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:4 . Bmyr ANT) BOLD.
Just what the alleged widow was about to propose will
never be known. for the Irishman could contain himself
no longer.
Seizing his companion by the shoulder, he shook her vio-
lently, exclaiming:
“I know ye, ye villain, an‘ begorra, I’ll
A smart tap behind the ear interrupted him. As he
reeled backward, his companion walked rapidly to a car-
riage which stood in front of the hotel, entered it and was
driven swiftly away.
“You scoundrell" exclaimed the person who had in-
flicted the blow, a rather good-looking Englishman, “I
have a mind to half thrash the life out of you."
Pat’s first impulse was to settle the matter with his
lists, but his good sense soon prevailed, and he said:
“Ye’ve made a big mistake. That woman wasn’t woman
at all. at all; an’ by doin' what ye did ye’ve given wan o‘
the biggest rascals unliung a chance ter work more mis-
chief."
“What do you mean P” asked the Englishman, in be-
wilderment.
But Pat did not stop to enter into explanations. He
knew that his time was his master's, an(l that every mo-
ment was precious.
He hurried up to Tom's room, and informed him of
what had occurred.
“Don’t worry yourself about it,” laughed the boy. “I
don’t think we have anything to fear from the fellow. But
I’m glad to know that I was not mistaken about his dis-
guise, anyhow.”
“Ye must be on yer watch, Misther Tom," cautioned
Pat. anxiously. “That man’s a divil.”
“Oh, I'm not afraid of a fellow who will masquerade
as a woman.” said Tom, conteinptuously. “l’ni his match
every time;" and with these words. he dismissed the
subject.
But Duffield was soon forcibly recalled to his mind.
On his way to the steamer-whence Pat had preceded
him-he saw a trim figure a short distance ahead of him.
which he recognized as that of Nellie Bly.
He was quickening his pace with the intention of over-
taking lier, when suddenly a man darted from the shadow
of a doorway, rushed up to the girl, wrenclied the valise
from her hand, and started off with it at the top of his
speed.
In an instant Tom was after him.
During his scliooldays our hero had attained some repii-
tation as a runner, and he now proved himself worthy of
it, for though the thief was swift-footed, he was no match
for his pursuer. and in a very short time Tom had him
by the collar, and had forced the valise from his grasp.
One glance at the fellows face convinced the boy that,
though thinly disguised, he was no other than the ubiqui-
tous Duffield.
“You cowardly scoiindrel," panted Tom; “don't think
that you are not recognized."
“VVhat do you mean ?" demanded Duffield, trying to
disguise his voice.
“I mean," said the boy. as he tightened his hold on his
prisoner's collar, "that I know you. You can scheme as
much as you like against me, lhirton I)nffield. you can do
your best to earn the money promised you by my rascrilly
uncle, Daniel Crawford-you see, I know all about it-
7)
. on . .
but you shall not annoy that young lady while I am ct
hand to protect her." I
“I don't know what you are trill-;ing about." ;i-:-'i'rtw‘5
the fellow. brazenly. "My naine is not l')iiftiel<l. ltllil l
have no desire to annoy the lady. hit, to tell you tliv
truth, I am a stranger in a strange land; I am penniless.
starving l"
“It’s a lie,” interrupted Tom, bluntly.
“It is the truth." said Duffield, without the least sign
of anger. “I will return with you to the young lady illltl
explain all to her.” ' '
“Come along. then."
Duffield started back with him with a show of willing-
ness.
But the scoundrel was not yet brought to bay.
They had almost reached Miss Bly, when, with a sud-
den movement. he freed himself from Tom's rletaiiiiiigf
grasp, and made an attempt to repossess himself of the
valise. Failing in this, he started at the top of his .,-peetl
up a street which they had been in the act of crossing.
Our hero was about to follow him when he heard
Nellie’s voice calling:
“Tom, Tom! Come here !"
The youth’s gallantry would not permit him to ignore
the summons, and he reluctantly returned to the fair
World correspondent.
.“L9t-‘him 550i“ Said Miss Bly. “He isn't worth run-
ning aiter, Tom. Oh. Tom, how can I ever thank you
enough for what you have done ?" '
Her enthusiasm brought blushes to the cheeks of our
susceptible hero.
“I f10I1t know that I've done anything in particular,"
he said, modestly.
“V on don't, eh r" cried the girl. “Then let me tell you
that you.ve.prevented my trip from being an utter failure.
XVhy. this little bag that you have restored to me contains
my m0n0.V- mlf P35$P0FtS-cverytliing. VVithout it I could
not have continued my journey.”
"Oh. yes, you could," said Tom. “I’d have helped you
out 1f“tl’1C fellow had succeeded in getting off with the
valise.
“You would, Tom?”
“Of course I would."
1 HI“ Splte Of the fact that we are running a race. and
tiat the catastrophe which would overwhelm me would
enable you to win 7"
Why, of course. . You don't suppose that I would takfi
a mean advantage like that, do you Miss Nellie 2"
“No. I don't." said the girl i ii A .
oix:yn': Zlflitl if it were only a personal matter and not an
a air o ‘business with iue I should feel like lettinw you
beat me Just out of gratitude." b '
youiigcllfli (‘illiiit ylN?ul1i1O it'll Iallglletl Tom. “Look out for
' C . U c -4 ' . o -3
' Us -t - ifs e be ll IS war to the knife.
t k0h1 is, responded the pretty correspondent, as Slit‘
tag 197 fC0m1P.3T10I1 5 arm and started with him toward
w iar , vv ' . .
X f) i W “Cl W45 thclf Common destination.
(1.. CV; iours later our hero and Miss my “,-.m an the
,una .ea on their way to Irlongkong, aim] if [gurtoii
I.)1llll’1t‘l(l was on board l . h . . ;, ‘
SC“. out of their Sight. IL ad succeeded in lccC1>in‘p' 1”“
seizing Tom's hand in her
an
4 ‘<‘.f‘xr-4‘<
55.3.0‘ D"E'.‘