Los Angeles herald., 1907-01-06


and the door, yielding to the gentle pressure from
without, swung slowly open. Its great square
Of oak effeetually screened Carlton, sitting i'm.
movable behind it with the revolver dangling be.
tween his knees.
There was a moments pause as the intruder
halted cautiously on the threshold. Then, as his
enemy stepped forward into the light, Carlton
saw that he was short and slightly built, clad in
long macintosh and travelling cap, and wear.
ing heavy black mufher.
The burglar advanced with quick, nervous steps
and paused again to listen at the foot Of the
wide fight of stairs.
Carlton moved little TO obtain better view
OF his face. Then he walked quietly from his
place of conceament towards the stairs and
switched on the light
The burglar from halfway UP the fight swung
round with a faint cry, Carlton, leaning against
the wall below, noted the youthfulness Of both
sound and movement
please come down." he said. "And must
ask you to explain what you are doing here. No
don't try and get at weapon, or shall have
to shoot you in self.defense. Merely do as you
are told and be careful Of the third step from the
bottom. The board is loose"
The other hesitated and then began to de-
scend. Carlton could see that he was trembling.
At the foot of the stairs he stumbled and saved
himself by an effort that flung the muf1er awry.
Carlton gave a soft whistle of astonishment, and
partially lowered his weapon. His adversary,
roughly unmasked, was unmistakably feminine.
Rather departure, isn't it?" he said. "Or
merely a lesser-known branch of the art? I shall
be glad of enlightenment"
There isn't anything to explain" murmured
the girl, so family that he could scarcely catch
the words except that--oh, please point that
dreadful pistol some other way"
Carlton let his arm fall, and stood looking at
her critically. He caught a glimpse of pale,
delicately shaped face, that suddenly flushed be.
meath his gaze.
"1 suppose you are the owner Of the house,"
she said.
"I ann
f'Then, you are a gentleman, please let me
go quietly away
"The inference isn't obvious and, as told you,
I require an explanation. Please keep your hand
away from your pocket also"
''I only want my handkerchief" she flashed
"And I'm not proper burglar at ALL"
NO said Carlton thoughtfully. Gone could
hardly regard you as an expert. At the same
time you must admit that the evidence is rather
overwhelming
81 know. but-mayn't sit down, and"
Carlton hestated. A few months ago he might |
not have done so, but his views concerning women
had lately undergone revision. Cherchez la femme
has still its application especially with regard to
frightened child was probably as
clever schemer the rest. Finally he pointed
to high-backed oak chair.
"Sit there-no, wait until I've shut the door !
This draught is diabocal. On second thought,
perhaps it would be better to clear up things at
the police station. Anything you say ct Get |
era-you are possibly familiar with the
phrase than l am. However, proceed-only, |
please, be brief"
His words were harsh but the girl apparently
ound some encouragement in his face, for she !
seated herself obediently. The wrap had become
lntwisted, and its blackness gave an ivory white.
less to the slim throat and neck.
'T know that I broke in like burglar, but
t wasn't because I wanted to steal anything"
Carlton raised his eyebrows.
Indeed There is bell, you know"
''You are sarcastic-and cruel!" she cried in
lignantly, and it was borne upon him that burg
ar or not. there was strength as we'll as childish
oeautv in her face.
81 BEG YOUR pardon. Pray continue"
81 didn't know that the house was occupied