Hearts and Masks

"I can not tell you how sorry I am to have mixed you up in this," I

said to the girl.

"You are in no manner to blame. Think of what might have happened

had you blown up the post-office!"

She certainly was the least embarrassed of the two of us. I addressed

my next remarks to the great Haggerty.

"Did you find a suitable pistol in Friard's?"

"A man in my business," said Haggerty mildly, "is often found in such

places. There are various things to be recovered in pawnshops. The

gentlemen of this club sent me the original ten of hearts, my

presence being necessary at such big entertainments. And when I saw

that card of yours, I was so happy that I nearly put you on your guard.

Lord, how long I've been looking for you! I give you credit for being

a clever rascal. You have fooled us all nicely. Not a soul among us

knew your name, nor what you looked like. And but for that card, you

might still be at large. Until the lady submits to the simple process

of identification, I shall be compelled to look upon her and treat her

as an accomplice. She has refused the offer I have made her, and she

can not blame me if I am suspicious, when to be suspicious is a part of

my business." He was reasonable enough in regard to the girl.

He turned to the chief of the village police, who was sitting at the

desk ordinarily used by the club's steward.

"No reporters, mind you."

"Yes, sir. We'll see that no reporter gets wind of the capture."

The telephone bell rang. One of the police answered it.

"For you, Mr. Haggerty," he said.

Haggerty sprang to the telephone and placed the receiver to his ear.

"What?" we heard him exclaim. "You have got the other fellow? A horse

and carriage at once!"

"Take mine," said the chief excitedly. "What is it?"

"My subordinate at the railway station has just landed the fellow with

the jewels. Mighty quick work. I must hustle into town at once.

There'll be plenty of time to attend to these persons. Bring them to

town the moment the patrol arrives. The gems are the most important

things just now."

"Yes, sir. You can rely upon us, Mr. Haggerty. Billy, go down with

Mr. Haggerty and show him my rig."

"Good!" said Haggerty. "It's been a fine night's work, my lads, a fine

night's work. I'll see that all get some credit. Permit no one to

approach the prisoners without proper authority."