The Kid
Summary
In an era when ambition often clashed with societal expectations, 'The Kid' unfolds as a compelling narrative charting the meteoric rise of its titular protagonist, a spirited seventeen-year-old, into the cutthroat world of investigative journalism. Propelled by the influence of Joe Hazard, a seasoned reporter who has lovingly shaped her upbringing following her mother's tragic demise, the young woman secures a coveted position at the New York Herald. Before she plunges into the city's labyrinthine complexities, Joe imparts a poignant truth: her mother, a victim of betrayal by a man named Dunster, left behind a legacy of sorrow that Joe vowed to mend by raising her child. This revelation, a stark warning against urban pitfalls, underpins her nascent career. Her inaugural assignment thrusts her into the heart of a burgeoning scandal concerning manipulated meat prices. Displaying an innate knack for subterfuge, she tracks a powerful cattle magnate, Robinson, and ingeniously infiltrates his world, first as a bootblack, then as an office assistant, unearthing damning evidence linking him not only to the market manipulation but also to the mysterious murder of his wife. A dramatic twist sees her initial suspicions about Robinson's culpability in the murder redirected towards his manager, Hidalgo, following a covert surveillance operation. However, the pursuit of justice takes a deeply personal turn when Joe identifies Robinson as Dunster, her biological father. A poignant plea for clemency ensues, culminating in the Kid securing his freedom, yet ultimately reaffirming her profound allegiance and love for Joe, the true 'Daddy' of her life, over the biological tie that only brought her sorrow.
Synopsis
The Kid, a sprightly young girl of seventeen, is overjoyed at receiving an appointment on the staff of the New York Herald, through the influence of Joe Hazard, the star reporter, who has brought her up as his daughter. To arm properly for the battle of life, Joe tells her the story of how her mother's downfall was brought about. Her mother, he tells her, was betrayed by a man named Dunster in her home town. Joe had befriended her and when her child (the Kid) was born, and the mother died and Joe had decided to bring the child up himself. With a final warning to beware the pitfalls of the city, Joe takes her to the Herald office to begin her career. Soon after, when the price of meat shows an alarming rise, the Herald assigns the Kid to unearth the cause. While on the hunt for particulars, the Kid sees Robinson, one of the large cattle owners of the west, who has come to this city for a business trip. She follows him. waits while he has his shoes shined and then, when turning a corner, loses him in the crowd. Hurrying home, she assumes the disguise of a bootblack and obtains a position at the stand where she left Robinson. True to her expectations, Robinson appears that day, and while shining his shoes she obtains a clue. That day, Robinson's wife, a charity worker, is murdered while riding in her car, and the murderer makes his escape. Sometime later, the Kid manages to obtain a position in the office of Robinson and secures evidence which connects her employer not only with the manipulation of the meat market, but also with the murder of his wife. She arranges to have two detectives hide in the room next day to get further evidence of his connection with the murder, but they overhear a conversation which convinces them that Hidalgo, manager of Robinson's cattle enterprises, is the real murderer and he is taken into custody. The Kid obtains a warrant for Robinson for his connection with the rise in meat, but Joe Hazard, recognizing Robinson, tells the Kid that he is her own father, Dunster, under an assumed name. Dunster also learns that the Kid is his daughter and begs leniency. She finally secures his freedom, but when he comes to claim a daughter's love, she turns to Joe, who has been her "Daddy" for all these years.
