Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1897-01-09

NOne, 30 Iur Us j am aware.
every well, let him keep In the dark |
for the present. Meanwhile, can you
tell me your object In sleeping on these
premises the last few nights"
"Well," said Mr.. Bridgnorth, slowly;
ut Is this. For some little time I have
found myself out of sorts. There Is
really the matter with me, that
I know of, but have been spending n
lot Of restless nights. either getting no
sleep ut all, or only sufficient to do me
little good. Under the impression that
a change of apartments Is sometimes
remedy for Insomnia, decided, rs am
a bachelor and have only myself to
please. that for night or two would
sleep here, where there Is plenty of
room and ample accommodation"
II Sec"
"wcll," went on the solicitor. "thc
change answered admirably. From the
very first night slept soundly, save for
some persistent dreaming. which night
~ hnunts me and leaves me somewhat
unrcfreshed In the morning. The old
woman who comes In to do for Hartley
finds Il little extra work to prepare n
dormitory for me. 80 have remained
for the present. This Ii the explana-
ton.
"rhank you. sir. We will now try
and run this thief to earth. What I
propose IL very simple. Find me q
hiding place here to-night--a screen or q
cupboard will do, for I am used to
crnmped quartes-and will see what
IL to Ike seen. Lock your desk and door
as usual, but provide me with key Of
the latter for use II needful."
Mr.. Bridgnorth agreed. and shortly
after took my departure. AZ passed
through the outer room got a look at
the clerks, and In particular at Hartley.
which was enabled to do without OK.
citing suspicion. Judging from appear.
ances the fellow looked like anything
but thief, having frank, open coun.
tenance. and lacking altogether that
stiffness Of vision characteristic Of nj.
most every rogue. Aware, however,
that there Is nothing more deceptive
thnn externals. went away little
doubling that Hartley was my man.
Late that evening presented myself
at Mr.. Bridgnorth's door and was re.
ceived by that gentleman In perSon.
The Office was closed, the clerks had all
gone home. and Hartley was out, pre-.
sun,obly lovc.mnking. Mr.. BridgnOrth
found little difficulty In securing me a
retreat behind a cabinet which stood In
one corner Of the Office. and here I en-.
sconced myself with as much comfort
as the circumstances permitted.
At 1890 the solicitor retired. locking
both his desk and the ONCE door before
going upstairs. and providing me with
a duplicate key Of the latter. ns had
desired. Hartley would he home he In.
formed me. about II o'clock. and would
doubtless 20 straight to his room.
The lawyers estimate proved correct,
for almost exactly on the stroke Of the
hour q key turned In the lock Of tho
outer door and the confidential clerk
entered. He had no occasion to come
into the ofllco In order to reach his
apartment. but on his way past he
paused moment and tried the handle
Of the door. and finding It fastened
went on bis way. A minute later
heard tho closing Of his chamber door
and my watch began.
The time passed slowly away.
Twelve o'clock struck. then and 2, and
I had begun to think that my vigil
would be In vain, when In the stiffness
Of the night heard door softly open.
al above and u cautious footstep slowly
descend tho stairs. 1t paused ut the
foot OF them. close to the door OF the
room In which 10y hid. and I next
heard the juggling Of bunch Of keys,
AZ II tho pOssess0r Of them were select.
Ing the right one to ut the lock. 4 mo.
ment later the portal opened and tho
pilferer entered.
The place was In darkness and had
to strain my eyes to watch his move.
ments. Tho lantern had with me
did not desire to use until the right mo.
ment. FOR II was my hope to capture the
thief In tho very act OF his larceny.
had not very long to walt. Wrapped In
a long gown aud without shoes on his
feet. the pilferer glided srcalthiiy to the
desk. and Atting key into the lock
lifted tho lid. He then open the casl,
box and took ont some Of the coins.
Now was my time. Slipping from
my hiding place I turned OH my lantern
and confronted the culprlt. As l did 81
! gave a stare OF surprise. for the maj,
I encountered was Mr.. Brldgnorth him.
self. ana could tell by his closed eyes
that he was fast asleep. and. OF course.
quite una ware Of what he was doing.
Seeing that the light from my lantern
bothered him somewhat (fOr hc passed
his hand several times dreamily across
his face). I replaced the shade ana tho
sOmnambul!st at once closed ana fast.
ened the desk. and then walked ont OF
the office. locking the door behind him
Noiselessly ! reOpened It, and followed
him.
He retraced his steps up the stairs
and. going to a cupboard OH the nndlng
stopped down. rummaging a second OF
two among some old rubbish at the bot
tom, and seeming to deposit his coins
there. He entered u chamber adjOin
Ing. Peerlng cautiously into this. l saw
tho sleeper d.vest himself OF his g0wl
and get uncOnsciOusly into the bed lit
had few minutes before left.
Well, Sampson" said Mr.. BrIdg
north. when he came down the mex
morning. "what Is the result of youl
watching? Have you discovered til,
thief?"
~ think have, SIR" was tho reDly.