CHAPTER VI.--THE REWARD FOR A CONVICT.
The boy who had entered the room and dealt what appeared a death-blow tothe robber, was a handsome little fellow of twelve, well-grown for hisage, with an agile, athletic form, and a face that would win attentionanywhere.
He was poorly clad, yet his clothes were neat, and he had the look ofone who had been reared in refinement, in spite of his humble andpoverty-stamped surroundings.
Behind him, holding in her little hands her own and her brother's books,for the two had just come from school, was a little, fairy-like form often years.
Her face was bright, sparkling and lovely, with a look of wisdom andfeeling above her years, while her attire was neat, fashionably-made,though of very cheap material, and there was a certain style about herthat many a millionaire's daughter on Fifth Avenue would give much topossess.
"My son, you have killed him," repeated the mother, in a tone of horror.
"No--no, mother, for I did not hit him that hard; I don't think I did,at least, though I was very angry at seeing him spring at you, and I amso glad we came.
"We got a half-holiday this afternoon, and came in the back door tosurprise you, when we heard that man talking, and I picked up thekitchen poker and--"
"But, Will, something must be done, and--"
The words ended in a startled cry, for the man suddenly rose up to asitting posture.
But Will was equal to the situation, and raising his poker he cried outsternly:
"Lie down, sir! quick, or I will kill you!"
The half-dazed wretch saw that the boy held him at his mercy, and hedropped back again in a recumbent position.
"Run, Pearl, and get a policeman to come!" cried Will, and the younggirl darted away, while the robber started to rise, with the remark:
"No perlice for me, boy--Oh!"
Back he fell, as the poker descended upon his head with a force thatagain stunned him.
"Oh, Will!" groaned the poor woman.
"I had to do it, mother, or he would have killed us both to get away,for he's a desperate fellow."
And the fearless boy stood over his prisoner with the air of one whomeant to stand no trifling, and knew very well that he was master of thesituation.
The man soon revived again, but a motion of the poker held over him, anda stern order, kept him on his back, for he had twice felt the weight ofthe boy's blow, and, bleeding from two scalp-wounds and with achinghead, he concluded to remain quiet.
It seemed an age to the mother and son that Pearl was gone; but she hadfairly flown to the nearest police station, and came dashing into theroom breathlessly, crying:
"They are coming!"
Again the man moved uneasily, but the boy said sternly:
"Don't make me hit you again; but I will if you don't keep quiet."
"I'll even up on yer some day, boy, if I go to prison for ten years!"growled the man; and as he spoke, there came steps upon the stairswithout, and a sergeant and two policemen entered, as Pearl threw openthe door.
The sergeant bowed politely, for the appearance of the lady commandedrespect, and he said:
"Well done, my little man--ha! it is you is it, Black Brick?" and heturned his attention to the prisoner, who already was in irons, as thetwo officers had lost no time in getting the handcuffs upon him andplacing him upon his feet.
"Yes, it's me, Sergeant Daly, and you put a cool thousand in your pocketby my capture," was the sullen reply, and then he added:
"I s'pose you won't share it with me fer givin' myself up?"
"My boy, this fellow you have caught is an escaped convict, and there'sa thousand dollars' reward offered for his capture, which you can get bymaking an application for it."
"Thank you, sir, but neither my son or myself would accept money thusearned, poor as we are," said the lady quickly.
"You know best, madam," said the surprised sergeant, while the twoofficers also looked amazed.
"What is your name, my lad?" asked Sergeant Daly, taking out anote-book.
"Will Raymond, sir."
"And your name, madam, in full, please?" and the sergeant turned to themother.
She choked up at the question, her face flashed and then paled; butafter an effort at self-control she responded:
"My name was Ruby Raymond, and since my husband's death I retain thename for my children.
"Is it necessary that I should give another?"
"No madam, the name of Raymond will do; but you will not surely refusethe reward allowed for the capture of that rascal there!"
"I cannot allow my son to accept it, sir."
"Pardon me if I say I believe you need the money."
"I need it, sir, true; but not blood money, for I could not look upon itin any other way."
The sergeant bowed, gave a hasty glance about the rooms, and said toWill:
"Come and see me, my boy, and should you need a friend at any time callon me," and the sergeant followed his men and their prisoner, afterbowing politely to Mrs. Raymond.
As the door closed behind the officer, Mrs. Raymond sprang toward herson, and throwing her arms about him, she cried earnestly:
"Oh, Willie, my noble boy, you have saved me more than you can everknow, for poor as I am I would not take a fortune for this ring," andshe held up a solid gold band before his eyes; _but it was not herwedding ring_.