Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1907-03-21
CHAPTER V.-Continued.
Copyright, 1905. by sobbs-Merrnl Co.,

or humor.
What can I do for you?" l asked
blandly.
Firstly, as they say, you might tell
me what you and this lady are doing
in this lonesome cellar
Say sir when you address me-"
yes, sir
The lady and I were playing hide
and-seek."
Nice game, sir,"-grinning. Were
you trying to hide under the coal?'
"Oh, no; | was merely exploring it.
Say sir when you address me-"
Sir"
You're a cool hand, sir"
Il am gratified to learn that our ad-
miration is mutual But what are you
doing here?"
Il was ascertaining if the law was
properly observed, sir" shaking with
silent laughter.
But what puzzles me" | went on,
''is the fact that you could gather the
gems in that garb." For | was posi-
tive that this was the Galloping Dick
every one was looking for
Il don't understand a word you say,
sir. I'm an inspector of cellars, sir,
not a jeweler. So yor and the lady
was playing hide-and-seek? Come,
now. what is your graft? Is all the
push here tonight"
That depends, ,'-cursing under my
breath that ] wore a gown which ham
pered my movements. For, truth to
tell, l was watching him as e cat
watches a mouse.
We'll, sir, we of the profession
never interferes with gentlemanly
jobs, sir. All I want of you is to help
me out of here"
Il am not a burglar.
"Oh, | understand sir; | understand
completely. A gentleman is always
a gentleman, sir. Now, you can re-
turn to that coal bin. | was just about
to make for it when you lit that can
die"
Why not leave by the cellar
doors?"
Il have my reasons, sir; most salts
factory reasons, sir. ! prefer the win
dow. Get along!"-his tones suddenly
hardening.
| got along.
THE lady may sit down, sir" he
said courteously.
Thank you, | will" replied the girl
pumping down on an empty wnecase
CShe afterward confessed that if she
had not sat down Cn the box, she would
have sat down on the cellar floor, as
sort of paralysis had seized her knees.)
! stepped into the coal bin and rested
the candle on the little shelf for that
purpose. | was downright anxious to
see the fellow safely away. There
wasn't room in that cellar for the
three of us. His presence douby en-
.dangered us and multiplied the com
plicatons. / was in no position to
force the gems from him. A man who
has ten thousand dollars worth of
jewels on his person doesn't stop at
shooting; and | possessed a healthy
regard for my skin. ! opened the win
dow and caught it to the ceiling by a
hook | found there.
There is a stout screen, my man"
Take this, sir, and cut it out, -
handing me a pair of wire clippers,
holding his lantern under his arm
meanwhile. The muzzle of the re-
volver, during all this time, never
wavered in its aim at my head
] went to work at the screen and
presently it fell inward
is that satisfactory with i'm
pressive irony.
You are the most perfect gentle
man that | ever see, sir!"
The girl laughed Historically.
Now what?" The fun was begin
ling to pail on me.
step out of the bin and stand aside
Sit down by the lady. Maybe she's a
bit frightened
/ obeyed him to the letter
"Thanks," With the agility of a
Eat he leaped up and wriggled through
the window. He turned. Good night,
sir. Sometime maybe I'll do the same
for you, sir
GO to the DEVIL" / snarled
'My, my What a temper, sir!
wouldn't have thought it of you, and
nice lady in speaking distance."
He disappeared.
The girl laid hand on my arm.
You have acted very sensibly, Mr..
Comstalk If you had not, it is quite
certain he would have shot you
''It would have been good thing
for me if he had. He has gone, and
the jewels have gone with him.
.Nadn't the least chance; the wretch!
He probably came disguised as a
plumber, and nobody suspected him."
But if he possessed the ten of
hearts, why should he have left this
Way?"
Possibly my idea was only an imi-
tation of his. There must have been
at least a dozen tens of hearts My
dear young lady, ! would give good