The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-09-05

posSlDly-tO sum up-tO divert Mes
footsteps to the paths of a calling less
hazardous and more honorable.
Worthy ambition-to reform a bur-
glar! Maitland regained something of
his lost self-esteem. applauding him
| self for entertaining a motive SO
laudable. And he chose his course. for
better or worse, in these few seconds.
Thereby proving his incontestable title
to the name and repute of Mad Matt
land.
His face lightened; his manner
changed; he assumed with avidity the
role for which she had cast him and
which he stood so ready to accept and
act.
We'll and good" he conceded with
an air. Il suppose may as we'll
own up"
"Oh. know you." she assured him,
with little, confident shake of her
head. There's no deceiving me. But"
and her smile became rueful, III only
you'd waited ten minutes more! OF
course l recognized you from the first
down there by the river; and knew
very we'll what was your-lay; you
gave yourself away completely by
mentioning the distance from the river
to the Manor. And / did SO want to
get ahead OF you on this Job! What q
feather in ones cap. to have fore
stalled Dan Anisty! But
hadn't you better be little careful
with those lights? You seem to forget
that there are servants in the house.
Really, you know. l find you most 70.
mantically audacious, Mr.. Anisty-
quite in keeping with your reputation"
"You overwhelm me-" he murmured.
Believe me, l have little conceit in
my fame. such as it u.s." And, crossing
to the windows, he loosed the heavy
velvet hanglngs and let them fall to-
gether. drawing their edges close 80
that no ray of light might escape.
She watched him with interest. You
seem we'll acquainted here"
"Of course. Any man of imagina.
ton ia at pains to study every house
he enters. have a map of the prem
ises-house and grounds-here." He
indicated his forehead with q long
forefinger.
quite right. too-and worth ones
while. II rumor is to be believed, you
have ordinarily more than your labor
for your pains. You have taught me
something already. All, WE'LL"
she sighed, Il suppose I may rs we'll
acknowledge my inferiority-as neo-
phyte to hierophant. Master!" She
courtesied low. Il beg you proceed
and let thy cheela profit through obser-
vation!" And a small white hand ges.
tured significantly toward the collec.
ton of burglars tools-drills and
chisels. skeleton keys, putty. and all
neatly displayed upon the rug before
the massive safe.
you mean that you wish me to
crack this safe for you?" he inquired,
with inward CONSERVATION.
mot for me. Disappointment I ad-
NIT is mine; but not for the loss sus-
tain. In the presence of the master I
am content to stand humbly to one
side. as BELTS one of my lowly state in
lin the ranks of our profession. re-
sign, abdicate in your favor; claim
ing nothing by right Of priority"
you are too generous" he num-
bled, confused by her thinly yelled rid
icule
mot at ALL" she replied briskly. II
am entirely serious. My loss Of to-
day will prove my gain tomorrow.
look for incalculable benefit through
study Of your methods. My own,
| nnnfoca ~ xIyfth a ,1tU "a 80
her head toward the burglars kit.
ARE clumsy, antiquated. out of date.
But then, I'm only an anna,
teur."
"Oh, but q woman" he began to
apologize on her behalf.
"Oh. but woman!" she raped out,
smartly. ~ wish you to understand
that this woman, at least. is no
mean" And she hesitated.
Thief" he supplied, crudely.
Eyes, thief! We're two of feather,
at that"
"True enough. But you
were first in the field; fai! to see why
l should reap any reward for hardness.
The spoils must be yours"
It was test; Maitland watched her
keenly, fascinated by the subtlety of
the game
But refuse, Mr.. Anisty-positively
refuse to go to work while you stand
aside and-and laugh"
Pride! He stared, openly amazed,
at this Overwhelmingly feminine bundle
Of Inconsistencies. With each facet of
her character discovered to him, min.
| ute by minute, the study of her be-
came to him the more engrossing. He
drew nearer, eyes speculative.
Il will agree" he said, slowly, ito
crack the safe, but upon conditions"
/: She drew back imperceptibly.
amused, but asserting her dignity.
"Yes?" she led him on. though In no
accent Of encouragement
Back there. In the river" he
drawled deliberately. forcing the pace.
Il found you-beautiful."
She flushed. lip curling. and, back
| fhara In tho vt1,Ar <hourk%