The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-29
LITERATURE.

ssu
soltened in look of tenderness that iIlunnatel
and slngularly feminine.
The picture was the miniature of female face
eminentiy beautiful; the light brown hair, blue
eyes and innocent expressive features must havey
delneated girl that bad barely seen sixteen suul-
mers; smile fingered or the ivory protvtype az
though caught Involuntary by the artist smile
so full OF life, buoyancy, hope and joy, as might
have inspired the beholder with sympathetic feel-
ing.
Tn burglar chief, with the lantern still raseds
coLteih plated the face few moments, then slowly
advanced towards the bench where the detective
lay bnliel in profound sumber; he gazed on tho
form OF the sleeping cd man. his countenance graz
dually resumed its cold, hardened expression.
"if" said he, speaking unconsciously half
aloud, " he had kept himself away from the nest &
might spared his life, but he has sealed his owu
doom; years might Danish hate; love might die
away, but he paused and looked at the miniature
again. and this time with cold, repulsiye indf-
ference; +" it matters not muttered he returning
the picture to the old mans pocket. shall pnr-
sue my course even phaDtoms shall not fighten
me from, he paused again, and instinctivelv
gazed at the opposite wall" fool continued the
burglar chief with malignant scowl at the sleeper,
" what mad destiny directed you here? Poor fly,
you are already entangled in the webs meshess
have you been pursuing NE for years only TO fall
in my power? and now Philip Mandon''-the bur.
gar chief, who in the earnestness Of his thoughts
had spoken han aloud, suddenly stopped, for his
practced ear caught the sound of Dicks frightened
breathing. Afraid TO retreat, afraid almost To
move that villain had remained in the same posi-
| ton.
| In one moment Tomtit's lantern was extinguish$
ed and all was III profound darkness. The terri-
fed wretch well knowing the character OF hi4
chicftan and what he might expect hastily scrani~
bed out Of the orhce, and quickly opening the Sc.
cr-t door with the most uncomfortable speed
traced his way back to the room; his comrades
were still snoring in harmonious concert; he threw
| himself down on the floor and counterfeitcd sleeps
! scarcely bad lie closed his eyes when the door
| opened, and the romtit walked deliberately IN.
g. - rht. 81
jects, and by its rIddy glow Tomtt examined the
faces of the sleepers. Coming to Dick, who was
apparently buried in deep sumber, he regarded
him attentiyely a peculiar expression n'tted
BODIED no good to tnat gentleman.
Whatever might have been his feelings or dspd-
ton at that particular moment, he proceeded no
Mr. Dick Hatton felt quite relieved when his
leader had fairly retired, and c.nprstulated him-
set on hfs having made . most fortunate escape:
his thoughts reverted to the singular circam-
stances connected with h-meeting the Tomtit so
unexpectedy-his wild and strange muttering to
himself and the miniature--al these things
Seemed incomprehensible to the duh brain Of
Mr. Dick Hatton; to solve it was 9 mystery, .
problem, which disturbed him not half 80 much
as the reflection that he might be still suspected.
After turning the matter In his mind over and
over again, and coming TO the point where he
first started from, Mr.. Dick Hatton wisely con-
cluded the Tomtit must be in love, and thus think
IL tlle meanwhile the Tomtit had resumed his
| disg..se and had laid himself down for brief
repose. No one was so methodcal when occu-
| pied a. he; he systematized everything, and,
though apparently reckless before his associates.
nothing was done without the most careful and
He rested but two hours or more, then, in-
stinctively waking up, shook himself, and looked
| at the clock. 1t was nearing four, and daylight
| was just Gawning. He again took a careful survey
Of himself, made few trding alterations in his
dress, and then proceeded to the detectives ROOM
Mr.. Duffy heard q soft knock.
who's there?'' he asked, with his customary
caution
Your servant returned Tomtit, in tone Of
humility that would have deceived his own fol-
| lowers.
The door was Immediately unbolted.
Good morning quoth the detective, rubbing
his eyes; II have slept well, and hope that you
have been equally fortunate"
~ slept well Also" replied the counterfeit.
without any unplea ant apprehensions; though
your remarks, | must confess, did disturb me-.
II was wrong, after all" rejoned Duffy, stri's-
ing a light; "t seemed 10 me that had seen one
of the men before; there was something familiar
about his face-but more about that presently
he went to his carpet bag and took out o small
package; "this " said he, lis our breakfast. BY
he by, we have no time to lose; at least have
not
Is your business, then, 50 very urgentp
Very much So answered the detective, with
hasty glance at his watch and then at the clock.
" 1t is high time the innkeeper was up; he was to-
harness my horse at five.n
"As was coming down met him" returned
Tomtii; I" guess your vehicle will be ready
soon"
In short tiIne the truth OF the observation was
confirmed by the appearance of Mr.. Reg, who
looked very sleepy, very stupid aud unconlmony
cross.
"An right" announced that worthy, with o
irightful yawn; /" he teams harnsssed"
Mr. Beg glanced meanfngly at the Tonsit, who
returned the sign significantly.
The detective, little dreaming Of the true cha
racier OF his companions followed them into the
open air. The morning was coming in damp and
cool, and slight fog obscured the gloomy ex-
panse Of forest.
. The air il chilly; wrap yourself wen up,
said MI. Duty, a. he arranged the harness; these
Pennsylvania fogs are favorable 70 disease. Come
now"
They got into the vehicle and rode slowly down
the hill; il was steep craggy descent. with sharp,
faes; few wheels hal ever defiled along that nar-
row road.
'.You have visited these parts before, y remarked
the counterfeit, with cunning glance at his COM
"Yes," returned the other. thoughtfully, 'Ihsye
often been this way, but never knew before Of 40
existence Of that tavern. Ii II strange that pub
lie house should be kept in wild and unfrequent-
ed portion Of the country travellers seldom pass
by-it's mystery"
Eyes, mystery. have been thinking there is
something about it that has an ugly, suspicious
Look
$50 you said last evening", rejoined the Tomtit-
'Snce then my susp icions have been confirmed.
Years AGO. continued the detective, 81 heard of
the existence Of place similar, a. should Judge,
e. th., the rendezvous Of extensive association
OF burglars. For long period Philadelphia has.
been the theatre Of series Of daring bold exploits
by these fellows, who. far, have succeeded in
eluding the vigilance Of the police, and indeed Of
the State government. Their L ader Is a man who
unites the most consummate ,illsiny with reck-
less, intrepid spirit having great talent for per-
sonation and acting. he has contrived TO accom-
plsh the most unhcard 81 eNp loits.n
The Tomtit affected ,rt ~ interest.
HE must be . wonderful fellow, surely"
"He II q wonderful villain" replied Duffy,
clench,ng his teeth. and at the same time giving
| the rcin- a violent jerk
"Do you ever zee him. inquired the Tomtit,
noticing, and even exulting, in his mpanion's
aof,.