The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1912-06-04

terly different expression - he swung
about and visualized the Rembrandt on
the wall above where the great empty
chest had stood.
There was reverence and quick admir-
alton IN every feature ~ he bowed and
exclaimed with . long sigh:
Rembrandt Rembrandt! dodi-to
paint like thatr'
Tho emotions Of This remarkable
young man came and went with the
Quickness Of his eye.
While still in the act Of ostpouring
his admiration he whipped from the tail
OF his dress coat nat fold of a dozen
or more sheets OF wrapping paper. shook
them out and laid them on the lid Of
the chest.
With another swift gesture he pro-
duced a knife. sprang the thin cleaning
blade and walked up to the Rembrandt.
He raised the knife 20 the canvas with
the ease OF n practiced hand, when he
heard movement behind him, and
turned his head.
Travers Gladwin had stepped from the
sheltering screen OF portieres and stop
ped abruptly.
Whatever shock this sudden appari-
ton OF . uniformed policeman was to
the man caught In the act OF cutting a
priceless canvas from its frame he man.
aged to conceal by taking tight grip OF
| every muscle In his body. ..sl
His eyes revealed nothing. There was
no rush OF color to or from his face
His FIRST change. Of expression was to
| smile.
Dropping the arm that poised the
knife. he aet himself down easily from
tptoe and turned squarely to Gladwin.
Good evening. Officer" he said
w ,ta
in as engaging smile as Travers Glad
win had ever looked upon.
"Evenin'"" said Gladwin. shortly. with
an admirable affectation OF Phelan's
brogue
do you fnd something on tho bal.
cony that interests your" said tho other
slowly. still holding his smile and his
amazingly confident bearing.
l. You climbed up there to enjoy the
moonlight. perhaps?" ne added. even
more softly. gaining reinsurance from
the wooden expression that Gladwin
had forced upon his features.
mo. not the moonlight" responded
the uniformed similitude of Oficer s6s
1.-The other light. seen EN- go on. This
house has been closed for months"
ION. yes. to be sure" the other
shrugged. You're most alert. Oficer-
right on the Job. as they say. I con-
BTttuldte you.
i've been watching this house ever
since Mr.. Gladwin went away" said
Gladwin slowly. unable to mako UP his
mind whether to call Phelan or 10 con-
tinue the intensely interesting dialogue
His visitor decided the situation for
him by coolly lighting a cigar, taking q
few deliberate puffs and turning IL over
IN his fingers to inspect II as II II were
the only object worth attention In the
room.
Gladwin read this elaborate bypiay
| for what Il was WORKMAN effort to de-
eide just how best to play his part-and
was pleasantly thrilled with the realixa-
ton that he himself was so we'll dis
guised in the uniform of Oficer 666.
| SO he chung to his own role and for
got Michael Phelan.
HIM" said the invader, refectivefy
That's very good OF you. Offioer. Let
me offer you this as q slight token OF
my appreciation"
His left hand slid into his trousers
pocket and brought up a roll OF bills.
His nonchalance was perfect mask
held II out carelessly to Gladwin.
| On his part. Gladwin's expression wa
superbly blank as he reached for the
bill. pocketed It and said with hts purr-
ing brogus:
THANK ye, SORT And might I ssk
who ye are7'
HIN. that's ~ood." ohuch1sd me
other. now thoroughly nsastsr Of him.
self ana utterly confident
Now, who do you suppose. Omcsr.