The San Francisco call., 1905-06-11

London dawn. ] wondered whether I
should ever see another, and was very
hard on myself for that little expedition
which had made on my own willful ac-
count.
1t was between 8 and o'clock in the
evening when We took up our position in
the garden adjoining that of Reuben
RosenthaIl; the house itself was shut up
thanks to the outrageous libertine next
door, who. by driving away the neigh
bors. had gone far toward delivering HIM
self into our hands. Practically secure
from surprise on that side, we could
watch our house under cover of wall
just high enough TO see over, While a fair
margin Of shrubs in either garden al
forded us additional protection. Thus en-
trenched, We had stood an hour, watch
ing a pair of lighted bow-windows with
vague shadows fitting continually across
the blinds. and listening 10 the drawing
of corks, the clink of glasses and grad
ual croscendo of coarse voices within.
Our luck seemed to have deserted US: the
owner of the purple diamonds was dining
at home and dining at undue length. L
thought It was a dinner party. Raffies
differed; IN the end he proved right.
Wheels grated in the drive, carriage
and pair stood at the steps; there was
& stampede from the dining-room. and the
loud voices died away, to burst forth
presently from the porch
Let me make our position perfectly
clear We were over the wall. at the
side of the house. but few feet from the
dining-room windows. On our right, one
harl Ia xxTr7
IN two diagonally: on our left another
angle just permitted Us to see the putting
steps and the waiting carriage. We saw
Roseuthan come out-saw the Slimmer OF
his diamonds before anything. Then came
the pugilist; then a lady with a head of
hair like a bath sponge: then another,
and the party was complete.
Raffies ducked and pulled me down in
great excitement
The ladies are going with them" he
whispered. This is great"
That's better still"
The Gardenia!" the millionaire had
bawled.
And that's best OF ALL" said Rafies.
standing upright as hoofs and wheels
crunched through the gates and ratified
or at a fine speed.
Now what?" I whispered, trembling
with excitement
They'll be clearing away. Yes, here
come their shadows. The drawing
room windows open on the lawn. Bun
ny. it's the psychological moment.
Where's that mask?'
1 produced il with a hand whose
trembling 1 tried in vain to still, and
could have died for Raff1es when he
made no comment on what he could not
fail to notice. His own hands were firm
and cool as he adjusted my mask for
me and then his own.
by Jove. old boy" he whispered
cheeriIy, you look about the greatest
ruffian / ever saw These masks alone
will down a nigger, if we meet one.
But I'm glad I remembered to tell you
not to shave. You'll pass for White
chapel If the worst comes TO the worst
and you don't forget to talk the lingo.
Better suIk like a mule il you're not
sure OF IL, and leave the dialogue to
me; but, please our stars, there will be
no need. Now, are you ready?"
Quite
Got your gagf"
Yes"
Shooter
Yes"
Then follow me-"
In an instant we were over the wall,
in another on the lawn behind the
house There was no moon. The very
stars in their courses had veiled them
selves for our benefit. I crept at my