The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-06-27

80 you mean to give me up, then ?''
l hazarded.
She returned my scrutiny with look
Of humorous surprise.
What had you supposed 1 meant to
do with you" she asked. Wear you
on my watch chain as curiosity, or
fill your pockets with those trinkets,
which appear to have caught your
fancy, and show you safe and sure
way of making Off with them"
Il don't KNOW" said l, gloomlly, for
l really appeared to be In rather a bad
hole. "Women sometimes have tender
hearts. Beauty and youth have often
shown. themselves generous and merci-
full to the Unfortunate" l broke off
doubtfully.
The CLEAN of humor in her eyes
deepened.
EYES," she remarked, "the female
heart might well be moved to pity u
man In your embarrassing position. Are
you, perhaps, an orphan? And is your
present condition solely the result of
y
been exposed since early YOUTH"
l shook my head, entering into her
mood. The girl was certainly a charac-
ter, and lost sight of my own dan
ger for the moment in enjoyment of her
ralllery..
"Ah, poor man!' she exclaimed. mo
wonder you have been driven to irreg-
ular courses with such incentives to
crime. Now, would you mind removing
your mask? l am consumed with curl
osity as to your looks. But wait mo-
ment; l feel quite nervous over the
event. You see I've been anticipating
this moment for years. I've formed a
dozen pictures Of you in my mind, and
do SO hope you won't disappoint me.
Tell me first, are you good-looking"
ION the honor of house-breaker, an
Adonis," l answered. immensely
amused.
A troubled expression crept over her
face.
Hmm" she unused, half aloud. Il
don't think you should be. It's rather
upsetting, don't you know. didn't look
for it at all. Aren't you In the least
rufianly looking?"
"Not in the least" l said with convic-
ton.
She looked quite dissatisfied.
Perhaps you are not a competent
judge" she suggested hopefully.
81 have perfect confidence in my own
discernment," said firmly. But since
you doubt me, pray permit me TO-
l raised my hand to the mask, but she
cried out loud and sharp.
"No, no; you are not to move your
hands, you know. 1t Is never allowed"
pray, then, my dear young lady,
how am to uncover my face?"
She considered moment.
Il think" she remarked presently,
that shall be obliged to do 1t for
you. Please come nearer"
Still with my hands uplifted in the
traditional attitude and covered by the
small revolver, advanced to the side
Of the bed. When got quite close she
reached out a beautiful hand and
touched the mask that hid my face. I
breathed the perfume Of the exquisite
flesh, and felt my heart beat In ecstasy
at the near proximity Of the lovely
form. Joy was it to be burglar, to
find ones self detected in crime, to suf-
fer imprisonment-aye, even death it.
self, for the delight Of feeling that soft
hand steal to ones cheek, of drinking
deep Of the intoxicating beauty Of those
wonderful violet eyes, Of tasting that
fragrant breath. upon the lips.
One moment-and the fair shapely
hand dropped again to its former posi-
ton, the mask held daintily between
it's white fingers. Another, and a soft
murmur of pleasure and approval es-
capped the curved, red lips.
My divinity was evidently well
pleased with her capture. She smiled