“Why, look! Look!” ejaculated Pep.
“It’s Hal!” echoed Ben Jolly.
Frank and Randy recognized their friend the ventriloquist simultaneously. The former was a good deal surprised, for he had bade Vincent good-bye in New York City within the past forty-eight hours. He wondered what had brought Vincent to Seaside Park; and more than ever, what his participation in the present incident might mean.
“I’ve got you; have I?” stormed Vincent, making a grab at the fugitive and seizing him by the arm. Then he whirled him around and transferred his clutch to the throat of the man. “Now, then, you pull off that coat in a jiffy, or I’ll fling you out into the street.”
“Yes, yes, certainly—ssh! don’t raise a row. Likely to be known here. Going into business—hurt my reputation.”
“Your reputation, you miserable rat!” shouted Vincent, greatly excited. “You’ve led me a fine chase; haven’t you, after all I did for you! I made up my mind, though, I’d find you and get back my property, if I had to chase you half over the country.”
“Return coat in private—secluded spot.”
“Take it off now!”
“Leaves me without any.”
“Take it off!” fairly yelled Vincent. Then, as the man obeyed he wrenched it from his grasp, threw it to the pavement and grasping the fugitive by the shoulders, ran him straight up to the watering trough.