Page 61 - An Amateur Fireman

The would-be detective had desired to purchase his own ticket, but to this proposition those who had the
matter in charge would not consent, and Bill Dean, in response to the suggestion made by several of the party,
proceeded, as he expressed it, to "ship off Sam."

That he had spoken the truth when he told of having had a conversation with the railroad officials regarding
Master Barney's departure, was proven when he approached the ticket-office, for the clerk recognized him at
once, and when the money was placed on the ledge in front of him, immediately passed out that form of a
ticket which would give to Jip's pursuer a passage to Philadelphia.

Master Barney's companions were eager to see him on board the cars; but after learning that such pleasure
must be purchased by paying for a passage across to Jersey City and back, the majority of them decided the
price was altogether too high.

"It'll cost pretty nigh a dollar for this whole gang to go over," Dan Roberts said after making a hurried
calculation, "an' Sam ain't worth it. I'd like to see how he swings hisself in the cars; but don't count on puttin'
out my good money for it."

There were very many of Dan's opinion in the party, and after some discussion it was decided that Bill Dean
and Seth Bartlett should accompany the detective during this first stage of the journey, and these two were
instructed to "remember all Sam said, an' how he looked, so's to tell it to the rest of the crowd when they got
back."

The would-be detective gravely shook hands with his followers, and, after cautioning those who were to
accompany him to remain at a respectable distance lest they interfere with his plans, stole on board the
ferry-boat in a manner well calculated to attract the attention and excite the mirth of every one who saw him.

"He thinks reg'lar detectives go snoopin' 'round in that style," Bill said in a whisper to Seth, "an' jest as long as
he keeps up such a fool idea he'll never 'mount to anythin'. I ain't sayin' but what he might turn out to be quite
a feller if he would only act decent."

Sam appeared to think it necessary that he remain by himself during the short voyage, and when the boat
arrived at the Jersey City slip refused to go on shore until after having satisfied himself, in his own grotesque
fashion, that there were no enemies in the vicinity.

He entered the depot much in the same manner, and peered into the car fully five minutes before venturing to
take a seat, after which he said in a tone of satisfaction to his companions:

"I reckon I've done this thing pretty nigh right so far, an' if I don't bring Jip Collins back with me it'll be 'cause
some of them Philadelphy people spoil my game."

"Are you reckonin' on stayin' there till you catch him?" Bill asked with a wink at Seth, and Master Barney
replied confidently:

"I can put my hands on him within an hour; but it may be we'll stay overnight so's I can bring him into town in
the mornin'."

"How are you countin' on gettin' your ticket to come back?" Seth asked.

"Oh, I've got that figgered out. You see, jest as soon as I've nabbed Jip I'll go to police headquarters an' tell
'em who he is, an' of course they'll see that I get back."

Bill had considerable difficulty in keeping his face straight during this portion of the conversation, and,