Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-04-17

chairs. 1t bore every evidence of constant
use and imagined 1t was favorite lounging
place of its fortunate owner.
In the dining appointments the same taste
was displayed Napery, cut glass, silverI All
Meps of the inuence were Tue
We appreciatively discussed the dinner,
lingering over the dessert The wine and
cigars claimed our attention and we sat chat
ting idly until quite half-past ten.
Mr.. Chatterton," began my host, and i
started. His tone was portent with explana
ton. II have no doubt my note mystihed
you somewhatr'
confessed that it was So
He leaned impressively over the table and
spoke with lowered voice.
Il have every reason to think that this
house will be visited by burglars tonight r
He smiled grimly at my expression of sur
money, surelyr' l was thinking of the bank.
YES the plate, and besides good sized
sum of money | keep my wife's jewels here.
They are Of very considerable value"
measures have you taken?' crowd of
questions rushed to my lips.
my dear SIR" he said, Il have arranged to
have three men within CALL We will trap
them very neatly. l could not resist having
a witness to my ingenuity. l can depend
upon you for assistance l am sure"
bowed a trife coldy. / really did not
relish the idea and questioned If liked this
my life in his interest.
We rose and and went to ,o the library l ], saw
membered that no ray Of light shone from
the windows as had approached.
We smoked and talked constrainedly. The
clock on the mantel chimed eleven.
II rather expect things to materialize
soon" murmured my host He extinguished
the light and we conversed in whispers. -
''You forget that they think am away"
he rejoined mo one knows have returned
That's jemson," explained Glencoe, and
consultation with the surly keeper.
HE says someone Is approaching the east
wing; Come. Mr.. C hat follow S me- ae,.
long halls We crept softly, often pausing to
listen.
Finally my guide paused.
This is my office" he whispered: THE
safe containing the jewels is here. We must
catch them red-handed Wait here,' he ended.
turn
waited in the darkness alone. 1t seemed
a long time. l strained my ears listening to
every creak and rattle of doors and windows.
1t was becoming intolerable when, almost be-
side me, hear my hosts step.
the plate in a SACK he explained. His voice
was quite, calm.
l seized his arm
Good heavens ~ l gasped, ..let us give the
alarm. Where are your menu
softly, my friend" replied the master of
Glencoe. Il have heard their plans. They
will give the plate to one of their number
who will be captured without cry as he de-
carriage stands. o, have 1t all planned and
it will work-it will work. His chucke
was so diabolical that / started and wished
/ could have seen his face.
And thenT' asked.
"Then-now they are after the Jewels"
AS he spoke heard a noise. Someone was
opening a window. Very slowly and eau
tiously 1t was raised and heard a soft step
and a movement in the room.
| listened for word from Glencoe but Ii
seemed hours before he spoke.
Come"
He stepped quickly and noiselessly forward.
threw open door, at the same instant press
ing a button which produced a flood of light.
In the center of the room, BLINDED by the
sudden illumination, dazed, not trying to
fee, stood my mysterious acquaintance Of the
wood.
She seemed puzzled for a moment then
she gasped her bewildered eyes glaring at
Glencoe, You here -
Yes, l. You did not expect this, madam
Nor your confederates. They're safe and
sound-cleverly caught and ready for prison
bars. l see We were just in time"
He stepped to the window, drew 1t down
and snapped the catch with force. 81
Almost too late," he said to me, triumph
/ followed his gaze. The door Of the safe
stood ajar, scattered on the floor were loose
bills. :.
jewel box lay open on the table within
depths the light searched out the fash and
She stood staring at them In a bewiidered
way. Her lips moved numbly she did not
utter a sound