Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-14

less than logical; but he was convinced that
through the policeman they had met the
night before and the Rogues' Gallery, the
crime would be fastened on him before the
day was over. He had not dollar for flight.
Perhaps the police were already searching
for him. If not, and he slipped quietly to
the street and away to hiding, they would
find the Princess, and no one would believe
the Widow Callahan innocent of participa-
ton. They would not even believe her true
story, that she had not suspected her lodger
to be of the 1awless; for they could
never understand that he, Slick Bill Skaggs,
delighted IN having one spot on earth where
he was considered an honest and hardwork-
ing night Waterman. And Mary Kathleen
and Lou and Pat would all go to some public
orphanage, after the widow, innocent, had
been sent away. 1t was awful!
He seemed to gather himself his hands
clenched, and his heavy jaws shut like rigid
steel, as he turned and went directly down
stairs and into the street. He walked to the
dingy pharmacy on the corner, where there
was telephone booth, and his hands did not
treTnble, nor was there trenor in his voice.
as he called for the King of Coal. Anyhow,
the bulls shouldn't have credit for capturel
X/HEN higgins, the anxious King, and
three detectives with guns in hand
opened the door of Skaggs' room half-hour
later theyfound him sitting on the floor cudd-
ling child in braces who had been broughtup
for holiday, while consulting him on many
subjects were three very nice dirty little
children and a large litter of expensive toys
@Slick Bill, eh?" grated the first detective
with a scowl. @Tryin' kidnappin'!" "
EYES," Bill said, al done it. III go with
out any fuss. I'd like to take this kid down
stairs first. She's hurried"
A detective walked in front and behind
as he carried Mary Kathleen back to bed.
Now he said, maybe you'll let me
some pictures" and they shipped the hand
cuffs on him and led him up.
The Coal King had regained his equi-
hbrium and was frowning at the toys. 1t
reminded Slick Bill of something, and for
the first time he appeared embarrassed
"Boss,' he said softly, leaning toward the
millionaire while the detectives held him
back lest he do the great man harm, 1T was
me telephoned you where to come, and
and-I got favor l want done for me-
You see, made all these kids believe | was
Sandy Claus. | wish you'd let the Gala
han kids keep them toys, because you see
they'd be all busted up if you took EN- away
from EN-. guess they cost lot, Boss; but
I'm payin' pretty well, | am, about ten years
of my life, considerin' my record. How
about it,"
The Coal King looked at him queerly, and
said, @All right"
4 am ready now. said Slick Bill to the
detectives, and they turned toward the
door.
But not SO easily was he to part; for the
Princess for the first time seemed to dis
Germ some great tragedy, and, crying, threw
herself upon him.
"Father! Father!' she screamed in child
ish agony. 3Don't let them! Don't let
them! Help me! Help me! They're taking
Santa Claus away! They re"
Before the detectives anticipated his in
tent Slick Bills great muscles frightened and
flung them off, and he knelt to the floor and
caught the Princess in his manacled arms,
and held her to his breast, trying to pat and
comfort her.
Its all just funnin', Kiddie," he said,
"just make believe. | got to go now and
see lot of other folks.
He kissed her almost roughly, strained her
for an instant in his arms, and released her,
and the officers were astonished to observe
when he stood up and faced the door that
Slick Bills eyes were filled with tears.
"Goodby, Lou! Goodby, Pat Be good
boy! Merry Christmas he called over his