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

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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

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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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best when umler the inlluemie of the fragrant weed . He helped himself from a box ot' my favorite llavanas which stood on the table. aml then actually the fellow had the 'impudence to pass the box to me aml to urge me to smoke one of my own cigars! 'l'lianks, l don't believe l'll smoke , I said, brusquely and with some sharpness: for really his presumption and .assurance were becoming too much for me and I was rapidly losing my ternpgr, Then l added. as he lighted his cigar and leaned back comfortably in his chair, lt seems to me, you take matters rather coolly considering the situation. I should think, after that affair of yes- tertiary? Affair of yesterday? What do you mean P he hissed, starting forward in his chair, his self-possession completely gone and his eyes taking on that murderous glare which they had worn when I surprised him at the silver. One look into my revolver was enough, however, and he subsided immediately, regaining his calmness and assurance almost as quickly as he had lost them. Then, with an attempt to laugh it off, he said, What further crimes have you caught me in, pray ? ' HOh, I see very well that you know to what 'I referred , I answered, calmly, for the moment that he gave vent to that outbreak, I knew that I was master of the situation. 'fWhat is the use, Mr. Barthway, of trying to conceal your identity? I was present in the court room yesterday when you were examined, so you see I know you . 'CSO it seems , he said, with all of his old nonchalance, as he leaned back in his chair and blew a succession of curling smoke- rings ceilingward. 'fAnd what next? I beg of you not to ring for the police until I have finished my cigar. I never was very fond of smoking in the open air, and I am really very comfortable here. And then a seat in the patrol wagon is not-er-the most pleasant way of taking an airing, anyway . He shrugged his shoulders expressively. Very well , I returned, 4' and I will trouble you to pass me that box of cigars, as I think I will change my'H1iDCl Hlld 51110146 with you . I was determined that I would be as cool and col- lected as he was himself and I knew that a cigar would soothe my nerves, which by this time were in a sad state, for I was ll11USCd to such a situation, while I suppose he had been in worse plight many