“That’s the point,” replied Mr. Newton, “why do they? I wish they had not.”
“Why?”
“Because this looks as if they meant to make trouble, and force you to do what they want. It is nothing more nor less than a threat to kidnap your little brother.”
“Kidnap Jimmy?”
“That’s what they practically threaten unless you sign the deed.”
“But how can they kidnap persons in New York, with so many police around?”
“Haven’t you read enough in the papers of late how it is done?” answered Mr. Newton. “It is very easy, especially for some Italian gang. I would be on my guard if I were you, and tell your mother to have an eye out for Jimmy at all times. But don’t scare her.”
“What good would it do if they did take Jimmy?”
“You’d find out soon enough,” answered Mr. Newton. “How long do you suppose you would refuse to sign, or your mother—how long do you think she would refrain from signing, if she knew by doing so she could get Jimmy back? We are fighting a desperate gang, I’m afraid, and we’ll have to be on our guard. Be careful of every move, be suspicious of all strangers, and keep a lookout for the blue-handed man.”
“Can’t we notify the police?”