Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-06-16
t Tempt ING. =
But the Burglar Was
Too Squeamish.

Excuse me- said pleasant voice at
his bedside. I'm sorry to have to awak-
en- you. Believe me i shouldn't do it ex-
cept for the fact that you have the key
to the secret safe in a chamois skin belt
around your waist"
why, how in the world" gasped Mr.
Billions, did you ever-say, who are you,
anyway
'You will pardon me-" said his mid
night visitor, IF l prefer to remain incog.
Ii saves me Il Great deal of annoyance.
You will also pardon me, / am sure. if
touch this slide and throw on the light.
There, that is better. You see, it will be
necessary for you to- tumble among the
hedclothes to get that key, and l like to
be sure there is no treachery."
''Well, I'll be-look here, what do you
want in here?'
Its rather Il waste of time" said the
stranger. but it is early yet, and | don't
mind telling you. In the hidden safe
over the fireplace behind the picture of
Eve in the first spring fashions are the
Billions diamonds that were brought
from the bank today and worn TO the
some few thousands ready cash paid you
in little deal after banking hours"
Don't mention it, said Mr.. Billions
as he secured the key and handed it out,
keeping his eye meantime on the revolv-
er. NO Inconvenience whatever. But
l do wish you would put UP your pistol.
Firearms always make me nervous"
With pleasure" said the polite bur-
glar. Just get up and seat yourself in
this rocker. You are not susceptible to
colds, are you?'
"No. And besides. it's very pleasant in
here" said Mr.. Billions, as he took the
proffered chair and his visitor put up his
gun. But wouldn't mind a glass of
wine if you will kindly get it from the
table for me. Thank you. Shall | pour
one for you?'
mo, thank you. | never drink during
business hours"
Mr.. Billions poured the wine slowly
and drank it thoughtfully.
This will be quite nice little-eh-
stroke of business for you" he said final
ly. do you-er-operate eXtensivelyY'
NO" said the burglar. Il never make
any small ventures. have not done any
thing now for two years except mere
practice work. The last one was $780,
900 transaction. Perhaps you remember
it."
'Old Bonder's case?" said Mr.. Billions,
with sudden gleam of appreciation.
"Was that yours? But of course not.
The man was caught and sent up for 10
years"
Yes, he gets $1,000 year and ex-
penses; no work, flowers, magazines, ci
gars and wines and excellent service"
Oh said Mr.. Billions as he once
more relapsed into a brown study, out of
which he was aroused by the burglar.
Il hate to intrude business into a social
and friendly chat of this kind, but | beg
to observe that time is passing, so if you
will excuse me l will attend to my du-
ties
Look here said Mr.. Billions sud-
denly. "You are a man of ability
The burglar bowed his head in ac-
acknowledgement of the compliment.
'You are in this business for money"
Again the burglar bowed.
My dear sir, you are going to waste
simply going to waste. Why, man of
your genius ought to be where he could
have Il full swing. | would give almost
to have you in with me. Now,
here, for instance, is the toothpick trust
just forming. or the drinking water
trust, either. r.one of them offering unpar-
alleled advantages for man of your ca
pacity. Eth? What do you think of it?''
WELL" said the burglar, Il have often
thought of deserving my art for the more
lucrative fields of trade, but it has never
come so definite before me as this"
"Er-have you any capital to invest?'
Il tell you what I'll do. have $780,
00C. I'll put it into the drinking water
trust if you and | together can hold the
interest-that is, if yon are
sure you can make it operative"
"Capital!' said Mr.. Billions eagerly.
And | shall be most delighted to have a
man of your nerve and fnesse at my
right hand. Where have you got this
money invested now?"
.'ln diamonds" said the burglar calmly
as he glanced at the picture over the fire.
place.
''Oh, l see"' said Mr.. Billions, with a
slight frown and Il lapse into thoughtful
ness, from which he emerged with jerk
and shake of the head But you can't
really convert those into that much cash,
you know. Say 100000"
Call it two twenty-five and, it's bar
gain
Two hundred or nothing"
Two hundred and twenty-five, or
shall call it two fifty or nothing"
MIR. Billions looked into the eyes that
showed over the top of the mask and saw
in their steely blue depths
Done" he said.
AS they signed the papers Mr.. Billions
grew more and more pleased with his
prize, and he hated to have the man go
away, but after Il friendly cigar and a
promise to come around next afternoon
and arrange vigorous campaign the
stranger withdrew, and Mr.. Billions went
TO bed.
HE is man of remarkable capabili-
ties he thought as he lay down once
more, 'and if can only hold him to me
we will have consolidated trust COM
,ine tl.at will control every dollar in the
United States inside of five years"
In the morning Mr.. Billions arose with
,le same pleasant idea in his mind, but
As he was dressing his eye fell upon the
picture of Eve over the mantelpiece. 1t
Was slightly out of place. He drew il
lside and found the key of the secret safe
sticking in the fourth rose in the fifth
'ow OF. the paneled wall paper. With a
trembling hand he opened the secret
'afc The Billions diamonds were gone,
md in their place was this note:
Ir. Evermore Billions, Esq:
Dear Sir-After due deliberation 1 find
still have conscience. / am sorry, for
t has often stood in the road of my ad- |
AS a result 1 am obliged to
tate that, on reconsideration, I cannot
AXE any active part in a trust, nor allow |
ny money to do so. l have accordingly |
emoved ii. With no disrespect for you |
personally and with sincere thanks for
-our courtesy and kind regard, I remain.
Tours respectfully,
THE BTTPGJAR