The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-08-18
CHAPTER XXI.
Capture and Escape.

When Tony DrummOnd saw the ped
dler's poclletbook placed within the
box of Clean Your Boots" he jumped
at once to the conclusion that, in that
pocketbooE-, was the important leal
which had been torn from his sale
beck.
And he very easily understood that
Abraham's fears for his own safety,
while dealing with Stanley Claremont,
would cause him to take such a precau-
ton.
Tony at once resolved that that
pocketbook should next, and very
speedily. pass into bis own hands, but,
of course, it would not dc, to advance.
and snatch it from the place where 1t
was hidden. for Boots" would call
'.Stop thief and Tony would be seized
and carried eff to the station house,
and the important leaf would be
wrested from him, to fall, most prob
ably, into Stanley Clarehonts hands,
to be, by that gentlen an, instantly de
strOyed
Mono; Tony would wait a bit that
he might make sure of the thieves
themselves, while securing the evil
dcrce that would convict them.
He cared nothing rs to how the two
rogues were employing themselves
within the hotel--ihdeed, lie could pref
ty we'll guess what was passing be-
tween the1a-and could very well af
ford to wait until their interview was
over.
Tony placed himself within a few
steps of the coveted treasure, with one
eve directed towards the box which
enclosed it, and the other fixed on the
entrance to the .lOtel.
Stanley at lcnght returned from the
hotel, and alone glanced eagerly
around, as he before had done, and
then started forward at a brisk pace,
and the next minute was lost to Tony's
sight.
SEIe is off homc," Tony said to him
self; ''they have struck the bargain;
the other rascal will presently come for
the leaf, intending to follow his mas
ter-it's FL right"
And Tony was i'll great and pleasur-
able excitement.
A few more minutes, which appeared
almost century to the impatient en-
graver, and Abraham Mailer came
sueaking down the steps OF the hotel,
glancing furtiyely around him.
''NoW for it, thought Tony as he
prepared himself fer action.
Abraham Mailer. walking up to
Boots said: Now give me my
pocketboOk.'
Tony stepped forward hastily, and,
placing his foot on the box of "Clean
Your Boots" exclaimed, with mock po-
likeness: L beg your pardon, but it's
my turnn
Abraham, recognizing Sydney's
brother, reeled with terror, and before
he could recover himself to fly, Tony
had grasped him securely by the col
lar.
1t had by this time grown late, and
the streets were about clear of people.
Boots himself would not have been
there so long but for the pocketbook
which had been given to his care.
''You and / are not to part Company
Just yet, my friend" Tony cried.
And the peddler was thinking to llinl-
self that his game was over now.
''Give Inc that pocketbook- Tony lie
manded of the BE OTIS.
you didn't give it to mev' replied
Boots, looking greatly scared.
.If you don't give it to me, | shall
take it." threatened Tony.
IF you does. l shall sing out for the
perlice,'' said Boots.
"And if you do, young fellow, shall
give you into custody, and you will be
sent to goal for having stolen property
in your possession"
ITO Be Continued)