Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1904-01-05
SHORTY
M'GOVERN,
BURGLAR
BY Frederick Write
BY Frederick Write
copvyioht, 1903. BY Mccsurs's
NaDspaper Syndicate

His victims would probably have al
,,,tted as much had they been called
unon to testify. but they never had the
opportunity, for Shorty always sue
ceeded in getting away safely.
From the ethical standpoint, 1t may
no presumed that he was a bad bur
o,ar. but, being human, 1t may also be
presumed that there was still some lit
tie good in his makeup.
And good there was, as the few VINO
knew him we'll were willing to swear.
master craftsman, stanch friend
and. outside of his profession, man
of quiet, simple tastes.
A reader of books between jobs, ana
NOT too diligent at his work, which In
his case was more to be commended
than deplored.
Shorty often strolled about uptown
sometimes with an eye to future Dusi'
ness. more often because he liked to
feel that he was part of the everyday.
respectable life of the city.
Sometimes he regretted that poverty
nreyented him from being respectable
all the time; but man must live. and
no was too good a burglar to be any
thing else.
Today Shorty was only half way up
Gown. likewise he was only half way
respectable, for, seated on bench In
the square, he could not help noticing
that the brownstone house opposite
looked prosperous and-easy.
That balcony, screened by vines from
observation below, was accessible, and
the window behind old fashioned and
not difficult to force.
Shorty possessed nicely trained eye
and often saw things that would have
escaped an ordinary observer.
AS he sat there going over prospects
and possibilities the door of the house
opened and child ran down the steps
and, crossing the street, stepped quick
ly behind tree trunk in the park.
Shorty glanced up at the house, ex-
pecting some one to follow, but the
door did not open again.
The boy, for it was boy, slipped
over to another tree, bringing him near
the bench upon which Shorty sat.
Shorty grew interested. The boy was
evidently hiding from some one.
Shorty was fond of children. He
liked to talk with them, and in this
case perhaps the boy might say some
thing worth hearing.
Hello, kidr' he said. "Playin' In
dian"
The child looked up shyly.
NJ cOxx, n ,1Ioa CO ~ foooH uonnO m N
smiling at him reassuringly.
Evidently he was a man worth cult
waiting, for he understood the art OF
playing Indian" Strange men usually
embarrassed him, but there was some
thing very companionable about this
one
He did not look just like the men
who came to bis own home, and this
fact interested him also.
He leaned against the tree and push
ed back the disordered hair from his
face, regarding Shorty gravely.
The observation was apparently sat
isfactory, for after a moments hesita
ton he answered cheerfully:
mo, I'm burglar"
The smile left Shortys face at this
startling piece of information, but he
recovered himself at once.
One of the boys hands was thrust In
the front OF his sailor blouse. and
Shorty noticed this.
Get anyth,ngT' he asked.
The boy looked a little doubtful
Yep" he answ cred. but his hand re
manned where it was.
That's good" said Shorty. 81 used
to play burglar myself when l was
about your size. Good fun, but we new
lived"
1--WE got lots of things at our house,
said the boy, "an' they're worth lo
too. guess some of ems worth al
much as dollar"
Maybe" said Shorty doubtfully
but you can't always tell"
swell, I guess what got now'I
worth it," said the boy, his prid'
aroused.
Lets see," said Shorty carelessly
Sometimes things look mighty prett!
that Amt worth much after ALL
The boy hesltated. Something warned
him to be careful, but the desire Il
prove his assertion was too strong. 81
drew a small morocco case from hi
blouse and opened 1t.
"There!" he exclaimed triumphantly
The sunlight fell upon something
that glittered brightly. and Shorty re
allied that he was looking at cluste
OF jewels of great value.
His first impulse was. to seize Their
and run. but he checked himself. tn
risk was too great. Thesboy woui
cry out, and pursuit was certain. "a
must use strategy.
Pretty, amt itr' he said calml!
shouldn't wonder II they were tn
real thing" An idea flashed Into b
ready brain.
by the way" he resumed, Ibid 20
ever hear that goldfish was crazy abo'
diamondsT
s"No," said the boy wonderingiy.
fhov 0Ho TtuA triad IT. m