Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-10-28

on the floor In Hendricks clutch and
beat the legs of his captor with his
fists. Just then a white-faced, middle
aged woman ran into the room from
the rear stairs, followed by the maid
who had admitted them. On seeirF
her, and being released by the detect
the boy ceased his cries, ran to b..
mother and hid his face in herlap. She
could only stare at the two visitors in
speechless amazement
Hendricks bowed very low and STAN
mered out an explanation.
81 am II detective he said. "A very
important letter has been written under
1.-THE address of this house and over the
name of Frederick Champney. can't
think this little fellow could be guilty
| of any misdemeanor, you know, madam,
but from his actions 1t is plain to me
that he knows something about the mat
ter. lie started to run away, and | had
to hold him."
"Fred!" The woman almost gasped
as she forced the white face Of the boy
towards her own. Erred, do you know
anything Of what this man is talking
about?"
The boy darted towards her lap again,
but she held him firmly in front Of her
and shook him fiercely.
Speak, l say! What is the matter
with you? If you have been up to any
devilment-"
II didn't write 1t, mamma" the boy
whlmpered.
"Well, who did? What do you know
about it? Speak, ! tell you, or I'll
thrash you within an inch Of your life"
Don't be hard on him." Hendricks
interposed. II think I understand.
He will tell us all about 1t. That is the
best way"
The boy dried his eyes, and took his
head out Of his mothers apron. For a
moment there was deep silence as he
stood hesitatingly before her
Uncle Tom," faltered the boy. Tile
did 1t. promised him not to tell a soul
not even you; and wouldn't, but you
made me-
"Ah, | see," said the woman, angrily,
and her gray eyes flashed as she turned
to Hendricks. ut is some of my broth
er's mischief; but l will not have him
mixing my innocent children up in his
miserable affairs. 1t is shameful, the
way he has been actingl"
"IIe asked me to let him use my
name." said the boy, who had grown
calmer. "He told me it wasn't anything
but a Joke on a friend Of his--a woman
who thought she was writing to man
she never saw. | took the answers tc
Uncle Tom"
"0utrageousl" cried the woman. "
am ashamed of my own name when one
who bears it can do such things"
"Where is hep asked Hendricks, with
sudden craftiness Of look and manner
at is only q trifing matter, that cal
easily be settled, but I'd like to see him.
Hes upstairs, asleep, now," TIN
woman replied, still angrily. "He'
sleeping off one of his all-night prowl
around town. ] have been willing II
give him bed and board here when h
, is with us, in spite of his being regulai
disgrace to us all with his queer no
tons. Sarah" she broke off suddenly
seeing that Hendricks had moved near
er the door and signaled to DR.. Lamp
kin, "run up and tell him to come dow,
here, and to be quick about it, Ivan
- an explanation of his conduct, and T.
have it now"
Hendricks sprang into the hall an
- caught the girls arm.
. "Where's his room?" he asked, unde
' his breath.
"Second floor back" answered I'll
girl.
\ Hendricks turned TO the docto
y "Quick!" he said. Follow me-"
Mrs. Champney's mind, however, ha
: acted with the rapidity Of lightning
She ran between Hendricks and the fot
n Of the stairs, and with outstretchs
II arms stood in his way.
II "What has he done? What are yt
going to do with him?" she said. II
is my brother, and"
Pardon mel l must do Ill" al
Hendricks caught her arm, pushed h
back towards the hall door, and signt
\ ing to DR.. Lampkin, who had dete
y mined to be as agile as his friend, SPIRAL
up the stairs, Hendricks was as acti
as greyhound, and he was half way
A the fight before the doctor had starte
N DR.. Lampkin caught up with him
III the closed door Of the back room on t
m second floor. He was trying to force
4 open with his right hand, while in
left he held his revolver
Hang him, he's on to us!"panted I
detective. THAT kid made too mu
noise. Get out your gun, and col
: against the door with me. Quick
. must smash IT. The lock is strong
4 They struck the door simultaneous
| Il al not x.iald NJ Grct and 4ha hoa