The Perfect Crime by H. A. Ripley. Peter Johansson had one burning
ambition to commit a perfect crime. After much thinking and careful planning, he
chose burglary for his experiment and a large brown stone mansion for the scene of
his action. Learning its occupants had left town, he arrayed himself in a
business suit of conservative cut, flung a light top coat over his arm,
picked up a gladstone bag covered with foreign labels, and set out. He
had ascertained, of course, when the policeman patrolling the beat was furthest away
at such a time. He drove up in his swanky sports roadster, swung
jauntily to the sidewalk, skipped up the steps, and fitted a skeleton key
into the lock, which yielded easily. So far, so good, he
thought. Inside, he adjusted a black mask to his eyes and silk gloves
to his hands, the former for a bit of local color, he couldn't
resist, the latter for more practical purposes. What a jolly thing this burglary
was. He quickly filled his Gladston with silver and other valuables. Hurrying out.
He removed his gloves after closing the door. Done, and not a
single clue left, he said to himself. As he was about to descend
the steps, he saw out of the corner of his eye the policeman rounding
the corner. Feigning disinterest. He quickly pushed the bell button and stood there
whistling. Hey you, shouted the policeman, now standing at the bottom of
the steps. What are you doing there? Damn, people ain't home.
Howdy officer, how goes it? Said our hero blithely, as he turned
to greet the blue coat. I know they're not home. Been trying to
raise someone for five minutes. Annoying too after running out to see them.
Oh well, he continued, I'll be going along, as he unconcernedly picked
up his bag. You bet you will write to the hooscal bellowed the guardian
of the piece. Your story, I might have believed, but come on
now, I'm taking you down. Alas Peter Johansson had forgotten to remove his
mask on leaving the house. Whoever thinks a perfect work to see thinks that
ne'er was, nor is nor e'er shall be the end of the perfect crime.