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.
i 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 1t 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- Taves reckoned
that In your proposal"
The burglar laughed softly.
Self-respect Is an elastic term" he
said with evident amusement. "And
IL, 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
have made you a proposal, for which
l nave offered you a handsome re-
turn. And this proposal you have
absolutely. no alternative but Ito ac-
-cept!"
'Indeed!"7 said. Villiers.' I'VE shall
see! In a few. minutes L shall signal
policeman, and give you into GUS
COuy LOT nOuSeDreaktng.
MY dear fellow" said the burglar.
you do not really suppose I came in
here without having foreseen some
such intention on your part? Your
simplicity is positively refreshingi
have here he took from pocket a
small -chambered revolver and
toyed with 1t carelessly-"a little in
strument whose business it is to per-
suade obstinate people into doing that
xxyHt lob II cIr 7
when 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 l 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 Steamship
company. where you can carry out the
plan l have proposed, and for which
you will receive immediate payment"
Villiers smiled incredulously.
You surely do not think me simple
enough to take that in?" he said.
For answer, the burglar drew from
his pocket roll of notes, which he
laid on the table.
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 Villiers with a 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 Anglo-Australasian
| Steamship company. I cannot hinder
| you from following me down to the
office, but 1 shall certainly not do what
you require of me-"
The burglar smiled confidently.
'T think you WILL he said, and ST.
| lence fell on the two.
Max Yilliers. 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.