The Holly chieftain., 1898-05-06
Iey on q matter Of businesA Docs he

ncy on a matter of businesa Does he
live here?"
That's my name; sir" said the boy.
timidly.
"Perhnps it is your fathers also, /" sug-
gested Hendricks. in a renssuring tone.
MY father is dead" replied the boy.
His name was Stephen II. Champney." !"
Then you are the only Frederick
Chnmpney in the family?"
Yes, sir." The boy spoke slowly.
and then ended with d start. His glance
wnvered under the sharp gaze of the de-
tcctiye, whose face had undergone a
remarkable change. When Hendricks
spoke, his voice sounded to DR.. Lamp
kin strangely harsh and firm:
II received n letter from this street
and number. 1t was signed Frederick
c,.a,npnsy. Did you write it?''
The boy suddenly fell to trembling,
and his face worked in nm effort to con-
troll himself, but he hung his head in
silence. Hendricks repeated his ques-
tion, but still the boy would not reply.
He looked towards the hall, as II he
wished to escape.
Seeing this, Hendricks stepped be
tween him and the door.
II may us well be plain with you, my
boy" he said. 81 am detective, legal
ly authorized to arrest anyone sus-
pected of law w-breaking. A letter OF
very grave importance has been written
over your name. II you know anything
about 1t, and won't tell me, shall be
compelled to arrest you on suspicion"
The boy stared into Hendricks face
for an instant in abject terror; then he
burst into tears. He darted towards
the door, but the detective caught his
arm, and drew him, struggling, back
into the room.
Mamma! mammal" shrieked the
boy with all his strength, and he rolled
on the floor in Hendricks clutch and
beat the legs of his captor with his
fists. Just then white-faced, middle
the rear stairs, followed by the mait
who had admitted them. On seeing
her, and being released by the detective
the boy ceased his cries, ran to hii
mother and hid his face in her lap. She
could only stare at the two visitors II
speecbless amazement.
Hendricks bowed very low and STAN
mered out an explanation.
II am detective" he said. "a very
important letter has been written undel
the address of this house and over thu
name of Frederick Chempney. cam
think this little fellow could be guilt,
of any misdemeanor, you know, madam
but from his actions it. is plain to m,
that he knows something about the mat
ter. He started to run away, and hat
to hold him."
Fred" The woman almost gaspet
as she forced the white face of the bo,
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.hel
and shook him fierceiy.
Speak. 1 say! What is the matter
with you? If you have been up to an,
devilment-"
Il didn't write it, mamma the boy
whimpered.
"Weil, who did? What do you know
ABOUT it? Speak, tell you, or II
thrash you within an inch of YOU
life"
Don't be hard on him." Hendricks
interposed. II think 1 understand
He will tell US all about it. That is th'
best way"
The boy dried his eyes, and took hi.
head out Of his mothers apron. For /
moment there was deep silence as HI
stood hesitatingly before her.
"Uncie Tom," faltered the boy. N,
did it promised him not to tell sou
not even you; and wouldn't, hlt yo,
made me-
'.Ah, see," said the woman. angrily
and her grny eyes flashed as she turned
to Hendricks. 1T is some of my broth
er's mischief; but will not have hin
mixing my innocent children up in hi,
miserable affairs. 1t is shameful. ths
way he has been actipg!"
He asked me to let him use my
name," said the boy, who had growr
calmer. HE told me it WASH I nythinf
but joke on friend Of his woman
who thought she was writing 10 n mar
she never saw. took the answers tt
Uncle Tom"
"Outrageous!" cried the woman. 81
am ashamed of my own name when one
who bears 1t can do such things"
Where is he 2" asked Hendricks. with
sudden craftiness of look and manner
1T is only trifiing matter. that car
easily be settled, but I'd like TO see him.
Hes upstairs. asleep. now." the
woman replied. still nngrily. "He',
sleeping of one Of his all-night prowls
around town. have been willing tc
give him a bed and board here when he
is with us, in spite OF his being II regular
disgrace to MS all with his queer no
tions. Sarah" she broke of suddenly
seeing that Hendricks had moved near
er the door and signaled to DR.. Lamp.
kin. run up and tell him to come down
here, and TO be quick about 1t. Iwapi
an explanation of his conduct, and IN
have it now.''
fro BE cosrrNuEp.J