Kiddie the Scout

E-text prepared by Al Haines


TO BERNARD EVERETT, Esq. My dear Everett,—It was you who suggested this continuation of the story of Kiddie, and it is my pleasure to inscribe the volume with your name. R. L.

A pity Kiddie ain't here along of us, to help. He'd sure tell us if thar's Injuns prowlin' around. My old eyes ain't just what they used ter be for spottin' a crawlin' Redskin from afar. Now, Kiddie had eyes like spy-glasses, hadn't he, Isa? As for his sense of hearin'—well, I allow he c'd 'most hear the grass a-growin'.
Old Man Birkenshaw was peering searchingly through the dim light of the early dawn, expecting at any moment to see the feathered head of a stealthy Indian warrior moving among the deep shadows. From where he lay on the dewy grass beside the crowded horse-corral, with his repeating rifle across his arm, he searched into the darkness of the larch woods and down the misty slopes to the thick line of bushes bordering the hidden creek.
Yes, he went on, speaking in a cautious undertone, Kiddie was a marvel.
That's so, agreed the man stationed next to him, a marvel for scoutin', he was. Like a cat, too.
A cat?
Yes, Isa Blagg nodded, allus fell on his feet, didn't he? He allus came out on top. I never knew such a one fer turnin' up right on the spot whenever there was danger hangin' around.
Wonder where he is now? sighed Gideon Birkenshaw.