The band in the
ball-room went galloping through a two-step, and the gaiety was in full
swing again. The thief had been rounded up! How the deuce was it
going to end?
"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.
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