The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-09-02

pounds is a nice little nest egg. and
1T might go a long way to soften the
heart Of certain gentleman when he
considers the question of a prospective
Son-in-law"
Max Villiers paused in the process of
putting on his coat.
L don't know who you are" he said
In bewilderment. But you appear to
possess. some knowledge of things con-
corning myself which 1 imagined were
shared by none. Be that as it may,
however, the temptation which YOU
put In my way is one which, though Ii
benefited me in no inconsiderable way,
would deprive me of all seIf-respect.
You do not appear to have8 reckoned
that In your proposal"
The burglar laughed softly.
"Self-respect Is an elastic term" he
said with evident amusement. "And
H. by any chance, you wound this
imaginary moral organ, the sum of
+ 10000 will amply suffice to heal the
wound so caused. Let us be practical
nave made you proposal, for which
have offered you a handsome re-
turn And this proposal you have
absolutely. no alternative but to ac-
cept!"
'Indeed!"- said VilIiers. I'VE shall
see! In few minutes shall signal
policeman, and give you into GUS
tody for hOuSebreaking"
MY dear fellow" said the burglar,
you do not really suppose 1 came in
here without having foreseen some
such intention on your part? Your
simplicity is positively refreshing! 1
have here" he took from pocket a
small six hambered revolver and
toyed with 1t carelessly-"a little in
strument whose business it is to per-
suade obstinate people into doing that
which 1 ask 1 don't often use it-but
when l do" He looked steadily in
to Villiers' eyes and left the sentence
unfinished.
1T is fortunate you have only your
sister living with you, as that might
complicate matters. You can easily
explain to her that 1 am an old school
friend of yours who has run in to have
breakfast with you, preparatory to
transacting a little business, with
which L have already acquainted you
Then we will go down to the office of
the Anglo-Australasian Steamship
company, where you can carry out the
plan l have proposed, and for which
you will receive immediate payment"
Villiers smiled increduously.
you surely do not think me simple
enough to take that in?" he said.
For answer, the burglar drew from
his pocket a roll of notes, which he
You are at liberty to count Them"
he said coolly.
For a moment Villiers was staggered.
Then he shrugged his shoulders.
IF you can control my actions here"
he said, you can do so at the office,
and when you have obtained that for
which you came, the same weapon with
which you recently threatened me
would stop any demand on my part
for these notes as the fulfilment of
the margain."
A strange look came into the bur
glars eyes.
$50 you doubt mel" he said. Let
me give you an Illustration of the
phrase, Honor among thieves Give
me your word that you will strictly
fulfil your share of the proposal, and,
in return. I will so far trust you that
before leaving this house, 1 will hand
you these notes for you to conceal
wherever you please"
Your opinion of me is highly COM
plimentary," said Yilliers with mock
bow. Il will endeavor to prove that
trust is not misplaced, by declining to
violate that trust repoSed in me by the
directors of the o-AustralaSian
Steamship company. 1 cannot hinder
you from following me down to the
office, but l shall certainly not do what
you require of me-
The burglar smiled confidently.
Il think you WILL he said, and 81
lence fell on the two.
Max Vilfiers moved restlessly about
the room, not daring to approach the
door for fear of that terrible weapon
which the burglar still held in his hand.