The Arizona champion., 1890-09-27

and turning up the wick. He was wait ing for the man to get his hands of that pistol.
 "Well, if that happens again l shall knock you down! Dye hear?"
 O yes, Dick heard, but he said noth- ing. He pointed out the closet in the dining-room and was ordered to take seat.
 And mind ye keep it."
 Dick heard that but he did not reply. He waited patiently for his chance, which must come soon.
 The burglar threw open the door, laid his pistol down on a shelf and bent down to pry open drawer, which, from the strong lock, must contain something of importance. He had succeeded in destroying the lock and had grabbed the drawer with both hands, when slight noise behind him caught his ear.
 Dick had drawn his revolver and, ad- vancing quickly to within few feet Of the burglar, was now drawing a bead on his right eye.
 Keep just as you are," he admon- ished him, ''or I'll speckle your eye"
 Still holding his revolver pointing straight at the head of the surprised burglar, he reached over and secured the pistol on the shelf. Then he went through the burglars pockets and re- gained his own revolver. When he had done so Dick drew { back and ordered his prisoner to stand up. The man hesitated, cast a glance at his iron jimmy on the floor, but obeyed.
 What are you going to do with me?" he asked.
 Don't let that bother you," an- swered Dick. "You will be well taken care of-very we'll, indeed"
 Dick ordered the burglar to precede him into the kitchen. Here he halted for the moment
 q have determined to give you chance to escape. It will be a bare chance, but that is not my affair. You will have to make the most of it. l consider 1t safer to lock you up in the cellar and go for help than to try to escort you alone to the police station, half mile away. Don't say word or I shall think better of my promise. Now, then, walk chalk"
 The burglar, grasping eagerly at the hope of escape, did not utter another syllable, but went slowly down the stairs. But his foot had hardly touched the last step when he was furiously set upon by the two boys. Dick hurriedly descended with the lamp. Just what he had expected had taken place. Jack and Tom had mistaken the intruder for Dick, and had fioored him with the intention of keeping up the pleasantly of the early part of the evening.
 But the burglar, although hoored, vas not disposed to take things at all quietly.
 The young host hastened to poke his revolver under the rufi1an's nose, and on the strength of this argument peace, or at least quiet, was restored.
 The offender was then securely bound, and while Tom and Jack sat as guards over him, Dick went in search of an of- ficer. Returning, he introduced to that official the now thoroughly subdued house. breaker.
 "You'll have to come around in the morning and see the chief" said the officer, addressing the three young men. 1t will be necessary to testify. Please examine the man that you may identify him."
 
 The officer and his charge having de- parted, Dick for the third time that night made the house fast. This done, he led his cousin and friend to their rooms.
 Bed is the countersign now, boys" said Jack.
 "You're right Jack" said Dick, "but let me know first to whose bright intel lect I am to attribute the transcendent idea of burglarious visitation, which you so admirably put in force"
 And which you so splendidly re- ceived. It was Toms. He met me at the station on the way here, and after stating that you had professed fear of burglars, proposed the racket"
 "But," said Tom, i've had no idea that it would be a."
 "-Double surprise" quoth Dick, as they all turned n.-Philadelphia Press.