The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-05-06


about it, 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
aged woman ran into the room from
the rear stairs, followed by the maid
who had admitted them. On seeing
her, and being released by the detective,
the boy ceased his cries, ran to his
mother and hid his face in her lap. She
could only stare at the two visitors in
speeches. amaZement.
Hendricks bowed very low and STAN
mered out an explanation.
81 am a detective" he said. "a very
important letter has been written under
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 it is plain to me
that he knows something about the mat
ter. He started to run away, and l 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, say! What is the matter
with you? If you have been up to any
devilment-"
81 didn't write it, mamma" the boy
whimpered.
"Well. who did? What do you know
about it? Speak, I tell you, or I'll
thrash you within an inch of your
life"
Don't be hard on him." Hendricks
interposed. II think 1 understand.
He will tell us all about it. That is the
best way"
The boy dried his eyes, and took his
head out of his mothers apron. For
moment there was deep silence as he
stood hesitatingly before her.
"Uncle Tom," faltered the boy 'He
did it. 1 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
ffNu 1rio &c Of h
er's mischief; but will not have him
mixing my innocent children up in his
miserable affairs. 1t is shameful, the
way he has been acting!"
HE 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 friend of his--a woman,
who thought she was writing to a man
she never saw. 1 took the answers to
Uncle Tom
"Outrageous!" cried the woman. 81
who bears it can do such things"
where is he ?" asked Hendricks. with
sudden craftiness Of look and manner
cit is only trif1ing matter, that can
easily be settled. but I'd like to see him. ~
Hes upstairs, asleep, now" the
woman replied, still ang-ily. "He's
sleeping off one of his all-night prowls
around town. I have been willing to
give him bed and board here when he
is with us, in spite of his being regular
disgrace to US all with his queer no.
tons. Sarah" she broke off suddenly,
seeing that Hendricks had moved near
er the Coor and signaled to DR.. Lamp
kin, run up and tell him to come down
here. and to be quick about it. want
an explanation of his conduct, and I'll
have it now
ITO BE Continued