Part 46 (2/2)

”Give me that stick, boy, or I'll choke the life out of you!” he hissed into the youth's ear.

CHAPTER x.x.xVI.

JERRY HEARS AN ASTONIs.h.i.+NG STATEMENT.

When the footpad, for the fellow was nothing less, attacked Jerry, our hero felt that he had a tough struggle before him.

The rascal's grasp on the young oarsman's throat was light, however, and Jerry quickly shook it off.

In the meantime the westerner began to struggle and shout at the top of his voice:

”Help! Police! police!”

In vain the fellow who held him tried to stop his cries. They grew louder, and soon footsteps were heard approaching.

Jerry received a savage blow on the chest and struck out in return, hitting the footpad in the chin. Then the two clinched, and both rolled to the pavement.

Jerry's a.s.sailant was a strong man and he was slowly but surely getting the best of the youth when three men put in an appearance. They were heavy-set individuals and were followed by a policeman.

”What's up here?”

”Don't kill that boy!”

”He is a thief!” cried Jerry. ”He has that man's diamond pin.”

”That's right,” put in the westerner, who had managed to turn and catch hold of his a.s.sailant. ”This fellow is his mate. They just tackled me when the boy came to my help.”

”It is a falsehood,” roared the footpad who had attacked our hero.

Saying this, he arose and tried to sneak away. But Jerry tripped him up, sending him headlong, and before he could rise the policeman had him handcuffed.

While this was going on the westerner and two of the new arrivals managed to make a prisoner of the other footpad. He used some terrible language, but this did not avail him.

”I know them,” said the policeman, after the capture was effected. ”They are Hungry Pete and Jack the Slick. They are wanted for a burglary at Sheepshead Bay. How did you happen to fall in with them?”

”I met them up at Rumford's Hotel. They said they knew a man I was looking for.”

”Will you come along and make a charge against them?”

”Certainly. He has my diamond pin.”

The pin was brought to light and handed over to its owner, and then our hero was asked to go along.

Anxious to know what the westerner might want of Crazy Jim, Jerry agreed, and a minute later found the whole crowd bound for the nearest station-house.

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