Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-08-30
CHAPTER ~.
Midsummer Nights Madness.

For WHAT" she demanded, quickly,
head up and eyes ahght.
For insisting. 1t wasn't-ah-
, courteous. I'm sorry"
1t was her turn now to wonder:
delicacy of perception. such as this
was not ordinarily looked for in the
, person of burglar. With laugh and
gibe she tried to pass of her aston
ishment.
THE thief apologies to the thief"
"Unkiad!"
Briefly hesitant, with an impulsive
. gesture she flung out generous hand.
You're right; l was unkind. For
! give ME. Won't you shake hands? l
| do want to be a good COM
rade. since it has pleased Fate to
throw US together like this. $3.50
oddly" Her tone was almost plain
tive: unquestionably it was appealing.
Maitland was curiously moved by
! the touch of the slim, cool fingers that
| lay in his palm. Not unplcasantly. He
frowned in perplexity. unable to ana
lyzn the sensation.
You're not angry?" she asked,
| "No-but-but-"
| "Yes?'
Why do you do this, little woman
Why do you stoop to this-thts trade
J of yo-of ours? Why sully your hands
and not only your hands-imperil
your good name. to say nothing OF your
| liberty"
! She drew her hand away quickly. in
| tcrruptfng him with a laugh that rang
true as a coin new from the mint, hon
est and genuine.
And this" she cried, this from
Dan Anisty: Positively, sir. you are
delightful! You grew more danger
ously original every minute! Your
scruples, your consideration, your SYM
pathy-they are touching-in you!"
She wagged her head daintily in pre-
tense OF disapprobation. But shall
l tell your" more seriously. doubtfully.
Il think / shall truly. 90
this sort of thing. since you must
know, because-imprimis. because
like it. Indeed and l do! l like the
danger, the excitement, the exercise OF
cunning and-and like the rewards,
too. Besides
! The corners of her adorable mouth
drcoped ever so slightly.
! BESIDES"
| Why But this is not bust
ness, We must hurry. VIII you. or
shall II"
A crisis had been passed; Maitland
understood that he must wait until
more favorable time to renew his
opportunities.
Il WILL" he said. dropping On his
knees by the safe. In my iady's
scrvice." -.-
Not at ALL" she interposed. Il in
sist. The job Is now yours; yours
must be the profits"
1 Then I wash my hands Of the whole
affair" he stated in accents OF nnality.
Il refuse. 1 shall 90. and yoc can do
as you wiIl-blunder on" scorpfully.
with your nitrogiycerin, your rags.
and drills and-and rouse the entire
1 countryside, If you WILL"
All, but"
will you accept my add"
On conditions, only she stipulated.
"Halvers?"
He shook his head.
Half shares, or not ut ALI" She
was firm.
a partnership"
=! This edueed q moue OF doubt, with:
I'm not worthy the honor"
. But" he promised rashly. Il can
save you-oh. heaps Of trouble in other
-ah-lays"
! She shrugged hsiplessly. II must
then do accept We are partners.
Dan Anis;y and II"
He nodded mute satisfaction. brushed
the tools out OF his way. and bent IN
attentive car to the combination.
Il The girl swept across the room. and
} there followed . click Simultaneous
with the total extinction Of light.
\ Startled. "Why-T he demanded.
| The risk. she replied. I'VE have
been frsshtfuily careless and thought
less
HelpIessly Maitland twiried the com
binat!cr dial: without the light he was
wholly at a loss. But breath later
skirts ras;Ied near him: the slide Of
the buiIs-cyc was jerked back, and .
circle Of illumination thrown urca the
lock. He best bis head again pretend
ing 20 listen to the fall % the tun-
blers as the dial was turned. but IN
point OF fact covertiy watching the
letters and figures upon IT,
The room grew very silent, save for
the family regular respiration OF the
esrl Who ben, near his shoulder. Her
breath was fragrant spoa his check.
The consciousness Of her propinQuity
almost sfieed him. One fears
that Maitland prolonged he counter
felt study Of the comb;nstion unneces-
sarfly. . ..--....-
\ Soswsthstandiss this, abe seezed