“He’d say: ‘Oh, yes, that’s so. Anybody can see it’s spelled wrong. Didn’t notice it before. Of course it should be “Natonel.”’”
All hands laughed at Pep’s sally. Then Frank asked:
“Did you ever hear of this John Beavers, Mr. Jolly?”
“Never did, Durham. I wonder where the crowd picked him up? Don’t think he’s a notable, though. Judging from the way he’s letting them hold the bag, I reckon he isn’t much of a capitalist.”
They emerged upon the boardwalk as Jolly concluded his remarks. Pep was the first to discover a commotion amid the crowds ahead.
“There’s some new excitement,” he cried. “Let’s hurry up and see what it is.”
Just then a man dashed through the throng on a dead run. In hot pursuit was a second individual, fast overtaking him and shouting as he sprinted:
“Stop that man!”
CHAPTER XIII—ALL READY!
The man in advance happened to cross a wet streak on the walk just as Frank and his friends observed him. This was caused by the overflow of a combination drinking fountain and horse trough. The man slipped and went flat. In another minute, as he struggled to his feet, his pursuer pounced upon him.