The Huttig news., 1908-10-24

changed; he assumed with avidity the role for which she had cast him and which he stood so ready to accept and act.
 Well and good" he conceded with an air. T suppose I may as well own up"
 "0h, l know you. she assured him. with a little, confident shake of her head. There's no deceiving me. But" :" and her smile became rueful, If only rou'd waited ten minutes morei Of course I recognized you from the first down there by the river; and knew very well what was your--lay: ycu gave yourself away completely by mentioning the distance from the river to the Manor. And I did so want to get ahead of you on this job, What d feather in ones cap, to have fore stalled Dan Anisty, But hadn't you better be a little careful with those lights? You seem to forget that there are servants in the house Really. you know, find you most TO mantically aHdacious, MT Anstv- quite in keeping with your reputation. !"
 You overwhelm me, he murmured. Relieve me. l have little eonceit in my fame. such as it is" And. crossing to the windows. he loosed the heavy velvet hang.ngs and let them fall to- gsther, drawing their edges close so that no ray of light might escape
 She watched him with interest. You
 
 "Of course. Any man of imagina- ton is at pains to study every house he enters. l have a map of the prem ises-house and grounds-here." He indicated his forehead with a long forefinger.
 Quite right too-and worth ones while. If rumor is to be believed, you have ordinarily more than your labor for your pains You have taught me something already. Ah, well!" she sighed. T suppose I may as well acknowledge my inferiority-as neo phyte to hierophant. Master!" She eourtesied low. T beg you proceed and Jet thy cheala profit through obser- yation," And small white hand ges. tured significantly toward the eollee tion of burglars tools-drills anu chisels, skeleton keys, putty, and all--- neatly displayed upon the rug bel@.e he massive safe.
 You mean that you wish me to crack this safe for you?' he inquired. with inward consternation.
 Not for me. Disappointment I ad- nit is mine; but not for the loss I sus- ain. In the presence of the master nm content to stand humbiy to one side. as befits one of my lowly state in in the ranks of our profession. l re- sign. l abdicate in your favor; claim ing nothing by right of priority
 You are too generous" he Anum- bled, confused by her thinly yelled rid icule
 Not at all" she replied briskly. q am entirely serious My loss of to- day will prove my gain tomorrow. look for incaieulable benefit through study of your methods. My own. confess with contemptuous toss of her head toward the burglars kit, are clumsy. antiquated, out of date. But then, I'm only an anna teur.''
 "Oh, but a woman" he began to apolog ze on her behalf
 "Oh, but woman," she rapped out, smartly. T wish you to understand that this woman, at least. is no mean" And she hesitated
 fsThiof bo- c,1,Nn1iod oy,,doI1,
 Yes, thief! We're two of a feather, at that
 True enough. But you were first in the field; l fail to see why should reap any reward for tardiness. The spoils must be yours"
 It was test; Maitland watched her keenly, fascinated by the subtlety of the game,
 But refuse, Mr. Anistv-positively refuse to go to work while you stand aside and-and laugh !"
 Pridei He stared. orenly amazed. at this bewilderingly 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 expressing. He drew nearer, eyes speculative.
 q will agree" he said, slawty, ito crack the safe, but apaa conditions"
 She drew back imperceptibly amused. but asserting her dignity. "fes?' she led him on, though in no accent of encouragement.
 Back there, in the river" be drawled deliberately, forcing the pace T found yon-=heaWtiful."
 She flushed, lip curling. And, back there, in the river, I thought you-a gentleman"
 Although a burglar?"
 "A gentleman for all thatta
 T promise yeu l mean no harm" he pfefaeed. "R}t don't you see how am putting myself in your power