Part 42 (1/2)
”Did you open the packet?”
”Yes, but I couldn't make nothing out of it--'cos I ain't eddicated. I read his name on it and got another fellow to write a postal card yesterday afternoon. He came here, examined the papers, and seemed much pleased.”
”No doubt he was pleased,” groaned the young oarsman.
”Was the thing worth much?”
”It was worth a good deal. I would have given five dollars to get it back.”
”What does he want with it?”
”Wants to do my father out of some property,” answered our hero. ”By the way, who is that little girl who lives with you?”
At this question Crazy Jim's face darkened.
”That ain't none of your business,” he growled.
”You shouldn't send her out on the street to beg.”
”Wot! has she been blabbin' again? I'll break every bone in her body!” and off the man started out of the room and down the narrow stairs.
Jerry had noticed that his breath smelt strongly of liquor. He was not only a drinking man, but also one who was not quite right in his head.
”Don't hurt her, you brute!” called out the boy, and followed him out of the alleyway into the street. At the nearest corner stood the little girl, and Crazy Jim rushed up to her fiercely.
”You good-fer-nothin'!” he bawled. ”I'll teach ye a lesson! Didn't I tell ye ter keep yer clapper still about me? Take that! and that!”
He raised his heavy hand and struck her a cruel blow on the side of the head. She staggered back, and he was about to repeat his unjust action, when Jerry thought it about time to interfere. Catching him by the arm, our hero hurled him backward with such force that he fell flat in the gutter.
At once a shout went up from those who saw Jerry's action.
”What are yer doin'?”
”Who is that boy?”
With a fearful exclamation, Crazy Jim arose to his feet.
”I'll fix ye fer that!” he hissed, and sprang forward. ”You ain't got no right ter interfere between me an' the gal.”
”You are a brute!” burst out our hero. ”This little girl has done nothing to deserve such punishment.”
”Who set you over me?” howled the infuriated man. ”I'll fix ye!”
He tried his best to hit Jerry with his fist, but the young oarsman dodged him and took a stand in front of the little girl.
”You had better run away,” Jerry whispered to her. ”He is in a terrible mood just now.”
”Where shall I go?” whimpered the girl.
”Anywhere. Up two blocks. I will join you soon.”