lked on indignantly.
"They insult me because I am poor," he said to himself. "I'll be rich
some time, perhaps."
The possibility of becoming rich had never occurred to him before
to-day; but Mr. O'Connor's words, and the fifty dollars which had been
given him, made him hopeful and ambitious. He had heard that some of
the rich men who owned warehouses in the great city had once been poor
boys like himself. Might he not rise like them? For the first time in
his life he seemed to be having a chance.
Marlowe saw him leave the boys with satisfaction. Had Julius stopped
to play with them his scheme of vengeance would have been delayed,
perhaps frustrated. It would not do for him to attack the boy in the
presence of others. But Julius w r as walking away from the village
into the interior. If he only went far enough he would be at his
mercy.
What should he do to him? He might kill him, but killing is rather a
dangerous game to play at in a civilized community.
"I'll take his money," thought Marlowe, "and beat him within an inch
of his life. I'll teach him to betray me!"
At length Julius wandered to a spot solitary enough to suit his
purpose. Strange to say, the boy had not turned, or noticed his
pursuer. Marlowe was quite out of his thoughts. Who would think of
finding him in this quiet scene? But he was destined to be rudely
awakened from his dream of security. All at once he felt a hand upon
his shoulder. Turning quickly, he saw one whom he supposed to be a
sailor.
"What's wanted?" he asked.
"You're wanted."
"What for?" asked Julius, not yet recognizing his enemy.
"Don't you know me?" asked Marlowe.
"No."
"But I know you, you young villain!" exclaimed Marlowe, unable longer
to repress his fury. "I'm the man you sold along with Jack Morgan.
I've got a reckoning with you, my lad, and it's goin' to be a heavy
one. I haven't followed you all the way from New York for nothing."
CHAPTER XXIII.
A TIMELY RESCUE.
Julius was filled with a terrible fear, when in the man who stood over
him menacingly he recognized Tom Marlowe. He knew the man's brutal
disposition, and that he was very much incensed against him. He looked
wildly around him for help, but he could see no one. The sailor had
hidden behind a large tree, and was not visible.
"You're looking for help, are you?" sneered Marlowe. "Look all you
want to. You're in my power. Now tell me, you treacherous young dog,
why shouldn't I kill you?"
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