Irrigation and Education, V

An Adventure in the Life of Mr. Horatio Algerion Hardcastle, Burglar By Everett Spring

Mr. Horatio Algerion Hardcastle, more intimately known as "Hardy," was by nature both methodical and industrious, yet there was a something lacking in his makeup. A touch of genius, a little of originality, and he might have — — — gone far might even who shall say i have climbed to the slippery heights of company promotion. But the unkind fates ordained otherwise. Partly by force of circumstances, partly from preference, he had in early life adopted the same line of business as his father before him. He used the same tools, the same cautious though antiquated methods, and at times met with similar reverses. The last of these had resulted in an enforced residence in a salubrious part of the country for a couple of years, all expenses paid. He left that pleasant and healthy retreat on a bright day, shaking the dust from his shoes, metaphorically speaking, as he passed the entrance gates. Though not strictly a moneyed man, and in spite of the fact that the name of his banker is not to be found in the directory among the list of the heads of other great financial houses, yet from somewhere best known to himself, Mr. Hardcastle undoubtedly obtained coin of the realm. "Got 'old of a bit o' splosh," as he tersely and lucidly expressed it. The next whole week he devoted entirely to the process of — "losin' 'isself," in other words, in evading the impertinent curiosity of the police. This having been successfully accomplished, and Mr. Hardcastle having found a convenient and congenial residence, he spent yet more pleasant weeks in simple and harmless amusements. He would, in fact, have willingly prolonged the period, had not his landlord suggested that he would prefer payment to promises; and, more important still, had not Mr. Hardcastle discovered that the necessary amount of "splosh" was not forthcoming to administer to his own personal comforts. That was on a Thursday, and on that same evening there