Nelson The Newsboy. Stratemeyer Edward

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СКАЧАТЬ many papers are dirty, Paul?" he asked.

      "Two Suns, a World, and a Journal," was the quick answer.

      "Take 'em out of Len's pile."

      "Lemme up, or I'll kill you!" howled the bully, and struggled to arise. But Nelson was master of the situation. He continued to hold Len down, and did not let go until Paul had the papers he wished. Then he leaped up, squared off on the defensive, and awaited the outcome of the encounter. Paul lost no time in placing himself behind his newly found champion.

      CHAPTER IV.

      DOWN AT THE FERRY

      Len Snocks' eyes flashed dangerously when he confronted Nelson. For a long time he had had matters all his own way around the ferryhouse, and the only boys who were allowed to sell papers there besides himself were such as would toady to him and help him sell his over-supply when trade was dull with him. Often he made the lads pay him five or ten cents for selling papers there, when trade was extra lively.

      Paul Randall had no father, and his mother being half blind and quite feeble, the lad felt that every cent he earned must be brought home. Consequently he refused to give Len anything, and this made the big newsboy come to the conclusion that Paul must be driven to seek sales elsewhere. In matters of business newsboys are often as scheming and unfair as are certain men in higher walks of life. Money is everything to them, and they will do almost anything to obtain it.

      "Wot do yer mean by t'rowin' me down?" cried Len, as he doubled up his grimy fists, which had not seen soap or water for many a day.

      "You know what I mean, Len Snocks," retorted Nelson. "Paul has as much right to sell papers here as you have."

      "No, he haint!"

      "I say he has, and he'll sell papers here, too, and you shan't stop him."

      "Won't I?"

      "If you try it, you'll run against me again, remember that."

      "I've a good mind to give you a lickin' fer t'rowin' me down," blustered Len, but he made no effort to begin the chastisement.

      "If you want to fight, I'm here now," answered Nelson calmly. He understood fully that Len was as much of a coward as he was of a bully.

      Len looked around, to see if there was anybody at hand to give him assistance. But all the boys were small, and he felt they could not do much against Nelson, who was known to be strong.

      "Yer want to make me lose me trade," he muttered. "I'll fight yer when de rush is over." And he moved toward the ferry entrance.

      "All right, I'll be ready for you any time," called Nelson after him. "And, remember, leave Paul alone after this."

      "Oh, Nelson, how good you are!" cried Paul impulsively. "I don't know what he wouldn't have done to me if you hadn't come up."

      "If he tackles you again let me know, Paul."

      "I will."

      "How is your mother?"

      "She isn't much better. She can just get around our rooms, and that's all."

      "Can she see?"

      "Not much. The landlord said she ought to go to the hospital and have her eyes operated on, but she doesn't want to go and leave me."

      "But maybe it would be best for her, Paul."

      "Well, I'm willing, Nelson. But how is it you aint selling papers to-day?" went on Paul curiously.

      "I've sold out. What have you got left?" Our hero surveyed the stock. "Phew! Eighteen! That's a lot."

      "Len kept chasing me, so I couldn't sell much," answered the little boy, with a look of concern on his pale face.

      "Give me ten of them," said Nelson, and took that number. "Now you go over there and I'll stay around here. We ought to get rid of 'em between us."

      "Good for you, Nelson!" cried Paul, and his face brightened.

      Soon both were at it, crying their wares with the other boys. Len Snocks saw the move, and scowled more than ever, but did not dare to interfere. In half an hour the papers were all sold, and our hero turned the money over to Paul.

      "You ought to have something for selling the ten," said the little fellow.

      "Never mind; you keep the money, Paul. You'll need it, I know."

      "Thank you."

      "By the way, have you seen anything of Billy Darnley since yesterday noon?"

      "I saw him about two hours ago."

      "Here?"

      "Yes, he came off the boat from Brooklyn."

      "I'm sorry I missed him. Do you know where he went?"

      "Went to get some papers, I think. He stopped to talk to Len Snocks for a few minutes."

      "Humph! Did he give Len anything?"

      "I think he gave him a quarter."

      "I'm sorry I missed him. He stole five dollars from me yesterday—nearly all I had saved up."

      "Oh, Nelson! He ought to be arrested."

      "It wouldn't do any good. The police wouldn't believe me, and I haven't any witnesses, excepting a young lady I don't know."

      Len Snocks was leaving the vicinity, and now Nelson hastened after him. Soon he ranged up beside the big newsboy.

      "Len, I want to ask you a question."

      "Wot do you want now?" growled Len.

      "Where did Billy Darnley go after he came off the ferry?"

      At this question a crafty look came into Len Snocks' eyes.

      "Find out fer yerself—I haint answerin' questions," he growled.

      "Billy stole some of my money yesterday."

      "Dat aint none o' my affair, is it?"

      "I suppose not. But he gave some of it to you?"

      "Didn't give me a cent."

      "He was seen to give you money."

      "Ha! has dat Paul Randall been a-blabbin'?" cried Len savagely. "I'll fix him, if he has!"

      "You let Paul alone, or it will be the worse for you. Then you won't tell me where Billy went?"

      "I don't know. He didn't tell me nuthin'."

      Len Snocks would say no more, and satisfied that it would be time lost to question him further. Nelson hurried on and made his way back to the lunch-room.

      He was somewhat late, and as soon as he entered Sam Pepper began to storm at him. The man was in a worse humor than ever, and lashed our hero with his tongue every time he entered the kitchen.

      "Here I am a-breaking СКАЧАТЬ