CHAPTER XXI
READY FOR MISCHIEF
Though Hogan was a scamp in the superlative degree, the burly ruffian who seated himself by his side looked the character much better. He was not a man to beat about the bush. As he expressed it, he wanted to come to business at once.
"What's your game, pard?" he demanded. "Out with it."
Hogan's plan, as the reader has already surmised, was to break into Joe's restaurant and seize whatever money he might be found to have on the premises. He recommended it earnestly, for two reasons. First, a share of the money would be welcome; and, secondly, he would be gratified to revenge himself upon the boy, whom he disliked because he had injured him.
Jack Rafferty listened in silence.
"I don't know about it," he said. "There's a risk."
"I don't see any risk. We two ought to be a match for a boy."
"Of course we are. If we wasn't I'd go hang myself up for a milksop.
Are you sure there's no one else with him?"
"Not a soul."
"That's well, so far; but we might be seen from the outside."
"We can keep watch."
"Do you think the boy's got much money about him?"
"Yes; he's making money hand over fist. He's one of those mean chaps that never spend a cent, but lay it all by. Bah!"
So Hogan expressed his contempt for Joe's frugality.
"All the better for us. How much might there be now, do you think?"
"Five hundred dollars, likely."
"That's worth risking something for," said Jack thoughtfully.
"We'll share alike?" inquired Hogan anxiously.
"Depends on how much you help about gettin' the money," said Jack carelessly.
Hogan, who was not very courageous, did not dare push the matter though he would have liked a more definite assurance. However, he had another motive besides the love of money, and was glad to have the cooperation of Rafferty, though secretly afraid of his ruffianly accomplice.
It was agreed to wait till midnight. Till then both men threw themselves down and slept.
As the clock indicated midnight, Rafferty shook Hogan roughly.
The latter sat up and gazed, in terrified bewilderment, at Jack, who was leaning over him, forgetting for the moment the compact into which he had entered.
"What do you want?" he ejaculated.
"It's time we were about our business," growled Jack.
"It's struck twelve."
"All right!" responded Hogan, who began to feel nervous, now that the crisis was at hand.
"Don't sit rubbing your eyes, man, but get up."
"Haven't you got a drop of something to brace me up?" asked Hogan nervously.
"What are you scared of, pard?" asked Rafferty contemptuously.
"Nothing," answered Hogan, "but I feel dry."
"All right. A drop of something will warm us both up."
Jack went behind the counter, and, selecting a bottle of rot-gut whisky, poured out a stiff glassful apiece.
"Drink it, pard," he said.
Hogan did so, nothing loath.
"That's the right sort," he said, smacking his lips. "It's warming to the stomach."
So it was and a frequent indulgence in the vile liquid would probably have burned his stomach and unfitted it for service. But the momentary effect was stimulating, and inspired Hogan with a kind of Dutch courage, which raised him in the opinion of his burly confederate.
"Push ahead, pard," said he. "I'm on hand."
"That's the way to talk," said Rafferty approvingly. "If we're lucky, we'll be richer before morning."
Through the dark streets, unlighted and murky, the two confederates made their stealthy way, and in five minutes stood in front of Joe's restaurant.
CHAPTER XXII
CHECKMATED
Everything looked favorable for their plans. Of course, the restaurant was perfectly dark, and the street was quite deserted.
"How shall we get in?" asked Hogan of his more experienced accomplice.
"No trouble—through the winder."
Rafferty had served an apprenticeship at the burglar's trade, and was not long in opening the front window. He had no light and could not see that Joe had a companion. If he had discovered this, he would have been more cautious.
"Go in and get the money," said he to Hogan.
He thought it possible that Hogan might object, but the latter had a reason for consenting. He thought he might obtain for himself the lion's share of the plunder, while, as to risk, there would be no one but Joe to cope with, and Hogan knew that in physical strength he must be more than a match for a boy of sixteen.
"All right!" said Hogan. "You stay at the window and give the alarm if we are seen."
Rafferty was prompted by a suspicion of Hogan's good faith in the proposal he made to him. His ready compliance lulled this suspicion, and led him to reflect that, perhaps, he could do the work better himself.
"No," said he. "I'll go in and you keep watch at the winder."
"I'm willing to go in," said Hogan, fearing that he would not get his fair share of the plunder.
"You stay where you are, pard!" said Rafferty, in a tone of command.
"I'll manage this thing myself."
"Just as you say," said Hogan, slightly disappointed.
Rafferty clambered into the room, making as little noise as possible. He stood still a moment, to accustom his eyes to the darkness. His plan was to discover where Joe lay, wake him up, and force him, by threats of instant death as the penalty for non-compliance, to deliver up all the money he had in the restaurant.
Now, it happened that Joe and his guest slept in opposite corners of the room. Rafferty discovered Joe, but was entirely ignorant of the presence of another person in the apartment.
Joe waked on being rudely shaken.
"Who is it?" he muttered drowsily.
"Never mind who it is!" growled Jack in his ear. "It's a man that'll kill you if you don't give up all the money you've got about you!"
Joe was fully awake now, and realized the situation. He felt thankful that he was not alone, and it instantly flashed upon him that Watson had a revolver. But Watson was asleep. To obtain time to form a plan, he parleyed a little.
"You want my money?" he asked, appearing to be confused.
"Yes—and at once! Refuse, and I will kill you!"
I won't pretend to deny that Joe's heart beat a little quicker than its wont. He was thinking busily. How could he attract Watson's attention?
"It's pretty hard, but I suppose I must," he answered.
"That's the way to talk."
"Let me get up and I'll get it."
Joe spoke so naturally that Rafferty suspected nothing. He permitted our hero to rise, supposing that he was going for the money he demanded.
Joe knew exactly where Watson lay and went over to him. He knelt down and drew out the revolver from beneath his head, at the same time pushing him, in the hope of arousing him. The push was effectual. Watson was a man whose experience at the mines had taught him to rouse at once. He just heard Joe say:
"Hush!"
"What are you so long about?" demanded Rafferty suspiciously.
"I've got a revolver," said Joe unexpectedly; "and, if you don't leave the room, I'll fire!"
With an oath, Rafferty, who was no coward, sprang upon Joe, and it would have gone hard with him but for Watson. The latter was now broad awake. He seized Rafferty by the collar, and, dashing him backward upon the floor, threw himself upon him.
"Two can play at that game!" said he. "Light the candle, Joe."
"Help, pard!" called Rafferty.
But Hogan, on whom he called, suspecting how matters stood, was in full flight.
The candle was lighted, and in the struggling ruffian Joe recognized the man who, three months before, had robbed him of his little all.
CHAPTER XXIII
NOT WHOLLY BLACK
"I know this man, Mr. Watson," said Joe.
"Who is he?"
"He is the same man who robbed me of my money one night about three months ago—the one I told you of."
For the first time, Rafferty recognized Joe.
"There wasn't enough to make a fuss about," he said. "There was only two dollars and a half."
"It was all I had."
"Let me up!" said Rafferty, renewing his struggles.
"Joe, have you got a rope?" asked Watson.
"Yes."
"Bring it here, then. I can't hold this man all night."
"What are you going to do with me?" demanded Rafferty uneasily.
"Tie you hand and foot till to-morrow morning and then deliver you over to the authorities."
"No, you won't!"
He made a renewed struggle, but Watson was a man with muscles of iron, and the attempt was unsuccessful.
It was not without considerable difficulty, however, that the midnight intruder was secured. When, at length, he was bound hand and foot, Watson withdrew to a little distance. Joe and he looked at Rafferty, and each felt that he had seldom seen a more brutal face.
"Well," growled Rafferty, "I hope you are satisfied?"
"Not yet," returned Watson. "When you are delivered into the hands of the authorities we shall be satisfied."
"Oh, for an hour's freedom!" muttered Jack Rafferty, expressing his thoughts aloud.
"What use would you make of it?" asked Watson, in a tone of curiosity.
"I'd kill the man that led me into this trap!"
Watson and Joe were surprised.
"Was there such a man. Didn't you come here alone?"
"No; there was a man got me to come. Curse him, He told me I would only find the boy here!"
"What has become of him?"
"He ran away, I reckon, instead of standing by me."
"Where was he?"
"At the winder."
"Could it have been Hogan?" thought Joe.
"I think I know the man," said our hero. "I'll describe the man I mean and you can tell me if it was he."
He described Hogan as well as he could.
"That's the man," said Rafferty. "I wouldn't peach if he hadn't served me such a mean trick. What's his name?"
"His name is Hogan. He came over on the same steamer with me, after robbing me of fifty dollars in New York. He has been at the mines, but didn't make out well. This very afternoon I gave him supper—all he could eat—and charged him nothing for it. He repays me by planning a robbery."
"He's a mean skunk," said Watson bluntly.
"You're right, stranger," said Rafferty. "I'm a scamp myself, but I'll be blowed if I'd turn on a man that fed me when I was hungry."
The tones were gruff but the man was evidently sincere.
"You're better than you look," said Watson, surprised to hear such a sentiment from a man of such ruffianly appearance.
Jack Rafferty laughed shortly.
"I ain't used to compliments," he said, "and I expect I'm bad enough, but I ain't all bad. I won't turn on my pal, unless he does it first, and I ain't mean enough to rob a man that's done me a good turn."
"No, you ain't all bad," said Watson. "It's a pity you won't make up your mind to earn an honest living."
"Too late for that, I reckon. What do you think they'll do with me?"
In those days punishments were summary and severe. Watson knew it and Joe had seen something of it. Our hero began to feel compassion for the foiled burglar. He whispered in Watson's ear. Watson hesitated, but finally yielded.
"Stranger," said he, "the boy wants me to let you go."
"Does he?" inquired Rafferty, in surprise.
"Yes. He is afraid it will go hard with you if we give you up."
"Likely it will," muttered Rafferty, watching Watson's face eagerly, to see whether he favored Joe's proposal.
"Suppose we let you go—will you promise not to make another attempt upon this place?"
"What do you take me for? I'm not such a mean cuss as that."
"One thing more—you won't kill this man that brought you here?"
"If I knowed it wasn't a trap he led me into. He told me there was only the boy."
"He thought so. I don't belong here. The boy let me sleep here out of kindness. Hogan knew nothing of this. I didn't come till after he had left."
"That's different," said Rafferty; "but he shouldn't have gone back on me."
"He is a coward, probably."
"I guess you're right," said Rafferty contemptuously.
"You promise, then?"
"Not to kill him? Yes."
"Then we'll let you go."
Watson unloosed the bonds that confined the prisoner. Rafferty raised himself to his full height and stretched his limbs.
"There—I feel better," he said. "You tied the rope pretty tight."
"I found it necessary," said Watson, laughing. "Now, Joe, if you will open the door, this gentleman will pass out."
Rafferty turned to Joe, as he was about to leave the restaurant.
"Boy," said he, "I won't forget this. I ain't much of a friend to boast of, but I'm your friend. You've saved me from prison, and worse, it's likely; and, if you need help any time, send for me. If I had that money I took from you I'd pay it back."
"I don't need it," said Joe. "I've been lucky, and am doing well. I hope you'll make up your mind to turn over a new leaf. If you do, and are ever hard up for a meal, come to me, and you shall have it without money and without price."
"Thank you, boy," said Rafferty. "I'll remember it."
He strode out of the restaurant, and disappeared in the darkness.
"Human nature's a curious thing, Joe," said Watson. "Who would have expected to find any redeeming quality in such a man as that?"
"I would sooner trust him than Hogan."
"So would I. Hogan is a mean scoundrel, who is not so much of a ruffian as this man only because he is too much of a coward to be."
"I am glad we let him go," said Joe.
"I am not sure whether it was best, but I knew we should have to be awake all night if we didn't. He could have loosened the knots after awhile. He won't trouble you any more."
"I wish I felt as sure about Hogan," said Joe.
"Hogan is a coward. I advise you to keep ft revolver constantly on hand. He won't dare to break in by himself."
* * * * *
The next morning, after breakfast, Watson prepared to go out in search of work.
"I must begin at the bottom of the ladder once more," he said to Joe. "It's my own fault, and I won't complain. But what a fool I have been! I might have gone home by the next steamer if I hadn't gambled away all my hard earnings."
"What sort of work shall you try to get?"
"Anything—I have no right to be particular. Anything that will pay my expenses and give me a chance to lay by something for my family at home."
"Mr. Watson," said Joe suddenly, "I've been thinking of something that may suit you. Since I came to San Francisco I have never gone outside. I would like to go to the mines."
"You wouldn't make as much as you do here."
"Perhaps not; but I have laid by some money and I would like to see something of the country. Will you carry on the restaurant for me for three months, if I give you your board and half of the profits?"
"Will I? I should think myself very lucky to get the chance."
"Then you shall have the chance."
"How do you know that I can be trusted?" asked Watson.
"I haven't known you long," said Joe, "but I feel confidence in your honesty."
"I don't think you'll repent your confidence. When do you want to go?"
"I'll stay here a few days, till you get used to the business, then I will start."
"I was lucky to fall in with you," said Watson. "I didn't want to go back to the mines and tell the boys what a fool I have been. I begin to think there's a chance for me yet."
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. BICKFORD, OF PUMPKIN HOLLOW
It may be thought that Joe was rash in deciding to leave his business in the hands of a man whose acquaintance he had made but twelve hours previous. But in the early history of California friendships ripened fast. There was more confidence between man and man, and I am assured that even now, though the State is more settled and as far advanced in civilization and refinement as any of her sister States on the Atlantic coast, the people are bound together by more friendly ties, and exhibit less of cold caution than at the East. At all events, Joe never dreamed of distrusting his new acquaintance. A common peril, successfully overcome, had doubtless something to do in strengthening the bond between them.
Joe went round to his friend Mr. Morgan and announced his intention.
"I don't think you will make money by your new plan, Joe," said Morgan.
"I don't expect to," said Joe, "but I want to see the mines. If I don't succeed, I can come back to my business here."
"That is true. I should like very well to go, too."
"Why won't you, Mr. Morgan?"
"I cannot leave my business as readily as you can. Do you feel confidence in this man whom you are leaving in charge?"
"Yes, sir. He has been unlucky, but I am sure he is honest."
"He will have considerable money belonging to you by the time you return—that is, if you stay any length of time."
"I want to speak to you about that, Mr. Morgan. I have directed him to make a statement to you once a month, and put in your hands what money comes to me—if it won't trouble you too much."
"Not at all, Joe. I shall be glad to be of service to you."
"If you meet with any good investment for the money while I am away, I should like to have you act for me as you would for yourself."
"All right, Joe."
Joe learned from Watson that the latter had been mining on the Yuba River, not far from the town of Marysville. He decided to go there, although he might have found mines nearer the city. The next question was, How should he get there, and should he go alone?
About this time a long, lank Yankee walked into the restaurant, one day, and, seating himself at a table, began to inspect the bill of fare which Joe used to write up every morning. He looked disappointed.
"Don't you find what you want?" inquired Joe.
"No," said the visitor. "I say, this is a queer country. I've been hankerin' arter a good dish of baked beans for a week, and ain't found any."
"We sometimes have them," said Joe. "Come here at one o'clock, and you shall be accommodated."
The stranger brightened up.
"That's the talk," said he. "I'll come."
"Have you just come out here?" asked Joe curiously.
"A week ago."
"Are you a Southerner?" asked Joe demurely.
"No, I guess not!" said the Yankee, with emphasis.
"I was raised in Pumpkin Hollow, State of Maine. I was twenty-one last first of April, but I ain't no April fool, I tell you. Dad and me carried on the farm till I, began to hear tell of Californy. I'd got about three hundred dollars saved up and I took it to come out here."
"I suppose you've come out to make your fortune?"
"Yes, sir-ee, that's just what I come for."
"How have you succeeded so far?"
"I've succeeded in spendin' all my money, except fifty dollars. I say, it costs a sight to eat and drink out here. I can't afford to take but one meal a day, and then I eat like all possessed."
"I should think you would, Mr.–"
"Joshua Bickford—that's my name when I'm to hum."
"Well, Mr. Bickford, what are your plans?"
"I want to go out to the mines and dig gold. I guess I can dig as well as anybody. I've had experience in diggin' ever since I was ten year old."
"Not digging gold, I suppose?"
"Diggin' potatoes, and sich."
"I'm going to the mines myself, Mr. Bickford. What do you say to going along with me?"
"I'm on hand. You know the way, don't you?"
"We can find it, I have no doubt. I have never been there, but my friend Mr. Watson is an experienced miner."
"How much gold did you dig?" asked Joshua bluntly.
"Two thousand dollars," answered Watson, not thinking it necessary to add that he had parted with the money since at the gaming-table.
"Two thousand dollars?" exclaimed Joshua, duly impressed. "That's a heap of money!"
"Yes; it's a pretty good pile."
"I'd like to get that much. I know what I'd do."
"What would you do, Mr. Bickford?"
"I'd go home and marry Sukey Smith, by gosh!"
"Then I hope you'll get the money, for Miss Smith's sake."
"There's a feller hangin' round her," said Joshua, "kinder slick-lookin', with his hair parted in the middle; he tends in the dry-goods store; but, if I come home with two thousand dollars, she'll have me, I guess. Why, with two thousand dollars I can buy the farm next to dad's, with a house with five rooms into it, and a good-sized barn. I guess Sukey wouldn't say no to me then, but would change her name to Bickford mighty sudden."
"I hope you will succeed in your plans, Mr. Bickford."
"Seems to me you're kinder young to be out here," said Bickford, turning his attention to Joe.
"Yes; I am not quite old enough to think of marrying."
"Have you got money enough to get out to the mines?" asked Joshua cautiously.
"I think I can raise enough," said Joe, smiling.
"My young friend is the owner of this restaurant," said Watson.
"You don't say! I thought you hired him."
"No. On the contrary, I am in his employ. I have agreed to run the restaurant for him while he is at the mines.
"You don't say!" exclaimed Bickford, surveying our hero with curiosity. "Have you made much money in this eating-house?"
"I've done pretty well," said Joe modestly. "I own the building and the two adjoining lots."
"You don't say! How old be you?"
"Sixteen."
"You must be all-fired smart!"
"I don't know about that, Mr. Bickford. I've been lucky and fallen in with good friends."
"Well, I guess Californy's the place to make money. I ain't made any yet, but I mean to. There wasn't no chance to get ahead in Pumpkin Hollow. I was workin' for eight dollars a month and board."
"It would be a great while before you could save up money to buy a farm out of that, Mr. Bickford."
"That's so."
"My experience was something like yours. Before I came out here I was working on a farm."
"Sho!"
"And I didn't begin to get as much money as you. I was bound out to a farmer for my board and clothes. The board was fair but the clothes were few and poor."
"You don't say!"
"I hope you will be as lucky as I have been."
"How much are you worth now?" asked Joshua curiously.
"From one to two thousand dollars, I expect."
"Sho! I never did! How long have you been out here?"
"Three months."
"Je-rusalem! That's better than stayin' to hum."
"I think so."
By this time Mr. Bickford had completed his breakfast and in an anxious tone he inquired:
"What's the damage?"
"Oh, I won't charge you anything, as you are going to be my traveling companion," said Joe.
"You're a gentleman, by gosh!" exclaimed Mr. Bickford, in unrestrained delight.
"Come in at one o'clock and you shall have some of your favorite beans and nothing to pay. Can you start for the mines to-morrow?"
"Yes—I've got nothin' to prepare."
"Take your meals here till we go."
"Well, I'm in luck," said Bickford. "Victuals cost awful out here and I haven't had as much as I wanted to eat since I got here."
"Consider yourself my guest," said Joe, "and eat all you want to."
It may be remarked that Mr. Bickford availed himself of our young hero's invitation, and during the next twenty-four hours stowed away enough provisions to last an ordinary man for half a week.