Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-06-28

Nv wv u liItl IA
the paper?" said Rattles in the dry
tones he had adopted throughout the
interview.
".As a last resort. l did"
"And you wish us to steal this pic
ture?"
1t "a magniticently said; the law
yer flushed from his hair to his collar.
II knew you We're not the men," he
groaned. Il never thought Of men Of
your stamp! But it's not stealing" he
exclaimed heatedly; Its recovering
stolen property. Besides, Sir Bernard
will pay him his $1,000 as soon as
he has the picture. and, you'll see.
old Craggs will be just as loath to let
it come out as Sir Bernard himself.
No, no-it's an enterprise, an adven-
ture, if you like-but not stealing"
you yourself mentioned the law
murmured Raffles.
"4And the risk" 1 added.
1--WE pay for that" he said once more.
But not enough" said Rattles, shak-
ing his head. MY good sir. consider
what it means to US. You spoke of
those clubs. We should not only get
like common burglars. It's true were
hard up, but it simply isn't worth it a,
the price. Double your stakes. and |
for II am your man."
Addenbrooke wavered.
do you think you could bring it
off,"
1--WE could try"
"But you have no.
Experience? Well, hardly!!'
"And YOU would really I'll the risk
for f4.000?"
Rallies looked at me. l nodded.
I'VE would" said he, land blow the
oddsw
"It's more than l can ask my c::ent
to pay" said Addenbrooke. growing
firm.
"Then it's more than you can expec1
US to risk"
You are in earnest?"
God wot..'
"Say $4,000 if you %succeed!!'
-Four is our figure, Mr.. Alden
brooke"
"Then l think it should be nothing If
you fail"
Doubles or quits?' cried Rafies.
well, that's sporting. Done"
Addenbrooke opened his lips, half
rose, then sat back in his chair and
looked long and shrewdly at Rafles-
never onc at me.
81 know your bowling" said he re-
fectively. Il so up to Lords whenever
l want an hours real rest, and I've
seen you bowl again and ~again-yes,
and take the best wickets in England
on a plumb pitch. l don't forget the
last Gentleman and Players. l was
there. You're up to every tr1ck-every
one. I'm inclined to think that if any
body could bowl out this old Aus
tralian-damme, l believe you're my
very man"
The bargain was cliEched at the
Cafe Royal, where Bennett Alden.
brooke insisted on playing host ut an
eXtravagant luncheon. | remember
that he took his whack Of champagne
with the nervous freedom Of a man at
high pressure and have no doubt
kept him in countenance by an equal
indulgence, but Rafiles, ever an cxem-
plar in such matters. was more alb
stemiOus even thar his wont and very
poor company to boot. l can see him
now, his eyes in his platc-thinking-.
thinking. | can see the solicitor glanc.
Ing from him to me in an upprehen-
Sion Of which | did my BEST to dis,
abuse him by reassuring looks. At the
close Rallies apologlZcd for his preoc-
cupation, called for an A. b. G.. time
table and announced his intention OF
catching the 1902 for Esher.
"You must excuse me, Mr.. Alden.
brooke, but | have my own idea, and
for the moment should much prefer
to keep 1t to myself. IT may end IN II
fiZZlr, so | would rather not speak
about 1t to either Of you just yet. Ru,
speak to Sir Bernard ! must, 80 WI
you write me II line to him Oh your
cnrdf or course, If you wish. yor
must come down with me ana hear