Part 25 (1/2)

The young detective here related the whole story, telling why he suspected Mortimer, how he saw him at the bank in Herbert's place, how he shadowed him up Broadway--told of the bootblacking scene, in which he got the essential facts from Peter Smartweed and Mortimer; related his manner of gaining admittance to the fence, and told of the trick he played upon the old man and Felix--the trick that enabled him to carry out to success his scheme for liberating Herbert Randolph.

”And you did all of this alone?” asked the banker, with genuine astonishment.

”Yes, sir,” replied Bob, carelessly, as if it didn't amount to much.

”I cannot realize it,” said Mr. Goldwin, admiringly. ”A professional detective could not have done better, and probably would have fallen far short of doing as well.”

”I didn't think nothin' of it,” returned Bob. ”'Twas easy enough, and 'twas kinder of excitin', too.”

”And you liked the excitement?”

Bob admitted that he did, but was very modest about his triumph, and was not disposed to look upon it as any great feat now it was all over. But Mr. Goldwin a.s.sured him, in most complimentary terms, that great credit was due to him for the skill and bravery he had displayed.

Meanwhile Felix Mortimer had been slyly inching towards a door that was a little to his left; and now that Mr. Goldwin's attention was centered upon young Bob Hunter, he seized the opportunity, and made a mad plunge for liberty. His movements, however, had been detected by Herbert Randolph, and he no sooner reached the door than the young Vermonter grasped him firmly by the collar, and jerked him back.

Mortimer's effort to escape prompted Mr. Goldwin to sound the alarm for a policeman. An officer responded promptly, and immediately arrested the young criminal, and took him to the station house, where he was locked into a cell.

”I was never so deceived in a boy in my life,” remarked the banker, with a troubled look, when the officer had gone with his prisoner. ”He has a remarkably strong character, and had he taken the right course in life, would have made an able man. It always makes me sad to see a bright boy, just entering upon his career, start in a way that is sure to result in disgrace and ruin.”

”His a.s.sociates have doubtless had a bad influence over him,” said Herbert, as if trying to soften the boy's offense.

”It is certainly praiseworthy in you, Mr. Randolph, to speak so kindly of one who caused you so much suffering as that boy did,” returned Mr.

Goldwin.

”Well, since his evil purpose has recoiled upon himself, he is now the chief sufferer; and besides, I do not think he wanted to injure me farther than to get me out of his way. And he knew no other plan, I suppose, than to keep me a prisoner.”

”I am glad to see you view the matter so charitably,” said the banker, warmly, for he appreciated highly this glimpse of Herbert's character.

”But what do you say to old Gunwagner?” put in Bob.

”I think he is a heartless old wretch,” answered young Randolph, with fire in his eyes. ”It is he who abused me so cruelly.”

”You say he, too, is locked up now?” asked Mr. Goldwin.

”Yes.”

”Do you think he has any property?”

”I should judge so. In fact, he tried to buy us off when he found we had him cornered.”

”It is possible that you may be able to get damages for false imprisonment,” said the banker, thoughtfully.

”I had not thought of that,” returned Herbert.

”Mind you, I said it was possible only, so do not have too great hopes of such a result.”

”No, I will not, and the damage was not much, unless I lost my situation with you,” replied Herbert, somewhat anxiously.

”No, you have not lost that, for I shall reinstate you at once. You have proved yourself to be the sort of young man I desire in my business.”