of the Sea 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 spokes, : “Tl spell ye now, ef ye want ter make yerself agreeable ter the young leddy,” he said, with a smile, ‘' ve changed my mind.” ‘Changed your mind?” the colonel asked. “Yas, changed my mind. Since I fu’st see’d ther angel down thar, lve bin thinkin’ sum o’ committin’ matrymony, but when 1 reflect how menny boots ar’ 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, you'll whack up—cum down superfine. What d’ye say?” “*T am much obliged, I am sure, for your un- selfish generosity,” the colonel responded, laughingly. ‘But I am afraid I wouldn’t make much of a lover.” “Git out! It ain’t nothin’, once ye get yer hand in. I’ve popped ter lots o’ girls, an’ it’s fun. Besides, ther little gal she be a thorough lady, an’ a distinguished furriner like you’d be sure ter make er impression.” “Ha! ha! thanks for your good opinion. Tl not let her go lonely, at least, if talking will do any good—and, mind you, boy, if anything should happen like a wedding, it will be worth your while to name a price.” So the gallant colonel and Boss Bob changed positions, and the former was soon engaged in 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; **know’d they’d mate, bein’s both ar’ eddicated an’ polished, an’ they’re made fer one anuther, too; jest like I’m good fer blackin’ boots. Bet her guv’ner won’t kick, nuther, when 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. Long before sunset they steamed out into Delaware bay, and then skipper Jones came up from below. ‘“ Where now, young man?” he asked; ‘‘ we've got our prow in the bay.” “Dunno,” Bob replied. ‘‘ Guess you better let her cruise around awhile, till I make obser- vashuns. I'l git ther kernal ter take my snap, while I go aloft.” The skipper bowed; and returned below. ‘* Hello! kernal, hain’t ye popped yit?” yelled Bob from the wheel-box. ‘Ef ye ain’t, be spry, or I'll give ye ther cat fer tardiness.” “Pm coming! I’m coming!” the colonel re- plied, blushing like a schoolboy, as he rose and excused himself to Miss Prescott. ‘*What’s ther matter?” Boss Bob demanded, with a pena grin, as he gave over the charge of the wheel. ‘‘ You’re redder’n a sun- baked lobster.” **Boy, you are incorrigible,” the other re- plied, with a smile of vexation. Bob laughed triumphantly, and mounted once more to his lookout, glass in hand. ‘Ther kernal’s dil 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 coming from out of 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 is! thank fortune!” he cried, as the skipper and Pearl ascended to the wheel-house top. ‘Off yonder, two pints nor’ o’ due east. An’ thar’s anuther tub, smaller ’n ourn, not fur from her, an’ Bill Heart-Eater’s in it, you bet! Lively now, skipper—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, ker- nal! I'll give ye ther p’ints as yeneed’em. You stay up heer, wi’ me, Miss Pearl, fer ef the Belle bu’sts her b’iler, we'll be sev’ril pegs nearer ther moon!” ‘Oh! sir, you don’t think she will blow up, do you?’ the merchant’s daughter demanded, grasp- ing his arm, in alarm. “No, ma’am, ye needn’t fear,” Jones replied, doffing his hat, respectfully. ‘t 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 yer grog fer tellin’ sech a comburstible lie!” Both Pearl and the colonel laughed at Bob’s | attempt at skipperism, while Jones gave his breeches a comical hitch and once more went below. The nextinstant the boat trembled as a greater head of steam was put on, and Rutherford brought her to her course. Away they plowed through the calm waters of the bay, faster and faster, which told that the skipper was crowding his little craft to her ut- most. Once Boss Bob took a peep into the engine-
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Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. 31 r 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 fiame leaping from the smoke-stack and lighting the gloom. With pale, affrighted faces, Boss Bob and Pearl kept their position, the latter clinging to the adventurous bootblack 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 of Boot- blacks gave a sigh of relief, and pointed ahead over the water. “There she is now, not over a mile away. See! she has a light at her mast-head. Come, let us get down from here.” 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 milo 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 still somewhat excited, fearing lest he ae reach the merchantman too late to save 1er. In a short time they were alongside the great steamship, which looked like a leviathan of the Eeep as compared with the Belle, ‘Ship ahoy!” sung out Bob, “* Ahoy, yourself,” came the prompt response. ‘* What'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 egies gs demanded, as they gained the deck. ‘“‘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 led the way to the cabin, As they descended the companion-way a dark figure 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 Splash was heard in the water, and they knew the scuttler had escaped. Boats were lowered, and a search made, but ae darkness nothing could be found of the villain. When this conclusion was arrived at, the Sea Breeze once more steamed on toward Philadel- hia, with our frierds on board, the Belle of oston following in its wake. In the cabin, a clear and concise explanation of affairs was made to Captain Reynolds, and he declared that he could touch anchor in Phila- delphia harbor, early on the morrow, as exami- nation had proved that Heart-EHater had not succeeded in his infamous purpose, By daybreak the next morning, the Sea Breeze was met by the Harbor Police, and all the necessary arrangements perfected for entry into the harbor of Philadelphia, which was made at about eleven o'clock, of the same day. She had-no sooner dropped anchor, than mor- ton Prescott and Josh Evergreen came aboard, accompanied by several merchants, and inside of three hours the said merchants were the joint owners of the said cargo, and the father of our heroine held the checks. in hands for—but we will not say just how much. Suffice to say that the amount realized was more than enough to satisfy the Jew’s claim, and redeem the mort- gage held by him against Pea 1. And the way in which the victorious speculator received Boss Bob, would have pledsed an Anchorite, to say the least. We must needs draw to a close, but will add a few final remarks. Albert Alberts was promptly paid back his loan, on the 10th day of September, at one minute to 12 o'clock, and the strange mortgage redeemed and destroyed, Balked in this the chief of all his villainous designs, the Jew soon after disposed of his in- terests in the Centennial city, and departed for parts unknown. Heart-Eater returned to the city, but kept shady until the matter of his villainy had some- what blown over. As soon as possible, before the disgrace of his second wife’s rash act was known, Morton Prescott closed up his business in Philadelphia, and in company with his nephew, Josh, sought a@ western Held of enterprise—first, however, properly rewarding Boss Bob with a cash pres- ent of a thousand dollars. Pearl 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 have given, as it were, but the first chapter. and in. closing, we may add that the Bootblack King may come to the front again. THE END, i YS vets Dime Dialogues No. 32 Containing eighteen Minor Dramas. Extravaganzas, Burlesques, F'arces. Dress and Humorous Pieces, for the Amateur Stage, Parlors. Schools and Exhibitions. All original and by favorite authors, professors, teachers and amateurs For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, on receipt of price—ten cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PrvsLisHe 98 Willian) Street, New York,
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32 OCTAVO. PAGES. we oh. ae POCKET LIBRARY. rOO90 SOOSCOSSOS SSO OOO OOOOOO - dedi eladatedekeded SeP NTSB ISSUED EVERY eas gr n= (COSOSCSOSCOSDOOODODDOOSCOOOOOO WEDNESDAY. 1 Deadwood Dick, tho Prince of the Road. ward L. Whee! 2 Kans » King; or, The Red Right Hand. fao Bill. The Flying Yankee. The Double Daggers. by Wiward L. Wh eler. The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Aiken, The Prairie Plot. By Buffalo Bill, The Buffalo Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By O11 Coomes, Ned ylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack’ » uffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol, By Edward L. Wheeler. Ralph | Roy. the Boy Buecaneer. By C 1. Ingraham. Nick o' the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. Yellowstone Sack. By Joseph &, Badger, Jr. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheeler. Diamond Dirk, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, Ore on Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. °F C. Adams. Death. Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. Lasso Jack. — by Ol! Coomes, Roaring Ral ph Rockwood, the Reckloss Ranger. By [larry St. George, 1 The Boy Clown. By Frank § The Phantom Miner. By & The Sea-Cate wey Captain Frederick The Dumb Sp. By Ol] Coomes. Rattling Ra & By Hurry St. George. By Ed- By But- By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Srertauas By Capt. . Wheeler, hittaker. 6 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. By Edward I. Wheeler. Gla s-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. F.C, Adams. The ray Captain. By Roger Starbuck. Diek rling, the Pony Express Rider, i oes 3 Ww hittuker. Bob Woolf, te Border Ruffian. By E Nightingale Nat, By T. C. Fasbang Black John, the Road Agent. By Capt. J. By Capt. » Wheeler, 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By Oll Coomes. | 4 84 The Dumb Page. Tdyl, the Girl Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol] Coomes. Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friend oss Boy. By J. Alexander Patten, iu he Lion of the Sen, By Albert W. Aiken. Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. .L. Wheeler. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morr Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). Watch-Eye, the Shadow, By Edward L. Wheeler, * Dick Dead Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P. In- graham, 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device. 79 The Black Mustanger. By Captain Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. By T.¢. Harbaugh. y Col. Prentiss Ingraham. he Captives of the Frontier. By Brace- By Ed. L, Wheeler. Sea V sleget h Jones; Edward 8. Ellis.’ By 88 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, By Edward L. Wheeler, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. The Boy Miners. By Edw rd §, Ellis, Jack Harkaway in New York, By Brace- bridge Hemyng. The Hussar Captain, By Col. Prentios Ingraham. Deadwood Dick in Leadville. | 4. Wheeler. Bill Biddon, Trapper. Vy Edward S. Ellis Tippy, the Texan, by George Gleason. Mustang Sam, the King of tho Plains. Badgor, Jr. The Ocean Bloodhound, Py Samuel W. Pearce, Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy, By Charles Morris. Deadwood Dick as Detectly e. By FE. L. Wheeler, % Buck Buckram, By Captiin J. F.C. Adams. eee ged Dick, the Sport Detective. By E. y The Black Steed of the Prairies. By Jos. E. James L. Bowen. 98 The Sen Serpent. By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza BILL, the Man Tracker. Dy E. 100 Nat Todd: He The Fate of the Sioux Captive. Edward S. Ellis. 101 Daring use the Young Bear Killer. St. George. 102 The Vellow Chief; or, The Half-bloods Vengeance, By Capt, Mayne Reid. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L, Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 7 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Moyle’s Lead. Py Edward L, Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit. By T.C, Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider. By George W. Ready Feb. 17. 111 Boss Bob, ie King of Bootblacks, By E. L. Whee’er. Realy Feb, 24. 112 The Helplesa Hand, Realy Mareh 3. 118 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, Ready March 10, Omaha OL, the Mask d Terror. Burt Bunker, the Trapper. By The Boy Rifles, By A. C. Tr The White B ffalo. By George E. Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L Wi , Ned Mazel, "the Boy Trapper. By Capt. Adams. Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffals BE. Nick Whillies’s Pet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Dendwood Dick’s Eagles. By E. L. Wheeler, ‘he Border King. By Oll Cooines. Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. The White Indian. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Ruck horn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. Murricane Bill.” By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. Patent-leather Joc. By Philip S. Warne. The Border Robin Hood, py pure Bill. Gold Rifle, the Sharpen conten 8 . Wheeler. Old Zip’s Cabin, By Capt. J. iF Cc. alias Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Coomes. Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck, By E. L. Wheeler. Hawkeye seat HEE By Ol ‘Coomes. The Boy Duelist. By Col. 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