sity which
actuates our criminal, and make of him simply a scientific man pursuing
crime as an art! In the first place, we get an individual who will
prepare for more accidents, and secondly, would know how best to meet
emergencies which occur during the commission of his crime. For example:
if you will pardon the conceit, were I to attempt a crime I should be
able to avoid detection."

"I should think that from your inexperience as a criminal you would be
run to earth--well, about as quickly as this man Pettingill. This was
his first crime you know."

"Would you be willing to make a wager to that effect?" This last remark
fairly startled Mr. Barnes, who instantly understood the meaning, which,
however, at first escaped the other listener. He waited eagerly for the
reply.

"I don't grasp the idea. Make a wager about what?"

"You said that were I to commit a crime I should be captured about as
quickly as Pettingill. If you wish, I will wager that I can commit a
crime which will be as much talked of as his, and that I will not be
captured, or rather I should say convicted. I would not bet against
arrest; for, as we have seen in this very case, the innocent are
sometimes incarcerated. Therefore I stipulate for conviction."

"Do I understand you to seriously offer to commit a crime merely to
decide a wager? You astound me!"

"No more perhaps than Pettingill has surprised his friends. But don't be
alarmed; I shall assume all responsibility. Besides, remember it is not
crime that is scowled upon in this century, but detection. I wager with
you against that. Come, what do you say; shall it be a thousand dollars?
I want a little excitement!"

"Well, you shall have it. At least you shall have the excitement of
paying the thousand dollars to me; for though I think you are not really
intending to become a criminal, in either event I may as well profit by
your offer."

"What do you mean by 'in either event'?"

"Why, if you do not commit a crime you pay; and if you do, I am sure
that you would be caught. Then, however much I should regret your
disgrace, I warn you that I should cut you dead, and take your money."

"Then you accept the wager?"

"I do!"

"Done. Now for the conditions. I am to have one month in which to plan
and commit my crime, and one year for avoiding the detectives. That is,
if I am free at the end of one year, and can prove to you that I
committed a crime within the stipulated period, I win the wag