CHAPTER IV

AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST

It was then that the power of thought returned to me. However glibly
those two conspirators might gild over the affair it nevertheless was a
criminal matter to which I had blindly committed myself. Neale's
parting words of warning alone made that clearly evident. They
understood the risk of discovery, and now I also comprehended it with
equal clearness. Fraud and forgery were contemplated, had been coolly
planned, and it occurred to me that I was the one selected for
sacrifice in case of discovery. Vail and Neale were probably safe
enough, as it would be easy for them to deny any participation, but
they had me bound fast. However, I had no thought of withdrawal from
the contract, for, while I saw the danger involved, and realized the
illegality, yet I failed utterly to perceive any real evil. I did not
doubt the truth of all that had been told me, and was willing to assume
the risk. I fingered the crisp bills in my pocket, and the words "ten
thousand dollars" kept repeating themselves over and over. Of course I
would do it; I should be a fool not to. It would be "easy money," and
my earning it could harm no one.

Not a glimmer of light appeared from within the house I had just left,
and I drew my cap down over my eyes, and stared about, listening. The
hour could not be far from midnight, the night dark, the air heavy with
mist. Glancing out between the houses I caught a glimpse of asphalt
pavement glistening with moisture, and the distant electric light above
the street intersection appeared blurred and yellow. Here, in the