Page:McClure's Magazine volume 10.djvu/218



PUT aside my morning paper as the breakfast bell rang.

"Well, dear, what is the news?" inquired my wife when we were seated at table.

"Nothing very startling," I replied, "except that the burglars were at it again last night; the police think they are an organized gang, and not local thieves."

Washington had been the scene, for a fortnight past, of a series of daring robberies. The police were mystified and seemed to be unable to get the slightest clue to their movements.

"I think, my dear," I continued, "that we had better put our silver in a safe deposit until these fellows let up, for it seems that they are too much for the authorities; I should not like to lose it, and the fact that we have quite a tempting lot was well advertised in the society columns at the time of our marriage."

"Nonsense, George," replied my wife, who is not easily alarmed. "Do you suppose those men ever read of what is going on in society? At any rate, no one could enter this house in the night without arousing me; and, if they did, they would never find the silver in that clever little device of yours—how could they?"

"My dear, you don't seem to understand how clever these professional burglars are; and as for your hearing them, that's absurd. You have always labored under the delusion that you are a light sleeper, I know; but you are mistaken. Why, I'll wager I could break in and rifle the house myself from top to bottom without your knowing it."

This last statement naturally piqued my better half.

"I'll wager you a new silk hat that you could not," she retorted positively.

"I accept the challenge," I replied, lightly; "what do you want if I lose?"

"Oh, as far as that goes, the satisfaction of being right will be quite enough for me, George."

"Nevertheless," I laughed, although at the time I had not the slightest intention of trying the experiment, "nevertheless, I agree to add another piece of silver to your collection if I lose the wager."

After breakfast I went to my office as usual, thinking no more of the conversa-