The Press., 1893-01-19


 He sauu t.at Arthur cnrried q bundle
 As Jack reached the public square on his way home and gazed across it the night was so dark he could hardly dis tinguish the outlines of The Herald office, which stood over opposite the church, in the deeper shadow of which he paused to light 8 cigar. As he was feeling in his pocket for a match het noticed that the three lamps along down the street next The Herald office were not burning-a thing very unusual-and was at the same instant somewhat startled to see 8 flash of light in The Herald's business office instead of the steady gleam of the gas jet Simmons always left burning. As he stood match in one hand and cigar in the other-he was still further startled to see the peculiar wink of a bullseye lamp as the slide was shot. Dropping the cigar and match into his pocket together he bent down, and securing a smooth round cobble tiptoed across the street, secreting himself behind tobacconist's sidewalk sign out on the curb nearly opposite the office.
 He could see the police officer pacing along up the street block or more away where the lamps were lighted as usual and would have called to him but for fear of giving needless alarm. Crouching still lower and gazing stead fly into the office, he was soon rewarded by another flash of light as the slide of the bullseye was slowly opened, and then beheld a hand on the combination knob of the safe door. One glance was enough. One hand in all the world was as slim and peculiar between joints as liarity enough seal ring of peculiar pattern clinched the proof. At this in stant Jack heard the bolts shot, the door was swung open, and out of the safe came cashbook and journal. That was enough, and drawing back his powerful arm the watcher prepared to deliver a "curve" toward that safe door that would have cracked it, but for soft voice within fifteen feet of him and ap- parently in the open office door.
 There's no one coming. Use your lamp, Arthur, and don't fail to get the right books ....
 The bullseye was at this instant flashed toward the office door. and he caught a glimpse of Mir. Charles on guard with drawn revolver. The foreman set his teeth together and was about to change his aim to the watcher when the door was shut to, and from oyer the transom he heard low voices and the shooting of the safe door bolts. Then he heard the precious pair come forth and go down the street. As they passed under the first street lamp he saw that Arthur car ried bundle which he had no doubt contained the records they had stolen for what purpose he did not clearly un- derstand. Following as closely as he dared, he saw them halt before the house they and their maiden sister occupied. A large piano lamp threw its light out the full length window, and by it's aid he saw them place the package beneath the steps leading up to the side door. Then they entered, and Jack drew near
 He was thinking faster than he had ever thought before, and while he wanted to secure the books was fearful lest they might become white elephant on his own hands before he could place them in the hands of their owner. Through the window he could see Miss Bite sit ting before the fireplace i'll which d nick ory fire was blazing. Il want witness when take those books" he thought, and his mind reverted to Simmons, with whom he had made his appointment. He was hesitating as to what he should do when he saw Arthur, who sat be- hind the sister, crook his thumb toward the fireplace and grin triumphantly. They'll burn those books as soon as she goes to bed," he thought, and they don't dare bring them in till she retires. Il guess I've time to call Simmons" and he started on 8 run down the middle of the street toward Simmons residence.
 He arrived breathless, and found the old gentleman expecting him. His story told, Simmons nodded gravely and said: "Boy, this is about what I've been ex- pecting. haven't time to explain now, but will later. Wait till secure some less valuable fuel," and snatching a scrapbook and an atlas from the center table he started toward the door. "Come on. We've no time to lose. Wemust get those books. They may save a fortune that is, if twelve thousand dollars is one, and it is to me-.
 Jack caught the old mans idea, and snatching the books from him ran up street at a pace the bookkeeper could hardly equal. As the old man arrived he found Jack on his knees beside the steps hastily unwrapping the precious volumes, and haste was necessary, for Miss Bite had gone to her room, leaving the brothers alone. The bookkeeper saw MT. Arthur arise and throw some more light wood on the fire, and whispering to Jack to make haste retreated across the street. Jack joined him just as the business manager came out the door, and they saw him soon reappear in the room, bearing the bundle in his arms.
 'Now if they undo that package our cake may be all dough-" whispered the old man, who shivered with excitement. "They won't do it, though. See? Tn she goes. My, but won't Molly kick, though! That scrapbook was her pride, and she'll miss it within twenty-four hours"
 Hang the scrapbook!' whispered Jack, exultantly.
 ''Or rather burn it," rejoined the old man. 'See those two fools stand there and watch it burn. 1 suppose they think they are safe now"
 As Jack and Simmons prepared to de- part they could see the brothers lighting up their cigars and sitting down before the fire for smoke, happy in their sup posed triumph.
 CHAPTER V.
 Arrived at Simmons home compari- son of notes followed, and at Jacks re- cital of the afternoons interview and spirited denial of the broth ers' claim the old gentleman kept ex-