E-text prepared by Al Haines
THE UNKNOWN WRESTLER
by
H. A. CODY
Author of "Under Sealed Orders," "Rod of the Lone Patrol," Etc.
McCLelland, Goodchild & Stewart
Publishers :: :: :: Toronto
Copyright, 1918,
By George H. Doran Company
To All
True Wrestlers
this book is
Sympathetically Dedicated
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
I STREET MUSIC II WHERE FLOWS THE TIDE III CONSCIENCE MONEY IV SECRET PLANS V PUT TO THE TEST VI DOWN BY THE RIVER VII MENDING THINGS VIII HOME FOR REPAIRS IX EVENING GLOW X PRIDE AND IMPUDENCE XI THE FACE AT THE DOOR XII ASTRAY ON THE HILLS XIII NOTICE TO QUIT XIV SETTLING THINGS XV A WET DAY XVI TWIN FIRES XVII CRUEL AS THE GRAVE XVIII SILENT STRIFE XIX WARMER THAN HE EXPECTED XX CONFIDENCE XXI OUTDONE XXII COMPELLED TO SERVE XXIII DISPELLING THE CLOUDS XXIV EMPTY HEARS SOMETHING XXV PERVERTING JUSTICE XXVI ON THE ROCKS XXVII THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE XXVIII KNUCKLING UNDER XXIX THE CHALLENGE XXX BY THE OLD PINE TREE
THE UNKNOWN WRESTLER
CHAPTER I
STREET MUSIC
There was no room for him on the sidewalk, so he took up his positionbeyond the curbstone. The light from the large arc-lamp overhead,exposed the old man's thin white hair, withered face and threadbareclothes. His sightless eyes were turned toward the passing throng, andhis head was slightly bent in an expectant attitude. But the hand thatdrew the wheezy bow across the strings of the violin often faltered,and the broken music, instead of attracting, repelled the crowds. Theplayer was tired and longed for rest. But the fire of an overmasteringpurpose burned in his soul and kept him steadfast to his post.
The girl standing by his side was both weary and embarrassed. Her handtrembled as she held out her father's soft felt hat to receive thecoins which were so very few. It was quite evident that she was new tothis business, for her cheeks were flushed crimson owing to the remarksshe occasionally heard.
"Listen to that old man sawing wood," one gaily-dressed young foplaughingly jested to his companion.
"Filing his saw, I should say," was the sarcastic reply. "It's awonder to me that such a noise is allowed on a street like this."
"But see the girl," the other insisted, "isn't she a beauty! Look ather cheeks. My! they are some colour. She seems new to her job.Suppose we give her a jolt. I'd like to hear what she'd say. Perhapsshe isn't as innocent as she seems."
They had stopped several rods away and were watching the girl as theytalked. Presently they retraced their steps, and when they came nearwhere she was standing, one of them surged suddenly against her,causing her to drop the hat in alarm and start back, while the fewcoins rolled out upon the hard stones. Her cry of dismay caused theold man to stop playing and turn quickly toward her.
"What is the matter, Nan?" he anxiously enquired.
"Oh, let us go away," the girl pleaded. "We are not safe here, and Iam so frightened. Two men pushed against me and knocked the hat out ofmy hand. I know they did it on purpose, for they went away