RANSVESTIA

The three stood with their backs to Harry. He could hear their con- versation plainly and in spite of the lack of direct light he could see them quite well. He noticed that one of the burglars was rather young - - per- haps nineteen or twenty years old. The other two were older, more mature men. One of the older men was noticeably taller than his com- panions and appeared to be overweight as well. His features were round and he was nearly bald. Harry judged him to be about six feet five and weighing in the neighborhood of two hundred and sixty pounds. He was an imposing figure. From his actions Harry surmised that he was the leader of the group. The other older man was more of average size and appearance. He wore thick eyeglasses and Harry was struck. initially by the fancy cowboy boots he was wearing. With the exception of the cowboy boots their dress was that of plain workmen. Harry had never seen any of the three before.

As Harry watched them work at opening the heavy double doors he noted they had come prepared for their task. From a brown satchel which presumably contained the tools of their trade the two older men took a large crowbar and started to work on the lock. The young man stood to the side holding a flashlight and what appeared to be a pile of burlap sacks apparently intended as containers for the furs they would steal.

Harry had a momentary impulse to just reach in his purse for the pistol and put a stop to their activities before they progressed any further. But he thought better of it. As far as he could tell now his adversaries were not carrying firearms. At least none were visible. They might have them concealed in their clothing. This was a sobering possibility. If he jumped them now and got the drop on them there was the problem of what to do next. That big man did not look as if he would be too impressed with a nightwatchman dressed in skirts. Harry did not relish the idea of firing his pistol and provoking a gun battle either. The odds would not be in his favor in this three to one situation. He would have to find another way. Perhaps he could wait until they were inside the fur department and then find a way to trap them there. He decided to bide his time.

The burglars were having trouble with the double doors. The big man had stopped to rest and mop his brow. Harry saw him turn to the young man.

“You bring that rubber raincoat

that poncho down here?"

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