El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-09-02
The Burglary That Failed
The HeraId's
Daily Short Story
IAasAmase~-

! bag containing the money, and placed
II IN an inner pocket in his waist
coat.
Then divesting himself of his pro
fesSional coat, he changed into dark
ulster hanging over the back of chair
and pulled a SLOUGH hat over his head
With a short laugh he ciambered on
/ to the window sill, and dropped down
| iEtO the garden, muttering. as he did
so. that if burglary ever failed IN his
case he would be hanged if he didn't
go on the stage. He always knew he
had histrionic talent, but that last lit
tie dodge absolutely took the biscuit
or. should he say testimonial?
There was quite a little hub-bub Of
eXcitement-in the miserable hO~el Of
room where Tomlins and family
passed their weary existence. With
true wifely solicitude, Mrs. Tomlins
brushed his hat and coat with a care
and tenderness that was worthy of the
best Of jobs and salaries for her hus-
band
Fifteen minutes later he presented
himself a. the vicarage, and sent in his
name.
The vicar, after the distressing dis
covery that some unfeeling person or
persons unknown has decamped with
his testimonial. was breakfasting with
the poorest of appetites; and when
Tomlins was ushered in, and asked that
he might speak to him in reference to
an appointment made the previous
night. the vicar grew a little irritable.
Tomlins. too, was somewhat bewil-
dered. This gentleman was not very
much like the one who had so kindly
overlooked his first misdemeanor and,
consequently, he began TO have serious
doubts to his sanity, as did the rev.
erend gentleman
"A most plausible tale my dear fell
low" he snapped out; End do you
really mean TO insult my intelligence
b. thinking for a single moment that
I believe you? Do YOU really imagine
was in my study last night, and af-
ter watching you attempt to burglarize
my safe, told you to come around here
this morning to see what I could do
for YOU in the way of help Why. you
must be mad. I've never seen you be-
fore to my knowledge. Come now, ex-
plain matters Satisfactorily. or / shall
have to send for a constable"
Look here, sir, <rgue@ -romIins
growing exasperated and alarmed. "if
l had got away with your money IS 1t
likely that / should have come here
with such cock and bull story as you
call it? admit. sir, that I broke into
your study with the intention Of get
ting the money. but I was held up by
some one very much like you. and, after
telling him my case, he promised to
help me-"
But the thing is preposterous I was
out TO very late hour last night with
my family at a friends house. and
when we came back the safe was found |
-ifled OF the money
so the moneys gone" almost |
the harassed Tcmlins Then |
-ou-TI mean that man must have taken !
[. Good heavens what a daring |
'ogue," and in spite of the fact that |
Kings were beginning to look very Sc |
-ious. and that the horizon was onrin- |
'usly black for him, he could not re-
list Just 4 little sneaking admiration /
or the man who had thus cleverly out
vitted him.
1t took some time to explain matters, |
nd the part Tomlins played in the lit
le comedy, but eventually, and hap
lily things were righted, and the vicar,
rue TO his deputy's promise, simplified |
he problem of the starving family, af-
er thoroughly looking into the case,
y giving Tomlins just enough capital
to be paid back in instalments) to
tart miniature farm in Canada
Just before they sailed. Tomlins re-
eived a registered letter by post en-
losing a small silver tie pin in the
orm of a money bag. Attached thereto
7as card inscribed. with the COM
liments OF a sympathiZing. but more
experienced cOnfrere, who wishes Won |
he best of luck on all future occa-
ions" Which kind wish, needless to
ay, was not necessary