"Now tell me," said Dick, eagerly, when they were in the lower room,"how much property has my sister got?"
"Probably between thirty and forty thousand dollars."
"As much as that?" said Dick, complacently. "Well, she has feathered hernest well."
"I don't like Mrs. Kent," said Jasper. "Though she is your sister, I amobliged to say that, but it is not at all on account of the property myfather left her. If he had given her one-half his estate I would nothave complained, as long as she treated me fairly."
"Helen was always a hard customer. She's got a will of her own,"chuckled Dick.
"There was no hope of our getting on together," said Jasper.
"She ought to do something for me--don't you think so? I'm her onlybrother."
"As to that," said Jasper, "my opinion wouldn't have any weight withher. If you are poor and need help, it would be only natural for her tohelp you."
"That's the way to talk! You won't say anything against me to her?"
"Certainly not," said Jasper. "I shall not write to her at all; and evenif I did, I wouldn't try to interfere with her disposing of her propertyin any way she thinks best."
"Come, you're a trump, after all. I like you. You're plucky, too."
"Thank you."
"I'll say a good word for you to my sister when I see her."
"You'd better not," said Jasper. "If she thinks you are friendly to meyou'll stand a poor chance of any favors. Better abuse me."
Dick roared with laughter.
"I say, youngster, you're a smart 'un. I see you're friendly by yourhint. I'll abuse you to her, never fear. You must take a drink on that.Say, old woman, where's the whisky?"
"There's not a drop in the house, Dick."
"I forgot. Curse the luck!"
Just then a man entered the house only less brutal-looking than Dickhimself.
He held a letter in his hand.
Dick seized it eagerly.
"It's from the father of the boy," he said.
The letter proved to contain fifty dollars.
"I send this in advance," said the writer. "When the boy is safely delivered into my hands a hundred and fifty more will be paid to the one who brings him, and no questions asked. Herman Fitch."
"Good!" said Dick, "as far as it goes. I'm ready to give up the brat,but will his father keep faith? Perhaps he'll have the police on handready to nab me."
"Haven't you anybody to send--anybody you can trust?"
Dick slapped his knee forcibly. An idea had come to him.
"I'll send him in charge of the brat," he said, pointing to Jasper.
CHAPTER XXI.
JASPER IS INTRUSTED WITH A DELICATE COMMISSION.
"Look here, boy," said Dick, "do you want a job?"
"Yes," said Jasper, "if it's honest."
"No fear of that. I want you to take that boy home to his father."
"I'll do it," said Jasper, eagerly.
"How much pay do you want?"
"None at all, except money to pay my fare in the cars."
"You're the right sort," said Dick, with satisfaction. "But there'sanother matter I've got to think about. How do I know but you willbetray me?"
"How?"
"Put the police on my track."
"If you hadn't given up the boy I might," said Jasper, frankly.
Dick regarded him attentively.
"You're bold," he said. "Then you won't betray me now."
"No."
"Promise it."
"I promise--that is, if you send the boy home by me."
"All right; that's understood. Now for another matter. Read thatletter."
Jasper read the letter of Herman Fitch, already quoted.
"You see this man, the boy's father, agrees to pay one hundred and fiftydollars when he is given up."
"I see that."
"He will give you that money--that is, if he means fair--and you willbring it to me. Do you understand?"
"I do."
"Do you promise that?"
"I promise that, too. Where am I to find you? Here?"
"No; I'll give you an address in St. Louis."
"Does the father live in St. Louis?"
"He lives a little out of the city. His name is in the directory, so youwon't have any trouble in finding it."
"How glad he will be to see the little boy again!"
"He ought to be. You don't think he'll back out from his agreement?"said Dick, suspiciously.
"No; he'll be so glad to see the child, he will care nothing for themoney."
"That's what I hope. When I get that money I'm going East."
"You'll take me with you, Dick?" asked his wife.
"What good'll you be?" growled Dick. "It'll cost more."
"What can I do alone, here?"
"I'll leave money for your board."
"But I'll be so lonely, Dick," she persisted.
"Oh, I'll come back! It's business I'm going for, old woman. If I can'tcome back I'll send money to bring you."
"Do let me go with you, Dick."
"Oh, hush up! I can't have you always in my way. What, blubbering?Plague take all the women, I say!"
"When do you want me to go?" said Jasper.
"There's a train this afternoon; take that, for the sooner matters arearranged the better. Here's five dollars. It'll be more than enough topay your fare, but you'd better have it in case anything happens."
Jasper felt some repugnance in taking money acquired in such a way, butit seemed necessary, and he thrust the note into his vest-pocket.
"You'll be able to carry the boy back to-night," said Dick. "To-morrowat twelve bring the money to this address."
He handed him a greasy-looking card with the name "Mark Mortimer, No.132 S---- Street," scrawled on it in pencil.
"Am I to ask for Mark Mortimer?" asked Jasper.
"Yes, that's me--that is, it's one of my names. Don't fail."
"I won't."
"If you should play me false, you'd better never have been born," saidthe kidnapper, menacingly.
"I'll come, not on account of your threats, but because I havepromised," said Jasper, quietly.
"You're a plucky boy. You ain't one of the milk-and-water sort," saidDick, with respect for the boy's courage.
"Thank you," said Jasper, laughing. "I am not often afraid."
"By Jove! you've got more pluck than half the men. You'd make a fine ladfor my business."
"I don't think I'd like your business, so far as I know what it is,"said Jasper.
"Well, there's some I'd like better myself. If my sister does the rightthing by me I'll become a model citizen--run for Congress, may be. Eh,old woman?"
"I wish you would reform, Dick," said his wife.
"Let the world give me a chance, then. Now, boy, you must be starting."
"Harry," said Jasper to the little boy, whose name he had learned, "doyou want to go with me?"
The little boy confidingly put his arms round our hero's neck.
"Will you take me to my mamma?" he asked.
"Yes, I will take you to her."
The little boy uttered a cry of delight.
"Me all ready!" he said, eagerly.
"Do you think he can walk to the depot?" asked Jasper.
"Yes; it is only a mile or so."
"Then I will start."
Part of the way he carried the little boy in his arms. They could makebut slow progress, but luckily there was plenty of time, and theyreached the depot a quarter of an hour before the train started.
The station-master looked at the two with curiosity.
"Is that boy yours?"
"He isn't my son, if that's what you mean," said Jasper, amused.
"Brother, then?"
"No; he's a friend of mine that I'm taking home to his father andmother."
"Been makin' a visit around here?" asked the station-master.
"Yes," replied Jasper, briefly.
The arrival of two passengers, who wan
ted tickets, relieved him from thequestions of the curious station-master. He might have asked questionswhich it would have been inconvenient to answer.
"Did you ever ride in the cars, Harry?" asked Jasper.
"I did ride in the cars when the ugly man took me from my mamma."
"Was that the only time?"
The little boy could remember no other.
Jasper led him a little away, to avoid questioning, but was back in timeto enter the cars when the train arrived. He found a vacant seat, andgave the little boy the place next the window. There were many admiringglances directed toward the little fellow, who was remarkably handsome.Jasper was apprehensive lest the boy should be recognized by some onewho knew him. This would have brought suspicion upon him, and placed himin a very embarrassing position. Fortunately, though the child'sappearance was much admired, no such recognition took place.
Two hours later they rolled into the central depot at St. Louis.
"Now," thought Jasper, "I must find out as soon as possible where Mr.Fitch lives."
Jasper had not been much of a traveller, as we know. Finding himself nowin a strange city, he felt at first a little bewildered--the more so,that he had a young child under his charge. He did not know in whichdirection the boy's father lived, but the natural thought occurred tohim that he could find his name in the directory. He went into alager-beer saloon near-by and asked:
"Will you let me see your directory?"
"I got no directory," answered the burly Dutchman, who presided over thesaloon. "I can give you lager."
"Not at present," said Jasper, laughing. "We don't drink."
It occurred to him that it might be as well to get into the central partof the city. He accordingly hailed a passing car, and got aboard withHarry.
After awhile he judged from the appearance of the buildings that he hadreached one of the principal streets. He descended from the car, liftingHarry carefully down and carrying him in his arms to the sidewalk. Therewas a large and imposing store situated at the corner of the street.
"They must have a directory in there," thought Jasper.
He entered, holding the little boy by the hand. What was his surprisewhen a richly-dressed lady, turning and catching sight of the child,sprang to him, seized him in her arms, and began to cry and laughalternately. But the mystery was explained when he heard Harry say:
"Oh, mamma, I am so glad to see you!"
CHAPTER XXII.
A BUSINESS MAN'S SUSPICIONS.
Jasper stood at a little distance, witnessing the happy meeting betweenthe mother and child. He did not wish to interrupt their happiness.Soon, however, the mother looked up, and then Jasper advanced, raisinghis hat, politely.
"Is this Mrs. Fitch?" he asked.
"Yes," said the lady, surveying him with curiosity.
"Then I have great pleasure in restoring to you your child."
"What? Did he come with you?"
"Yes, madam."
"Did you know I was in here?"
"No; I only came in to consult the directory to learn your residence."
"How could you be so wicked as to steal my boy?" demanded Mrs. Fitch,with pardonable indignation, judging that Jasper was the kidnapper.
"I wouldn't have done it for five thousand dollars!" said Jasper,impetuously.
"He didn't 'teal me, mamma," said little Harry, coming opportunely toJasper's defense.
"Who did, then, my darling?"
"It was big, ugly man. Jasper good boy--kind to Harry."
Mrs. Fitch, prompt to remedy her injustice, held out her hand to Jasper,which he took respectfully.
"Excuse me," she said; "but I thought, as Harry was with you, that youhad been concerned in his kidnapping."
"I never saw him till this morning," said Jasper. "Chance drew me to alonely house where he was confined."
"And you rescued him! How can I thank you?"
"I would have done so if I could, but I can't take the credit of it.Your husband offered a reward, which the kidnapper thought best toaccept. He did not dare to bring him back himself, and having no oneelse to employ, asked me to become his agent in restoring him. Ofcourse, I was very glad to do it."
"It was not chance that directed you to the haunt of these wicked men;it was a good and merciful Providence. Did they ill-treat my darling?"
"I found him tied to the bed in which he was lying."
"How could they treat you so my dear boy!" said the mother, piteously."May I ask your name?"
This was, of course, addressed to Jasper.
"My name is Jasper Kent."
"Can you come out and stop at our house over night? We live about twomiles distant. I want my husband to see you and thank you for bringingback our darling boy."
Jasper reflected that he must see Mr. Fitch, at any rate, in order toobtain the promised reward. Moreover, he had no means of his own to payfor a lodging, and he promptly accepted the offer.
"I will return home at once," said Mrs. Fitch. "I came in to make somepurchases, but I can't think of those now. Come, Mr. Kent."
"Take hold of my hand," said little Harry to Jasper.
Jasper smilingly took the proffered hand, and Harry, happy in the doublecompanionship, went out of the store.
There was a handsome carriage in waiting, with a coachman in liveryperched on the box.
"Edward," said Mrs. Fitch, her face fairly glowing with delight, "do yousee? Little Harry has come back."
"So he has, Heaven bless him!" said the coachman, heartily. "How do youdo, Master Harry?"
"I'm pooty well," answered the little boy.
"Where did you find him, ma'am, if I may be so bold?"
"This young gentleman brought him back, Edward. Now, drive right home."
"Won't you go around to the office, ma'am, and tell master?"
"No; he must have left the office by this time. We shall see him atsupper to-night."
Half an hour later the carriage drew up in front of a handsomeresidence, far enough from the centre of the city to have a side yard ofconsiderable dimensions, in the rear of which stood a brick stable. Itwas clear that Mr. Fitch was a man of wealth, so Jasper decided.
Of the sensation produced in the house by Harry's arrival I will notspeak. Jasper found himself regarded in the light of the heroicdeliverer of the little boy from captivity, though he laughinglydisclaimed the credit attaching to such a character.
They had been home but fifteen minutes when Mr. Fitch arrived. At themoment of his arrival Jasper was in a handsome chamber on the secondfloor, which had been assigned to his use, preparing himself for dinner.Mr. Fitch was overjoyed at the recovery of his little boy, but helistened with some incredulity to the praises lavished upon Jasper byhis wife.
"You don't seem to realize," he said, "that this young hero of yours isa companion and acknowledged agent of a kidnapper."
"Wait till you see him," said Mrs. Fitch, confidently.
Mr. Fitch shrugged his shoulders.
"How the women are carried away by a specious appearance!" he thought."I am a man of the world, and cooler in my judgment."
Yet when Jasper entered the room he could not help acknowledging thathis appearance was very much in his favor. Frank and manly in his looks,he met Mr. Fitch with gentlemanly ease.
"You are the young gentleman who brought back my little boy, I believe,"said the father.
"Yes, sir," said Jasper. "I occupy, for the time being, the office ofagent of the man who kidnapped him."
"Who is this man?"
"I should be willing to tell you if I had not promised secrecy."
"Then," said Mr. Fitch, with slight suspicion, "you are in confidentialrelations with this villain."
"Partly so, but it was forced upon me. I never met him till to-day, andhe confided in me because there seemed to be no one else that he couldtrust."
"Why did he not come himself?"
"Because he thought it would be dangerous."
"Shall you meet him again?"
&
nbsp; "Once only, to finish this business. He said you had promised a certainsum on the boy's return, and this I agreed to carry him."
"How much commission are you to receive?" inquired Mr. Fitch.
"Nothing at all," said Jasper. "He handed me five dollars to pay therailroad fare of little Harry and myself to St. Louis. What is left overI shall return to him."
"Then Harry was not concealed in this city?"
"No, sir; but he was at no great distance from it."
"Are you living here?"
"I never was in St. Louis until this afternoon. I have only just come onfrom the State of New York."
"To find employment, I suppose?"
"Yes, sir. It was by the merest chance that I fell over your little boyand his captor. I was contriving plans for getting him away, whenfortunately the kidnapper received a communication from you which led tomy being here."
"Suppose you had got Harry away from this man, how could you have foundme?"
"That would have been the difficulty. I didn't know your name, or whereyou lived. But I meant to come here and get one of the daily papers topublish an account of the recovery, in the hope that the paragraph wouldfind its way to your notice."
"A very sensible plan," commented Mr. Fitch, approvingly. "When have youagreed to meet the kidnapper to carry him the money?"
"To-morrow at twelve."