Part 15 (1/2)

They emerged upon the boardwalk as Jolly concluded his remarks. Pep was the first to discover a commotion amid the crowds ahead.

”There's some new excitement,” he cried. ”Let's hurry up and see what it is.”

Just then a man dashed through the throng on a dead run. In hot pursuit was a second individual, fast overtaking him and shouting as he sprinted:

”Stop that man!”

CHAPTER XIII-ALL READY!

The man in advance happened to cross a wet streak on the walk just as Frank and his friends observed him. This was caused by the overflow of a combination drinking fountain and horse trough. The man slipped and went flat. In another minute, as he struggled to his feet, his pursuer pounced upon him.

”Why, look! Look!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Pep.

”It's Hal!” echoed Ben Jolly.

Frank and Randy recognized their friend the ventriloquist simultaneously. The former was a good deal surprised, for he had bade Vincent good-bye in New York City within the past forty-eight hours. He wondered what had brought Vincent to Seaside Park; and more than ever, what his partic.i.p.ation in the present incident might mean.

”I've got you; have I?” stormed Vincent, making a grab at the fugitive and seizing him by the arm. Then he whirled him around and transferred his clutch to the throat of the man. ”Now, then, you pull off that coat in a jiffy, or I'll fling you out into the street.”

”Yes, yes, certainly-ss.h.!.+ don't raise a row. Likely to be known here.

Going into business-hurt my reputation.”

”Your reputation, you miserable rat!” shouted Vincent, greatly excited.

”You've led me a fine chase; haven't you, after all I did for you! I made up my mind, though, I'd find you and get back my property, if I had to chase you half over the country.”

”Return coat in private-secluded spot.”

”Take it off now!”

”Leaves me without any.”

”Take it off!” fairly yelled Vincent. Then, as the man obeyed he wrenched it from his grasp, threw it to the pavement and grasping the fugitive by the shoulders, ran him straight up to the watering trough.

Splas.h.!.+ splas.h.!.+ splas.h.!.+ ”Ooo-oof! Leggo! Murder!”-a wild riot of sounds made the welkin ring. A fast-gathering mob bustled nearer. Dripping, hatless, coatless, the helpless fugitive was given a shove down the sidewalk by Vincent, who turned and confronted a police officer.

”Hi, there!” challenged the latter sternly-”what's the trouble here?”

”No trouble at all,” retorted Vincent. ”I've saved you that. That fellow slinking out of sight between those two buildings stole my coat and I've got it back-that's all.”

”A thief; eh?”

”Oh, he's out of sight and I'm satisfied,” advised Vincent. ”I gave him free lodging and feed in the city and he paid me back by robbing me.

We're square now and no need of your services, thank you. By the way, though, you might glimpse him so as to be able to keep track of him.

He's a slippery customer to have in a town where there's even door mats or lawn mowers lying around loose.”

Frank had picked up the coat from the pavement where Vincent had flung it and he now offered it to him.