The National tribune., 1892-05-12

pocket. Crack! quick movement of the
thumb, and the exposed lens of thick glass lets
diverging ray of light shoot out into the
room. NJ. Barton examines the furniture with
the critical eye of all expert. aud is evidently
pleased.
Flemish tapestries" he mutters. "Bigre!"
Then taking his time about it, the burglar
slipped over his shoes pair OF nne ruDoers,
and, passing through the door which led to the
interior of the house. he advanced with the step
of a man who knew his business and wss sure
of himself.
Now Just a word of xplanation. 1t was some
two mon rs since NJ. Barton's investigating eye
had spied out this lonely cottage back among
the trees in an out-of-the-way corner OF no
matter what French city. The street was de-
serted; there were no neighbors; there were
not even bars or blinds to the windows Nj.
Barton felt so much encouraged that ne Oh
tanned further particulars. A young lady was
living there alone with a single servant. They
were both strangers-the young lady an Amer
lean, the maid lumpish, red-haired girl
from the north of Scotland. What luck! III.
Barton stroked his chin complacently, and pro-
ceeded to make love to the fiery haired but
simple minded bonnie, whose name was Julia.
He gave her little trinkets, and questioned her
sdroitly about her mistress, Miss Eva Lorlng,
from Boston. He learned that she came of good
family, was an heiress, but was queer"
That was matter of considerable indiffer-
ence to NJ Barton, who did not care how
queer" Miss Eva might be as long as her
bank-notes were plenty and her diamonds OF
the first water.
So, having got full information on such
points as interested him. and having deposited
ehaste kiss the lips OF the angular lassie as
an outward and visible sign that he was going
to marry her shortly, NJ. Barton proceeded to
make his final coup-that is plumber the prem
ises
Add t1,a airYb+ inf fl,f
great event, and will join NJ. Barton as he
climbs the stairs two steps at a time. AT the
top he pauses to reflect.
Let ue see What did Julia say? Turn
to the left, then straight on to the bedroom
of MademOiselle. Here am. Let's see; have
everything? Chloroform, revolver and the
bag for the gold fastened around my waist.
BonI"
He lifted his little lantern to find the lock,
then turning the knob with quick, noiseless
movement, he entered the room. All was dark
aud silent. No sound of breathing from the
bed.
Must be light sleeper" philosophical NJ.
Barton, who saw that he had an easy case to
deal with. Sha'n't need my revolver, and
don't believe even the chloroform will be
necessary"
This reflection shows NJ. Barton as the hon.
orabe and high minded burglar he really was.
Dc did not believe in cutting clients throat,
pEless il became absolutely necessary through
some indiscretion on the part of the latter. He
did his work artist. not as butcher.
While these pleasant fances were running
Through his mind NJ. Barton approached an
elegantly carved desk, whose secret door he
found, as ii were, by instinct, and without the
help of the lantern. He was Just preparing to
open ii when suddenly the room was filed
with dazzling light brighter than the day,
while womans voice, low and musical, said:
On it's you. is it? / thought So"
M. Barton started as if he had been stung by
O hornet
do not move hand or foot, or you are
dead man. i never miss my AIM"
Through the binding light NJ. Barton saw
distinctly white hand, wOmans hand, and
worst OF all the hand of an exceedingly pretty
young woman Ieyeling a revolver at him. She
was sitting upright, propped against the pill
lows, IN very large bed, which might have
been arranged for Queen, SO luxurious was il
IN all lis fittings The fair young American
was cool a cucumber.
1t was all done by electricity, cher Mon
seur. There is nothing like it, One is in
darkness, touches button, aud presto! one is
an the blaze OF daylight Touch the button
again, like this see? And it's all black. Con-
yenieut nest ce pas?"
Nj. Barton was rooted to the floor For the
trst time IN his career he was captured more
than that, he was amazed. What could he do
with those flashing barrels staring him in the
facel What could he say to this very attractive
young lady, whose hair had fallen over her
shoulders in golden cloak, and whose big
eyes, deep aDd brilliant never left him. What
explanation could he offer 10 a person whose
purple lips formed themselves into such a
hooking SMILE and whose clean-cut nose and
chin showed that she was not only beauty.
but 6 beauty with will of her owni
Having never in his professional career met
Nj g.
words TO fit the situation, SO he said nothing
and listened in dazed way
am MISS Eva Loring, Of Boston," con-
timed the lady in bed, very coolly You are
NJ. Barton, NJ. Georges Barton, My Georges
as Julia calls you, poor girl! She is a rare
subject, and bring her under the influence at
my Will, 60 that she has no secrets from me. Do
you believe in hypnotism? / wonder If /
could bring you under my infuence?"
Nhat was ali this she was saying? II was
Greek TO NJ Barton, only he began TO feel
curious and disagreeable sensation which az
fected not only his muscles, but his brain.
Let as see," continued the young lady and
raising her left hand, for the other was occu.
pied with the revolver. she traced light circles
IN the an, her gaze riveted upon NJ. Barton
meanwhile. IL was a sort of keen, double
look this which she fixed upon him, and it
bored into him like dart as if to tear out
something which was trying TO escape, some
PaiN Va AAAscAA Lis ISsOlutlon, his Will, his free
agency.
Presently the white hand fell.
" see that will DO nicely" said the pleasant
voice. How do you feel2"
Tout drole," gasped the rascal, by which
he meant that his sensations were queer ia the
highest degree. His answer moreover WAS
given mechanically, and his own voice sounded
strangely TO him, as If it came from far away,
or as If be were walking in his sleep.
oh, ITS always that way the first time.n
said Miss Eva; "but tell me, without any false
modesty. are you clever in your-aher-pro-
fessionf"
Dame! i have always thought SO up to
now"
III. Barton spoke with an effort and as IL in
spite OF himself. With an impatient gesture
he lifted his hand TO his forehead, and the dark
lantern rolled TO the floor. Miss Eva never
for second left her unwilling subject free
from her imperious look.
. You viii answer capitally," she said "be.
sides, you arc perfectly organized, NJ. Barton in
body and brain. i have always maintained
that the criminal instinct develops itself in
other than atr0phied brains. What are your
ideas on that point?"
=" have none," said N. Barton, who resem.