The next time I attempt a practical joke I will
measure my intended victim better."
"Ah, you will?"
"Yes."
"Then this was all a joke?"
"Certainly; but you have proved yourself the best joker."
"You think so?"
"Yes, I am dead beat."
"And as you say it was all a joke."
"Certainly, you know it was."
"And what license had you to attempt to play such a broad joke on me?"
"Joking is my delight."
"Is it?"
"Always."
"Good enough; you tried your joke, I will now try mine. I'll teach you
to pick up a stranger in the street to make him the victim of your joke.
Oh, yes, we will call it a joke, a good joke, but the joke is not played
out yet. You have had your fun. I must have mine, and here goes!" Oscar
whipped out a club. He leaped forward and down went Girard, and the
other detectives also got in and there was a very lively time in that
upper room for about three minutes. The thieves did not dare offer any
resistance. They took their medicine and yet they were all brave men.
They were only too glad under all the circumstances to get off with a
good sound clubbing, and they got it. Then Oscar and his forces drew
off, leaving the men to think over their discomfiture at their leisure.
We say the officers withdrew. They did, all but Oscar.
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