San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-12-19

Tor lost.
"As true as stand here gentlemen, l
didn't steal that statue"
Al doubt you're not the build for TAX
ing the lead in that sort of thing" said
the Count. but yOu were in it: you went
down that Saturday as blind. Deny 1t
if you dare"
Leander did not dare. II could not
help myself, gentlemen" he faltered.
"Who said you could? And you can't
help yourself now, either; so make a
clean breast of it. Who are you stand
ing in with: Is it Potter's lot?"
If Leander had declared himself to be
alone, things might have gone harder
with him, and they certainly would
never have believed him; SO he said it
was Potter's lot.
II told you that Potter was after the
marble and you wouldn't have it Count,
growled Braddle. "Now you're salts
fed"
The Count comprised Potter and his
lot in new and original malediction
BY way of answer, and then said to
Leander: did Potter tell you to let
that Venus stand where all the world
might see it?"
II had no discretion" said the hair
dresser. I'm not responsible, indeed,
gents.
"No discretion. Ishould think you
hadn't. Nor Potter either, acting the
dog in the manager like this. Where'll
he find his market for it, Ell? What
orders have you got? When are you go
ing to get it across?"
1--WE no notions. / haven't received
,l;,.nntSN,.e e,il 1 nnnInr
"A nice sort o mug you are to be
trusted with job like this" said Brad
die. II did think Potter was better up
in his work, did. A pretty bungle he'll
make of it,"
at would serve him right for inter-
fering with fellow-professionals in this
internal unprincipled manner; but he
sha'n't have the chance, Braddle, he
sha'n't have the chance; We'll steal a
march on him this time"
as the coast clear yet?" said Braddle.
ave must risk it. We shall find a
route for it, never fear" was the reply.
Now, you cursed hair-dresser, you
listen to what I'm going to tell you.
That Venus is our lawful property, and
by, we mean to get her into our
hands again; dye hear that"
Leander heard, and with delight. So
long as he could once get free from the
presence of the statue and out of the
cross-ire of burglars and police, he was
willing by this time to abandon the
cloak and ring.
81 can truly say, hope you'll be sue
cessfuL, gents" he replied.
1--WE don't want your hopes, we want
your help. You must round on Pot
ter"
Must I,gents?" said Leander. "Well,
to Oblige you, whatever it costs me,
will round on Potter"
take care you stick to that" said
Braddle. THE next pint, Count, is 'ow
we're to get her"
"Come in and take her away" said
Leander, eagerly. "Shell be quiet. /
| mean the hOuse'll be quiet now.
You'll be very welcome, 1 assure you.
l won't interfere.
you're a bright chap to go in for a
purfession like ours, " said Mr.. Braddle,
with intense disgust. "How do yer
suppose we're to do it; take her to
pieces, Ell, and bring her along in our
pockets? Do you think we're flats
enough to run the chance of being seen
ere statue along?"
ave must have the light cart again
and sack, said the Count. Its too
late tonight.
And it amt safe in the daytime, "
said Braddle. Were wanted for that
job at Camberwell that puts it on to-
morrow evening. But suppose Potter
has fixed the same time?"
4
the same time?" the Count demanded
from Leander.
mo-" said Leander; "Potter amt said
nothing to me about moving her."
Then you are man enough to under
take Potter, if he starts the idea? Are
you? Gomez"
"Yes, gents, I'll manage Potter. You
| break in any time after midnight, and
| I'll engage you shall find the Venus on
| the premises.
But we want more than that of you
you know. We mustn't lose any time
| over this job. You must be ready at the
door to let us in, and bear a hand with
her down to the cart.
But this did not SUIT Leander's views
at all. He was determined to avoid al
personal risks, and to be caught helping
| the burglars to carry off the Aphroditt
would be fatal
He was recovering his presence o
mind. AS his tormentors had scnsibly
relaxed, he was able to take steps fol-
his own security.
II beg pardon, gents" he said, "bu
I don't want to appear in this myself
There's Potter, you see; he's hawfu
man to go against. You know wha
Potter is yourselves" Potter was real
ly coming in quite usefully, he began t.
think.)
well, don't suppose Potter would
make more bones about Sitting you
throat than we should if he knew you'C
played him false" said the Count "Bu
we can't help that; in place like thi'
it's too risky to break in when we car
| he let in