Argosy All-Story Weekly, November 12, 1927 — page 64: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

598 “ Well, the old woman won’t wear them out of the house at night, ’cause she’s scared somebody might tear them out of her ears, see? And next Saturday night they asked me to go out to dinner with them, and take in a show. “They don’t keep no servant, and all the time we’re out, those shining babies will be lying in the little inside drawer of the desk in their parlor. It’s a walk-up apartment; no bell boys or nothin’ to interfere with you. What’s more, they keep a spare latchkey hangin’ behind the door. I’m in and out of their flat all the time. I could take an im- pression of the key, and have one made for you before Saturday.” “My God, what a cinch!” said Len with a brightening eye. Then his face darkened. “ But, gee, what a rotten deal for you to hand your friend! Ain’t you got no con- science?” | “ What do you think I am?” said Charley with seeming indignation. ‘“ The diamonds are insured. The insurance company will have to put up for them. That’s what an insurance company’s for. It’s nobody’s loss and our gain. We'll split fifty-fifty on it.” “ All right, I’m on,” said Len. “ Will you get rid of the stuff? I ain’t had no experi- ence with diamonds.” “ Vou take ’em direct to Mother Mitche- son,” said Charley. “ I'll give you her ad- dress. If we wait till morning the alarm will be out for them. She'll give you a thousand for them.” “Ts that all?” said Len. worth three?” “ What do you expect?” said Charley. “¢ Nobody would do more.” They went on discussing the affair in all its details. Saturday night came, and the affair was carried through as planned, without a hitch. This is sure a cinch if there ever was one, Len said to himself. He sold the diamonds to Mother Mitcheson that same night, and and when he got back to the hotel, he hand- ed Charley his share of the proceeds. They had a little quiet celebration before they sought their respective beds. Early Sunday morning before Charley was out of bed, the big fellow himself visited him in his room. ‘“ Well?” he asked curtly. ‘“‘ And they’re - ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “O K, boss,” said Charley. ‘“ Our young friend walked right into it.” “You had your witness placed all right?” “Surest thing you know. I got an affi- davit from him in case of accidents. Couldn’t get a notary at that time of night, but you can easy fix that up.” Breedon took the paper that Charley handed him and read: Martin, being sworn desposes and says: My name is Martin. I live at 985 West Fighty-Fifth Street. On the night of October 21, as 1 was coming home at 10.30 P.M., I saw a young fellow loafing in the apartment house where I live, and I didn’t like his looks. After I got into my apartment, hearing a suspicious noise in the hall, I opened my door a crack and looked out and I saw this same young fellow letting himself into the apartment op- posite to mine with a key. I am acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Wit- mer, who occupy that apartment, and as I had never seen him with them, I suspected that he was up to no good. So I went through my parlor, and got out on the fire escape that runs between my parlor window and the Witmer’s. I looked through the Witmer’s window, and I saw the young fellow go to the desk in there, and take Mrs. Witmer’s diamond ear- rings. I saw the diamonds sparkle when he opened them up. As soon as I saw what he was up to, I went back through my flat, and downstairs to call a policeman, but the thief was too quick-for me. He got out of the house before I did, and I couldn’t find him. But I could identify him anywhere. Young fellow about twenty-five years old; height about six feet; weight about one hundred and eighty. Black hair, black eyes, bold face; very well dressed. (Signed) Martin. ““H-m! Not so bad!” said Breedon with a grim smile. ‘“‘ The alarm will be given to-day, and the insurance company will be hot on the trail of the thief. If anybody should steer this witness up against Len at any time—” He paused, grinning. Charley was not grinning. “Sure,” he said sullenly. ‘“ Boss,” he went on, “ Len sure is a square head, and clever as hell. I’d hate to see any harm come to him through this.” “‘ Why, so would I, Charley; so would I,” said Breedon with an appearance of great heartiness. “I look on Len as one of the brightest young fellers I’ve got. I expect (COMME NCO KS (€@)