A Cousin's Conspiracy: or, A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance. Horatio Alger Jr.
think it will be well for you to keep near the bank, watching carefully all who approach. You never saw the Fox brothers, I presume?”
“I never had that pleasure.”
“Most people don’t regard it as a pleasure. I will give you some description of them which may help you to identify them. One is a tall man, very nearly as tall as yourself; the other is at least three inches shorter. Both have dark hair which they wear long. They have a swaggering walk and look their real characters.”
“I don’t think it’ll be hard to spot them. They generally ride on horseback, don’t they?”
“Generally, but not always. They rode into Lee’s Falls and up to the bank entrance on horseback. Perhaps for that reason they may appear in different guise here.”
“You haven’t any pictures of them, have you?”
The president laughed.
“No one was ever bold enough to invite them into a photographer’s to have their pictures taken,” he said.
“I see. Well, I think I shall know them.”
“Perhaps not. They often adopt disguises.”
“They won’t come as Quakers?”
“That is hardly likely. I can give you one help. However they may be dressed their eyes will betray them. They have flashing black ones, and sharp, aquiline noses.”
“I’ll know them,” said Luke confidently.
“I observe that you have a boy with you?”
“Yes.”
“Is he your son?”
“No; I wish he were. I’d be proud to have such a son as that.”
“Perhaps we can use him. The bank messenger – a young man – is sick, and he can take his place temporarily.”
“Is there any pay for such work?”
“Yes, but it is small. We will give him ten dollars a week. Of course he must be honest and trustworthy.”
“I’ll stake my life on that boy, boss,” said Luke warmly.
“His appearance is in his favor. Will you call him?”
Ernest was waiting in the doorway. He was anxious to learn the result of Luke’s interview with the president of the bank.
“The boss wants to see you,” announced Luke.
“All right. What luck are you meeting with, Luke?”
“Good. I’ve hired out to the bank as a Quaker detective.”
Ernest stared at his companion in astonishment. He thought it was a joke.
When he came into the presence of the president the latter said: “I understand from your friend here that you would like employment?”
“I should,” answered Ernest promptly.
“The post of bank messenger is temporarily vacant. Would you like it?”
“Yes, sir, if you think I can fill it.”
“You are rather young for the place, but I think you will fill it satisfactorily. We will instruct you in the duties.”
“Very well, sir; I accept it with thanks.”
“Of course it is necessary that you should be honest and reliable. But upon those points I have no doubts. Your face speaks for you.”
“Thank you, sir. When do you wish me to begin my duties?”
“To-morrow. I suppose you are not provided with a boarding place. You can get settled to-day and report at the bank to-morrow morning at nine.”
“Wait here a minute, Ernest,” said Luke. “I will join you at once.”
When Luke emerged from the president’s room he was attired in the Quaker costume of his predecessor. Ernest stared at him for a moment, then burst into a loud laugh.
“Why does thee laugh?” asked Luke mildly.
This sent Ernest into a second convulsion.
“Do I look like a man of peace?” asked Luke.
“Yes; will you live up to the character?”
“Until I see the Fox brothers.”
CHAPTER IX
AN ARMED ESCORT
Luke Robbins entered at once upon his duties as janitor of the Emmonsville bank.
He was provided with a broom, and in the morning swept the bank. Sometimes he washed the windows; at other times he sat on a bench in the rear of the bank, ready for any call upon his services.
Several days passed, and though Luke kept a sharp lookout for the Fox brothers he did not catch a glimpse of anyone who resembled them.
Then one morning Luke went to the bank as usual and put on his Quaker garb.
About eleven o’clock an elderly man appeared, and presented a check for five hundred dollars. The money was paid him, and then he lingered a moment, ill at ease.
“I don’t like to have so much money about me,” he said in a tone that betrayed anxiety.
“No doubt you will find plenty who would be willing to relieve you of it,” rejoined the paying teller, with a smile.
“That’s what I am afraid of. They do say that the Fox brothers have been seen not far away.”
“Is it absolutely necessary that you should have the money in your possession? You could leave it in the bank, or most of it.”
“I shall want to use some of it to-morrow, and I live ten miles away – in Claremont.”
“How are you going back?”
“I have a buggy outside.”
“The road to Claremont is rather lonely, I believe.”
“Yes.”
“Why don’t you get some one to go with you?”
“I don’t know anyone I could get.”
“I can find you a companion, but he would want to be paid.”
“I’ll pay him if he’ll see me through all right.”
“I have the very man for you. Here, Luke!”
Luke Robbins heard the call and approached.
The farmer looked at him doubtfully.
“A Quaker?” he said in a disappointed tone.
“He is no more a Quaker than you are. He is a detective, and very anxious to meet either of the Fox brothers.”
The farmer brightened up.
“He’s the man I’m after, then.”
A bargain was struck between Luke and Ezekiel Mason whereby the farmer promised to pay him five dollars to accompany him home and remain overnight at the farmhouse until he had disposed of the money in the way he intended.
Luke was glad to accept the proposal. It promised variety and possibly adventure. The farmer climbed into the buggy and the Quaker detective, following, took a seat by his side.
After they had driven some time they reached a part of the road where for a clear mile in advance there was not a house or building of any kind to be seen.
“This is the place I was most afraid of,” said the farmer.
“Yes, it seems to be lonely. I wish one of the Fox brothers would happen along.”
“Why?” asked the farmer in a tone of alarm.
“Because I’d like to tackle him.”
“Why are you so anxious to tackle him? I cannot understand.”
“Then I’ll tell you, my honest friend.