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The youth shuddered and drew back Froo," exclaimed the boy "Let's hurry," and he started off at a half-run toward the dirt road

The man followed more slowly The darkness hid the quizzical expression of his eyes He, too, had heard the faint shout far to the rear He recalled the boy's "after all that has happened to uessed that the latter's sudden determination to brave the horrors of the haunted house was closely connected with the hoarse voice out of the distance

When he had finally come abreast of the youth after the latter, his first panic of flight subsided, had reduced his speed, he spoke to him in his kindly tones

"What was it that happened to you to-night?" he asked "Is so you? You needn't be afraid of me I'll help you if you've been on the square If you haven't, you still needn't fear me, for I won't peach on you What is it? Tellhis soul to this stranger with the kindly voice and the honest eyes; but a sudden fear stayed his tongue If he told all it would be necessary to reveal certain details that he could not bring himself to reveal to anyone, and so he commenced with his introduction to the wayfarers in the deserted hay barn Briefly he told of the attack upon hiht and pursuit "And now," he said in conclusion, "that you know I'm a murderer I suppose you won't have any more to do with " There was almost a sob in his voice, so real was his terror

The man threw an arm across his companion's shoulder "Don't worry, kid," he said "You're not a murderer even if you did kill Dopey Charlie, which I hope you did You're a benefactor of the human race I have known Charles for years He should have been killed long since Furthermore, as you shot in self defence no jury would convict you I fear, however, that you didn't kill hi as you ithin earshot of the barn--dead men don't scream, you know"

"How did you know my name?" asked the youth

"I don't," replied the man

"But you called me 'Kid' and that's my name--I'm The Oskaloosa Kid"