The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-08-23
BURGLARS THRBB.
By JAMES HARVEY SMITH.

Ry JAMES HARVEY SMITH.
TCopyright, 1885, By the Author.]
As usual thing when they cracked
. crib one Of the three remained outside
= 10 warn with :, whistle or some other
previously concerted signal his compan-
ions inside. But on this occasion, when
Jim Baxter opened the simple catch
: that fastened The woodshed door and
thence gained access to the interior OF
ssthe house, Wilson Graham and Harry
( Montgomery followed softly after him.
This breach of burglarious custom was
probably due to the fact thatth Braith-
wait mansion was Ii the suburbs, some
distance from the road and several hum
Gred yards from the nearest house.
Once inside, Mr. Graham lighted the
gas, and it was then the work Of very
1 few minutes TO open the sideboard and
subtract therefrom the family silver and
& place it in bag brought for that pur-
pose. While this operation was taking
place, Montgomery made tour OF the
upper rooms.
3s,.sI don't exactly like to trust Harry
up stairs, remarked Baxter in surly
) tone after he had securely tied the
mouth Of the bag. He is too soft. Like
5 as not he'll go and git sentimental over
picture er somethin OF maybe git
a-thinkin Of his mother and leave half
Che: ornyments, .
Graham, who had just opened a pearl
inlaid secretaire and was possessing
himself of numerous valuable trinkets,
laughed softly as he replied:
=ssssI don't think so, jim Only yester-
dayI gave the boy good talking to,
and he promised to attend strictly to
{ business in future. You must remem-
ber he is young, and unless we give him
chance how is he to learn: Of course,
sc there vas a young girl in the house
Z but there isn't, - he added quickly, OBJ
7 serving the wrathfu1 frown on his cem-
panion's face. I made certain that the
only people who sleep in the house are
NE. Braithwait and the housekeeper,
who is rather old and nearly deaf. The
rest Of the family are in Florida for
their health. IF Braithwait makes dis
fnrbance, I reckon Harry can settle him
without any sentimental nonsense. -
I'd settle him., muttered Baxter
surlily.
You're savage, JIM" said Gra-
ham reproachfuHy. How often have l
told you that there is no virtue in vio-
lence. Haven convinced you that the
easy way is the safe way
Yah, don'ss give me no more OF
that!.'' said Baxter contemptuously. 1
ant no missionary. .
AT this juncsure, when the argument
threatened. to develop into quarrel,
peace was restored by the temperance
8 of the young burglar, carrying consid-
erable quantity of jewelry, loose and in
boxes, while he softly whistled "M'Ap-
pari p
Not bad haul, y observed Graham,
turning over the plunder as it lay On
the table. 1.-TWO watches:"
They're them little tickers what the
girls carry, - said Baxter scornfully.
Ne won't get So apiece for ZEN. y
g Won't we, thought said Graham,
smiling. They are gold, and there is
an inscription on each. That means a
fancy reward, or I don't know human
feminine nature Two brooches, neck
lace. HIM, h:m. Very good indeed. .
There was no money . remarked
Harry. adjusting his necktie before the
mirror and giving his small blonde
mlstaehe q curl.
Il expected as much commented
Graham. storing away the trinkets IN
his pockets. 'Braithwait has a hun
dred With him, ! dare say, but it isn't
worth the risk. II we kill a man in the