“They will do all they can to annoy us while they do,” declared Pep. “Did you tell young Carrington about the missing letter in the ‘Natonal’ sign, Pep?” inquired Frank. “No, I didn’t,” replied Pep, ungraciously. “Think I’m around mending his blunders? Humph! guess not. If I had, do you know what he would have said?” “No; what, Pep?” pressed Randy, with a broad grin. “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. “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.