The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1899-11-07

wards the exit from his underground
retreat when he heard sound as of
some one running, and almost before
he had time to realize what was taking
place a dark form blocked up .he pass.
ageway, and a man painting heavily
dropped into the pit.
At first Tootsey was so frightened
he could hardly move; and then, as 81.
lently as he could he crawled to the
further side of the excavation. 1t
flashed through HIS mind that he was
in that narrow place with one Of the
robbers, man who would probably not
hesitate to commit murder If his own
safety required 1t. Scarcely daring to
breathe, the boy lay. without moving
a muscle, listening and waiting, every
second seemed an age. The roDber
also was quiet, smothering his breath
ing as well as he could In few mo.
ments there came once more sound
of heavy footballs on the plank plat
form. They ceased suddenly as the
men above came to a sharp halt.
He's gone, sure" said a voice.
Might as we'll hunt for a needle in a
haystack as to look for Red Mike In
this part of the town. He has been
chased down this alley half a dozen
times, to my own knowledge, and he
always disappears as if by magic"
That's so," replied another voice.
"We've got his pal, Casey, however,
and the proper thing for us to do is to
try and get some information cut of
him"
He'll not say word, see if he does.
Come on. We're only losing time
here"
They started away. Quick as a flash
Tootsey canvassed the entire situa-
tion and decided to risk hrs life in
helping the officers capture Red Mike.
Hes here!" he shouted, at the top
of his voice. "Under the old scale
platform! Red Mike is
The officers probably were 40 more
startled at the sound of Tootsey's voice
than was Red Mike; but the robber
was schooled in surprises, recovered
his wits instantly, and threw himself
upon the boy. After that all was
blank to Tootsey until he came to him.
self and found that he was lying in
the bottom of patrol wagon with MS
head on a policeman's knee.
Feel better, my lad?" asked the po-
liceman, kindly.
I'm all right" answered Tootsey,
despite the numb, aching sensation in
his temples.
You're a sure enough hero, that's
what you are. We got Red Mike out
Of that hole before he had chance to
injure you very badly. Still, it's a
wonder he didn't kill you"
That's right. Did you get him?'
asked Tootsey.
"Of course we did. He's in the wa
gon, behind u.s."
"I'm glad of that. If you ever
catch me bunking under that old scale
platform again you'll be pretty sharp
copper. Say, IN get out here and trot
over to the Newsboy's home. That's
good enough for me-"
And before the officer could restrain
him Tootsey had dropped off the steps
Of the wagon and scurried away into
the darkness. Next day he was at his
old stand selling papers which gave
an account Of his exploit, published
his picture and set forth a biography
which was, to say the least, somewhat
idealized.
But If the biography was a surprise
to Tootsey, how must he have felt
when he read that he had earned re-
ward of $50 which the chief of rolics
had offered for the apprehension Of
Red Mike? He lost no time in collect
ing this amount and placing it to his
credit in the home.-W. w. Cook