The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1907-04-19

chairs. It bore every evidence Of constant
use and imagined 1t was favorite Longing
place of its fortunate owner.
In the dining st the same taste
es this the
imprint of the millionaire's influence.
We. appreciatiyely, discussed the dinner;
cigars claimed our attention and we sat chat
ting idly until quite half-past ten.
Mr.; Chatterton," began my host, and 1
ton. 81 have no doubt my note mystifed
you somewhat"
l 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"
He smiled grimly at my expression OF sur
what do you keep here?"' / queried. mo
money, surely" was thinking of the bank.
"Yes, the plate, and besides goods sized
sum of money l keep my wife's jewels here.
They are Of very considerable Gs what
measures have you takenT y A crowd of
questions rushed to my lips.
my dear sir" he said, 81 have arranged to
have three men within call. We will trap
them very neatly 1 could not resist having
upon You for assistance, / am sure"
bowed a trife coldly. l really did not
relish the idea and questioned If | liked this
my life In his interest
We rose and went to the library. saw
that every blind was closely drawn and re-
membered that no ray of light shone from
the windows as l had approached.
We smoked and talked constrainedly. The
clock on the mante chimed eleven.
II rather expect things to materialize
soon,' murmured my host: He extinguished
the light and we conversed in whispers.
Soon !" l objected. Surely not this
"You forget that they think 1 away
he rejoined. mo one knows l have returned
except yourself"
soft tap at the door startled me-
That's Jemson," explained Glencoe, and
stepping to the door, he held a whispered
consultation with the surly keeper.
HE says someone is approaching the east
wing. Come, Mr. Chatterton, follow me-"
Guided by my host, | threaded several
long halls We crept softly, often pausing to
Finally my guide paused
This is my Office he whispered "The
safe containing the jewels is here. We must
catch them red-handed. Wait bere,' he ended,
"let nothing cause you to act before l re-
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
"They are looting the dining room, placing
the plate in a sack" he explained. His voice
was quite calm.
/ seized his arm.
Good heavens ~ gasped, "let us give the
alarm. Where are your men"
softly, my friend" replied the master of
Glencoe II have heard their plans. They,
will give the plate to one of their number
who will be captured without cry as he de-
sends to the patch leading to where their
carriage stands. o, have 1t all planned and
1t will work-it will work !" His chuckle
was so diabolical that l started and wished
l could have seen his face.
And them" 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 movement In the room
l listened for word from Glencoe but 1t
seemed hours before he spoke.
Come"
He stepped quickly and noiselessly forward,
threw open a door, at the same instant press
ing button which produced 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
Eyes, l. You did not expect this, madam.
Nor your confederates. They're safe and
sound-cleverly caught and ready for prison
bars. I see we were just in time"
He stepped to the window, drew II down
and snapped the catch with force.
antly. :
followed his gaze The door of the safe
stood ajar, scattered on the floor were loose
Jewel box lay open on the table within
easy reach Of the shrinking girl, and from its
depths the light searched out the fash and
She stood staring at them In a bewildered
way. Her lips moved numbly; she did not
utter sound.