Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1938-02-04
CHAPTER 2

time passed. 1 heard death pass me
by. Inwardly 1 shuddered. A hand
of ice gripped me. Fear such as
had never known had me by the throat
it felt indeed as though deaths bony
hand held me. Ny first sane thought
was: The Consul looked through you
and he saw not the burglar but his old
enemy-Death. I know was right;
it was to be the canal and hellish
end for me.
Should l venture a last fight for
my life? With naked fist? That
was utterly impracticable. The Con-
sul's revolver was quicker than my
punch and, besides, the least sign of
my wanting to fight an dthe Consul
would murder me.
So I pulled myself together, even
while anticipating tragic end. 1 had
not the slightest intention of trying
to change the Consurs mind. was
doomed. There was only one posi-
bility-to stick-to play the game to
the finish.
Oh, this Consul is a devil. But I
will act as burglar, because one
either gives a burglar over to the
police, or, if one is in good humor,
one let's him get away.
So I laughed Laughed with my
life in jeopardy -. Laughed till the
ohaa1ry Io,1orh
ed so long that 1 feared it would
sound hysterical. "a joke-a wonder
full joke ;" 1 wiped my eyes be-
tween such hilarious spasms.
"Mr. Consul, ha, ha Mr.. Consul, you
can't make an old footpad like me
afraid by your DOGGY man stories, you
can't scare me-but you told it we'll
Mr.. Consul must be an actor, ha, ha,
your voice, am amazed. Anyone
else except this old footpad would
have been terrified by the gruesome
ness, but not me-"
The Consul stared at me, watching
every muscle in my face. l knew that
my life depended upon this scrutiny.
I felt as though pierced by thous-
and knives. Death was never nearer
to ME than at that minute. But
won. 1 suddenly realized in this in
slant that was the better actor and
that my mask was the better mask.
With smile upon my lips I look
ed the Consul in the eye. Suddenly
he burst out laughing and struck the
table with his fist. The sleeve of his
nightshirt was slightly torn and as it
fell back, l noticed that he had the
muscles of a boxer. How did the
Consul happen to have such muscles ?
II am sorry that you have nothing
to show for all your work-every
workman is worth his wage, you know.
But you will have your pay" he re-
marked. "You are, after all, a pref
ty efficient person and one ought to
help youthful geniuses." Here he
laughed cruelty.
"You will go far, but, on with your
work, one must never leave a thing
half finished" He pointed with his
revolver towards the safe.
What does he want of me? I do
not understand. Does he want to
make a fool of me?
"Mr. Consul, do you consider me
a bungler?" asked 1 summoning
grin. l surely had thought that my
work this evening would be much,
easier.
pon't crack jokes, fool, but do
your work! And hurry about it, my
friend, or otherwise" Here he held
his unpleasant revolver under my nose.
The Consul would be capable of any
deed, even murder. He would shoot
me in cold blood, throw my body in
the canal, and none would be the wiser.
My position seems to have become
worse rather than better.
If l only knew what is back of all
this-what in heavens name is the
reason?
There is no answer to be read in
his cold mask of a face. His ener-
getic chin gives me one reply, obey
me!
eff might make suggestion to
the Consul"
He looked angrily at me. Evident
ly he had his own thought-out plan
and l am to him mere pawn. So
1 controlled my feelings and played
my part, remarking with feigned
gaiety:
81 hope that l am to be paid for
my time"
'T fear that the pay may be far
above your expectations" answered
the Consul meaningly." But get busy
will oiua Won eYact1v five minutes