The Huttig news., 1908-12-19

jag on pal after you'd lifted the jewels. By the way, why did you do it?'
 Because But you wouldn't under stand if l told you"
 q suppose not. I'm not much good splitting sentimental hairs But Malt land must have been pretty decent to you to make you go so far Speaking of which, where are they?"
 "They?"
 Don't sidestep We understand one another. l know you've brought back the jewels. Where have you slowed them ?"
 The wine had fulfilled its mission, endowed her with fresh strength and l renewed spirit She was thinking quickly, every wit alert.
 q won't tell you
 Wont eh? That's an admission. that they're here, you know. And you may as well know I propose to have 'em. Fair means or foul, take your pick. Where are they?"
 T have told you wouldn't tell" I've known pluckier women than you to change their minds, under pres sure" He came nearer, bending over. face close to her, eyes savage, and gripped her wrists none too gently l ''Tell mel"
 Let me go"
 He proceeded calmly to imprison both small wrists in one strong, bony hand. Better tell"
 Let me go." she panted, struggling to rise.
 His voice took on an ugly tone Tell"
 She was a child in his hands, but managed nevertheless to rise. As he applied the pressure more cruelty to her arms she cried aloud with pain and, struggling desperately, knocked the chair over.
 It went down with crash appalling ly loud in that silent house and at that hour; and taking advantage of his instant of consternation she jerked free and sprang toward the door. He was upon her in an instant, however, hard fingers digging into her shoul ders. You little foGli"
 "No'" she cried. "No, no, no! Let me go, you-you brute,-
 Abruptly he thought better of his methods and released her. merely put ing himself between her and the door way.
 Don't be little fool" he coun- seled. You kick up that row and VII hax E4f the next five minutes"
 Defiance was on her tongues tip. but the truth in his words gave her pause. Palpitating with the shock, every outraged instinct a-quiver, she subdued herself and fell back. eying him fixedly.
 They're here" he nodded thought fully. You wouldn't have stood for that if they weren't And since they are, l can find them without your as- sistance. Sit down. I shan't touch you again"
 She had scant choice other than to obey. Desperate as she was. her strength had been severely overtaxed and she might not presume upon fl too greatly Fascinated with terror she let herself down into an easy chair.
 Anisty thought for a moment, then went over to the desk and sat himself before it.
 Keys he commented, rapidly in. ventorying what he saw. How'd you get hold of them?'
 They are MT. Maitlands. He must have forgotten them"
 The burglar chuckled g1.imly. "C,o- incidences multiply. It is odd. That harp, O'Hagan, was coming in with a can of beer while I was picking tks lock, and caught me. He wanted to know if I'd missed my train for Green fields, and l gave him my word of hoa. or l had. Moreover, I'd mislaid my keys and had been ringing for him for the past ten minutes. He swallowed every word of it. By he way, here's a glove of yours You certainly man. aged to leave enough ciews about to insure your being nah5ed even by a New York detective"
 He faced about, tossing her the glove, and with it so keen and pene- trating glance that her heart sank for fear that he had guessed her SC cret. But as he continued she r. gained confidence.
 T could teach you a thing or two, he suggested, pleasantly. You mako about as many mistakes as the aver age beginner. And. on the other hand, you've sot the majority beaten to a finish for 'cuteness. Yea're as quick as they make them
 She strengthened up, uneasy. op- pressed by vague surmise as to whither this tended
 Thank you she said, breathlessly, but hadn't you better-''
 Plenty of time, my dear Maitland has gone to Greenfields and we've sew eral hours before us. Look here. little woman, why don't you take tumble to yourself, cut out all this nonsense, and look to yo0r own interests?'
 T don't understand you" she fal- tered, but if
 I'm talking about this Maitland