The boy who had entered the room and dealt what appeared a death-blow to
the robber, was a handsome little fellow of twelve, well-grown for his
age, with an agile, athletic form, and a face that would win attention
anywhere.
He was poorly clad, yet his clothes were neat, and he had the look of
one who had been reared in refinement, in spite of his humble and
poverty-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 of
ten years.
Her face was bright, sparkling and lovely, with a look of wisdom and
feeling above her years, while her attire was neat, fashionably-made,
though of very cheap material, and there was a certain style about her
that many a millionaire's daughter on Fifth Avenue would give much to
possess.
"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 am
so glad we came.
"We got a half-holiday this afternoon, and came in the back door to
surprise you, when we heard that man talking, and I picked up the
kitchen poker and--"
"But, Will, something must be done, and--"
The words ended in a startled cry, for the man suddenly rose up to a
sitting posture.
But Will was equal to the situation, and raising his poker he cried out
sternly:
"Lie down, sir! quick, or I will kill you!"
The half-dazed wretch saw that the boy held him at his mercy, and he
dropped back again in a recumbent position.
"Run, Pearl, and get a policeman to come!" cried Will, and the young
girl 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 that
again 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 who
meant to stand no trifling, and knew very well that he was master of the
situation.
The man soon revived again, but a motion of the poker held over him, and
a stern order, kept him on his back, for he had twice felt the weight of
the boy's blow, and, bleeding from two scalp-wounds and with aching
head, he concluded to remain quiet.
It seemed an age to the mother and son that Pearl was gone; but she had
fairly flown to the nearest police station, and came dashing into the
room 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 stairs
without, and a sergeant and two policemen entered, as Pearl threw open
the door.
The sergeant bowed politely, for the appearance of the lady commanded
respect, and he said:
"Well done, my little man--ha! it is you is it, Black Brick?" and he
turned his attention to the prisoner, who already was in irons, as the
two officers had lost no time in getting the handcuffs upon him and
placing him upon his feet.
"Yes, it's me, Sergeant Daly, and you put a cool thousand in your pocket
by 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's
a thousand dollars' reward offered for his capture, which you can get by
making an application for it."
"Thank you, sir, but neither my son or myself would accept money thus
earned, poor as we are," said the lady quickly.
"You know best, madam," said the surprised sergeant, while the two
officers also looked amazed.
"What is your name, my lad?" asked Sergeant Daly, taking out a
note-book.
"Will Raymond, sir."
"And your name, madam, in full, please?" and the sergeant turned to the
mother.
She choked up at the question, her face flashed and then paled; but
after an effort at self-control she responded:
"My name was Ruby Raymond, and since my husband's death I retain the
name for my children.
"Is it necessary that I should give another?"
"No madam, the name of Raymond will do; but you will not surely refuse
the 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 it
in any other way."
The sergeant bowed, gave a hasty glance about the rooms, and said to
Will:
"Come and see me, my boy, and should you need a friend at any time call
on me," and the sergeant followed his men and their prisoner, after
bowing politely to Mrs. Raymond.
As the door closed behind the officer, Mrs. Raymond sprang toward her
son, and throwing her arms about him, she cried earnestly:
"Oh, Willie, my noble boy, you have saved me more than you can ever
know, for poor as I am I would not take a fortune for this ring," and
she held up a solid gold band before his eyes; _but it was not her
wedding ring_.