The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1889-01-09
Nv.

The boarders were right rs to the age
OF this youthful ndmirer. He was about
II years old. He had bright, sunny
face, with laughing blue eyes, and fiaxen,
curly hair, brushed from a square, intelli
gent forehead, adorned by heavy bushy
eyebrows. which were arched like bow
at full tension.
He 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 we'll to do bro.
ker's clerk. He carried himself easily and
gracefully. as though accustomed to 30.
ciety.
He was evidently welcome guest, for
Mrs. Claypole's eyes dwelt lovingly on his
handsome face, and beamed with pleasure
as he asked her to resume her seat at the
piano.
What shall I play, Hermann she
asked, smiling.
"iou know my favorite song, Ally" he
replied. Sing, You'll Remember Ne. -
Mrs. Claypole complied. and the boy
hung on tho tones Of her low, rich voice
with rapt attention. His eyes followed
her every movement; his face flushed
with delight when she turned to him dur
ing the tender passages Of the song and
accented them by glances which sent q
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. Claypole2 1t would be diff.
cult TO probe her feelings. Practiced in all
the arts Of coquetry, she could play with
hearts ut 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 q purpose. What was the
purpose which could induce woman Of
mature age to enthral boy and keep his
heart jumping in response to he- seduc-
tive wiles2
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 a trace Of old time
| gallantry. raised her jeweled fingers TO his
lips and kissed them. The action sent
thrill through the bosom of the antique
eavesdropper, which was intensified when
theblonde run her fingers lovingly through
his fiaxen curls and fondly patted his rosy
checks.
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 reportsY"
ii 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.
have been little suspicious of the gov
ernor of late He doesn't seem to be
toting fair He said he only got 81 900
for that last bundle, while | have It OH
the best authority that the stuff brought
| $l,700. The gang are mad about 1t. aud
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 square divy."
A shadow crossed the womans face. but
1t was gone in 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 DO little
more careful Had II not been for you.
Ally. we would have broken with him
| long ago and given him push toward the
pen II you say the word now I'll risk
everything to settle him. and well go
south together"
mo, mol Herman" cried tho woman. In
a 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.
II 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. You would have been in trouble
year ago had | not caught you In time
Now. be patient. Herman. and don't har
Dor harsh thoughts about the governor
| 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 a more
cheerful spirit I'm not only wait. but
work, II you say So"
That's my brave boy. said the woman,
kissing him again warmly. Now. tell
me what's In the wind"
swell, we've done some fine night work
lately" Herman responded his eyes flash
ing enthusiastically at tho recollection
We've been cracking private cribs, and
the governor has several thousands in the
vault. which will be worked of soon ON
the outside. The cops are all at sea
They are looking for eastern crooks. and
have no idea that home talent Is at the
bottom Of all the tine work In town. pass
members Of the central detail every day,
and 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;
I've 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 o 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 Obi there1l DO no end Of fun
and Doodle during the next three months.
and then II will DO time TO take that va.
cation you spoke OF"
II am glad you are working toward the
business center" said tho woman But
how are you on blowingT"
Curly has been practicing lately, an
swered the lad. "and promises well. A
fellow from St Louis, an old timer has
him In tow and says he'll be daisy in
few months But we don't depend on
blowing for good hauls. Well take all
the loose stuff we can fnd--such stuff
that can be easily peddlcd and has quick
salo In offices and private houses. The
governors vault Is safe hiding place."
but isn't this peddling fake riskyf"
asked Mrs. Claypole. uneasily.
BLESS yous no." replied the lad, laugh
ing. Its tho greatest schomo on earth.
The cops will never suspect poor pcddlcr
boys OF being mixed up with high toned
cracksmen. The very openncss Of our