“Indeed not, I simply went into a store and out the back door, and let the carriage wait for me in front. Why, do you know I fear even the eyes of Brown. When he drives me anywhere, he always looks as if he were memorizing the number of the place. But how contentedly he waited until I came out of the store, and he was nearly asleep upon the box.” Biddy shook the bed with hearty laughter. “You’ve got the brain,” said she softly, and then they fell asleep. * * * * * Old Nathans was so angry about the coming of Nellie upon the scene that he stormed every time he came to the Benson home. “You are a fool,” raved he, “a perfect fool. Long ago you ought to have settled this affair, instead of calling upon me for such large amounts. Now then, unless you get some of that girl’s money or get her out of the way, we will both be ruined. She is a crafty witch.” “Yes, but does not take a step that she is not watched.” “Maybe she fools you.” “Not much; I am paying the servants well.” “Women are not to be trusted,” commented Nathans, “for when you think you know just what they are doing that is the time you get fooled.” Benson made no reply to this. “The only thing I want,” went on the Jew angrily, “is some of the money I’ve let you have the past fifteen years and before that time. Now, get a hustle on yourself, and don’t keep me waiting any longer. I should think with that Tom out of the way it would be easy enough to put her out of our path.” “You tried it once,” said Benson, “and utterly failed.” “Yes, but you remember that Tom Cooper was not then in jail.” “Oh, yes, he was,” tantalized Benson. “Well, I mean that he was with her. Now he is not.” “There is some truth in that,” replied the other, “but I have my own opinion that we have gone to the length of our tether, and she may outwit us after all.” “Oh, that little Bowery tough was at the shop the other day, and asked for his reward for finding the girl and the man. I just laughed at him, and told him to scoot.” “That’s right,” answered Benson. “We won’t give him any thousand; it is too hard to get.” “So ’tis, but aren’t you afraid he’ll squeal on us?” “His word wouldn’t be much,” scoffed Benson. “If he comes to me I shall soon give him a piece of my mind.” Just at that moment there came a rap at the door, and the servant announced: “Mr. Jim Farren.” CHAPTER XI. “Halloa, Jim,” said Nathans, “have you come to worry the good gentleman?” “I’ve come for what’s due me!” growled the boy. “Due you? Nothing is due you. Don’t think you can demand a sum of money and then get it. What have you done for us?” “Got you the girl, and pointed out Cooper. You and Benson wouldn’t have known about them if it hadn’t been for me.” Nathans shrugged his shoulders. “Heap you did for us. Look, the girl’s saddled upon her cousin for no telling how long, and Cooper is only serving a term which does us no good.” Jim cackled a funny little laugh.