Upon his immature chest, concealed by his waist-coat, was an eight-pointed star emblazoned with an open eye.

Billy had once proudly confided to me that the star was "pure German Silver." A year before he had answered an advertisement which made known that a trusty man was wanted in every community "to act for us in a confidential capacity.

Address for particulars, with stamp." The particulars were that you sent the International Detective Association five dollars for a badge.

After that you were their confidential agent, and if a "case" occurred in your territory, you were the man they turned to.
Billy's five hard-earned dollars had gone to the great city, and back had come his star.

He wore it secretly at first, but was moved at length to display it to a few chosen friends; not wisely chosen, it would appear, for now there were mockers of Billy among the irreverent of the town.