Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-02-08

The apology sounded SO ludicrous in
my ears that I broke into a tiny laugh
and thereby relieved myself. The time
for action was come.
II must apologize" said I, "for my
unexpected return, the more particular
ly as l have no doubt interrupted you
on important business"
"Not at ALL" he said pleasantly; mot
at all. had quite finished"
"Then if you have been successful,
Captain ~Sercombe," said l as pleasant
~ as himoolf, 81 think we had better
understand each other at once"
A slight smile ruf1ed his puffy face,
but he kept his hand in it's hiding
place. THAT will be unnecessary, sir.
I assure you," he rejoined. 81 fear l
am a bad hand at crib cracking"
The %effrontery Of the man amazed
me, but 1 showed nothing in the face
that l wore.
"Why not give it up?" 1 asked
smoothly.
He shrugged his shoulders. almost
you persuade me-" he returned iaunt-
lily.
Fishing" 1 resumed, sis a more
equanimous pastime, Captain Ser
combe, l have heard
mo doubt" he responded equally
and glancing at the window. A witch
ing of his mouth belied his calm ap-
p%earance, and l was disposed to be-
lieve that he contemplated a desperate
move. l sat down upon a chair by
the door and surveyed him coolly.
May l ask" said I, eff you have
found this sort of thing usually profita-
blev | nodded at my bureau.
II was in hopes this would prove
So" he answered smoothly. 81 am
not an old hand at it."
"But you have able assistants?" I
asked.
Come, come, Mr.. Greatorex," he re-
piled, with a touch of Impotence In
his voice, "let us get to business!"
by all MEANS" said I. "You will
find me a most reasonable man. In
my profession I have had occasion sew
eral times to deal with your profess
If l had expected him to vince at
this undisguised thrust l was doomed
to disappointment. A smile fitted over
his face, and that was all. He with
drew his hand from the breast of his
coat. May l sit down." he inquired in
his most courteous name
Come" said I, ut is rather | who
should apply to you for permission"
I'VE will not stand upon ceremony"
he observed, whipping a chair deftly
beneath him.
"A very natural sentiment upon your
part" l retorted ironically.
Mr.. Greatorex," said he, with his
smile and now thoroughly in charge of
himself, there IS one thing | pride my
self upon, and that is command OF m,
temper"
"A very useful trait-in your profe%-
sion," l remarked.
Inc captain took a cigarette from his
case. "ion will not mind" said T.,
The window will air youl. bedroom"
~Ait' nv luii'u llr smoke from his mas
Urls, and it hung about his ragged rel
mustarhc. ! waited, my eyes fastened
on him.
What are you going to do?" he
asked presently.
his W expression carried not u
trace of anxiety.
IN these cases" I made answer
there is Il natural course with which
hcr maJcsty's dutiful subjects do moi
usually tampcr. For my own part
confess That ! was at first tcmi;ed ia
TAX matters into my own hands. but
on reflection | do not think | shall in
terrupi the ordinary course of Justice"
An he said, taking the cigarette
from his mouth. you Will call in ,bn
law"
! nodded, and n slow smile illumlncd
his red face.
\ think | can persuade you to forego
Una satisfaction" he said. though |