house last night and killed a man, 'n' he had a whole

pocket full o' money, 'n' he said he'd kill me ef I told."

Detective Burton could scarce restrain a smile as he

listened to this wildly improbable tale, yet his profes-

sional instinct was too keen to permit him to cast aside

as worthless the faintest evidence until he had proven

it to be worthless. He stepped from the car again and

motioning to Willie to follow him returned to the Case

yard where Jeb was already coming toward the gate,

having noted the interest which his son was arousing

among the occupants of the car. Willie pulled at the

detective's sleeve. "Don't tell Paw about the reward,"

he begged; "he'll keep it all hisself."

Burton reassured the boy with a smile and a nod,

and then as he neared Jeb he asked him if a young

man had been at his place that morning asking for

food.

"Sure," replied Jeb; "but he didn't 'mount to nothin'.

One o' these here summer camper pests. He paid fer all

he got. Had a roll o' bills 's big as ye fist. Little feller he

were, not much older 'n' Willie."

"Did you know that he told your son that he was The

Oskaloosa Kid and that he had robbed a house and

killed a man last night?"

"Huh?" exclaimed Jeb. Then he turned and cast one

awful look at Willie--a look large with menace.

"Honest, Paw," pleaded the boy. "I was a-scairt to

tell you, 'cause he said he'd kill me ef I told."

Jeb scratched his head. "Yew know what you'll get ef

you're lyin' to me," he threatened.

"I believe he's telling the truth," said detective Bur-

ton. "Where is the man now?" he asked Willie.

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