OLD JACK, THE JANITOR.
The janitor, or watchman, was a sturdy old man, who in early life had
been a sailor. Some accident had made him lame, and this incapacitated
him for his early vocation. It had not, however, impaired his physical
strength, which was very great, and Mr. Rogers was glad to employ him in
his present capacity. Of his fidelity there was no question.
When Jack Green--Jack was the name he generally went by--heard of the
contemplated burglary, he was excited and pleased. It was becoming
rather tame to him to watch night after night without interruption, and
he fancied he should like a little scrimmage. He even wanted to
withstand the burglars single-handed.
"What's the use of callin' in the police?" he urged. "It's only two men,
and old Jack is a match for two."
"You're a strong man, Jack," said Dan, "but one of the burglars is as
strong as you are. I have seen him, you know. He's broad-shouldered and
big-chested."
"I ain't afraid of him," said Jack, defiantly.
"Perhaps not, but there's another man, too. You couldn't overcome both."
"I don't know about that."
But Jack finally yielded, though reluctantly, and three policemen were
admitted about eight o'clock, and carefully secreted, to act when
necessary. Jack pleaded for the privilege of meeting the burglars first,
and the privilege was granted, partly in order that they might be taken
in the act. Old Jack was instructed how to act, and though it was a part
not wholly in accordance with his fearless spirit, he finally agreed to
do as he was told.
It is not necessary to explain how the burglars effected their entrance.
This was effected about twelve o'clock, and by the light of a
dark-lantern Bill and Mike advanced cautiously toward the safe.
At this point old Jack made his appearance, putting on an air of alarm
and dismay.
"Who are you?" he demanded, in a tone which he partially succeeded in
making tremulous.
Bill took up the reply.
"Are you the janitor?" he asked.
"Yes, gentlemen. What do you want?"
"Keep quiet, and we will do you no harm. We want you to open the safe."
"I can't do that, gentlemen. I can't betray my trust."
"All right; I'll do it myself. Give us the key. What's the combination?"
"Hartford."
Bill glanced at Mike significantly. The word agreed with the information
they had received from Talbot. It served to convince them that the
janitor had indeed succumbed, and could be relied upon. There was no
suspicion in the mind of either that there was any one else in the
establishment, and they felt moderately secure from interruption.
"Here, old fellow, hold the lantern while we go to work. Just behave
yourself, and we'll give you ten dollars--shall we, Mike?"
"Yes," answered Mike; "I'm agreed."
"It'll look as if I was helpin' to rob my master," objected Jack.
"Oh, never mind about that; he won't know it. When all is over we'll tie
you up, so that it will look as if you couldn't help yourself. What do
you say?"
Jack felt like making a violent assault upon the man who was offering
him a bribe, but he controlled his impulse, and answered:
"I'm a poor man, and ten dollars will come handy."
"All right," said Bill, convinced by this time that Jack's fidelity was
very cheaply purchased. He plumed himself on his success in converting
the janitor into an ally, and felt that the way was clear before him.
"Mike, give the lantern to this old man, and come here and help me."
Old Jack took the lantern, laughing in his sleeve at the ease with which
he had gulled the burglars, while they kneeled before the safe.
It was then that, looking over his shoulder, he noticed the stealthy
approach of the policemen, accompanied by Dan. He could content himself
no longer. Setting down the lantern, he sprang upon the back of Bill as
he was crouching before him, exclaiming:
"Now, you villain, I have you!"