The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-02-08
when he got thinking it over, he go1
scarad and npachpd -

when he got thinking it over, he go1
scared, and peached."
ave oughtn't to wait here, boys"
Right. sergeant Let's get In hiding.
They moved toward the door leading
TO the regular kitchen, passing so close
to me that could have put out my hand
and touch them.
1t may be set down for certain that
held my breath as they passed by.
When they were gone, realized what
q close shave ! had had.
All became quiet again. The house
was like tomb. Once or twice heard
venturesome rat gnawing under the
floor, and the sound seemed doubly loud.
What kept the burglar?
Had he been on the ground in time to
see the three policemen enter?
If so, then my little game was knock
ed on the head. began to grow impa-
tient.
Something must happen soon, or I
would leave the premises, unable to hold
out.
All! had my ears deceived me, or was
that some one at the door? I listened
intently, filled with the hope that the
crisis was at hand.
Yes, there was no mistake this time.
The sound was repeated. 1twas exactly
what had heard when the three police
officers were about entering.
This time it must be the burglar.
only hoped that when the scene 90
CURED ne would not give the alarm.
Such piece Of business would bring the
three officers swooping down upon us,
and we would, in all probability, find
ourselves scooped in.
The door opened again.
A man glided into the room. could
hear him breathing hard, and feeling
assured that it was my burglar I pre-
pared to spring upon him the smartest
trap he had ever touched.
moved out from behind the stove and
crouched there as II hsc just come
through the door leading into the house.
My appearance was intended to repre-
sent man who had been baked in some
nefarious design, and now found himself
Gagged.
To render this stage effect, called up
every atom OF my powers, but / had con-
fdence, and that would go . great ways.
l was none to soon.
The burglar was getting his lantern
into shape, and all at once this light fell
upon me. I instantly covered Colonel
Cain, at the same time saying in low,
tenseswhisper:.
aNot q word on your life, man.
swear ] will not be caught alive. A cry.
and you are dead mani"
The bait took.
NY words astonished the burglar moro
than did my presence, for while he had
on the second Jumped to the conclusion
that was detective lying in wait fora
worthy about his build and make up, he
realized at once that believed him to be
the same.
My threatening attitude kept him
quiet, at the same time he was busy ex-
amining me with his keen eyes I spoke
again:
"You can't hold me-there amt no
man Oh earth can run me In. I'm going
to get out of here if have to walk over
you"
"Hold up, pard; there's a mistake
here" 70"
II know it; that's why I'm backing
out like crab. There's some fellers In
here I amt longing to meet; oh, mol"
II tell you we're both here on the same
business-to crack this crib"
do you mean that?" ...
II swear it. Come. what's the use OF
leaving? We can clean it out and
divvy."
swell, You see, there's some fellows in
yonder don't care to meet"
ain this house?"
~Yes; three Of them"
"You are mistaken. Curry said there
wasn't soul here"
@Curry! That's the name they used as
they came In. They said he had made
deal with them"
"A deal! Jerusaleml Who are they?'
sBluecoats."
"Police,r and in this house?"
They're in hiding in the dining-room
now, waiting for some one. Thought 1t
was me, but now I see it's you they
want"
"Imposable!"
sIs it, though? Just step through that
door yonder, and see how quick they
gobble you up"
@This beats the deuce! Curry betray
me! I'll pay him up for this"
"Do what you please. AS for me, I'm
going to get out Of this place in a deuced
hurry. Make way there"
"Not SO fast, my friend. II this be
true, you have done me service Shall
try hard to repay"
II want no reward. II you doubt my
word we can easily prove it. Go out
with me and see for yourself"
He had no inclination to remain, and
petnsS 80 left the outer kitchen IN
which our whispered conversation had
taken place.
By my direction he climbed up to the
window Of the dining-room, and both
watched and listened, until some OF the
impatient men within, changing their
positions, betrayed their presence to
Cain.
When he joined me again he wrung
my hand savagely.
"My dear fellow, ! am under heavy
obligations to you. Command me-"
felt some satisfaction in my work.
Here the burglar had fallen into my
snare. The game had opened brilliant
ly-how would it end? ! was ready for
further work.
CHAPTER XVII.
AsI walked away with this man OF
dark methods felt that the part which
dreaded most had been carried through
in q very satisfactory manner.
Fortune had smiled upon me. had
high hopes Of attaining my object,
whether this would prove satisfactory to