The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-05-13
One instant he hesitated, and the
next he heard her steps at the door.

next ne heard her steps at the door.
The handle was being softly turned.
But even in this predicament the
Burglar did not lose his nerve. Out
went his lantern and down came the
heavy window-curtains, while he rap
idly summed up his chances.
There was just bare possibility
that he could keep up the delusion a
little longer; the master of the house
was about his own build, and had the
same close-cropped, fair hair.
Perhaps in the dimness, with his
back turned
Quick as thought he wheeled into
position just as the door swung open.
There was moments silence.
In the stream or light that flowed
from the hall the tall, broad-shouldered
figure could be distinctly seen, stand.
ing motionless, with head bowed and
hands clasped behind him, every fold
of the well-fitting overcoat expressing
melancholy and deep contrition.
1t was an effective and touching pic
ture.
The steps paused on the threshold.
Holding his breath, the Burglar wait
ed, his senses keenly alive to the soft
rustic of feminine drapery behind
him, the faint scent of orris that filed
| the air.
One minute passed, two, then
There's no need to look so tragic,
john" (Ths tone was crisp, even con-
descending, yet the Burglar felt a
| thrill Of relief) THE matter really
| isn't worth thinking about, much less
| discussing.i 1t was quite unnecessary
| to slam that door," (Her tone was
dignity itself) 81 wouldn't have men
toned the subject again for the
| world"
She paused, and the Burglar heaved
a sigh, a tragic, dispairing sigh. He
felt that it was the proper and artistic
thing to do at this juncture. Though
| she'll find me out in a moment" he
told himself, grimly, and reflected that
! 1t was just as well that the rifled side
board stood in an alcove and out of
her range of vision.
Let's make up, Jack" Ito his in
finite perturbation she took an i'm
pulsive step toward him. I've nc
doubt you thought me very silly and
childish this morning, but l did want
+ that dress. You see, dear, l haven't
had anything new for two whole
years."
Her voice trembled little, and the
| Burglar shifted uneasily from one
foot to another. He felt profoundly
moved and very uncomfortable.
"Of course, it isn't that l mind
strict economy" she fastened on, lone
servant, and spending the summer in
town, and all that. But sometimes
confess l do long for pretty things
few trinkets, you know, and clothes
and-and silver"
(She thought she saw the broad
shoulders wince.)
Don't think it's your fault, dear ole
boy" Her voice was caress. 90
know how-hard you work from morn
ing till night in order to make both
ends meet, and deny yourself every
thing for my sake. Why, you wouldn't
even have that overcoat now, If
hadn't bought it for you myself or
the sly out of Uncle Georges check
You're the very best man in the world.
(And her hand fell affectionately or
his sleeve.)
This was going little too far.
With a hoarse, smothered ejacula
tion, the Burglar turned swiftly from
her and made for the door in two
strides.
The black bag stood in the shadow
of the portiere, but he only kicked /,
impatiently out of the way as he went
out, leaving the mistress of the house
alone.
Jack, oh. Jack!" she cried in terror
as something fell heavily in the hal
outside, and running to the threshold
she gazed horror-stricken at a long
black object that lay on the floor al
her feet.
The Burglar closed the front dool
and walked down the steps minus an
overcoat, but with a stately mien that
betokened conscious rectitude.
Don't mention it," he said gracious
ly to the master Of the house, who
stumbled against him on the curbine
and apologized profusely.
In the glare of the electric light he
looked tired and overworked.
Poor devil!" soliloquized the Bur
glar, compassionately Che himself
hated work.; Il wouldn't care to be in
his shoes"
And then as a cold wind from the
avenue struck him, he added, rue
fully:
But Golly! I'd like to be in his
overcoat!"