The devil downstairs

By P. F. COSTELLO
This was the Devil's boast: Without me, you mortals would be in trouble. Your whole world would go to hell! And he proved his point. Before long the world was crying: Come back, Lucifer! All is forgiven!
Beautiful women were Satan's main weapon. They made sin look so attractive.
Joe! There's a burglar in the house!
Joe Emerald grunted and pulled the sheets over his head. Lemme sleep, he muttered.
Wake up, Joe! This time his wife's fingers dug into his shoulder. I tell you, somebody's in the house! For heaven's sake, wake up!
Let him, mumbled Joe again. What d'ya want me to do, get up and make him a cup of coffee? Go to sleep, Pearl, there's nobody.... He began to snore.
Out in the living room, a lamp fell to the floor with a crash, Joe sat erect, startled, awake. Whassat! he exclaimed.
I told you there was a burglar in the house, said Pearl.
In a private dick's house? asked Joe. And what could he find here—except bills?
He could be a kidnapper! said his wife in a frantic whisper. Joe, please get your gun and go out there, before I do it myself!
A door opened somewhere in the house.