Dan The Newsboy 24

Dan The Newsboy 24

"Then, sir, can you stay away from the store to-day?"

 

"Why?"

 

"Your looks might betray your suspicions."

 

"There is something in that. But how can I take measures to guard

against loss?"

 

"You can act through me, sir. Is there much money in the safe?"

 

"No; but Talbot is authorized to sign checks. He will draw money if I am

not at the store."

 

"Will he place it in the safe?"

 

"Probably."

 

"Then let him do so. He is to tell the burglars the combination. He will

get it from the janitor."

 

"The scoundrel!"

 

"I will see the janitor, and ask him to give the book-keeper the wrong

word."

 

"What else?"

 

"I will secretly notify the police, whom he will admit and hide till the

time comes."

 

"That is well planned."

 

"Then," continued Dan, flushing with excitement, "we'll wait till the

burglars come, and let them begin work on the safe. While they are at

work, we will nab them."

 

"You say we."

 

"Yes, sir; I want to be there."

 

"There may be danger."

 

"I'll risk it, sir."

 

"Dan, you are a brave boy."

 

"I don't know about that, sir. But if anything is going on to-night, I

want to be in it."

 

"You shall, but be prudent. I don't want you to be hurt."

 

"Thank you, sir. If Mr. Talbot sends me with a large check to the bank,

what shall I do?"

 

"Take it."

 

"He may make off with the money during the day."

 

"I will set another detective to watch him, and have him arrested in

that event."

 

"This is going to be an exciting day," said Dan to himself, as he set

out for the store.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXI.

 

TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

 

As Dan entered the store he noticed that Talbot looked excited and

nervous. Ordinarily the book-keeper would have reprimanded him sharply

for his late arrival, but he was not disposed to be strict this morning.

 

"I'm a little late this morning, Mr. Talbot," said Dan.

 

"Oh, well, you can be excused for once," said Talbot.

 

He wished to disarm suspicion by extra good humor. Besides, he intended

to send Dan to the bank presently for a heavy sum, and thought it best

to be on friendly terms with him.

 

About ten o'clock a messenger entered the store with a note from Mr.

Rogers to the book-keeper. It was to this effect:

 

 

"I am feeling rather out of sorts this morning, and shall not come

to the store. Should you desire to consult me on any subject, send

a messenger to my house."

 

 

Talbot read this note with great satisfaction. The only obstacle to

carrying out his plans was the apprehended presence and vigilance of his

employer. Now he had a clear field.

 

About one o'clock he called Dan into the office.

 

"Here, Dan," he said, "I want you to go to the bank at once."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Here is a check for twelve thousand dollars--rather a heavy amount--and

you must be very careful not to lose any of it, or to let any one see

that you have so much with you. Do you understand?"

 

"Yes, sir. In what denominations shall I get the money?"

 

"You may get one hundred dollars in fives and tens, and the remainder in

large bills."

 

"All right, sir."

 

"He means to make a big haul," said Dan to himself, as he left the

store. "I hope our plans won't miscarry. I wouldn't like Mr. Rogers to

lose so large a sum."

 

As Dan left the store a man of middle size, who was lounging against a

lamp-post, eyed him sharply. As Dan was turning the corner of the street

he left his post, and, walking rapidly, overtook him.

 

"Where are you going?" he asked.

 

"What is that to you?" demanded Dan.

 

"You are in the employ of Barton & Rogers, are you not?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Is your name Dan?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"I am a detective, on watch here by order of Mr. Rogers. Now will you

answer my question?"

 

"Certainly. I am going to the bank."

 

"To draw money?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"How much?"

 

"Twelve thousand dollars."

 

"Whew! That is a big sum. Who sent you?"

 

"Mr. Talbot."

 

"He is the book-keeper, is he not?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"I will walk along with you. There is no need of watching till you bring

back the money. Where do you think Talbot will put the money?"

 

"In the safe, I think, sir."

 

"I am not sure of that. I believe he will retain the greater part on his

own person. If the men who are to rob the safe got hold of all the money

they would be likely to keep it, and not limit themselves to the sum he

agrees to pay them."

 

"I suppose you are right, sir. What, then, are we to do?" asked Dan,

perplexed.

 

"I shall take care to keep Talbot in view. He doesn't propose to run

away. He means to have it understood that all this money has been taken

by the burglars, whereas but a tithe of the sum will be deposited in the

safe."

 

Dan nodded assent. He was convinced that the detective was right. Still

he was anxious.

 

"It seems to me there is a risk of losing the money," he said.

 

The detective smiled.

 

"Don't be afraid," he said, confidentially. "Talbot won't leave the

city. I will take care of that."

 

His words inspired confidence, and Dan entered the bank without

misgivings.

 

The check was so large that the bank officials scrutinized it carefully.

There was no doubt about its being correct, however.

 

"How will you have it?" was asked.

 

Dan answered as he had been directed.

 

"Be very careful, young man," said the disbursing clerk. "You've got too

much to lose."

 

"All right, sir."

 

Dan deposited one roll of bills in the left inside pocket of his coat,

and the balance in the right pocket, and then buttoned up the coat.

 

"I'm a boy of fortune for a short time," he said to himself. "I hope

the time will come when I shall have as much money of my own."