“I don’t think there is.”
“I’ll look about and see. If you know what’s best for yourself you’ll keep quiet.”
Victor was compelled to look on in helpless anxiety while the burglar rummaged the store. He managed to find a couple of dollars in small change, which he pocketed grumblingly. A few small ornamental articles he also took, and then made his exit from the window after a parting threat to Victor.
No sooner had he left the store than the latter sprang from the bed, drew on his pantaloons hurriedly, and running to the outer door unlocked it, and standing in the doorway looked up and down the street.
By great good luck a policeman was just turning the corner. When he saw the boy in partial undress at the door of the bookstore he ran up, apprehending mischief.
“What’s the matter, bub?” he asked.
“The store has just been entered from the rear and the burglar, after stealing what he thought worth taking, made his escape through the back yard.”
Instantly the policeman tapped for assistance and three brother officers made their appearance. After a hurried conference, two went through the store to the back, while the other two reconnoitered in front. The chances were in favor of the burglar’s escape, but apprehending no danger he had made his way into the next yard and was trying to enter the adjoining store. His imprudence cost him his liberty.
In five minutes he was brought again through the window with a stout policeman on each side. He scowled menacingly at Victor.
“You betrayed me, you young scoundrel!” he said.