The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-06-29
Daphne.

| BY ELIZABETH PHIPPS TRAIN. | Copyright, 1902, by Daily tory Pub. Coo I had all but done the trick when sud denly the room was illuminated by Drh- liant flood of electric light So unexpect- edly it came and so dazzlingiy that l was struck all of a heap, as 1t were, anu stood stupidiy caught in the very act. with one hand lingering over my booty | and the other raised instinctively to shield | eyes and face from the binding glare.
 A pretty position for professional burglar, taken completely at a disadvant- age, like any greenhorn. Held up, as you might say, at the very psychological mo- | ment and by girl-the prettiest creature, I I swear, that ever donned lace and cam brio for the distraction of mankind.
 She sat up in bed a symphony Tn wnite' all be-laced and be-ribboned.s and con- fronted me, bending upon me two eyes as blue as twin sapphires, in which was neither alarm nor application. but satis- faction only-satisfaction complete ana apparently long-anticiplted
 The loveliest hand in the world, white as tho lawn that fell back kindly to re- veal it, and molded like that of the Med icean Venus, held. as If well-accustomed to 1t. silver-mouated revolver-a toy. yet unmstakably s'weapon; ia trfnket such as a dainty woman might hang at her ohateIaine, but still sufficiently con- vincing to Hold me planted there deprived of any inclination to .'un the risk Of test ing it's mettle.
 "well" said my apprehender in a voice that betrayed no more emotion than did her lovely face, but whichw was SD intoned as to set my susceptible heart beating, lat last I've got you! Now. drop into that chair if you please. Mo- keep your hands in front of you. if you don't mind Yes; so; and let me talk to You. Good gracious! But I'm in lucki Testhink of my getting hold of a burglar at last!'
 Her charming features beaned with delight. She even smiled revealing dou- ble row of the whitest, dearest little teeth 1t is possible to imagine. Still keeping the muzzle of the little pistol leveled straight at me with hand that never trembled, with the other she reached down to the foot of the bed and drew up a delicate woclen wrap of pale blue, | which she flung deftly about her shoul- ders. After which she raised the pillows | at her back so that they should support her in an upright position and sank back upon them with luxurious air of estab- fishing herself in comfort It was evi- dent from look, tone and gesture that the situation was exceedingly agreeable to her, and that she was bent upon en- toying 1t to the utmost.
 | Now" she commanded, with a nod in my direction, tell me about yourself. All my life I've longed to hear something of a burglars history from his own lips. Pardon me. bt would you very much mind removing your mask? It is only antici- ticipating matters little, you know. The officers will do 1t anyhow when they come in."
 The officers!' I exclaimed involuntar- fly.
 She nodded.
 "Yes; they're all over the place, you know. Or perhaps you didn't know that we were warned of your coming? One of their confidence men (stool-pigeons, I think they call them) discovered your in- tentions and divulged them.'
 "Damnationn' I calculated beneath my breath. That cursed Boynton!'
 The girl leaned forward earnestly, it seemed to me almost solicitously.
 What did you trust him for?" she said, with note of reproof in her voice.
 God knows. I replied, in fierce self condemnation. But he'll pay for it yet. Just let him wait till I get my grip on him.
 My fair captor interrupted with a mock Ing laugh.
 Hell have to wait fast enough, guess" she remarked. "I shouldn't won der if you got about five years for this. Shouldn't you consider that would be about the size of it?'
 I regarded her anixously through the eye-holes in my mask.
 So you mean to give me up, then?' hazarded.
 She returned my scrutiny with look of humorous surprise.
 What had you supposed meant to do with your she asked. Wear you on my watch-chain as curiosity, or fill your pockets with those trinkets. which ap- pear to have caught your fancy and show you safeSand sure way of making of with them?''
 ''I don't know" said I gloomily. for I really appeared to be in rather a bad hole. Women sometimes have tender hearts, Beauty and youth have often shown themselves generous and merc!ful to the unfortunate" l broke off doubt fully.
 The gleam of humor in her eyes deep ened.
 Yes" she remarked, "the female heart might well be moved to pity a man in your embarrassing position Are you, I perhaps. an orphan? And is your pres ent condition solely the result of the evil influence to which you have been exposed since early youth?"
 l shook my head. entering into her mood. The girl was certainly star, and lost sight of my own danger for the moment in enjoyment of her ralllery.
 No" l replied. 'I cannot plead such extenuating circumstances even for the sake Of saving my own skin. Thief though I am, the spirit of truth pervades | my breast. Alas! I was born in Salt | Lake City. and am a Mormon in good standing. Religion (of kindD has ever been instilled into my mind, and I have more parents than I we'll know what to | do with.
 Her merry look changed into one of profoundest commiseration