THE FIGHTING QUAKER.
The tramp decided that the best way to find Tony would be to return
to that part of the country where he had lost him, and make inquiries
for a boy of his description. He could do it more comfortably now,
being provided with funds, thanks to Mrs. Middleton. He was now able to
command fair accommodations, and this was satisfactory.
But there was another difficulty which, at times, gave him uneasiness.
He had escaped from the custody of the law, and was liable to be
arrested. This would have disconcerted him, and interfered seriously
with the purpose he had in view.
"I must disguise myself," thought Rudolph. "It won't do to run any
risk. When I was a tramp I didn't care, but now I've got something to
live for."
It was not the first time in his varied experience that he had felt
the need of a disguise, and he knew just where to go to find one. In
the lower part of the city there was a shop well provided with such
articles as he required. He lost no time in seeking it out.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Rugg?" asked the old man who kept the
establishment.
"I want a disguise."
"Then you've come to the right shop. What will you be--a sailor, a
Quaker, a--"
"Hold, there," said Rudolph. "You've named the very thing."
"What?"
"A Quaker. Can you make me a good broad-brim?"
"Yea, verily," answered the old man, laughing, "I can suit thee to a T."
"Do so, then."
From out a pile of costumes of various styles and fashions the old man
drew a suit of drab and a broad-brimmed hat.
"How will that do?" he asked.
"Capital!" answered Rudolph, with satisfaction, "that is, if it will
fit."
"I'll answer for that. It's made for a man of your size. Will you try
it on?"
"First tell me the price."
"Thirty dollars."
"Thirty dollars!" exclaimed the tramp, aghast. "Do you think I am made
of money?"
"Look at the quality, my good friend. Look at the cloth."
"Why, I may not want the things for more than a week."
"Then, I'll tell you what I'll do. If you only use them a week, you
shall bring them back, and I will pay you back twenty-five dollars;
that is," added the old man cautiously, "if you don't hurt 'em too
much."
"That's better," said Rudolph. "I'll try them on."
He went into an inner room, provided for the purpose, and soon came out
entirely transformed. In addition to the drab suit, a gray wig had been
supplied, which gave him the appearance of a highly respectable old
Quaker.
The old man laughed heartily, for he had a merry vein.
"How dost thee like it?" he asked.
"Capital," said Rudolph; "would you know me?"
"I wouldn't dream it was you. But, Mr. Rugg, there's one thing you
mustn't forget."
"What's that?"
"To use the Quaker lingo. Just now you said, 'Would you know me?' That
isn't right."
"What should I say?"
"Would thee know me?"
"All right. I'll get it after a while. There's your money."
"There you are again. You must say thy money."
"I see you know all about it. You've been a Quaker yourself, haven't
you?"
"Not I; but I was brought up in Philadelphia, and I have seen plenty of
the old fellows. That's right. Now, don't forget how to talk. Where are
you going?"
"Into the country on a little expedition," said Rudolph.
"When will you be back?"
"In a week, if all goes well."
"Well, good luck to you."
"I wish thee good luck, too," said the tramp.
"Ha, ha! You've got it; you'll do."
The tramp emerged into the street, a very fair representative of a
sedate Quaker. At first he forgot his gray hair, and walked with
a briskness that was hardly in character with his years. He soon
attracted the attention of some street boys, who, not suspecting his
genuineness, thought him fair game.
"How are you, old Broadbrim?" said one.
Rudolph didn't resent this. He felt rather pleased at this compliment
to his get up.
"You'd make a good scarecrow, old buffer," said another.
Still the tramp kept his temper.
A third boy picked up a half-eaten apple and fired it at him.
This was too much for the newly-converted disciple of William Penn.
"Just let me catch you, you little rascal," he exclaimed, "and I'll
give you the worst licking you ever had."
The boys stared open mouthed at such language from the sedate old
gentlemen.
"He's a fighting Quaker," said the first one, "keep out of his way."
"If thee don't, thee'll catch it," said Rudolph, fortunately
remembering how he must talk.
He had thought of pursuing the disturbers of his peace, but motives of
prudence prevented him.