University of Michigan Law School - Quad Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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who wishes to gaze to satiety upon her silver, but she does not like to have it handled: it leaves marks, you know. At my lirst word, the man had turned with a savage oath, jimmy in hand, and l thought for a moment he would spring upon me in spite of the menacing pistol. But he thought better of it, for the view down the barrel of a loaded revolver is not an encouraging one, even for a desperate man. I-Ie sank back with a quick, indrawn breath through his clenched teeth. 4' Now, lay that jimmy down on the table there , I said, sternly. 'And come here and turn your back to me . ' Without a word he obeyed, but his eyes rolled glaringly. With my revolver at his head I reached into his trousers' pockets and pulled forth in succession two large Smith 8z'Wessons. Then I marched my man before me into the library, after first lighting up the room by touching the electric button of the study lamp. I seated him in a chair beside the library tablet so that the subdued light of the lamp fell full upon him, whileiI took a position with my formidable armament farther away from the circle of light. Up to this time my burglar had not uttered a word, except a growl of protest when I relieved him of his revolvers. I extracted the shells from one of the guns and laid it away in a drawer, then I placed the other in the capacious pocket of my dressing gown, in the meanwhile keeping my own trusty weapon in my hand ready for immediate use. My prisoner had been eyeing me closely all the time and finally he broke the silence. Well, seem to have put my foot in it, this time , he said with a short laugh. H But now you have caught me what are you going to do with me H? . The first sound of his voice so startled me that I forgot to answer his question, it was such a deep, rich, melodious voice, and somehow it sounded very familiar to me. Suddenly, it flashed over me where I had heard that voice before. Isaw a picture of a dingy little court room crowded with officials and with onlookers, and the central ngure in the room 'was the man who sat before me now,-I-Iermann Barthway,-one of the most skillful and dangerous counterfeitors in the country. For years this man had been a source of worry and annoyance to the Government, he had been arrested any number of times for complicity in counterfeiting schemes, but- never could any direct evidence be found against I4

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friends I had done some very hard and earnest Work, and work that had brought me compliments from all sides, for the thorough- ness and care I had shown. But still success seemed as far from me as it had some three years ago when with such high hopes and ambitions I had hung up my Shingle- As I sat thus dreamily watching the wreck of the dying fire and brooding, over my lack of success, I was startled by a muffled scratching sound at the back part of the house. From my chair I could look through the daintily furnished library, wrapped now in intense gloom, into the pretty little dining-room in which my wife took such great pride. 'At nrst I could see nothing, though I strove with straining eyes to penetrate the blackness. Then quickly there came a momentary Hash of light that shone for a moment on the plate and the cut glass of the sideboard, and all was darkness again. Burglars, and they're after the silver , I thought to myself. Rising, I stepped to a little table which stood near by, my slippered feet making no noise on the thickly carpeted floor. I opened a drawer and drew therefrom a small revolver. I always keep one handy, for my wife is somewhat timid. Then I swiftly but noise- lessly made my way through the gloom of the library to the dining- room door. On the-sideboard stood a dark lantern, its rays turned so as to shine full upon the lock of the silver closet above. A powerfully builtman stood with his brawny back turned toward me, prying at the lock with a dangerous looking jimmy. As he worked, I could see the reflection of his features in the mirror of the door. It was not a bad face, clear, deep set, penetrating gray eyes, looking out from beneath shaggy eyebrows, a large nose. firm mouth shaded by an enormous, but well cared for moustache. and iiowing side whiskers, all would have given him the appearance of a well-to-do Englishman, had it not been for the slouch hat that was pushed back from his forehead, and the fierce, determined, almost murderous glare of his eyes as he worked at the lock. So intent was he upon his task that he did not observe me and in a moment the l disclosin Ock gavelway with a slight noise and the door swung open, 8 in the rays of the lantern my wife's dearly-prized silver. For an instant the man gazed at the heavily-laden shelves of the CuPbO21rCl and then he reached in. I.think that 'll d full on the burl W1 OU, I said quietly, pointing 111yl'CYOlVC1' Y f0Y1T1 of the burglar. My wife permits any one

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him so skillfully did he cover uP his tracks- A dar GT S0 380 H counterfeitor's den had been raided and several important captures nlade 50 the police had immediately ordered the arrest of Barth- 7 way on suspicion, though there seemed to be but very little evidence to Cmmect hirn with this gang. He had been arraigned, however, and the judge had been compelled because of the lack of evidence against him to admit him to bail in Ii small 211'I1OUI1'E- I thought of the scene of the day before and of the whispered comments that I heard concerning this man who was now so completely in my power, how the Government ofhcials had apprehended him a score of times without being able to fasten any guilt upon him, and that this time they were going to use the most strenuous efforts to secure a con- viction. Then an idea struck me. Here was my opportunity to gain distinction. Why should I not bargain with this man and on condition that he employ me as his attorney in this case, let him go free now? It was a chance of a lifetime. This bade fair to be one of the most notable cases of the year, and even though I lost it, to have been connected with it at all would reflect the greatest credit on me and advance me many steps toward renown in my profession. To be sure, it might be rather doubtful to thus sell a felon his freedom, but pshaw, it was my own affair, and if I chose to let the man off, who would be the wiser? After his first words, delivered inthat quiet, deep voice which had so impressed methe day before-in the court room, my prisoner sat most quietly in his chair, taking in the details of the room and at times glancing keenly at me as if to fathom what was passing in my mind. Comfortable quarters, these, he remarked finally, continuing his survey of the room. Then he pointed to a set of low book-shelves, on top of which stood some dainty Limoges ware, and added, I don't quite like the idea of -placing bric-afbrac in such a place. I don't think those dainty things harmonize or are suitable in a library . H Never mind what you think , I blurted out, for I must confess he angered me, with his coolness and self-possession under such trying circumstances,-trying enough for me, but how much more so for him. 'fWe havejrather weightier subjects to discuss just now than the arrangement of my bric-a-brac . Very well, then , returned he, imperturbably. 'fIf you have no objection, I believe I will have a cigar. I I always think and talk