The Green Forest tribune., 1909-07-09

 of the end car came the passengers
 There were five in cadet uniforms and the Burglar.
 No one, however, who was not per sonally acquainted with this last in dividual would have suspected an ar tist of his profession in the spare, dapper, overcoated figure, carrying suit case, who walked briskly up the platform
 Past the waiting room he sped With hurrying feet, for there was a house in the neighborhood to pull off with in the next two hours and no time to lose
 He had just let himself quickly out of the station door and was hastening down the steps, grateful for their ob- scurity, when there came heavy foot falls behind him and hand was suddenly clapped on his shoulder.
 Well. Well!" said loud, cherry voice, "here you are! I thought l was never going to catch you!"
 The Burglar faced about like shot, eyeing, with growing alarm, the burly individual in the fur overcoat.
 Detective" flashed through his mind as he began stif1iy: q think you have the advantage of me, sir."
 "Of course I have!" laughed the genial stranger, taking him warmly by both hands. My dear sir, let me assure you that you are a very we'll known character here and that Wheat ley is delighted to get hold of you at last"
 Icy shivers crept clear down to the Burglars shoe laces at this ominous declaration, while for a moment near prospects of jail and hand-cuffs ob- scured his mental vision. Yet he pulled himself together and, with last feeble attempt at dignity:
 Look here!" he clustered, you've made a mistake; let me go, please; I'm in hurry; friend is expecting me-"
 But the other only smiled know ingly.
 That's all right" he said, just let me explain, sir. Dr. Delano hoped to meet you himself at the train to take you to the rectory, but circumstances that is to say, measles in the fam ily-made it impossible, so I am to have the privilege of entertaining you during your stay here. My name is Boyleston = Josiah P. Boyleston - senior warden of All Angels Now, MT. Swift" taking his bewildered vic tim firmly by the arm, just step this way, sir, my teams waiting right around the corner"
 "Mr. Swift" At this magic word a sudden light dawned in the Burglars troubled brain "Old party's spotted the wrong cove,' he told himself be- tween gasps as he was hurried breath lessly along the platform. Takes me for pal; now how'm I going to get out of this without fuss?"
 At the corner of the station smart mail phaeton was drawn up and groom in livery stood at the horses heads.
 Here, Smithers," MT. Boyleston called to that functionary, take this gentlemans grip-well, sir," with genial smile, wont you step on board?" His supposed guest hesitated moment.
 And, indeed, why not?" he argued with himself with lightning rapidity. An explanation would undoubtedly be risky at this late hour, while-after all-the Davidge house could just as well be operated on another night. Be sides, since the real MT Swift was not on hand to be entertained, why should not he, the Burglar, take ad- vantage of this tempting invitation?
 So with almost instant decision he stepped nimbly into the trap and al lowed himself to be covered by the The groom swung himself up behind. They were off at spanking trot. Be fore them stretched broad, asphalt avenue The lights of pretentious resi- dences gleamed through the trees on either side.
 My house ain't block from the church" Mr. Boyleston informed his guest smilingly, right handy for you, sir"
 A bit mystified by this announce ment, the Burglar nevertheless ac- quiesced, cycling the good man be- side him critically from his astrakhan overcoat to the jolly red face sur mounting it.
 Plain sort of customer" was his mental summing up. Not much on polish, made his own pile-and pret- ty sizable one, I guess"
 Well! Well! Here we are al ready"
 The Burglar peered sharply round as the trap swung up pebbled drive, drawing up with flourish beneath gigantic porte-cochete. Within, all was a blaze of lights, and the strange guest, as he stumbled up the wide marble steps, had foggy impression of a red plush hall adorned with palms, and then of stout lady in black silk and jet, who rushed to- wards him with outstretched hands I'm real glad to see you, sir" she said heartily, land I assure you it's an honor to welcome you to our house."
 Thank you, madam" he responded appropriately. My stay with, you promises to be one not only of pleas ure, but err" his voice shook, "doabt- less of profit to mel"
 My man will show you to your room, sir" went on Mrs. Boyleston, much impressed by her visitors man. ners.
 Dinners over, but we'll have a lit tie bite of something, MT. Swift, as soon as you're ready, sir!"
 When the Burglar at length found himself alone in the magnificent guest oho,,Aor bic raproccod poirth hrnka