The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-02-08
when it must be- condemned by the city

autnOrlGleS anu tOrn uOWn.
Through sheer custom the man, before
he entered here, turned and looked up
and down the dingy, ill-smelling street.
This marked as the habitual caution
CT the old thief. Used to being hunted
like beast of prey, he never knew 9
minutes peace, and yet the excitement
of such life had its fascination for his
dwarfed and distorted mind.
I held my breath as we entered the
hallway of this tenement. It was in
deed a noisome place, and I could not
but believe the building had as tenants a
number Of Chinese. Mott street was
near at hand.
He ascended ever so many flights OF
narrow stairs, until groaned over the
work and the difficulty of cropping ones
way through inky darkness. All that
saved me from speedy disaster was the
fact that with one hand had seized hold
of the Colonel's coat
At last, when we could 60 no further,
my guide condescended to halt.
We were on the top floor OF the tene-
ment, with the roof almost within reach
of an outstretched hand.
This saw after jingling Of keys had
told me that my companion was opening
door of which he possessed the open
sesame, and then q match starting into
life was applied to candle.
The room into which he led me was q
dingy-looking place. From the walls
the plaster had fallen until half of the
naked laths were grinning at one as II in
derision.
AS for the low ceiling, it was never
guilty Of being plastered, but showed
forth in all. the hideous colors of age.
In sthe middle!was trap or scuttle,
secured oD the inside. This could read
lily be reached by means Of box that
stood directly beneath 1t. I saw at q
glance that it was meant to be the burg
lars means Of escape from the rear
should his castle be assaulted in front.
When I had looked around for chair,
found relic near me, upon which I
rested my weary frame with not little
suspicion regarding its integrity.
Meanwhile Colonel Cain, the cracks.
man, had closed and barred the door
against all possible intrusion.
This done, he seated himself upon the
box and breathed fast Those narrow
and steep stairs were certainly enough
to lay one out, and my knees felt as
though, they would never, come into shape
again.
1 could not remember worse climb in
my calendar, unless itwas at the Bun
ker Hill monument.
We were on deck now, and the time
had about come for diplomacy.
All that had ever read or heard about
men Of this dark profession must stand
me in good stead now, for had part
to play that every man could not carry
out.
had determined to make out to be q
rather new hand at the business, and
one who, although not up to all the
tricks of the trade, was willing to learn.
In this role, any lack Of the requisites
with which your true burglar is sup
posed to be supplied would be forgiven.
Having taken his seat on the box, the
burglar lit his pipe, and then, folding his
hands around his knees, proceeded to
look me over.
aWho might you be, comrade, not
meaning to be rude?" he finally said.
Seeing that you are the host, it is but
fair that you should introduce yourself
first"
"By Jove! you're right, now. What q
giddy OK I am TO- forget. I'm known as
Colonel Cain, and over the water they do
say I'm the bloomin'est trump that ever
drew breath"
@Glad to meet you, Colonel. Joslyn's
my handle-Joe Joslyn at home"
We shook hands gravely.