Perth Amboy evening news., 1905-04-05
A Burglar and
a Lawyer
By FREDERICK T. HILL

r HE fellow never deceived me Tor an
Instant. state this at the outset
ineause Benson and his clique in the
club corner have carried the matter be-
voud the limits of a joke. have as nice
n sense of humor as anyone. hut do MOI
nropose 10 be made a laughing STOCK
simply because Benson chooses to say
was duped. That version OF the story
NAV be funny. even in Benson's mouth,
Tut il does not happen to be u !
was prejudiced against Macleod from
the moment | laid eyes on him, and
am no mean Judge of character.
In the first place, | did not like the
LAY he entered my private room. he
ollowed the Office boy too closely.
Neither did ! like his personal appear
ance. | particularly disliked the squint
3ith which he watched me. II his
mouth at the same time. h was es-
pecially distressing. as the part of his
mouth under observation seemed to re-
treat before his divided glance until it
hid around the corner. setting his whole
race asker. Moreover, the very way he
closed the door behind the office boy
was suspicious. and | did not in the least
credit his avowed susceptibility to
draughts.
He placed a chair close beside me-
c~oufdentially so-and for some seconds
REGARDED me with his uncomfortably
slanting squint.
ID yer know who | amp" he asked at
length. speaking through closed teeth.
| shook my head.
I'm Buttsy Macleod" he whispered
confidentially, and showed his chair
back. the better to observe ns astonish-
ment.
| exhibited no surprise, however. |
was not even interested. The name con-
veyed nothing to my mind. and | said so.
ID yer mean ter say yer card
of me?" he asked. bobbing his neck
threateningly from side to side.
shook my head again. He dipped a
hand into the breast pocket Of his over
coat and jerked GU a bullying booklet
book. from which he extracted a bunch
OF newspaper cuttings pinned together
with a brass fastener.
You are an actor" | inquired, in
credulously.
AN actor! Naw,"
The answer was a snar of disgust.
snl, without further questioning, | re-
moved my s~pectacles, cleaned them and
picked up the bunch or press clippings.
The first words | read restored my self
confidence. The fellow was a burglar.
Buttsy Macleod, it appeared, was one
of the best cracksmen in the business
and a gun" frequently wanted by the
metropolitan police.
finished my perusal of the clippings,
folded them up and handed the bunch
to Macleod without comment.
What is your business with me,
Buttsy?" began.
Law business. of course. Mr.. Peter
son" he answered, emphasizing the title,
Il wanter retain yer"
Il am not a criminal lawyer" re-
peated, indiiferently. as | pushed the
paper aside.
Il know it. That's why | come 10
yer. The criminal sharks is no good,
| wants brains"
| glanced at my would-be client with
some surprise. He was apparently
notorious character and his trial. il
court proceedings should ensue, would
doubtless attract considerable attention
had no desire to act as the Office ad.
wiser to any criminal, great or small. but
/ did long to match myself, mar against
man. and brain against brain, in a lega
contest of note. believing hat in the
rapid give-and-take of criminal practic,
| should not find myself at a loss. The
situation appealed to my sense of pro
fesslonal duty and | decided to accep
Buttsy's retainer.
! My insight into the mans character
however, warned me TO give no advic
until | made sure of my fee, and | hinte,
as much to Macleod. He replied b,
producing a $50 bill and laying it on m,
!. desk.
, II want a receipt" he muttered.
| pocketed the bill and asked him {
explain his case as | wrote the require,
/ acknowledgment. s
Proceed with your story. Macleod.
"All right" he replied, shifting in hi
: seat and hitching his chair a trifie neal
or me. This all comes of tryin' coun
Try work. | hadn't oughter left the cit,
: End | don't again after ! shake this.
figures out this way; Me side partne
An this deal picked off a bunch of house
I PATRICK WHITE & SON,
! Telephone No. 8