The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1846-09-25

attract extraordinary attention, but
the tone and manner of the lady
startled many of the boarders sitting
around many dropped their knives
and forks, and cast their eyes rapid
ly from Mrs. Jones to Mr.. Stoller,
the latter gentleman suspended his
attacks on the supper, and gazed
with an agitated countenance at the
head parsonage Of the house.
"Mr. Stoller," said Mrs. Jones,
speaking slowly in order to.give ev-
cry word its due emphasis-''you
are probably aware that cndeavor
to carry on the Affairs of my house
as honestly and circumspectly as
poSSible"-here was pause, seve-
raj dodgers nodded, and one who was
noted for being remiss in paying his
board bill when due, inti4nated in an
audible voice, that the domestic
economy of Mrs. Jones house was
not excelled by that of any similar
establishment in the city.
"Mr. Stoller," continued Mrs.
Jones, "will yeu be kind enough to
inform me if you can, what business
detains you in your room every Sat
urday, between the hours of four and
seven in the afternoon ,"
All gazed at Mr.. Stollcr, anxious
to have the important question set
tied; his agitation had increased to
a fearful extent during Mrs. Jones'
remarks; upon hearing her inquiry,
he started to his feet; his face was
deeply crimSoncd, and he strove for
some minutes in vain to speak.
"Ma'an," cried he, at last-"You
you i - cannot now, -"
He stopped suddenly-k.cked over
his chair, and dashed oat Of tie
room.
No pen can describe the astonish-
mcnt Of the spectators at this uneX-
pccted exit; Mrs. Jones started to
her feet, and when she at length
found her voice, addressed the com
pany -
"Now, gcntIemcn"' said she, :,
am satisfied that Mr.. Stoller must
be engaged in some horrible plot in
his room every Saturday-some
counterGeiting Scrape or forgery-at
any rate some matter which will
most likely destroy the credit of my
house. I'm sure you must all agree
with me when say, that this dan
5erous secret must be drawn from
hin by some means or other. know
from tue fright which seized him
when | asked him the question that
there is something going wrong"
Here Mrs. Jones hesilated, wait
ing to De assisted from her difficulty
by some Of the boarders present.
suppose" said one, 'that the
next time he shuts himself up in his
room; we all goin body and break
open the door"
This brave proposition was imme-
lately put down as being too en-
.ircly bclligcrant in its general fca-
-ures.
Couldn't some one slide down
.hc roof Of the house and peep in at
.he window ," asked another, doubt
July.
THAT might io," said Mrs Jones
cooking round upon the company in
ropes to discover some one who
would undertake the task, but no
,ne moved, for The roof being sla.
ed one and very steep, was consc-
luently too hazardous to be trusted
or foothoId.
Il think" said one of the gentle
men at the head Of the table, iii we
should all get together next Satur~
lay afternoon and cry fire" in the
'ntrics, we might bring him out, and
men discover his employmcnt,"
"Ah exclaimed Mrs. Jones,
that's a good plan, but it would be
liable to raise the neighbornood-
)ut | think well close all the doors
and windows and try tat any rate
can't do much harm"
In fine, the asst was considered by
.hc company TO be a most excellent
plan for the detection of Mr.. Stoller,
n his dreadful plots, and the requi-
'ite arrangements were made on the
spot.
Nothing was said to Mr.. Stoller
Turing tie week, end when S tur-
lay afternoon at last arrived, the
greater part of the boarders were in
heir rooms waiting for his arrival.
1t the usual hour Of four, the Sus-
,ccted ledger entered the house,
md proceeded, as was his custom,
lircctIy to his room. His door had
been locked about half an hour,
when large party Of the boarders,
headed by MIS-. Jones was stealthily .
ormed in the lower hall, and differ
mt detachments were then filed off
o separate portions of the house,
md two gentlemen, more courageous
han the rest, stationed themselves
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