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

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gr l lil r 1 Kali ll if . l I., i 'l li i ll l l A ' -.-...--NQQ.. -i him, SO skillfully did he Cover up his tracks. A day or so ago a counterfeitor's den had been raided and several important captures made so the police had immediately ordered the arrest of Barth- wav on suspicion, though there seemed to be but very little evidence to connect him 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 a small amount. 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 officials 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 in that quiet, deep voice which had so impressed me the 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 keenlyi 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-a-brac 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. We have rather weightier subjects to discuss just now than the arrangement of my bric-a-brac . Very well, then , returned he, imperturbably. f'If you have no objection, I believe I will have a cigar. 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 knowf' At my first word, the man had turned with a savage oath, jimmy in hand, and I thought for a moment he would spring upon me in spite of the menacing pistol. But he thoughtlbetter of it, for the view down the barrel of a loaded revolver is not an encouraging one, even for a desperate man. He sank back with a quick, indrawn breath through his clenched teeth. 'C Now, lay that jimmy down on the table there , I said, sternly. 'fAnd come here and turn your back to me . Without a word he obeyed, but hiseye-s rolled glaringly. With my revolver at his head I reached into his trousers' pockets and pulled forth in succession two large Smith 81 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 table so that the subdued light of the lamp fell full upon him, while I, took a position with my formidable armament farther awayfrom 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, I seem to have put my foot in it, this timew, he said with a short laugh. H But now you have caught me what are you going to do with men? The tirst 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. I saw a picture of a dingy little court room crowded with officials and with onlookers, and the central figure in the room was the man who sat before me now,-Hermann Barthway,-one of the most skillful and dangerous counterfeitors in the country. For years this man had been a source of worryand 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 undcr the influence of the fragrant weed . I-Ie helped himself from a box of my favorite I-Iavanas which stood on the table, and then actually the fellow had the impudence to pass the box to me and to urge me to smoke one of my own cigars! 'f'l'hanks, I don't believe Illl 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 temper, Then I added, as he lighted his cigar and leaned back comfortably in his chair, 'fIt seems to me, you take matters rather coolly considering the situation. I should think, after that affair of yes- terday-- f'AfIair of yesterday? What do you mean ? 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 sur rised him at the silver. One look into my revolverwas enough, P 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, W hat further crimes have you 77? ll h t' ou know to what I referred H, I caught me in, pray . Oh, I see very we t a y r the moment that he gave vent to that outbreak, answered, calmly, fo gg 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 ' ' ' ou see I the court room yesterday when you were examined, so y So it seems , he said, with all of his old nonchalance, as he cession of curling smoke- know you . leaned back in his chair and blew a suc rings ceilingward. And what next? I begof you not to ring for D the police until I have finished my cigar. I never was very fond of smoking in the open air, a And then a seat in the patrol wagon is notfer-the most pleasant nd I am really very comfortable here. way of taking an airing, anyway . He shrugged his shoulders expressively. ffVery well , I returned, H and I will trouble you to pass me h m ,mind and smoke that box of cigars, as I think I will c ange y with ou . I was determined that I would be as cool and col- Y flected 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 unused to such a situation, while I suppose he had been in worse plight many T