"Get away from the door, all of you," he commanded, shortly.He set his suit-case on the table, and opened it out flat. From that time on he seemed to be unconscious of the presence of any one else. He laid out the shining, queer implements swiftly and orderly, whistling softly to himself as he always did when at work. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell.
In a minute Jimmy's pet drill was biting smoothly into the steel door. In ten minutes - breaking his own burglarious record - he threw back the bolts and opened the door.
Agatha, almost collapsed, but safe, was gathered into her mother's arms.
Jimmy Valentine put on his coat, and walked outside the railings towards the front door. As he went he thought he heard a far-away voice that he once knew call "Ralph!" But he never hesitated.
At the door a big man stood somewhat in his way.
Continued next week. Tomorrow's installment from Lays of Ancient Rome by Macaulay.
My favorite short story writer. His word play and his subject matter are the two best parts of his writing. This is one of his most admired stories.
Photo: Author's home in Austin, TX. Now the O'Henry Museum. (CC) Larry D. Moore.
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