Evening star., 1896-08-22

tain side alone 1t was useless to question
Navy. He was true to his associates as
long as he lived, and unusual preca ltions
were taken to prevent his sending them
any message"
How did you come to know him.
Il used to do some charitable work at
that time-especially in the Bolton prison,
where he was confined.
did you reform any criminalS?" Jack
Hall skeptically inquired.
Come, Hall, let him alone" Frarie in
terposed. I'VE want to hear about the
burglar
Il had been in and out for months be-
fore 1 saw Navy; but at last the warden
gained confidence in my discretion. and.
after an explicit warning. volunteered to
take me to the convict's cell.
Navy is a crafty old fellow he ad-
monished me. Don't repeat word that
he says! He will try to use you when
you least suspect It
I'VE found the prisoner sitting by the door,
with his grizzled head resting upon his
hands. Weary. dogged endurance was
craven in every line of his face. He bright
ened upon our entrance, and, with slight
twinkle of the eyes, looked me over humor-
ously. By that one glance he had probed
my inexperience, and, after the warden 8
departure. he warily tested his conclusions.
This is very kind he began smoothly
1T is pleasant to meet gentleman of your
cloth. I suppose you would like me to re-
pent Of my evil ways?'
81 had not thought of it., I answered,
curtly. 'Wculd you prefer to see clergy
man?
Navy turned quickly upon me. I thought
you were one Of them! he exclaimed
Not at all. came here with merely a
human Interest in YOU
"Surprised as he was, Navy quickly re-
covered his poiSe.
Nov, 1 call that kind" he said, with a
touch of feeling. Just because I'm human
being that's lonely and needs company.
That does me good. If 1 wasn't wearing
%1o,o III 4 Off Won I,p hot
"Of course, he made no motion to do so,
but / promptly put cut my hand.
Thank you.' he said, giving it firm
clasp. 1T seems good to meet a gentleman
again.
"'You have a few VISITORS suggested.
"'You are the first outsider, excepting the
Penniwell people. There's the chaplain: he
wants me to be sorry for my sins-Lord, I'm
no hypocrite" he broke out, scornfuly.
Cracking safes is my profession, and if
was free I'd be at 1t again. I've talked some
with the warden, but he hasn't a particle of
sympathy with my feelings. He only
ought to have caught you long ago." Now
1 call that a kind of wet blanket on mans
professional enthusiasm, don't you?'
Il smiled and assented readily-he was
such fascinating ofd sinner.
so you are driven back upon your men,
ories? 1 remarked0g 'e
That's just it's And comforting they
are, too. You would e:ssurprised to know
Is gone now and I'm laid on the shelf but
it's a great consolstionsto look back on a
successful career. Which I get blue, sitting
here alone, bark TACK DO some time when
1 outwitted the officers ,eand 1t heartens me
wonderfully *'ef
"Then he pausede a moment. I wonder
If you would be interested to hear of such
matters?' p he askedpnoubtfully.
Indeed, I would! was my instant re-
sponse. DO you mind If use this? Some
times write storieF forlthe magazines
Navy was intereSteiat once
"rIIow do YOU make out Pt he asked critically
Poorly enough, $50 far
"Lord, what you needDis life! he declared.
why, could give you stories to write until
your hair is gray!
Nothing could please me better said I.
"'Will you put in my own name? he
asked, eagerly.
"'Certainly, If you wish me to-
"Navy seemed gratified. 1 well rene nber
the delightful animation with which he be-
gan a story of one of his earlier cscapsdes
I wrote 1t out carefully, and, after that ]
often visited him, quite as much fer ny cEn
advantage as for his.
Meanwhile my notes kept pace with his
stories, and Navy showed the utncst m
terest in them. That man of his stc-.p
should be so concerned. laid to the killing
monotony of prison life, but at last l d.s-
covered that he was broodEg ever -,--e
scheme which he was half-ashaElcd &c rro-
pose. One day I frankly inquired what vas
on his mind. =
1--WE got notion that I'd Ike to write