Evening star., 1918-06-02

he had begun with laugh, but he
did not end with one. His own words
stopped his chuckle. This evil-looking
degenerate. even yet pugnacious in
mind. was an enemy to society. was
by business the perpetrator of crimes
against property. Moxons cool blood
commenced to warm.
Spikes sullen face did not change.
but his brain was busy. seeking some
avenue-any avenue-of escape.
why didn't you kill met" he ask
ed
"I'll tell you why" replied Moxon.
still holding his ready revolver, but
still fearless. II didn't kill you be-
cause believe in something you
don't believe in: believe in the law.
you, but I know it would be a better
thing for law and order If you went
up the river-and that's where you'll
60"
Then why don't you get a move
on an start me?" Spikes voice was
peevish: he nodded toward the tele-
phone at his elbow on the writing
table. Call up the station house" he
urged. He wanted Moxon's eye di-
verted.
But that note of distress restored
Moxon's good humor.
I'm not In a hurry" said he. Il
wanted nights rest. but that's
opoAICu hoWp dEyHOWs 6O i WauI u
talk to you a little. You see. this is
the first time I've ever met a real
robber."
Spike snorted His brain was work.
ing like the motor of a speeding car.
Same here" he said.
"Oh. you're that sort. are your he
asked. Il guess next you'll be telling
me you do this kind Of thing only
because you have to-"
That's right" nodded Spike, ''but I
wasn't goin' to say it."
"Of course. not! And that you've q
baby and a sick wife. and the rents
overdue~
Right again." said Spike, in the
back of whose head the picture Of
wife and baby remained poignantIy
intense. But you've said it. not me.
don't renig. 1 play the game. SeeT'
He spoke with the warmth with
which all professional men resent
aspersions on their professional
ethics. He was so manifestly sincere
that Moxon's curiosity was moved.
The millionaire's right hand tighten
ed on his revolver. but he was serene
and curious. You think you'll be safe
that you'll get awayr
In spite of himself. Spike grinned.
His thin lips parted over almost
'toothless gums. 'If you give me one
chance in ten. 1 will"
We'll. won't give you any
chance"
You're wise guy"
Am II" The host saw an opening
for his curiosity. How about you?
l wonder II you're one
NO" said Spike, with conviction.
II amt"
You mean in your-business?"
there"
Then doesn't 1t pay?"
About as good as most jobs an no
better: it keeps me and my folks alive
an no more"
Only the risks are bigger~
Il don't see why. I did somethin
else once-had what you'd call decent
work, an the risk was consumption
an. s,arvation-overwork, you know.
an underpay"
1t was Moxon's chance for a more
intimate question.
What did you do?" he asked.
Spike shook his head. There were
some things he wanted to say to
to get away. mo. you don't" he said.
Il told you I don't renig. 1 amt no
gutter"
The millionaire was judge Of even
unfamiliar types.
"It won't influence me a Bit" he
said. IF you get out of here a free
man it'll be because you break out.
Come on and talk for a while, man to
All right" agreed Spike, quite sud-
denly-the longer the delay the great
er the chance. IT worked in the Cri.
terion mills"
Moxon's brow were perceptibly
raised.
"Yes, I did," persisted Spike, "an' I
can prove 1t. You don't know much
about 'em. I guess. but you must re-
member Grimer; your company bought
'em from him twenty years back.
How'd / know about him If 1 wasn't
there? An Paul Casey was your first
superintendent, and Tom Benson fol-
lowed him. You must remember them:
you was more keen on such little mat.
ters then. An 1 remember when Som.
-erton worked in the packing depart-
ment. Now do you t'ink I'm stringins
you?"
Moxon did not think so..' =,
But why didn't you keep on?' he
asked.
wait a minute. 1 worked in your
mills from when I was a kid eleven
years old-they've got 'em there that
age now. an hide 'em when the fac
tory inspector comes round. 1 did
what hundreds of other people are
doin' for you: I worked in a fire.
trap. because a new building'd reduce
dividends. 1 worked in dirt, because it
cost the company real money to be
clean. I worked fourteen hours a day
without extra pay. because that made
extra dough for you."
His voice was low. but certain. Mox.
fear.
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