_Dear Kate_:
I am worried near sick, and I can't sleep nor eat nor nothing. I refused
to send Jim any more money and the other night a man walked along the
street with me and said, "Jim wants you to send him fifty." I said, "I
haven't got it to send, I am busted." He bent his head toward me and
said, "Jim said to tell you that if you didn't send the dough, he would
take the kid." I just near went cold at that, and the man saw it scared
me white. I had my week's pay in my bag and like a fool I gave him
twenty, which tipped my hand off to them, showing I was scared for the
kid. I went home and I ain't let Billy out of my sight since, except
when I am working, and then I take him up to Myrtle's, and tell her to
keep the door locked, and not to answer it for nobody. I tell you, Kate,
if he touches Billy, I will peach on him as sure as I am a living
sinner. I am dead sore. He has got all my money, and I am in all wrong
with the police, but I will help him anyway I can, so long as he keeps
his hands off Billy. Now, if you or your friends have got any way of
getting word with him, you just let him know it.
_Nan_.