CHAPTER XIX.
DAN AS A GOOD SAMARITAN
"What made your husband treat you so badly?" asked Dan.
"Rum!" answered the woman. "Rum has been sinking him lower and lower, and it's easy to see the end."
"What will be the end?"
"The prison—perhaps the gallows."
"You are taking too dark a view of your husband," said Dan, soothingly. "He won't go as far as that."
The woman shook her head.
"I know him only too well," she said. "This very evening he has been planning a burglary."
Dan started, and a sudden suspicion entered his mind.
"Did you hear him doing it?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Do you know where it is?" he asked, eagerly.
"Yes; it is a store on Pearl street."
Dan felt that he was on the track of a discovery. He was likely to be repaid at last for the hours he had spent in detective service.
"Who put him up to it?" he asked, fixing his eyes intently on the woman.
"I don't know his name; he is a well-dressed man. I think he is in the store."
"Was it a man who came to your rooms this evening?"
"Yes."
"Is this the way he looked?" Here Dan gave a rapid description of Talbot.
"That is the man. Do you know him?"
"Yes, I know him. He is the book-keeper of the firm."
"He is a bad man. He is to pay a thousand dollars for the job. Bill is to have half of it."
"Bill, I suppose, is your husband?"
"Yes."
Dan looked thoughtful. Here was a most important discovery. He must consider what to do.
By this time they had reached a small public-house, of humble exterior, but likely to afford his companion better accommodations than she had at home.
"Come in," said Dan.
The woman followed him, with the child in her arms. A stout German, who appeared to be the proprietor of the establishment, was sitting in an arm-chair, smoking a pipe. He scanned the party phlegmatically.
"What you wants?" he asked.
"Can you give this lady a room?" asked Dan.
"Is she your vife?" asked the German, with a broad grin.
"No; she is an acquaintance of mine. Her husband has driven her out of his house in a fit of drunkenness. Can she sleep here?"
"Has she got any money?" asked the Dutchman, shrewdly.
"I will pay for her lodging."
"That's all right. She shall stay here."
"What will you charge?"
"Fifty cents a night for the lodging."
"Here it is."
"Will the lady go up now?" asked the landlord, upon whom the silver half-dollar produced a visible impression.
"Yes," said the woman; "my poor baby is tired."
"You had better stay here two nights," said Dan. "Don't let your husband know where you are just yet. Here is money to pay for another night's lodging, and enough to buy food besides."
"God bless you, boy!" she said, gratefully. "But for you I should have had to stay out all night."
"Oh, no; some one would have taken you in."
"You don't know this neighborhood; the policeman would have found me, and taken me to the station-house. For myself I care little; but my poor babe, who is worse than fatherless–" and she burst into tears.
"Keep up your courage, madam. Brighter days may be in store," said Dan, cheerfully.
"I will come and see you day after to-morrow," said Dan. "Good-night."
Our hero must not be awarded too great credit for his generosity. He knew that Mr. Rogers would willingly defray all expenses connected with the discovery, and that the money he had advanced to his unfortunate companion would be repaid. Had it been otherwise, however, his generous heart would have prompted him to relieve the woman's suffering.
CHAPTER XX.
LAYING THE TRAIN
Very early the next morning Dan rang the bell at Mr. Rogers' residence.
"Can I see Mr. Rogers?" he asked.
"The master won't be up for an hour," said the servant.
"Tell him Dan wishes to see him on business of importance."
The girl shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't think he'll see you. He was up late last night," she said.
"Never mind. Let him know I am here."
"It's very important you make yourself," said Susan, crossly.
"I am a person of great importance," said Dan, smiling. "Mr. Rogers will see me, you'll find."
Two minutes later Susan descended the stairs a little bewildered.
"You're to walk into the parlor," she said. "Master'll be down directly."
Dan did not have long to wait. Mr. Rogers came down stairs almost directly in dressing-gown and slippers.
"Well, Dan, what is it?" he asked.
"The store is to be broken open to-night and the safe robbed!" said Dan.
"Good heavens! By whom?"
"By two men living in Houston street—at least, one lives there."
"Have you any more to tell?"
"Yes, sir; they are employed by Mr. Talbot."
Mr. Rogers started.
"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.