Dan, The Newsboy

"Are you sure of this?" he asked.

"Quite sure."

"How did you find out?"

"Partly by accident, sir."

"Go on. Tell me all."

Dan rehearsed the story, already familiar to our readers, combining with it some further information he had drawn from the woman.

"I didn't think Talbot capable of this," said Mr. Rogers. "He has been in our employ for ten years. I don't like to think of his treachery, but, unhappily, there is no reason to doubt it. Now, Dan, what is your advice?"

"I am afraid my advice wouldn't be worth much, Mr. Rogers," said Dan, modestly.

"I am not sure of that. I am indebted to you for this important discovery. You are keen and ready-witted. I won't promise to follow your advice, but I should like to hear it."

"Then, sir, I will ask you a question. Do you want to prevent the robbery, or to catch the men in the act?"

"I wish to catch the burglars in the act."

"Then, sir, can you stay away from the store to-day?"

"Why?"

"Your looks might betray your suspicions."

"There is something in that. But how can I take measures to guard against loss?"

"You can act through me, sir. Is there much money in the safe?"

"No; but Talbot is authorized to sign checks. He will draw money if I am not at the store."

"Will he place it in the safe?"

"Probably."

"Then let him do so. He is to tell the burglars the combination. He will get it from the janitor."

"The scoundrel!"

"I will see the janitor, and ask him to give the book-keeper the wrong word."

"What else?"

"I will secretly notify the police, whom he will admit and hide till the time comes."

"That is well planned."

"Then," continued Dan, flushing with excitement, "we'll wait till the burglars come, and let them begin work on the safe. While they are at work, we will nab them."

"You say we."

"Yes, sir; I want to be there."

"There may be danger."

"I'll risk it, sir."

"Dan, you are a brave boy."

"I don't know about that, sir. But if anything is going on to-night, I want to be in it."

"You shall, but be prudent. I don't want you to be hurt."

"Thank you, sir. If Mr. Talbot sends me with a large check to the bank, what shall I do?"

"Take it."

"He may make off with the money during the day."

"I will set another detective to watch him, and have him arrested in that event."

"This is going to be an exciting day," said Dan to himself, as he set out for the store.

CHAPTER XXI.

TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS

As Dan entered the store he noticed that Talbot looked excited and nervous. Ordinarily the book-keeper would have reprimanded him sharply for his late arrival, but he was not disposed to be strict this morning.

"I'm a little late this morning, Mr. Talbot," said Dan.

"Oh, well, you can be excused for once," said Talbot.

He wished to disarm suspicion by extra good humor. Besides, he intended to send Dan to the bank presently for a heavy sum, and thought it best to be on friendly terms with him.

About ten o'clock a messenger entered the store with a note from Mr. Rogers to the book-keeper. It was to this effect:

"I am feeling rather out of sorts this morning, and shall not come to the store. Should you desire to consult me on any subject, send a messenger to my house."

Talbot read this note with great satisfaction. The only obstacle to carrying out his plans was the apprehended presence and vigilance of his employer. Now he had a clear field.

About one o'clock he called Dan into the office.

"Here, Dan," he said, "I want you to go to the bank at once."

"Yes, sir."

"Here is a check for twelve thousand dollars—rather a heavy amount—and you must be very careful not to lose any of it, or to let any one see that you have so much with you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. In what denominations shall I get the money?"

"You may get one hundred dollars in fives and tens, and the remainder in large bills."

"All right, sir."

"He means to make a big haul," said Dan to himself, as he left the store. "I hope our plans won't miscarry. I wouldn't like Mr. Rogers to lose so large a sum."

As Dan left the store a man of middle size, who was lounging against a lamp-post, eyed him sharply. As Dan was turning the corner of the street he left his post, and, walking rapidly, overtook him.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"What is that to you?" demanded Dan.

"You are in the employ of Barton & Rogers, are you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"Is your name Dan?"

"Yes, sir."

"I am a detective, on watch here by order of Mr. Rogers. Now will you answer my question?"

"Certainly. I am going to the bank."

"To draw money?"

"Yes, sir."

"How much?"

"Twelve thousand dollars."

"Whew! That is a big sum. Who sent you?"

"Mr. Talbot."

"He is the book-keeper, is he not?"

"Yes, sir."

"I will walk along with you. There is no need of watching till you bring back the money. Where do you think Talbot will put the money?"

"In the safe, I think, sir."

"I am not sure of that. I believe he will retain the greater part on his own person. If the men who are to rob the safe got hold of all the money they would be likely to keep it, and not limit themselves to the sum he agrees to pay them."

"I suppose you are right, sir. What, then, are we to do?" asked Dan, perplexed.

"I shall take care to keep Talbot in view. He doesn't propose to run away. He means to have it understood that all this money has been taken by the burglars, whereas but a tithe of the sum will be deposited in the safe."

Dan nodded assent. He was convinced that the detective was right. Still he was anxious.

"It seems to me there is a risk of losing the money," he said.

The detective smiled.

"Don't be afraid," he said, confidentially. "Talbot won't leave the city. I will take care of that."

His words inspired confidence, and Dan entered the bank without misgivings.

The check was so large that the bank officials scrutinized it carefully. There was no doubt about its being correct, however.

"How will you have it?" was asked.

Dan answered as he had been directed.

"Be very careful, young man," said the disbursing clerk. "You've got too much to lose."

"All right, sir."

Dan deposited one roll of bills in the left inside pocket of his coat, and the balance in the right pocket, and then buttoned up the coat.

"I'm a boy of fortune for a short time," he said to himself. "I hope the time will come when I shall have as much money of my own."

Dan observed that the detective followed him at a little distance, and it gave him a feeling of security. Some one might have seen the large sum of money paid him, and instances had been known where boys in such circumstances had suddenly been set upon in the open street at midday and robbed. He felt that he had a friend near at hand who would interfere in such a case.

"What time is it, boy?" asked an ill-looking man, suddenly accosting him.

"Half-past one."

"Look at your watch."

"I don't carry one," said Dan, eying the questioner suspiciously.

"Nor I. I have been very unfortunate. Can't you give me a quarter to buy me some dinner?"

"Ask some one else; I'm in a hurry," said Dan, coldly.

The man went away muttering.

"I'm not as green as you take me for," said Dan to himself.

He thought his danger was over, but he was mistaken.

Suddenly a large man, with red hair and beard, emerging from Dan knew not where, laid his hand on his shoulder.

Dan turned in surprise.

"Boy," said he, in a fierce undertone, "give me that money you have in your coat-pocket, or I will brain you."

"You forget we are in the public street," said Dan.

"No, I don't."

"You would be arrested."

"And you would be—stunned, perhaps killed!" hissed the man. "Look here, boy, I am a desperate man. I know how much money you have with you. Give me half, and go."

Dan looked out of the corner of his eye, to see the detective close at hand. This gave him courage, for he recognized that the villain was only speaking the truth, and he did not wish to run any unnecessary risk. He gave a nod, which brought the detective nearer, and then slipped to one side, calling:

"Stop thief!"

The ruffian made a dash for him, his face distorted with rage, but his arm was grasped as by an iron vise.

"Not so fast, Jack Benton!" exclaimed the detective, and he signaled to a policeman. "You are up to your old tricks again, as I expected."

"Who are you?" demanded Jack, angrily.

"A detective."

"The devil!" ejaculated the foiled burglar. "I have taken nothing," he added, sullenly.

"That isn't your fault. I heard you threatening the boy, unless he gave up the money in his possession. Take him away, officer. I will appear against him."

"Thank you, sir," said Dan, gratefully.

"All right. Go on as quickly as possible. I will keep you in view."

All this took a little time.

Talbot, whose conscience was uneasy, and with good cause, awaited Dan's arrival very anxiously.

"What made you so long?" he asked.

"A man tried to rob me."

"Did he succeed?" asked Talbot, quickly.

"No; he was recognized by a policeman, who arrested him as he was on the point of attacking me."

Talbot asked no further questions, considerably to Dan's relief, for he did not wish to mention the detective if it could be avoided.

The book-keeper contented himself with saying, in a preoccupied tone, as he received the money:

"You can't be too careful when you have much money about you. I am almost sorry I sent for this money," he proceeded. "I don't think I shall need to use it to-day."

"Shall I take it back to the bank, sir?" asked Dan.

"No; I shall put it in the safe over night. I don't care to risk you or the money again to-day."

"That's a blind," thought Dan. "He won't put it in the safe."

CHAPTER XXII.

TALBOT'S SCHEME FAILS

Talbot went into the office where he was alone. But the partition walls were of glass, and Dan managed to put himself in a position where he could see all that passed within.

The book-keeper opened the package of bills, and divided them into two parcels. One he replaced in the original paper and labeled it "$12,000."

The other he put into another paper, and put into his own pocket. Dan saw it all, but could not distinguish the denominations of the bills assigned to the different packages. He had no doubt, however, that the smaller bills were placed in the package intended to be deposited in the safe, so that, though of apparently equal value, it really contained only about one-tenth of the money drawn from the bank.

Talbot was not conscious of observation. Indeed, he was not observed, except by Dan, whose business it was to watch him.

The division being made, he opened the safe and placed the package therein.

"Not quite smart enough, Mr. Talbot," thought Dan. "You will need more watching."

He was anxious to communicate his discovery to the detective outside, but for some time had no opportunity.

About an hour later he was sent out on an errand. He looked about him in a guarded manner till he attracted the attention of the outside detective. The latter, in answer to a slight nod, approached him carelessly.

"Well," he asked, "have you any news?"

"Yes," answered Dan. "Mr. Talbot has divided the money into two packages, and one of them he has put into his own pocket."

"What has he done with the other?"

"Put it into the safe."

"As I expected. He means to appropriate the greater part to his own use."

"Is there anything more for me to do?" asked Dan.

"I don't know. Keep your eyes open. Does the book-keeper suspect that he is watched?"

"I am sure that he doesn't."

"That is well."

"I am afraid he will get away with the money," said Dan, anxiously.

"I am not. Do you know whether there's any woman in the case?"

"He visits a young lady on Lexington avenue."

"Do you know the number?"

"No."

"That is important. It is probably on her account that he wishes to become suddenly rich."

This supposition was a correct one, as we know. It did not, however, argue unusual shrewdness on the part of the detective, since no motive is more common in such cases.

Dan returned to the office promptly, and nothing of importance occurred during the remainder of the day.

When Mr. Talbot was preparing to leave, he called in the janitor.

"You may lock the safe," he said.

"Very well, sir."

"By the way, you may use the word 'Hartford' for the combination."

"Very well, sir."

"Be particularly careful, as the safe contains a package of money—twelve thousand dollars."

"Wouldn't it have been better to deposit it in the bank, Mr. Talbot?"

"Yes, but it was not till the bank closed that I decided not to use it to-day. However, it is secure in the safe," he added, carelessly.

"I have no doubt of that, Mr. Talbot."

Mr. Talbot put on his coat and departed.

In turning a street corner, he brushed against a rough-looking man who was leaning against a lamp-post.

"I beg your pardon," said the book-keeper, politely.

"What did you say?" growled Bill.

"Hartford," said Talbot, in a low tone.

"All right, sir. If you apologize it's all correct."

"They've got the word," said Talbot to himself. "Now the responsibility rests with them. Now I will go and see Virginia."

His face flushed, and his eyes lighted up with joy, as he uttered her name. He was deeply in love, and he felt that at last he was in a position to win the consent of the object of his passion. He knew, or, rather, he suspected her to be coldly selfish, but he was infatuated. It was enough that he had fulfilled the conditions imposed upon him. In a few days he would be on his way to Europe with the lady of his love. Matters were so arranged that the loss of the twelve thousand dollars would be credited to the burglars. He would escape suspicion. If his European journey should excite a shadow of suspicion, nothing could be proved, and he could represent that he had been lucky in stock speculations, as even now he intended to represent to Miss Conway.

He was not afraid that she would be deeply shocked by his method of obtaining money, but he felt that it would be better not to trust her with a secret, which, if divulged, would compromise his safety.

"Is Miss Conway at home?" he inquired.

Yes, Miss Conway was at home, and she soon entered the room, smiling upon him inquiringly.

"Well," she said, "have you any news to tell me?"

"Virginia, are you ready to fulfill your promise?" asked Talbot, eagerly.

"What promise?"

"You know, surely."

"I make so many promises, you know," she said, fencing.

"Your promise to marry me."

"But there were conditions to that."

"Suppose that the conditions are fulfilled, Virginia?"

"Do you really mean so?" she asked, betraying strong interest now. "Have you been lucky in stocks?"

"I took your advice, Virginia. I dared everything, and I have succeeded."

"As you might have done before, had you listened to me. How much did you make?"

"Ten thousand dollars—the amount you required."

The girl's eyes sparkled.

"And you will take me to Europe?" she said. "We will make the grand tour?"

"As soon as you please."

"Then you deserve a reward."

She stooped and pressed a kiss lightly upon his cheek.

It was a mercenary kiss, but he was so much in love that he felt repaid for the wrong and wickedness he had done. It would not always be so, even if he should never be detected, but for the moment he was happy.

"Now let us form our plans," he said. "Will you marry me to-morrow evening?"

"But that gives me no time."

"You need no time. We will call on a clergyman, quietly, to-morrow evening, and in fifteen minutes we shall be man and wife. On Saturday a steamer leaves for Europe. We will start then."

"Oh, that will be nice. I can hardly believe that I shall so soon realize the dreams of years. I want to go to Paris first."

"Anywhere you please. Your wish shall be my law."

"How can you be spared from your business?" asked Virginia, after a pause.

"I will plead ill health—anything. There will be no difficulty about that."

"Shall I tell my aunt?"

"No; not till you are almost ready to start."

"Why not?"

"It is better that there should be no gossip about it. Besides, your aunt would probably be scandalized by our hasty marriage, and insist upon delay. That's something we should neither of us be willing to consent to."

"No, for it would interfere with our European trip."

"You consent, then, to my plans?"

"Yes; I will give you your own way this time," said Virginia, smiling.

"And you will insist on having your own way ever after?"

"Of course," she said; "isn't that right?"

"I am afraid I must consent, at any rate; but, since you are to rule, you must not be a tyrant, my darling."

Talbot agreed to stay to dinner; indeed, it had been his intention from the first. He remained till the city clocks struck eleven, and then took leave of Miss Conway at the door.

He set out for his boarding-place, his mind filled with thoughts of his coming happiness, when a hand was laid on his arm.

He wheeled suddenly, and his glance fell on a quiet man—the detective.

"What's wanted?" he asked, not dreaming of the truth.

"You must come with me, Mr. Talbot," was the reply. "You are suspected of robbing the firm that employs you."

"This is absurd nonsense!" exclaimed Talbot, putting on a bold face, though his heart sank within him.

"I hope so; but you must accompany me, and submit to a search. If my suspicions are unfounded, I will apologize."

"Hands off, fellow! I believe you intend to rob me. I will give you into custody."

The detective put a whistle to his mouth, and his summons brought a policeman.

"Take this man into custody," he said.

"This is an outrage!" exclaimed Talbot; but he was very pale.

"You will be searched at the station-house, Mr. Talbot," said the detective. "I hope nothing will be found to criminate you. If not, you shall go free."

Talbot, with a swift motion, drew something from his pocket, and hurled it into the darkness. But he was observed.

The detective darted after it, and brought it back.

"This is what I wanted," he said. "Policeman, you will bear witness that it was in Mr. Talbot's possession. I fear we shall have to detain you a considerable time, sir."

Talbot did not utter a word. Fate had turned against him, and he was sullen and desperate.

"How did they suspect?" he asked himself; but no answer suggested itself.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

In the house on Houston street, Bill wasted little regret on the absence of his wife and child. Neither did he trouble himself to speculate as to where she had gone.

"I'm better without her," he said to his confederate, Mike. "She's always a-whinin' and complainin', Nance is. It makes me sick to see her. If I speak a rough word to her, and it stands to reason a chap can't always be soft-spoken, she begins to cry. I like to see a woman have some spirit, I do."

"They may have too much," said Mike, shrugging his shoulders. "My missus ain't much like yours. She don't cry, she don't. If I speak rough to her, she ups with something and flings it at my head. That's her style."

"And what do you do?" asked Bill, in some curiosity.

"Oh, I just leave her to get over it; that's the best way."

"Is it?" said Bill, grimly. "Why, you're not half a man, you ain't. Do you want to know what I'd do if a woman raised her hand against me?"

"Well, what would you do?"

"I'd beat her till she couldn't see!" said Bill, fiercely; and he looked as if he was quite capable of it.

"I don't know," said Mike. "You haven't got a wife like mine."

"I just wish I had. I'd tame her."

"She ain't easy to tame."

"Just you take me round there some time, Mike. If she has a tantrum, turn her over to me."

Mike did not answer. He was not as great a ruffian as Bill, and the proposal did not strike him favorably.

His wife was certainly a virago, and though strong above the average, he was her superior in physical strength, but something hindered him from using it to subdue her. So he was often overmatched by the shrill-voiced vixen, who knew very well that he would not proceed to extremities. Had she been Bill's wife, she would have had to yield, or there would have been bloodshed.

"I say, Bill," said Mike, suddenly, "how much did your wife hear of our plans last night?"

"Nothing."

"She might."

"If she had she would not dare to say a word," said Bill, carelessly.

"You don't know. Women like to use their tongues."

"She knows I'd kill her if she betrayed me," said Bill. "There ain't no use considerin' that."

"Well, I'm glad you think so. It would be awkward if the police got wind of it."

"They won't."

"What do you think of that chap that's puttin' us up to it?"

"I don't like him, but I like his money."

"Five hundred dollars a-piece ain't much for the risk we run."

"We'll have more."

"How?"

"If we don't find more in the safe, we'll bleed him when all's over. He'll be in our power."

"Well, Bill, you know best. You've got a better head nor me."

"And a stouter heart, man. You're always afeared of something."

It was true that Bill was the leading spirit. He was reckless and desperate, while Mike was apt to count the cost, and dwell upon the danger incurred.

They had been associated more than once in unlawful undertakings; and though both had served a short term of imprisonment, they had in general escaped scot-free.

It was Bill who hung round the store, and who received from Talbot at the close of the afternoon the "combination," which was to make the opening of the safe comparatively easy.

"It's a good thing to have a friend inside," he said to his confederate. "Our money is as good as made."

"There'll be the janitor to dispose of," suggested Mike.

"Leave him to me. I'll knock him on the head."

"Don't kill him if you can help it, Bill. Murder has an ugly look, and they'll look out twice as sharp for a murderer as for a burglar. Besides, swingin' ain't pleasant."

"Never you mind. I'll only stun him a little. He can wake up when we're gone, but we'll tie him so he can't give the alarm."

"How cool you take things, Bill!"

"Do I? Well, it's my business. You just leave everything to me. Obey orders, and I'll bring you out all right."

So the day passed, and darkness came on. It was the calm before the storm.

CHAPTER XXIV.

OLD JACK, THE JANITOR

The janitor, or watchman, was a sturdy old man, who in early life had been a sailor. Some accident had made him lame, and this incapacitated him for his early vocation. It had not, however, impaired his physical strength, which was very great, and Mr. Rogers was glad to employ him in his present capacity. Of his fidelity there was no question.

When Jack Green—Jack was the name he generally went by—heard of the contemplated burglary, he was excited and pleased. It was becoming rather tame to him to watch night after night without interruption, and he fancied he should like a little scrimmage. He even wanted to withstand the burglars single-handed.

"What's the use of callin' in the police?" he urged. "It's only two men, and old Jack is a match for two."

"You're a strong man, Jack," said Dan, "but one of the burglars is as strong as you are. I have seen him, you know. He's broad-shouldered and big-chested."

"I ain't afraid of him," said Jack, defiantly.

"Perhaps not, but there's another man, too. You couldn't overcome both."

"I don't know about that."

But Jack finally yielded, though reluctantly, and three policemen were admitted about eight o'clock, and carefully secreted, to act when necessary. Jack pleaded for the privilege of meeting the burglars first, and the privilege was granted, partly in order that they might be taken in the act. Old Jack was instructed how to act, and though it was a part not wholly in accordance with his fearless spirit, he finally agreed to do as he was told.