Julius regarded him in silent terror.

"You didn't think I'd get away from the cops you set on my track, did
you? You thought you'd get rid of me, did you? Where's that money you
got for selling us, eh?"

"I didn't sell you," said Julius, trembling.

"Don't lie to me. I know all about it. I followed you when you went
with that boy that keeps the necktie stand. I know how much you got.
It was fifty dollars."

Julius was bewildered. He did not understand how Marlowe could have
gained this information.

"Do you deny this?" demanded Marlowe.

"I didn't know I was to get any money," stammered Julius. "I wouldn't
have told of you, but Paul had been kind to me."

"So you forgot all about Jack Morgan and me. You were ready to sell
your best friends. But you didn't count the cost, my chicken! We
generally pay up for such favors. I promised Jack I'd settle our
account, and I'm goin' to do it."

"Is Jack took?" asked Julius, shrinking under the man's fierce glance.

"Yes, he is, curse you! If it hadn't been for your blabbing tongue
we'd both have got off with the swag. Now hand over that money, and be
quick about it."

"What money?" faltered Julius.

"You know well enough--the fifty dollars."

Julius felt thankful now that he had deposited the greater part with
Paul.

"I haven't got it."

"You lie!" exclaimed Marlowe, brutally.

"I gave it to Paul, all except five dollars." "I don't believe you.
Empty your pockets."

Julius did so, but only five dollars were found. Marlowe was badly
disappointed. Fifty dollars would have been of essential service to
him, and they had dwindled to five.

"What business had you to give the money to him?" he demanded,
harshly.

"I was afraid I might lose it."

"Give me the five dollars."

Julius reluctantly handed the bill to his enemy, who thrust it into
his pocket.

"Now," said he, seizing Julius by the shoulder with a dark and
menacing look, "I'll give you a lesson you'll remember to the last day
of your life."

He threw Julius upon the ground, and was about savagely to kick the
helpless boy, who would in all probability have died from the brutal
treatment he was likely to receive, when he was seized by the collar,
and sent whirling backward by a powerful hand.

"Avast there, you lubber!" said the sailor, who had felt it time to
interfere. "What are you about?"

Marlowe turned furiously upon his unexpected assailant.

"I'll soon let you know, if you don't le