The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-04-16

Auo u6uuIS was Oeln8 6OIIly tUrueU.
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 a 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 Of 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 filled
the air.
| One minute passed, two, then
| There's no need to look so tragic,
john (The 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. 1t was quite unnecessary
to slam that door," (Her tone was
dignity itself.) Il wouldn't have men.
toned the subject again for the
world"
She paused, and the Burglar heaved
a sigh, 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 moment" he
told himself, grimly, and reflected that
it was just as we'll that the rifled side
board stood in an alcove and out Of
her range of vision.
Lets make up, Jack" (To his in.
finite perturbation she took an i'm.
pulsive step toward him. I've no
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 a 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, zone
servant, and spending the summer in
town, and all that. But sometimes
confess l do long for pretty things-a
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 old
boy" Her voice was caress. Il
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'
even have that overcoat now, If l
hadn't bought it for you myself on
the sly out of Uncle Georges check.
You're the very best man in the world"
(And her hand fell affectionately on
his sleeve.)
This was going little too far.
With a hoarse, smothered ejacula.
ton, 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 it
impatieptly 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 hall
outside, and running to the threshold,
she gazed horror-stricken at a long,
black object that lay on the floor at
her feet.
The Burglar closed the front door
and walked down the steps minus an
overcoat, but with 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 curling
and apologized profusefy.
In the glare Of the electric light he
looked tired and overworked.
Poor devil!" soliloquized the Bur.
glar, compassionately Che himself
hated work.; II wouldn't care to be in
his Shoes"
And then as cold wind from the
avenue struck him, he added, rue
fully:
But Golly! I'd like to be in his
overcoat!"