"Who took that check?" demanded our hero, a sudden suspicion crossing his mind.
As well as he was able Pat described Hammerditch.
"He's goin' ter git sumthin' on de check," he added.
"Not if I can prevent it," answered Robert. "He wants to steal my valise. You come with me."
"I aint goin' ter!" roared Pat, and breaking away, he started on a clumsy run. Robert could readily have caught him, but concluded not to waste the time.
"Hammerditch will be hot-footed after my bag," he thought. "He expects to get that map."
He looked around, and espying a hack standing near, leaped in, and ordered the driver to get him to the depot with all possible speed.
Pat ran for fully six blocks, and then sank down on a pile of lumber, panting for breath.
"I'm in fer it," he groaned, expecting that Robert was at his heels.
But the boy was nowhere to be seen, and at once his courage arose, and he concluded that Robert had given up the chase. He counted hismoney and found that he had exactly a dollar and ten cents left. The balance of the cash had been paid over to the saloon keeper and to Robert.
"I guess I'll git anudder drink," he murmured, and rolled over to the nearest dive. Here in less than half an hour every cent that had been left was spent, and then Pat started for home. He could not walk straight, and frequently bumped up against those he passed. He had passed less than three blocks when he espied Mike coming toward him.
"Bedad, I can't let him see me!" he reasoned, and tried to steer out of sight. But Mike was too quick for him, and the pair confronted each other at the entrance to a lumber yard.
"Well, how much did yer git?" was Mike's first question.
"Didn't git nuthin," answered Pat boldly.
"Yer got a whole handful of money," retorted Mike. "I want half, do yer mind dat?"
"I ain't got nuthin," was all Pat could answer.
A wordy quarrel followed, and then the two roughs came to blows. They were encouraged to fight by the by-standers, who loved nothing better than to witness a "scrap," and it was not until a policeman came up that the encounter came to an end. Each contestant had a bloody nose,and their eyes were so swollen they could scarcely see out of them.
"You're both good for sixty days in jail," said the officer of the law, and marched them to headquarters. Instead of sixty, each got ninety days, and I think my readers will agree with me that they richly deserved their sentences.
CHAPTER XXXII.
ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP.
"There aint no train now, boss," said the hack driver, after receiving his directions from Robert.
"I don't want to catch a train; I want to catch a couple of thieves who want to make off with my valise," answered our hero.
"Did you forget the valise?"
"No, they have stolen my baggage check."
"Oh, that's it! Well, I'll get you to the depot in short order."
Away went the hack at a rate of speed which was far from agreeable so far as riding was concerned.
But, disagreeable as it was, it pleased Robert, and soon the railroad station came in sight.
"There are the fellows who are after my bag!" cried our hero, as the hack came to a halt. He had espied Hammerditch and Le Fevre making their way to the baggage room.
"You are certain they are after the valise? Perhaps you may be mistaken," went on the driver, who was a rather elderly man and cautious.
"I'll watch them and make sure," said Robert.
Taking his station behind the baggage room door, our hero saw the Englishman and the French Canadian approach the baggage master.
"I am after my valise," said the Englishman, producing Robert's check. "My son left it here a few hours ago. I have concluded to remain in Muskegon over night."
"All right, sir," answered the baggage master, taking the check. He glanced at the piles of baggage which littered the room. "What kind of a looking bag was it?"
For the minute Hammerditch was nonplussed, as he did not remember Robert's bag very well.
"It was—er—a tan-colored bag, not very large," he stammered. "I just bought it, so I don't remember it—er—very well."
"I reckon this is it," said the baggage master, after a short hunt. "Check 432,—that's right."
Hammerditch was about to take the valise when Robert came up and seized it.
"No, you don't, you thief!" he exclaimed. "Your little game is nipped in the bud."
The Englishman turned and his face fell, and Le Fevre was also discomfited.
"What's the trouble?" asked the baggage master, in astonishment.
"This rascal was about to steal my bag."
"Your bag?"
"Yes, my bag. Don't you remember my leaving it here a couple of hours ago?"
"I do."
"He got a tough to steal my check, and he would have had the bag if I hadn't got here just in time."
"He said you were his son."
"I wouldn't have him for a relative," cried Robert. "Mr. Hammerditch, you are a thorough-paced scoundrel," he went on, facing the Englishman.
"What, this to me!" gasped the schemer.
"Yes, that to you. You are a would-be thief, and I reckon your companion is little better."
"Boy, boy! I vill haf ze law on you!" howled the French Canadian.
"And I will have the law on you," retorted Robert. "You wanted to steal that map. You need not deny it."
"The bag is mine," said Hammerditch boldly. "This is a plot to get me into trouble."
"I reckon I can prove my property," said Robert. "Have you the key that will unlock the bag?"
"Never mind about that."
"I have the key," went on our hero. He produced it and opened the bag. "I wish you to bear witness that this bag contains my wearing apparel," he said to the baggage master.
"Yes, that must be your stuff," was the answer.
"Here are my initials, R.F. My name is Robert Frost, while his name is Oscar Hammerditch. There isn't a single thing here that belongs to him, or that would fit him."
"What did you say about a map?" went on the baggage man.
"I have a map that he wants to steal, in order to lay claim to certain lumber lands located near Timberville."
"But I see no map."
"The map is in my pocket, here," and Robert produced the document.
If ever Hammerditch had looked sheepish it was now. He realized that even if he had obtained the valise he would have been outwitted. Plainly this American lad was too smart for him.
"I'll see you about this later," he howled, and started to back out.
"Wait a minute, I want to give you a bit of advice," said Robert, catching him by the arm. "If I wanted to I could have you arrested on the spot. But I am not going to take that trouble. But this baggage man is a witness to the fact that you tried to steal my valise, and if you or that Frenchman ever bother me again, I'll have you locked up on the charge, and I'll see that you go to prison for it. Now you can clear out."
For the moment Hammerditch was speechless. He wanted to flare up, but the words would not come. He grated his teeth, turned on his heel and almost ran from the baggage room. With him went Jean Le Fevre; and it may be added right here that that was the last Robert ever saw of the dishonest pair.
After the pair were gone Robert gave the baggage man the particulars of what had occurred, so that he might remember, in case the affair came up later.
"I thought it was queer he couldn't remember how his bag looked," said the baggage master. "I reckon, however, they won't bother you again in a hurry."
It was now nearly train time, and Robert remained in the depot. Presently the train came in and he got on board, and the journey to Timberville was continued.
"I'll not forget my stop-off at Muskegon," he mused, as he sped on his way.
The remainder of the journey passed without special incident. Hammerditch and Le Fevre had expected to take this same train, but could not screw up the necessary courage to do so.
Timberville was reached about three o'clock, and our hero alighted at the depot, which was little better than a shed. As Mr. Porter had said the village was small and looked almost deserted.
"I wish to get to Mr. Felix Amberton's place," he said to the station master. "How can I best reach it?"
"It's several miles from here," was the reply. "Guess Joe Bandy will take you along in his rig."
Joe Bandy proved to be the mail carrier, who drove a two horse wagon through the lumber region of the vicinity. He agreed to take Robert along for the usual fare, thirty-five cents. Soon they were on the way.
"Come out to try your luck?" questioned the mail carrier, with a grin.
"No, I came out on business."
"Say, you can't be the lawyer Mr. Marden isexpectin'," went on the mail carrier, with a look at the valise.
"No, I'm no lawyer," laughed Robert. "But I am a friend to Mr. Marden. How is Mr. Amberton?"
"Doin' poorly. Those land sharks are worrying him to death. They want to take his timber from him," answered Bandy.
They passed over several hills and through a heavy forest, and then made a sharp turn to the left. Presently a well-built cabin came into sight.
"There is Amberton's hang-out," said the driver, and drew up.
"Hullo, Robert!" came a voice from behind some trees, and Dick Marden rushed forth. His face wore a broad smile and he almost broke the bones of Robert's fingers, so hearty was his hand shake. "How are you, lad—well? And did you get that map?"
"Yes, I'm well, and the map is safe in my pocket," answered Robert, and then they walked to the cabin, while the mail carrier proceeded on his way.
Once inside of the place Robert was introduced to Dick Marden's uncle, who sat in an old-fashioned easy chair by one of the little windowsof which the cabin boasted. Mr. Amberton seemed weak and careworn.
"Dick has been telling me about you," he said, in a low voice. "He felt sure you would manage to get the map."
There was of course nothing for Robert to do but to tell his story from beginning to end, and this he did without delay, Dick Marden in the meantime ordering the negro servant to cook a good dinner for the youth.
"Well, you outwitted Hammerditch and Le Fevre nicely," cried the miner. "I would like to have seen them at the railroad station. They must have felt cheap and no mistake."
"They are rascals, and I always knew it," said Felix Amberton. "But now we have a hold upon them, for through Robert we can show up their true characters, if it becomes necessary."
The map was examined with care, and Dick Marden announced that it was just what was wanted.
"They can't go behind this," he said. "Robert, I think you have saved the estate for my uncle."
"I think so myself," came from Felix Amberton. "But I am afraid I am in for a long lawsuit, nevertheless."
Inside of an hour a hot dinner awaited our hero, to which he, as was usual with him, did full justice.
The balance of the day passed quietly, and on the day following Dick Marden took the boy over the timber lands.
"Would you like it out here?" asked the miner.
"I don't believe I would," answered Robert promptly. "I much prefer city life."
"Honestly spoken," cried Marden. "Now with me it is just the opposite. I can remain in the city a couple of weeks, or possibly a month, and then I feel that I must get somewhere where there is lots of elbow room."
Two days later a lawyer arrived—the one sent for by Marden and Felix Amberton.
"The claim is all right," said the legal gentleman. "This map is good proof, too. If they want to fight let them. You will surely come out on top."
This was cheering news, and its effect upon Amberton was soon visible.
"When it is settled I shall not forget you," he said to Robert.
"Thank you," replied the boy, "but I am glad to have been of service to you and Mr. Marden,my best friend. He helped me, you know, when I actually did not know how to turn myself."
On Monday of the week following Dick Marden announced his intention of going to Chicago on business, and as there was nothing to keep Robert in the lumber camp, he decided to accompany his friend back to the great city by the lakes.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ROBERT VISITS HOME—CONCLUSION.
"You have had lots of adventures since last we met in Chicago," remarked Dick Marden, while he and Robert were making the trip from Timberville to Muskegon.
"That is true, and some adventures that I didn't care much about," returned our hero.
"It's the way of the world, lad—you can't get through without some pretty hard knocks and dangerous brushes. But tell me frankly, what would you like to do next?"
"I would like to obtain some good office situation. I like to keep books, write business letters, and handle money—especially if the business done is on a large scale."
"I understand." Dick Marden mused for a moment. "I was thinking of offering you a place at Timberville, or in my mine in California; but I reckon you had best remain in Chicago. But I shan't forget to keep my eye on you, andyou can be sure that my uncle won't forget you if he comes out on top, as that lawyer says."
The run to Muskegon was without special incident, and once in the town bordering the lake they found they had several hours to wait until a steamer would leave for Chicago.
"The wait will just suit me," said the miner. "I want to call on a man who deals in lumber and make an arrangement with him to handle some of my uncle's output."
The office building in which the wholesale lumber dealer did business was situated several blocks from the depot and thither the pair made their way.
As they entered the wide hallway Robert suddenly clutched Dick Marden by the arm.
"There he is at last!" he whispered.
"He? Who?"
"That rascal who robbed me—Jim Huskin!"
And our hero pointed to where Huskin stood, in conversation with an old gentleman in black.
"You are certain he is the man?" asked the miner.
"Yes; I would never forget that smooth face and those wicked eyes."
"He seems to be playing some confidence game now," went on Dick Marden.
The miner was right. Jim Huskin had the old man in black in an out of the way corner and was conversing with him in great earnestness.
"You cannot lose on the venture, Mr. Price," he said, as our hero and Marden drew closer. "The shares will always be worth the money you put into them. Better let me have the check now, and I will buy them inside of the next hour."
"Yes, yes, but are you quite sure it is safe?" asked the old man, in a trembling voice. "You see, I cannot afford to lose four hundred dollars."
"You will not lose—I will guarantee the shares myself," answered the confidence man earnestly.
"Very well, if you will guarantee them," said the old man, and drew out his pocketbook, which held several bankbills, and a filled in check for the amount Huskin desired.
At that moment Robert placed his hand upon the confidence man's shoulder.
"So we meet again, Jim Huskin," he said coldly.
The rascal turned in amazement, and then his face fell.
"Why—er—what—who are you?" he stammered, hardly being able to speak.
"You know very well who I am," answeredour hero. "I am the boy you robbed in Chicago."
"Robbed!" gasped the old man in black. "Did you say robbed?"
"I did, sir. This man is a rascal and a thief."
"You are mistaken——" began Jim Huskin, but his manner showed how uncomfortable he felt.
"A rascal and a thief!" murmured the old man, and looked as if he would faint. It did not take him long to place his pocketbook in his pocket again.
Jim Huskin was a man who made up his mind quickly. He saw that Robert had the best of him, and that his only chance for safety lay in flight. Turning swiftly, he started to run from the building.
But he had reckoned without Dick Marden, and he had scarcely taken two steps when the miner put out his foot and sent him sprawling in the hallway. At once a crowd began to collect.
"What's the row here?" demanded the janitor of the building, as he rushed up.
"We've collared a thief," answered Marden. "Call a policeman."
"What! do you mean to have me arrested?"demanded Jim Huskin, as he got up, to find himself in the grasp of both Robert and his friend.
"That's what," answered the miner coolly.
Jim Huskin began to expostulate, but all to no purpose. Soon an officer came in, followed by another crowd.
"What has he done?" demanded the policeman.
"I charge him with robbing me," answered Robert. "His name is Jim Huskin."
"My name isn't Huskin, it is Williams," put in the confidence man.
"Jim Huskin?" repeated the officer. "I've heard that before."
"He and another man named Andy Cross robbed me in Chicago. Cross was caught, but this fellow came to Muskegon."
"Oh, yes, I remember the case now. So this is Huskin, eh? You were lucky to land on him."
"This is all wrong," persisted Huskin. He turned to the old man in black. "Mr. Price, won't you testify that my name is Williams?"
"I don't know as I will," was the slow answer. "You said it was, but I have no further proof of it."
"He was going to get you to invest in some scheme, wasn't he?" asked Robert.
"Yes, he wanted to sell me some unlisted mining shares. Said they were a good investment."
"What were the shares?" asked Dick Marden. "I am an old miner and I know the mines pretty well."
"They were shares of the Golden Bucket Mine, of California."
"The Golden Bucket! Why, that mine gave out six years ago. It never paid back the money put into it. Why, it's dead, and so are the stocks. You had a lucky escape."
"I believe you," returned the old man, and looked greatly relieved.
Inside of quarter of an hour Jim Huskin was transferred to the local jail and his capture was telegraphed to Chicago. He was searched, and on him were found about forty dollars belonging to Robert and a pawn-ticket for the watch, showing that it had been pawned in Muskegon for six dollars. Before he left the town Robert got the watch back.
Later on Jim Huskin was taken back to Chicago, and he and Andy Cross were tried together, and each received a sentence of two years in State's prison for his misdeeds.
On getting back to Mrs. Gibbs' boarding houseRobert found a telegram from his mother awaiting him. It read:
"Come home at once. Your step-father is very ill."
"Come home at once. Your step-father is very ill."
Without delay our hero started for Granville, arriving there late in the evening. His mother met him at the front door, and it was plain to see that she had been weeping.
"Oh, Robert!" she cried, and embraced him. It was several minutes before she could say more.
"Mr. Talbot is very sick then?" asked the boy.
"Yes, very sick, and the doctor is afraid he will never get well," answered Mrs. Talbot.
James Talbot was suffering from a sudden stroke of paralysis, which had affected his stomach and his left side. He was almost unconscious, and remained in that state for several days. During that time Mrs. Talbot was at his bedside constantly, and Robert did all he could for both.
At the end of two weeks the physician pronounced James Talbot out of danger. The paralysis was gradually leaving him, and he could now take a little nourishment.
His sickness seemed to have changed him wonderfully, and his harshness appeared to be a thing of the past.
"I have had my eyes opened," he said to his wife and Robert. "I have done wrong in the past, but from now on you will find me a different man."
These words pleased Mrs. Talbot greatly and removed a heavy load from her heart. Robert, however, said but little on the subject.
"I hope he does turn over a new leaf," he thought. "But I want to test him for a while before I trust him."
"Your step-father will be all right now, Robert," said his mother, hopefully.
"I sincerely trust so," he answered gravely. "For your sake even more than for my own."
Here we will bring to a close the story of Robert Frost's adventures while "Out for Business." He had succeeded in taking several forward steps in life, and had brought to grief the enemies who had tried to drag him down and overcome him.
As soon as Mr. Talbot was on the mend our hero returned to Chicago and called upon Mr. Gray. The cut-rate ticket broker had already opened both his Chicago and his New Yorkoffices, and he at once agreed to give the boy his position back, with two dollars per week added to his salary. The next day found Robert again working beside Livingston Palmer.
"Right glad to see you!" cried Palmer. And he shook hands cordially. "I reckon we have both had adventures enough for the present."
"I know I have," answered Robert. "I hope in the future I am left alone to buckle down to business."
For the time being all went well. But there were still many adventures in store for Robert, which will be related in a companion volume to this, entitled: "Falling in with Fortune; or, The Experiences of a Young Secretary." In this book we will meet all of our old friends and some new ones, and also learn something more about James Talbot and his schemes for getting possession of the Frost fortune.
And now, kind reader, good-by, in the hope that some day we will meet again.
The Famous Rover Boys Series
By ARTHUR W. WINFIELD
Each volume is hailed with delight by boys and girls everywhere. 12mo. Cloth. Handsomely printed and illustrated.
Price, 60 Cents per Volume. Postpaid.
THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EASTOr, The Struggle for the Stanhope FortuneOld enemies try again to injure our friends.THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGEOr, The Right Road and the WrongBrimming over with good nature and excitement.THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLEOr, The Strange Cruise of the Steam YachtA search for treasure; a particularly fascinating volume.THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARMOr, The Last Days at Putnam HallThe boys find a mysterious cave used by freight thieves.THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERSOr, The Deserted Steam YachtA trip to the coast of Florida.THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINSOr, The Mystery of Red Rock RanchRelates adventures on the mighty Mississippi River.THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVEROr, The Search for the Missing HouseboatThe Ohio River is the theme of this spirited story.THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMPOr, The Rivals of Pine IslandAt the annual school encampment.THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEAOr, The Crusoes of Seven IslandsFull of strange and surprising adventures.THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINSOr, A Hunt for Fame and FortuneThe boys in the Adirondacks at a Winter camp.THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKESOr, The Secret of the Island CaveA story of a remarkable Summer outing; full of fun.THE ROVER BOYS OUT WESTOr, The Search for a Lost MineA graphic description of the mines of the great Rockies.THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLEOr, Stirring Adventures in AfricaThe boys journey to the Dark Continent in search of their father.THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEANOr, A Chase for a FortuneFrom school to the Atlantic Ocean.THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOLOr, The Cadets of Putnam HallThe doings of Dick, Tom, and Sam Rover.
GROSSET & DUNLAP——NEW YORK
Transcribers Note: Some apparent misspellings have been left unchangedaint/ain'tdumfounded/dumbfoundeddumstruck/dumbstruckin the believe they are as the author intended.
Transcribers Note: Some apparent misspellings have been left unchangedaint/ain'tdumfounded/dumbfoundeddumstruck/dumbstruckin the believe they are as the author intended.