The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-10-27
BILL TRUBER, BURGLAR
BY LUKE SHARP.


 Smith, the porter, was at work in the alley behind the establishment of Hoskins, Son & Go. He was big, burly fellow, with bullet head set strongly on his shoulders. He whirled the heavy packages end over end and flung them on the dray as if they were 6 hundred weight each. He seemed just the man for the job.
 In the office at the back of the store sat MT. Hoskins. His back was to- wards the window that looked out on the alley. A man was standing talk ing to him, when suddenly the man seemed to notice Smith. Then he stopped talking and stared.
 "What's the natter" asked Hos- kins.
 "Who's that loading the boxes on the dray?"
 Hoskins wheeled around on his re- volving chair and looked out. "That2 Oh, that's Smith, one of the porters. Why?"
 "Smith, is it? That mans Bill Tru- Der, the burglar. How long have you had him?"
 "Impossible. He's been here six months or more. Gives perfect satis- faction, believe"
 "All the same, he's Truber. Was let out of state's prison less than year ago. Served three years, l believe. I'd investigate if were you"
 When the man left, Hoskins sat for a few moments looking out the alley window. Then he called to one of the store, boys and said:
 "Ask Smith to come here, will you" Smith came in, looking embarrassed at the unusual call.
 "Just close the door," said Hoskins. Smith closed the door.
 "See here, my man, is Smith your name?"
 The man looked up quickly at Hos- kins, then replied sullenly:
 "Ain't Smith as good as any other name2"
 "Yes, if it is your own. Is ita"
 "No, it ain't." "What is your name, then?"
 dts nobody's business as long as l do my work"
 "It's my business. I'll make it my business. don't want any of your insolence. Whats your name2"
 Smith did not answer.
 "See here, my man, you've got to be careful or I'll give you up to the po- qice."
 "What for2"
 "You know very well what for." "No, don't. What for?"
 Because you're burglar. Do you deny it?"
 "Of course I deny it. was bur- glar. Pve served my time. Pve done no harm since. Pve worked hard enough for what you give me-" . "Well, you can't work any longer for me. Call at the window and get your pay"
 Smith did not move.
 "You heard what I said. Get out of here. You may thank your stars don't hand you over to the police" "You've nothing to hand me over for and you know it, or you'd do it quick enough. Pve got to eat like other men. Who gave me away?"
 "That don't matter. The clerk will give you what's coming to you."
 "See here, if I get another job you won't give me away will you?"
 "I don't wish to have any further conversation with you. Next place you get, don't get it under false pre- lenses; you'll find honesty the best policy"
 The burglar drew his pay and start ed hunting for another job. He tried honestly for while, but found that a good record in states prison was not necessarily n good business recommen- dation. He doubted the policy and dropped it.
 At last he got place in the hard- ware house of Irons x Co. All went we'll for 8 week, until one day he came on Irons and Hoskins together. He was not kept moment in suspense. "That man in your employ?" asked Hoskins. "I suppose he told you he was a jail bird?"
 Good gracious, mol" exclaimed Irons. "Is that true, JOnesg"
 "Oh, he's Jones now, is he2" Hos kins went on. sfHe was Smith at my place. His real name is Bill some thing, burglar, late of states prison" :" One night week Nr. Ezra Hoskins was in tho habit of staying late at his office. Hoskins will never again be 90 near death's door until he finally en- ters therein as he was the next night he stayed in his office.
 The burglar was concealed within ten feet of him, but murder and .ct robbery was his object that night. His only regret was that he would have to Kill Hoskins % quickly and silsntly