Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-08-30

ful habit of mine has saved me from
unpleasant complications.
When | passed from the kitchen into
the dining room. | was greatly sur
prised not to find any solid pieces of
silver. Even many OF the expensive
pieces of bric-a-brac that are usual to
such houses were gone. 1t looked as If
the hostess had anticipated robbery
and had stripped the tables and man
telpieces of every small article OF spe-
cial value.
Although disappointed, l made my
way upstairs. hoping to find some loose
tewelry at least on the bureaus. There
were signs Of the feast and entertain
ment all about the hall and rooms, but
was unable to find anything that APP
pealed to my tastes. l passed from
one bedroom to another, with about
the same result. l could hear the reg
ular breathing Of the occupants Of the
house, and distant noise in the rear
! told me that one man was a good snor-
er. So long as that rhythmic sound
continued l felt that 1 was safe from
, all alarms.
After making detour of the rooms
finally entered n small chamber that
was used for storing linen and trunks.
1t occurred to me that possibly the
missing things were packed away In
! this room. closed the door gently
behind me and turned on the slide
from my lantern.
As l did so / was suddenly startled
by the bright ray of some light shoot
ing out Of the darkness. Instantly I
grasped my revolver and directed my
light toward the spot. The result Of
this movement was to produce a queer
combination.
l saw that I was looking into the
mouth Of revolver held in the hands
OF man who was inspecting me by
/ the aid of a dark lantern similar to
my own My own revolver was COW
ering the place where his heart should
be.
The discovery must have been ST.
multaneous, for we both flashed the
light of our lanterns into each others
face and gazed long and silently. Mel
ther wore mask, and in the uncov-
cred eyes there was cool, deadly re-
solve written. 1t would have been
foolhardy for either TO shoot, for the
life OF the other would have been In
stantly sacrificed. / waited full min
ute or two for the man to speak.
well" / said finally. unwilling to
bear the strain Of silence longer, "you
seem TO be ahead of me tonight. and [
must congratulate you upon the neat
ness of your work. I haven't found
thing behind you
The man was not inclined to answer
at first, but continued in n reassuring
I voice:
''We may as well call a truce. 1t
would be folly for either of us TO shoot
I don't want to get you I'm trouble any
more than myself"
had been struck by the fine, hand
some features of the man. but when he
spoke in a we'll modulated, musical
voice l was further puzzled. He did
not look like one OF my set.
what kind OF truce do you wantY'
he asked. you see have you covered
with my revolver and could kill you in
an instant"
but you fail TO notice NINE" I an
swered. "a very slight pressure of the
trigger would send bullet through
your heart"
thought he turned a trile paler, but
his voice was steady and unquavering.
Il admit that and accept the situa-
ton. But tell me what terms you pro-
pose for your truce"
simply these: We should GO into
partnership at least for tonight have
had as much trouble I'm getting into the
house as you, and have run just as
much risk, but you got ahead OF me
and made complete Job. l admire
the way you have done the work.
Even / couldn't do 1t better, and don't
think you belong to the class p
''Never mind that" he interrupted
impatiently. "Stick to your terms and
be quick"
well, 60 come straight to the point"
/ added, little nettled at his abrupt
ways, 81 propose that we divide the
plumber you have collected. For your
extra trouble you take two-thirds and
one-third. Is that fairY
He remained silent moment and
then said:
"If 1 agree to such a bargain, moth
ing further will ever be said of to-
nights workY'
moi q word"
"And you win never recognize me
If you should happen to meet me on
the street or anywhere else?"
did not like this part OF the bargain,
for / believe that every one should be
placed on the same level in such a busi-
ness and that one man should not set
himself up to being better than an
other, but finally. assented, with the
exception Of one slight qualification:
Not unless we happen to meet under
similar circumstances again. Then I
might recall to you this meeting."
II don't think that is likely TO occur"
he replied firmly.
Then in a firm, measured voice he
added:
We'll, I'll trust you. 1 Will give you
I one-third Of ali have collected. 1 be-
heve that you will keep your part of
the agreement IL keep mine"
There was honesty written In his
| face, and would have trusted him 10