Wichita eagle., 1888-09-16

CT In1S youthful &umirer. tie was about
II years old He had bright, sunny
face, with laughing blue eyes, and faxen,
curly hair, brushed from square, inteli-
gent forehead, adorned by heavy bushy
eyebrows. which were arched Ike bow
at fun tension.
lie was dressed with great neatness.
His black cutaway coat was Of the new
est pattern, the vest cut low, showing q
wide expanse of shirt bosom. He wore a
gold watch chain of excellent make, and
on the little finger Of his right hand was
a solitaire diamond ring.
The boy looked like a well to do bro
ker's clerk. He carried himself easily and
gracefully. as though accustomed to So
ciety.
He was evidently welcome guest. fer
Mrs. Claypole's eyes dwelt lovingly on his
handsome face, and bealned with pleasure
as he asked her to resulAe her seat at the
piano.
What shall play, Hermann she
asked, smiling.
"You know my favorite song. Ally. he
replied. Sing, You'll Remember Ne "
Mrs. Claypole complied, and the boy
hung on the tones of her low, rich voice
with rapt attention His eyes followed
her every movement; his face flushed
with delight VIXEN she turned to him dur
ing the tender passages Of the song and
accented them by chances which sent 8
thrill through his frame.
There could be no doubt as to the feel
ings with which the lad regarded her; he
was desperately in love with this fair en-
chantress.
And Mrs. Claypole? 1t would be diff
cult to probe her feelings. Practiced III all
the arts of coquetry, she could play with
hearts at will and yet remain serene and
cold beneath the surface
The conversation with her husband de-
noted that the lad was kept under the
spell for purpose. What was the
purpose which could induce woman of
mature age to enthran boy and keep his
heart jumping in response TO her seduc-
tive wiles?
Just as Miss Goggles was gently open
ing the transom Mrs Claypole again left
the piano and seated herself by the side Of
the boy, who, with trace OF old time
gallantry, raised her jeweled fingers to his
lips and kissed them. The action sent a
thrill through the bosom of the antique
eavesdropper, which was intensified when
the blonderun her fingers lovingly through
his faxen curls and fondly patted his rosy
cheeks.
Now, that is enough nonsense for to-
night" she said. with a winning smile.
Tell me what you have been doing lately,
Herman"
you ought to know, Ally" he answered
laughingly; "or doesn't the governor make
daily reports?'
Il am afraid he does not tell me every
thing" was the smiling reply, and |
always like to hear the exploits of the
boys from the captains own lips"
The Lad was evidently pleased. He
said frankly: ITO tell you the truth. Ally,
l have been little suspicious of the gov
ernor of late He doesn't seem to be
toting fair He said he only got $1,000
for that last bundle while | have it on
the best authority that the stuff brought
$1700. The gang are mad about it. and
you better give him gentle hint that we
will stand anything but swindling on his
part. We run all the risk. and he ought
surely to be satisfied with n square divy."
A shadow crossed the woman's face, but
it was gone in a moment.
"You are right, my boy" she said, in a
caressing tone Henry should be more
careful of your interests-indeed of all
our interests, since we are all in the same
swim. But you know what he is.
Yes. responded the boy. modify. Il
know what he is, and he better be a little
more careful Had it not been for you,
Ally. we would have broken with him
long ago and given him push toward the
pen If you say the word now I'll risk
everything to settle him, and well so
south together
NO, MOI Herman" cried the woman, in
q tone of alarm that would never do.
you foolish boy. | must still be your
mother, and you must be kind and con-
Siderate to Henry.
The boy pouted. but returned the kiss
with which this declaration terminated
Il am getting tired of this mother
business" he said. testify. "a fellow
don't want two mothers.
But you need me, my dear. to keep you
safe. Yoa would have been n trouble q
year ago had not caught you in time
Now, be patient, Herman, and don't har-
Dor harsh thoughts about the governor
1 want my boys to work pleasantly to-
gether, and wen soon be able to enjoy
the good time that's coming
"All right, Ally" said the Lad in mora
cheerful spirit. I'm not only wait, but
work, if you say so.
That's my brave boy" said the woman.
kissing him again warmly. Now. tell
me what's in the wind
''Well, we've done some fine night worK
lately" Herman responded, his eyes fash
ing enthusiastically at the recollection
We've been cracking private cribs. and
the governor has several thousands in the
vault, which viii be worked off soon on
the outside The cops are all at sea.
They are looking for eastern crooks. and
have no idea that home talent .s at the
bottom of all the fine work in town ipass
members Of the central detail every day,
aud they don't condescend to notice the
peddler boy who is disposing Of stolen
goods under their very noses"
The lad laughed heartily at this evi-
dence of the perspicuity of the police, and
continued:
1--WE are going to branch out in an
other direction. The private house racket
is played out. for the people are getting
alarmed and laying in stocks Of firearms
to give the cracksmen a warm reception
We will scoop in the business district
next There are lots of fine pickings IN
some of the wholesale houses. and we
have two or three marked which are easy
to crack. OH therel be no end Of fun
and Doodle during the next three months,
and then it will be time 10 take that va
cation you spoke Of. "
Il am glad you are working toward the
business center" said the woman But
how are you on blowing?"
Curly has been practicing lately" an
swered the lad, "and promises well 4
fellow from St Louis, an old timer, has
him in tow and says he'll be daisy in a
few months. But we don't depend On