Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-09-14
The Brass BOWL


the lamp high, and followed her, lighting
the way down the hall to the study.
Once there, she sank quivering into a
chair, while he proceeded gravely to the
desk put down the lamp-superfiuouS
now. the gas having been lighted-and af-
ter a moments thought faced her. with a
contemptuous smile and lift of his Shout
ders, thrusting hands deep into his pock-
cts.
'weIl?' ne demanded cuvJIng=y.
She made a little motion OF her hands,
begging for time; and, asserting with a
short nod. he took turn up and down
the room. then abstractedly reached w
and turned out the gas.
when you are quite composed should
enjoy hearing your statement.
Il have none to make"
"So!'-with his back to the lamp, tow
ering over and depressing her with the
sense Of his strength and self-control.
That is very odd, isn't IT,
Il have mono explanation to give that
would satisfy you. or myself" she saio
brokenly. IL don't care what you
think" with a flicker Of defiance. BE
lieve the worst and-and do what you
Will-have me arrested"
He laughed sardonically. oh. we won't
go so far as that, 1 guess; harsh meas
ures. such as arrest and Imprisonment,
are so unsatisfactory TO all concerned. But
I am interested TO know why you are
here"
Her breathing seemed very loud in the
pause; she kept her lips tight, fearing to
speak lest she lose her mastery of self.
And hysterla threatened; the fiuttering ia
her bosom warned her. She must be very
careful. very restrained, If she were to
avert that crowning misfortune.
II don't think quite understand you"
he continued musingly; surely you must
have anticipated Interruption
I thought you safely out OF the way"
''One presumed that" He laughed
again unpleasantly. But how about
Maitland? Didn't you have him in your
calculations, or"
He paused, unfeignedly surprised by
her expression. And chuckled when he
comprehended.
by the powers, forgot for a moment!
So you thought me Maitland. Ell? Well,
I'm sorry 1 didn't understand that from
the first. You're so quick, as a rule, you
know-I confess you duped me neatly this
afternoon-that 1 supposed you were wise
and only afraid that I'd give you what
YOU deserve. If they had sent any
one but that stupid ass. Hickey, to nab
me, I'd be in the cooler now. AS it was,
you kindly selected the very best kind Of
a house for my purpose; l went straight
up to the roofs and out through build
ing round the corner. =.
But the shock of discovery. with its at
tendant revulsion Of feeling, had been too
much for her. She collapsed suddenly in
the chair, eyes half closed, face pallid
as a mask of death.
Anisty regarded her in silence for a
meditative instant, then, taking up the
lamp, strobe down the hall to the pantry,
returning presently with glass brim-
ming with an amber-tinted, efferveseent
liquid.
Champagne" he announced, licking his
lips. wish 1 had Maitland's means to
crafty my palate. He knows good wine.
Here. my dear, gulp this down"
placing the glass to the girls lips and
raising her head that she might swallow
without strangling.
As il was, she choked and gasped, but
after a moment began to show some signs
Of having benefited by the draught, a
faint color dawning in her cheeks.
That's some better" commended the
burglar. not unkindly. Now, II you
please. well stop talking pretty and get
down to brass tacks. Buck up, now, and
answer my questions. And don't be
afraid: I'm holding no great grudge for
what you did this afternoon. appre-
ciate pluck and grit as much as anybody,
1 guess, though 1 do think you ran it
pretty close, peacning on pal after
you'd lifted the Jewels. BY the way, why
did you do it?'
Because. But you wouldn't I'M
derstand IL 1 told you"
II suppose not. I'm not much good
splitting sentimental hairs. But Maitland
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 an
other. 1 know you've brought back the
Jewels Where have you slowed them?"
The wine had fulfilled its mission, en-
dowed her with fresh strength and renew
ed spirit. She was thinking quickly
every wit alert.
won't. Ell? That's an admission that
they're here. you know. And you may as
well know 1 propose to have 'em. Fair
means or foul, take your pick. Where
are they?"
Il have told you I wouldn't tell"
1--WE known pluckier women than you
10 change their minds. under pressure"
He came nearer. bending over, face close
to hers. eyes savage, and gripped her
wrist none too gently. Tell met
Let me CO."
He proceeded calmly to imprison both
small wrists IN one strong, bony hand.
Better tell"
Let me gor' she painted, struggling to
rise
His voice took on an ugly tone. Tell
She was q child in his hands. but man
aged nevertheless to rise. AS he applied
the pressure more cruelty to her arms she
leIied aloud with pain and. struggling des'
perately. knocked the chair over.
II went down with a crash appallingly
loud in that silent house and at that
hour; and taking advantage Of his instant
OF CONSERVATION she jerked free and
4 prang toward the door. He was upon
her I'm an instant, however. hard fingers
digging into her shoulders. You little
foolr'
MOI she cried. mo. no. no! Let me
90. you-you brute"
Abruptly he thought better CT his meth
DDS and released her. merely putting him
self between her and the doorway.
Don't be a little fool" he counseled.
You kick up that row and you'll have
us both pinched inside Of the next five
minutes"
Defiance was on her tongues tip, but
the truth in his words gave her pause.
IPalpitating with the shock every out
ragged instinct a-quiver, she subdued her