Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-08-04
THE DAILY SPY.
(From the Albany Dutchman)
A Night of Terror;
The Dangers of Sleeping too Soundly.
BY PAUL CREYToN.

PAUL CREYToN.
| Frank Brittle had the misfortune to be a sound
sleeper, say you misfortune-for, although MOTH
ing Is more devoutlY to be desired than deep and
peaceful sleep, man may, some occasions
sleep TOO soundly, as the following will 20 10 show:
One night last winter, Mr.. Slrnger, (famiarly
called Ned, (Franks roommate, having given no.
tice that he would not be at home until the follow
ing day, Frank retired to his sleeping apartment,
locked the door, and went to bed. When Ned was
| at home, the door never locked, for Ned would
awake In case any one should enter the room; but
alone, Frank knew that robbers might come and
carry him oft, and cut his throat before be was
aware of the danger. Besides, Frank was very
modest man, and he shuddered to think that any of
the girls in the house, coming home ate might get
INTO the wrong room, and enjoy beautiful nap at
his side, without his ever knowing anything about
1t. So Frank locked the door, and went TO sleep.
At about midnight, however, from some unac-
countable cause, he awoke. 1t was well he did.
In another minute he might have been dead man.
not worth awaking. There was a robber getting in
at the window 1t was starlight night, and Frank
trembling with terror, saw dark figure rising upon
the SILL He felt his flesh creep, his hair briste,
and his limbs to shake.
But, terrified as he was, Frank was too brave to
abandon the field, without one bold stroke at the
lObber. There was poker on the stove, a ham,
mer on the mantle-piece, and even loaded pistol
under the looking-glass. Some men would have
made use of one of these weapons; but Frank
thought he would try what virtue there was in cold
water. In his trepidation he seized the pitcher,
dashed its contents upon the head and bosom of the
robber, and-fed from the room
Closing the door between himself and the mid
night visitor, he paused to DISTINGUISHING all the
time that he had thought to take the key so that he
might effectually prevent the robber following him.
and take vengeance on him for sping his own
blood.
Frank, to his horror and dismay, heard the robber
uttering deep curses, climb the window sill, and
enter the room.
Thief! murder! robbers!' he shouted at the top
of his voice.
Hush your COMPOUNDED nonsensep Numbered the
man in the room.
Frank started. He knew that voice, he was sure.
'Ned!' he cried, SIS it you?'
TO bS sure it is! What did you throw that
water In my face for? Hang your jaws. I'll pay
you!
At this moment, Frank heard movements on the
stairs. As he was in the hall, in his shirt, he was
filled with horror at the thought of being seen in that
predicament He FASTENED to retreat into his room
but Ned had locked him OUT
For Gods saken cried Frank, in agony, sopen
the door. The women are coming!
The women will have to come thenp renliaI
Ned, coolIy. You locked me out. I.-
But thought You were not coming home to-
night'
well, did come! And knocked away at the
door for an hour, but you wouldn't let me in.
Il didn't hear you'll was aSleep!'
fAsleep! you were too lazy to get up and unlock
the door. Aseep!-when finally went around TO
get in the window, you could wake up and throw
water upon me-
Il thought it was a robber! For Heavens sake
pleaded Frank, 'let me in The women are coming
down stairs! The light is almost here. Do let me
in. III never sleep sound again. They're right
here. 0, Ned! Ned! I've nothing but my shirt on!'
But Ned was memorable.
DO as did, If you want to get in he NUT
tered
How was that?'
GO around the house, and get in at the window
20, | can't!'
'Then let the girls find you there
Frank saw there but one alternative. He
paused but a moment TO consider, and then darted
through the hall like spectre The terrified board
ers-men, women and boys-were already the
stairs-Frank perceived that he could not reach the
hall door, without running the gauntlet, in the full
glare of the lamps Then he thought that if
he should get into the street, the Waterman might
nab him before he could scale his bedroom win
dow. Ned might remember his cold bath, and treat
before he could get safely in In his perplexity,
Frank conceived lucky thought. He lodged into
the parlor and shut the door.
At that moment, the revengefu Ned rushed out
of the room with light, crying 'murder' rob-
bersp in most excited manner.
FWhere?'
.Who?'
do tell!'
'When?
SIS that you, Mr. Stringent
In reply to the terrified voices which came to him
from the stairs and landing above, Ned boldly shout
ed
Herein the parlorp
Il saw him in therep cried the nervous Miss
Miner, almost fainting with terror.
sI'll call watchman,' said Mr. Finn, looking
very white and cold
"A Waterman! fudge!' exclaimed Ned. sThere
is only one-and it is shame TO call the watch I'M
til we have secured him.
How the women admired Mr.. Stringer's courage
at that moment.
He marched boldly to the parlor door. Mr..
Finn, ashamed to appear cowardly, followed him,
trembling In every joint. Mr. Moon followed Mr..
Fmm. The women, whose curiosity overcame
their fear, followed Mr.. Moon. Unfortunately Tor
Frank. the key was not on the inside. Ned threw
the door open, and walked courageously In, at the
head of his forces .eoea.
BY the light of the lamps, Ned looked around, ex-
pecting to see Frank squattiug in corner, or trying
to cover himself up with the window curtains
Much to bis disappointment, he could see him no
where: and the men, much to their relief, could see
no robber. But Ned thought ne heard movement
| ~ nd the Miami