The spectator., 1921-01-04
THE BURGLAR
By JACK lAWTON.
t(e. 1891. Western Newspaper Union

SOille Ol couISt, lu ue eitiIeis aiohC at this silent hour of the night, in an old mansion on an unfreQuented sub- urban road. At memory of the safe sheltered years past, her heart con tracted suddenly. How would it seem,' she wondered, ito be away for ever from the old home.' For there was but one condition on which she might remain-apd that condition was part of Peggy's problem. Long ago, | when her stepfather had taken her : mother to his heart, he had taken the girl too. with all parents love. Father Knowles had truly been to her father. Perhaps because his own son had proven disappointment. the mans hungry affection Overflowed to the girl who was his wife's daughter and Peggy had repaid his love with tender care fin his later years. Robert took with him legacy left by his mother. and 1t was supposed that like a prodigal he would return when that legacy was exhausted. Peg gy's mother had stepped in later to fill the lonely breach, and the elder Robert Knowles last days had been his happiest. His will Peggy learned, had been made in her favor, leaving her in the event of her mothers death. sole heir to his estate. Peggy was quite alone in the big echoing house of memories, when most surprisingly Robert Knowles. the son. came back. It was at evening and Peggy in her white frock received him fin the fire light. And he was at once so pleasing and good looking, and altogether diff ferent from what she had been led 10 expect, that her aversion vanished, and as the evening wore on. friendli- ness took its place. Robert Knowles was apparently regretful of his youth full rashnesS and neglect to his father, and the excuses he gave sounded true enough. Peggy generously gave him the benefit of the doubt and when she assured the son that no will could he found. he announced his intention of taking up his abode in the house until the matter should be settled Old Mrs. Weston. the housekcepcr. called in to give information, told Mir. Knowles that she had witnessed a will made not long before his fathers death.
 Peggy perplexed and confused as to her own position in the house which had been her home, yielded to her foster-brother's pleadings. for so Robert Knowles named himself-and stayed on, that her possible claim might he proved. And when there seemed no longer hope of that possi- bility, Robert Knowles asked the girl to marry him. Peggy was not sur priSed when. with white tense fNce, the man asked his question, she had seen love lowering near. For Peggy In her own wisdom had learned the meaning of love, though Paul Helmer's manner of love was different in some intangible way from Robert Knowles And she had told Robert Knowles no to his question. Marriage was the con dition upon which Robert Knowles of fered to Peggy her home and she re- fused. Suddenly the girl sat up In bed. an unmistakable though muffled sound in the lower hall started her heart hammering painfully. When the girl could bear the un- certainty no longer, she sprang from her bed and slipped into dressing gown and slippers. The lower rooms were dark. The burglar was on the floor below at Father Knowles library safe, just as she had expected him to Le. She sank down behind the desk to watch the burglar Peggy silently considered: there seemed no sane chance of seeking aid Then, with a little soft rush. Peggy was at the burglars side. "Oh." she whispered eagerly, twill you do t;at again please-iust thar way"
 The man wheeled around abruptly, his hands caught her
 If you make sound" he threaten ed.
 Her quick answer stayed the motion of his hand toward her mouth.
 "I won't" Peggy earnestly agreed. "1t wouldn't do any good"
 The burglar stared fiercely
 What the he began. but the girls words coming in a soft rush in- terrupted.
 You opened 2 compartment in the safe" she explained, which has never been opened before. I saw you. It had papers in 1t, folded up. I think that will Is there which leaves this property to me. Please raise that slide again"
 The mans sharp eyes left the girls face with short queer laugh Then, toward the two swung a shining panel. Peggy put forth her hand excitedly to draw out some folded papers.
 See" she told him triumphantly. "I was right"
 Do you know" he said grimly. "I almost thought you were stringing me"
 The burglar laughed uneaslly.
 ''When you have decided to drop all this crook pdupSS" " Shp SniJ tro rioht