Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-11-20

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assure him that he will get into
trouble. Your intention to out me-
as you call it, has failed. as you can
see, and when I have done with you
I don't think the attempt will be re-
peated. Now get off, my man, and
thank your stars that I have let you
60 SO easily"
Never were the tables turned 30
quickly or so completely on a pair
Of rogues, and the man I addressed
seemed 70 think too. After = whis-
pered conversation with his compan-
ion, he walked away at his best pace,
and we saw no more Of him.
Now" said. turning TO the fell
low who was left behind, you will
come along with me to my Office, and
we'll have a little talk together"
Our prisoner would have resisted.
but certain warnings WAS able o
give him induced him to change his
mind. When we reached my Office
opened the door and conducted him
to my sanctum, while Wilson fol-
lowed close behind and lit the gas.
He then passed into the outer Office,
leaving me alone with my prisoner.
On closer inspection he proved to be
burly rufIian, and would doubtless
have proved an ugly customer to
tackle alone. He. in his turn. looked
at mo in some interest and then at
the door, as if he were half inclined
to try the effect of a struggle.
First aud foremost. do you know
where you are and who I amp" I
asked him.
NO." he said, IT can't say as ever
set my eyes on yer afore last night.
and 1 don't know yer bloomin' name
or what yer are and I don't
want to-"
"Politeness is evidently not your
strong point" / commented. Just
look at that!"
Taking q sheet Of note-paper from
thu rack upon my table I handed 1t
70 him.
He did SO, and I saw look of sur
priIs steal over his face. He looked
from it to me and then back again
at tbs paper.
"Fairfax," he said. "The d
Tee, the Same as got poor old Billy
Whitelaw scragged last year"
"I certainly believe I had that
honor" l returned, land it's just
possible, il you continue in your
present career. that / may have the
pleasure of doing the same for you.
Now. look here. my man, there's
some one else at the back Of this
business, and what 1 want to know
is, who put you up to try your hand
upon me? Tell me that, and I will
let you go and say no more about it.
Refuse, and I must try and find some
evidence against you that will rid So
ciety of you for some time to come.
Doubtless it will not be very difficult"
He considered a moment before he
replied.
WELL" no said. II don't know as
how I won't tell you, a SEEM you're
who yer are, and 1 am not likely to
get anything out Of the job. 1t was
a rare toff VINO put US on to II. Silk
hat, frock-coat, and all az natty as
q new pin. He comes across us down
in tho Dials. stood US q couple of
drinks, turfed out . suvring apiece,
and then told us he wanted tho gen
slenan at Rickford's hotel laid by for
a tire. He told us 'ow yer were in
the habit CT going about the streets
at night for walks, and said as 'ow
he would be down near the hotel
that evenin' and when yer came out,
he would strike a match and light a
smoke just ter give us the tip like.
We wos to foller yer, and to do the
job wherever we could. Then we
was to bring your timepiece to him
at the back of ST. Martins church in
the Strand at midnight. and he would
pay US our money anG let US keep
the cl,rk for our trouble. Oh, yes,
'e's deep un, jost take my tip for it,.
He knoved that unless we 'outed' yer
properly. we'd not be able to get at
your fob. and then ed not have paid
out"
II see, and not being successful on
your first attempt, you followed me
again tonight, of course by his in
Structions as before?"
That's so. gunner" the man re-
piled, "but reckon we amt agoin'
to see any money this trip. If I'd
ha' knowed who you was, l wouldn't
q taken this Job In hand. not for no
money"
THAT is where so many Of you go
wrong" / said. you fail to make
sufficient inquiries before you com
mence business. And I understand
you to say that the gentleman who
put you up to it is to be at the back
Of St. Martins church to-night?"
Eyes, sir. that's So" said the fell.
low. Hell be there all right"
I'm that case think I'll be there
to meet him." I continued. TITS a
pity he should not see some one,
and I suppose you will not keep your
appointment"
Not II I knows It," the man an
swered. Then he added, regretfuIly:
"A regular toff-he was-free with
his rhino as could be. and dressed up
to the mines. He chucked his art
coverings about as if they were dirt,
he did"
ut IL sad TO think that. through
your folly. no more Of them will find
themselves into your pocket" l said.
"You should have done the trick last
night. and you would now be in the
full enjoyment of your wealth. As II
Is you have had all your