"But the life of the hero of this strange, though strictly authentic, tale has not been entirely one of adventurous pleasure. Deep in his heart he carries a sorrow about which he was extremely reticent to speak to the _Banner_ reporter. In referring to it this lad, who has faced dangers from which many a stalwart man would shrink appalled, wept like a child. Years ago he lost an idolized sister. She was taken from the home of which she was the pride, not by the hand of death, but by that of a kidnaper. The story is a most romantic one. The little child was playing one morning on the sloping lawn in front of her father's palatial country seat in Tarrytown, adjoining that of the late Jay Gould. Her nurse was called away for a few moments. During the woman's absence the child disappeared. What became of it? Alas! to this day no one save the ruthless destroyer of the happiness of this once peaceful home knows. It was rumored that a rejected suitor of the little girl's mother was the villain, but nothing was ever proven against him. The father of the child died of a broken heart, and his wife would, without doubt, have soon followed him to the grave had it not been for her boy--the subject of this necessarily incomplete article. For his sake she resolved to live. When he was but four years of age she made him promise her that he would devote his life to solving the mystery of his sister's fate." Al looked up from the paper, his face white with anger. "The villain!" he exclaimed. The clerk looked up in surprise. "What's the matter?" he asked. "Have you read this thing?" Al demanded. "Why, yes." "The part that speaks of my long-lost sister?" "All of it. Of course, it's a fake, but nine people in ten will swallow it whole." "I don't want anyone to believe it." "You don't?" "Of course I don't." "Then why did you grant him the interview?" "Because he insisted, and because he promised me that everything should be printed just as I gave it to him." The clerk laughed. "It's evident," he said, "that you have not enjoyed a very extensive acquaintance with reporters." "I've known several, but none like this fellow." "He's considered one of the smartest men in his line in the State." "Well, I'd like to interview him just now." "What would you say?" "I'd at least give him my opinion of his methods." "You wouldn't have a chance." "Why wouldn't I?" "You have met him once, and you ought to know. Why, he wouldn't give you an opportunity to get in a word edgewise. Anyhow, I don't see what you are kicking about; you've got the best ad. of the season free of cost. Hello! here comes your reporter now. If you want to go for him you have your chance." While the clerk was speaking the little reporter of the _Banner_ who had interviewed Al only a few hours before entered.