"
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.
"Down to the Squibbs' place," and Willie jerked a
dirty thumb toward the east.
"Not now," said Burton; "we just came from there;
but there has been someone there this morning, for
there is still a fire in the kitchen range. Does anyone live
there?"
"I should say not," said Willie emphatically; "the
place is haunted.
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