The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-09-26

aH AMD GRENR1ZHHvJ
ton passed the bridge entrance and
then began a new tack that would
lead them to the ferry.
The gangsters were uncertain. mot
much show for anything with any
gangs" explained their leader, but
II the Jap gicks are as wild as they
seem to get you. there may be some
thing doing. Pretty mean people,
those Japs. They'll hang on forever
In hopes OF getting an ever break with
anyone they're after. Tell you what
Kelly didn't tell US to go any farther
than the ferry. but we'll see you get
safe TO Jersey, anyhow. Might be
some doings on the ferry. you know"
The little squad went through vari-
Gus devious wanderings and doublings
during the rest of the route to the
christopher street ferry. pursuing a
tortuous course that evoked express
sions OF admiration from the disciples
OF Monk Eastman. You fellows are
pretty wise. all right" commented the
CHIEF OF the escort. 1T would take a
good hy-mug to trail you, and II the
laps can keep track Of YOU smoke
they'll have to go some. Honest, we'd
ike to go the route with you two, but
the best we can do Is to back-track
q beat 1t across again on the ferry
Just as quick as we see you landed.
some of us is entirely too popular In
Jersey. They'd like to keep us there
for a long time. they like us so much
over there"
AS the lights Of the ferry came in
sight the gang chief called a sudden
malt. Seems to me-" was his sage
ooservation-the remark of an able
general-"that II those Japs have any
thing coming at all it'll be pulled on
the boat, and the same plan as we
worked in Park Row ought to be a
winner. You two go on ahead and
board the boat Just a bit In front of
us. Well all be right on the lob. and
II anything happens some of those
yellow boys will have a smoky go-out,
That all right? Sure it is. Now beat
it along and leave the rest to u.s."
Brockett and Solano had by this
time learned to trust implicitly in the
rat-faced and Sinking members of the
Eastman gang. They were upon the
big ferryboat scarcely five seconds
ahead of the departure signals, and,
as they sought the bow Of the clumsy
old vessel, they could see no sign of
their faithful escort in the midnight
crowd of home-seeking Jerseyans.
Nevertheless, there was the pleasant
feeling that the gangsters were still
with them-somewhere within hearing
and striking distance-and it was a
cheering thought to realize that the
subtlest enemy, against such rough
fighters of the dark, could inflict but
little injury.
The lights of the city were dancing
on the black waters of the North river
when from the forepart of the cabin
rose a shrill cry of surprise and hor-
ror. Then another cry, this time of
pain and despair. There was a rush
of feet, a tussling amid a knot of men,
and the next moment two little Eel.
lows. finely dressed, and, as the cab
in lights fell upon their faces, showing
the unmistakable features of the
Oriental, were damned up against the
s%1de-rails Of the boat. For one in.
slant the light shone upon the frenzied
brown visages, and the boys caught
one recognizing glimpse of Mr.. YAH
motto. Then the lights of the boat
went out; utter blackness shrouded
the huge floating structure, and there
was a splash. a gurgllng yell, and an
other splash beside the boat. The
lights f1ared up again. and the gang
leader stood beside Brockett, cool, un-
ruf1ed, smiling affably.
Good thing Hogan knew where to
find the electric switch" he said, pleas
antly. HE worked on one OF these
boats last summer. and he knows
where they keep everything. Your
Jap friend Is pretty wet by now, I'm
thinking. We made 'em just in time.
They had you spotted and was Just
slipping up to hand you something"
On the big boat men were running
and believing hoarsely. Brockett and
Solano heard the uproar. and gazed
out across the silent waters of the
North river. while the members of the
Eastman gang. as mistaken and dis
interested as the most innocent mem.
Der OF the throng. were idly standing
near them. Somewhere out among the
wash Of the tide two men were fight.
ing for their lives. or, perchance. had
already sought the bottom-but there
was nothing to be seen from the rail
OF the ferry-boat, and the North river
was keeping its newest secret we'll.
CHAPTER XIII.