BROWN AND MINTON WALK INTO A TRAP.
Little suspecting the reception awaiting them in St. Louis, Minton and
Brown were laboriously guiding their stolen craft down the river. Not
being accustomed to labor of any sort, they found the confinement
irksome, but the prize for which they were striving was so large that
they took it very good-humoredly. They whiled away the time by indulging
in visions of future ease and prosperity, and in exchanging witticisms
at the expense of Bob, the youthful owner of the boat.
"I wonder how the young captain is enjoying himself," said Minton, as he
lay back, with one of the bins for a support, while puffing at a choice
cigar.
"He is ready to tear his hair out, I presume," said Brown. "He's a
conceited young popinjay, and deserves to have his pride taken down."
"You're right there, Brown. We shall make a tidy sum out of our
venture."
"Yes; we can afford to retire for a time. Of course I shall want more
than half."
"I don't see that," said Minton, quickly.
"Why, man, I've done all the headwork. What have you done to compare
with me?"
"We are equal partners," said Minton, doggedly.
"That is where you are mistaken. I don't mind, though, giving you half
of what we get for the girl."
"How shall we arrange to get anything? It is rather a ticklish
business--"
"That's where the headwork comes in. I shall wait upon old Pearson, and
tell him that I have a clew, and suspect I know who abducted the child.
Then I'll work him up to a point where he'll shell out liberally."
"Won't there be risk?"
"How can there be? Leave the thing to me and I'll arrange it. The fact
is, Minton, you are a man of no ideas. If I depended on you, you
wouldn't make a cent out of one of the neatest jobs I've ever been
concerned in."
Minton was conscious that there was some truth in this, and it helped to
reconcile him to the evident determination of his companion to
appropriate the lion's share of the fruits of their questionable
enterprises.
"I suppose Joe's all right?" he said, after a pause.
"Of course he is. What would he make by proving false to us?"
"Nothing, that I can see. Still, if he should do so, it might upset our
plans. The boy could afford to pay him well for releasing him."
"That is true," returned Brown, thoughtfully. "On all accounts it will
be necessary for us to expedite matters. I sha'n't waste any time once
we are in St. Louis."
"You mean in disposing of the cargo?"
"Precisely. I am in no position to haggle about prices. I'll offer it at
a bargain to some large dealer. He will naturally think I'm a country
gentleman, and clinch the bargain at once. Do you see?"
"Yes, Brown. You've got the right idea."
"Of course I have," said Brown, complacently. "It takes a long head to
outwit me. Got another cigar, Minton?"
Minton drew out one and handed to his confederate, and presently took
his turn at the rudder.
So time passed, the boat making good progress, and about three o'clock
in the afternoon the boat reached an obscure pier in the lower part of
St. Louis.
There were some interested persons watching its arrival. Among them were
Bob and his friend Clip, and a small squad of policemen. Not suspecting
anything, Brown and Minton busied themselves in bringing the boat to
anchor. Meanwhile Bob, without being observed, stepped aboard.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Brown! I hope you had a pleasant trip," he said,
quietly.
Brown felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Wheeling around
suddenly, he saw Bob's eyes fixed upon him. He was absolutely speechless
with amazement and consternation.
"Who are you?" he finally ejaculated, quickly resolving to brazen it
out, and deny Bob's claim to ownership.
"I think you know me, Mr. Brown!" replied Bob. "I have only to thank you
for taking charge of my boat and bringing it safe to St. Louis."
"Look here, young feller!" said Brown, roughly, "you must be crazy. I
never saw you before in my life, and here you come on board my boat and
claim it as your own. If you don't clear out I'll have you arrested."
"There will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Brown. Here are policemen
close at hand."
Mr. Brown's face grew pale as he saw three stalwart policemen marching
on board the boat.
"I guess it's all up, Minton!" he said, and made a dash for liberty; but
he was not quick enough. He and Minton were quickly secured and marched
off, with handcuffs on their wrists. As we are now to bid these
gentlemen farewell, it may be said briefly that they pleaded guilty in
hopes of a lighter sentence, and were sent to prison for seven years.
Thus far the community has been able to spare them without
inconvenience.
Bob and Clip resumed charge of the boat, and during the next day
disposed of the cargo to Mr. Pearson at the price agreed upon.