er.

"While waiting for my sister to return from a dance early this morning,"
she stated, "I went downstairs into the library, and as I entered it I
saw a man slip across the room and into a coat closet. I retained enough
presence of mind to steal across to the closet and turn the key in
the door; then I ran to the window and fortunately saw Officer O'Ryan
standing under the arc light across the street. I called him and he
arrested the prisoner."

Her simple statement evoked a nod of approval from the Assistant
District Attorney, and Rochester frowned as he waived his right
to cross-examine her. The next witness was Officer O'Ryan, and his
testimony confirmed Helen's.

"The prisoner was standing back among the coats in the closet," he said.
"My automatic against his ribs brought him out."

"Did you search your prisoner?" asked Rochester, as he took the witness.

"Yes, sir.

"Find any concealed weapons?"

"No, sir."

"A burglar's kit?"

"No, sir."

"Did the prisoner make a statement after his arrest?"

"No, sir; he came along peaceably enough, hardly a word out of him,"
acknowledged O'Ryan regretfully. He enjoyed a reputation on the force
as a "scrapper," and a willing prisoner was a disappointment to his
naturally pugnacious disposition.

"Did you search the house?"

"Sure, and haven't I been telling you I did?" answered O'Ryan; his
pride in his achievement in arresting a burglar in so fashionable
a neighborhood as Sheridan Circle was giving place to resentment at
Rochester's manner of addressing him. At a sign from the lawyer, he left
the witness stand, and Rochester addressed the Judge.

"I ask the indulgence of the court for more time," he commenced, "that I
may consult my client and find if he desires to call witnesses."

"The court finds," responded the Judge, "that a clear case of
house-breaking has been proven against the prisoner by reputable
witnesses. He will have to stand trial."

For the first time the prisoner raised his eyes from contemplation of
the floor.

"I demand trial by jury," he announced.

"It is your right," acknowledged the Judge, and turned to consult his
calendar.

Stepping forward, the deputy marshal laid his hand on the burglar's
shoulder.

"Go inside," he directed and held open the cage door, which immediately
swung back into place, and Rochester, following closely at the
prisoner's heels, halted abruptly. A fit of coughing shook the burglar
and he paused by the