Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1891 — DOUBIE DICK AND JOB; [ARTICLE]

DOUBIE DICK AND JOB;

The Poorhouse Waifs.

BY DAVID LOWRY.

CHAPTER XIV-Contlnu.<L At the same time Jenks was driving at' his nephew In his savage way. “Now, whatever you know, or have ’ {earned, be sure you do not waste any more time than you can help bringing this old man and this girl together, or in taking him where he can see her. I don’t want him to speak to her. Above all,l they must not be permitted to speak. I | only want him to identify the girl—you understand?” “I know what you mean—yes. And if lean get word before I go to bed, I’ll do it—for I want that money, uncle.” “I’ll double it, Ike,” said his uncle, in a spasm of generosity. “I’ll try to earn it—you’ll see," said the nephew. “It all depends on how you manage now.” “Oh, I'll manage, uncle; you’ll be surprised how well I’ll manage this business.” It was well for Ike his uncle did not detect the double meaning In his nephew’s speech. But as often happens with double dealers, the elder deemed the younger man entirely his tool for the time. That same evening, as Joo was walking from the dyer’s, the man with the»hang-dog face pushed suddenly against -her, leered in her face, and laughed in an insulting manner as she hastened on, endeavoring to avoid him. “What’s the matter, miss? Ain’t you the gal I met— At that instant a band was laid on the loafer’s shoulder, the loafer was whirled around; and a pair of hands caught and shook him. Joe observed all that occurred, but she moved quickly on, then paused and looked back in time to overhear what followed. “See here, you scoundrel, I’ll giye you over to the police if ever you speak to her again. ” - “You will?” “Yes, and I’ll break every bone Ip'your body, too, before I turn you over. ” “You will?” “If you don’t clear out, and promise never to insult any one again " “I’ll promise. ” “See you don’t, then. I’ve got my eye on you. ” “Don’t make a fuss—there’s a Bobby.” “You git, then. ” The loafer hastened away, and the man overtook Joe quickly, saying: “Don’t be alarmed, miss. ” Then Joe recalled the voice, and looking up at the hero of the hour, discovered it was the young man who had called at M. Dufaur’s to warn her. “0! thank you, sir.” “What for?” said Ike, loftily, as he swung his light cane. “ They’re a bad lot around here—but you’ll not be bothered again. That capper will know better. ” Joe wondered what a “capper” meant, but she refrained from inquiring. Ike walked beside her proudly, like the valiant protector he had proved. Joe felt very grateful to him, of course. “I'm ever so much obliged to you, sir. ” “0! don’t mention it—it’s nothing,” said Ike, as if he had rescued a young miss from a ruffian every day in the * year. “I’m gad I came a ong. Besides, now you know what I told you is true — you’ve got to keep a sharp lookout for yourself. And if you’ll allow me, I’ll do All I kin to throw folks off the scent—yes, and arrest whoever comes near you. ”

“You are very kind, indeed,” said Joe. “Well, miss, it’s not all disinterested either. I’d like to number you among my friends, if you’d allow me to.” “I am sure I would be glad to have more friends. I know so few.” “Maybe that’s because you’re particular who you make friends with. ” “O, no! Not at all! I mean—l mean I am not the least bit stuck up.” “That’s the sort of a young lady I like, ” answered Ike. “If you’ll not be offended, I’ll walk home with you.” “O, my, no! You needn’t trouble yourself. ” “It ain’t any trouble. ” “I couldn’t think of it. ” “It would be a pleasure, miss. ” “Well—but it’s only a little ways now. ” But he walked beside her, and as he walked he talked—talked so wise and smart—he seemed to know so much. Joe thought he was the smartest young man she had ever met At last they were at Monsieur Dufaur’s. “So, this is where you live?” Joe waited for him to say good-night, but Master Ike was conning a plan in his mind. “I often come past this way. ” "Do you?” “Yes. But I never see you. Maybe you ain't home always ” “Why, I’m never out—only to go an errand for Madame Dufaur. ” “Well, then, you don’t look out of the windows or come near the door?” “Me!” Joe laughed merrily. “Me! Why I’m at'the windows half the time.” “Oh, then maybe I can see you tomorrow when I’m going past?” “Of course; there’s nothing to prevent that I know of. All you’ve got to do is to look right up»” Joe blushed, and the blush made her very pretty. “When are you likely to be at the window?” “Oh, why, along about eight, and I’m always there just before lunch.” “When's lunch here?” “At half-past ten —never later; Monsieur Dufaur has a regular warm meal, with meats, at one; then we have another at six, and always a cup of coffee at ten. ” Joe gave this information with an air of pride. The sumptuous living at Dufaur’s quite overpowered her. ..It was not as lavish as Job Wonder’*,dut there was more style about thing was fine, and such dagsHG|hp Joe did not dream were in the . “Well, I may p-*- .wSwrilii >1 hnl* past ten " “There's nothing to hinder you passing all day, ” Jqfe replied, with a merry laugh. “I guegg FH see you once; but I'll tell Madame Dufaur. It wouldn’t be proper for qw, she says, ever to speak to a young gentleman without telling toy friends.” 7 , “Of course, of course. That’s aQ ■ ;

right, too,” said Ike, uneasily. I Say, don’t make any more of my— of that fellow sku king off than you can help. * "Won’t I? PH tell her Just how he was glad to be let off, and slunk away.” “Of course—but really it wasn’t so much to talk about Glad I have made your acquaintance—and may be Madame Dufaur —but Fl! maybe see her some day myself. Good evening, miss.” Ike bowed grandly, and walked away. Joe looked after him, then entered the house, saying to herself, thoughtfully, “He seems like a nice young man.” The nice young man was ready now for the farmer. He smiled to himself. “What a greeny she is—ol green’s no name for her. Now, I’ll get the old one to walk a good ways behind me, and when he sees me touch my hat, and look up, he can look at her, and then turn back like as if he’d forgot something. It’s as easy. * Ike sucked the head of his cane, and grinned at the success which had crowned his endeavors thus far. “Won t I surprise my uncle one of these days! Won’t I, though?”

CBAPTKB XV. BUCK BBSS. “You look charming,” said Mrs. Brown to Dick, as he entered the green room and dismounted. “Oh, Ben's a clown,” exclaimed Dick. “I never thought of Ben being the clown.” Mrs. Brown laughed heartily. “Would you like to be a elown, Dick?” “Mel Oh, if 1 only could. ” “You are ever so much prettier as you are. And you’ll make more money as a —a lady. ” Dick blushed through his potftier. “I’d rather not ” “Oh, hut think how you’ll be admired by everybody. ” “I —I don’t like to be admired.” “Yes, you do. Everybody does. ” At that moment Mr. Buckett entered the greenroom, and approaching Dick looked at him curiously. Dick reddened under his inspection. Buckett walked away coolly, and Mr. Mitchell glanced In. Then Buekett and the master of equestrians walked away together. Directly Ben came in and addressed his wife without noticing Dick. “You’ll have to change your act, Kate; put it back fifteen minutes. I see the brown mare’s lame —you’ll ride the gray. ” Then turning to Dick. “Oh, why you did first-rate. Ain’t he a beauty, Kate. The people say he’s the prettiest girl In the lot. ” “Am I to wear these all the rest of the performance?” Dick Wsked ruefully, as he look at his attire. “We 11 talk about that again. You ain’t afraid, anyhow.” “No, sir. ” “I suppose you'd best remain here until we see if you are needed again. Best be ready. You never know what's up in the ring. ” As If to verify his assertion, Mitchell hastened in with a frown on his,faco. “What's up now?” Ben turned to the ringmaster as he he spoke. “Curly is down. ” “What! Not hurt I hope.” “Can't tell—he was infernally awkward. His own fault,” growled Mitchell. “That isn’t true, Mitchell, and you know it. Curly is as careful as any man in the company. But I warned you not to try that devil until some of us took her iu hand. She has a bad reputation. ” “You are always kicking, Biown.” “And I’ve good cause to.” “You’d do more nearly right if you’d help straighten the ring up.” “I can do that, too. ” “I wish you’d do it then, ” Mitchell sneered. “Certainly. Why, of course. Here!” shouted the clown to a man who was handling a spirited black mare. “Bring Bess here quick. ” “What are you going to do, Brown?” “Keep the ring full. ” “With Black Bess?” “With this mare.” Mitchell laughed. “Why—every woman is getting ready to go on in the gypsy race. ” “I know that. ” “Then who ” But Mitchell paused as Ben turned quickly to Dick, and catching his foot as tjhe black mare was brought to his side, uttered the single word, “Mountl” Dick felt himself shaken, but the man and Ben held the mare firmly. Mitchell stared with all his might “Go on; I’ll see the gap is filled; have the band play lively, and I’ll keep them occupied with Dick till the next act is ready. ” Mitchell ran into the ring, and Dick smiled down at the clown, saying: “Don’t thinkTm afraid.”

“If you are she’ll throw you. Here. ” The clown put a whip in Dick’s hand. “I know her. Hit her with all your might If she throws her heels up; give it to her on her rump—anywhere, and I’ll be there, you bet Don’t be alarmed. Now, get ready to rush in—ready—there they come off. Now!” Dick never forgot that short, sharp “Now!” The ring was clear when he dashed in, with the clown bawling at his heels. The band played lively, the black mare flew once round the ring, then, holding down her head, was preparing to raise her heels, when whteh! whish! the whip cut her flank. The black mare stretched out her neck instantly, and gave a terrific bound. The crowd lool»d on in fear; a murmur ran around the multitude as Dick flew round the ring. He held his place firmly, and cut the mare again. Once, twice—aye, ten or twelve times she flew around the ring, shaking her beautiful head, and still the whip descended. Men, women, and children —all there saw it was a contest for supremacy, but the rider won. The mare slackened her pace or her own accord, ambled gently around the ring twice, then deflected to the center, and stood trembling. “Double Dick, you're a brick!” The clown’s eyes sparkle! with pleasure as he patted Dick's hand. “I didn’t think there was so much stuff in you, little one. This is a clincher on Mitchell. Buckett will be too glad to take you on my terms—and they’ll be high enough, you bet ” The crowd cheered and cheered, until Dick blushed. To be the hero of the hour, to hear the plaudits of ten thousand people was enough to thrill —to turn the head of men who had fought great battles. As he was led out of the ring, the clown at his heels, Buckett followed both Into the green-room. “That was fine— line—fine.” “Yea, it was, ” said Ben. “Now, Dick, skip over to my trunk and get your own toggery on, then you oan come into the tent and see the remainder of the show. ”

Then Buckett and the clown talked apart a few minutes; When Dick looked again the clown and owner had disappeared—he beard a peal of laughter, then a tremendous clapping of hands, and ho knew Ben was in the ring again. Before he entered the tent, two of the female riders passed him. One glanced at him scornfully—the other took his hand and said with a smile: “However did you do it—why you are just wonderfull” And a little later, the clown’s wife tapped h'm on the arm as he sat near the entrance to the green-room, all eyes and ears. “Dick, you are a dear boy. ” That was glory enough for. one day—glory enough for a year—Dick said to himself as he looked at the antics of the clown, who excelled in grace, supp’encss, and strength all the other men in the ring. What they did he clumsily imitated —then excelled with an ease that excited great wonder, which was expressed in loud laughter and much clapping oi hands. CHAPTER XV f. douilb dick’s double conquest—man and BEAST ACKNOWLEDGE HIM SUPREME. Much more thrilling sensations w ro in store for Dick. That night, when the vast tent was dark and gloomy, and tho riders were lounging and talking tn grouu J in their dressing room, Ben Brown led Dick out and into tho city, where ha found the clown's wife at her sister’s house. The sister was a lady in a prominent position, but she d d not hesitate to invite the clown and her sister to her house. Indeed she made much of both. Ben Brown had shown the world he could do several things well—he was a manly, independent fellow. Dick was made much of,too —so much that he blushed continually. Ben was called away half an hour, and when he returned, he looked very much pleased. “What’s it Ben —some good news?" inquired Mrs. Brown. “Yes, it Is. I’ve got ahead of Buckett —l’ve made him agree to give twice as much as he expected to pay Dick here.” “I’m glad you did,” said his wife heartily. “How much?”

“What do you think of forty dollars a month and found,” said Ben to Dick. “I don’t know —it’s a lot of money, Mr. Brown, and ” “0, don’t Brown me—call me Ben, Double Dick. “I’m ever so much obliged to you.” Dick was going to say more, but the husband and wife stopped him. “What must I do?” “You are to ride Black Bess to begin with. You will be billed as 'ldalia, the Arabian Queen. ’ ” Dick started to his feet “Me! A Queen!” “Yes. Fancy you see yourself on the bills.” Here the clown assumed a striking attitude, and pretended to read from a bill. “Idalia, the greatest female rider in the world (or the universe for that matter), the Queen of Arabia, who was for two years the reigning star in London, queened it for three years in Paris, and who is known In every capital in the old world as the most fearless and accomplished equestrienne the world ever saw. How’ll that do, Kato; eh?” “But,” Dick stammered, “I don't want to be a woman. ” “Bless my soul!” said Ben, laughing. “Most boys would break their necks for the job—and find lots of fun in it — whole oceans of fun. Why, just imagine the love-letters you’ll be getting. All the young men—yes, and the women, will admire you. And forty dollars a month; whew! No work —nothing but to ride. I’ve fixed all that with Buckett. You are either a boy or girl—always to be regarded as such on the pay-roll—and the public to be none the wiser, and whoever blabs, or gives the secret away to be discharged and lose three months’ pay. ” “O!” said Mrs. Brown, “there’s no danger of any one telling who the queen is—nobody will care to lose their place and all their earnings, for Buckett has a way of making it very hard for people who try to collect more than he chooses to pay. The only man he pays on the nail is Ban here —and he knows better than to quarrel with Ben. ” “That he does. Well, Double Dick—it's all settled. And Buckett is to find you new dresses—or, rather ’ Here Ben took out a roll of bank notes and handed them to his wife —“there’s what he thinks you ought to be able to get up something fine for Dick for. ” [to be continued.!