The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-01-18
Mllstellanrous.
My Little Black Pocket Book.
BY MARY KYLE DALLAS.

Br MARY KYLE DALLAS.
II was born and brought up, as you per
haps already know, in good old England
My father died while was still an infant
and at an early age my mother placed me il
the counting-house OF a rich London mer
chant, Us preparation for the mercantil,
life which she had planned for me. A dry
tedious life il was at first to merry boy lrcsl
from the country. but grew used to the dul
routine m time, and, from my steadiness anC
respectful demeanOr, soon became great ia
yOrite with those aboutme. Mygreat plcasur'
was TO wander through the handsome street.
at eyentidc, building castles in the r,wher,
every thing was bright and glowing, and th,
flowers were one and all fragrant and thorn
less. One brilliant autumn night was TAX
ing solitary ramble along one of the most
splendid streets in London. 1t was very late,
and nearly all the windows were closed and
darkened, while the few carriages which
rolled at long intervals over the stones waken'
cd the lurking echoes, and seemed 10 make
the returning silence deeper us the sound of
their wheels died away in the distance. Over
smooth pavement the full moon shcda flood
Of molten silver, the sky was studded thickly
with golden stars, and, near the horizon, a
flame OF diamond light-beautiiul Venus
arose, like queen among her subjects.
stood looking at her irou the shadow OF
a stately marble building, dreaming. HEAVIER
knows what, for in those days my heart WA
full of hope, ambition and romance, and 81
absorbed was in the visions my own brain
had conjured up, that il was with a start
that suddenly remembered ought to hayC
been in bed and asleep for some four or five
hours at least. As this conviction forced it.
self upon me, turned to rctrace my steps,
but as did 50, my eyes encountered face
~ evil and sinister IN its expression, that !
inyoluntarily drew hack into the shadow with
some rather disagreeable misgiyings, and
watched its pOSsessOr as he advanced into the
clear light OF the moon. lie was short,
stout person, clad in shabby garments. and
ms he came ON he looked about him warily
and turning. beckoned to some one behind
him, and called in thick, husky whisper
Come ON, Bill, all's quiet
At this invitation another man emerged
from the other side of the building and up.
preached him with stealthy footsteps. draw
ING 50 near to me that could have touched
them with my Out-stretched hand.
Are the keys safe; said the first man.
'Yes, replied the other.
And the jimmiesT
All right
Come ON, then, said the first, sits only q
step now, and we'll be there in a twinkling
We can make good job OF it, there's no
body at home but the young lady and the
servants, most of 'em wimmcn, and il they
squall we can settle 'cm easy
They moved away as they spoke, but
had heard enough to give me clue to theil
character and intentions, what could do
10 follow them unseen would probably bC
useless, but it was all that could do, and
Providence might provide through me, the
means of succOr for the innocent being:
threatened by such peril. My resolution wa:
made at once, and keeping Us much in the
shadow as possible, followed the rufhan'
down the quiet street.
Turning two corners, they presently ap
preached a row of handsome buildings with
which was familiar and with hasty glanc,
behind them, disappeared down the ara ol
one near the center. rs | watched them
could scarcely restrain the scream which aros,
to my lips, for this very dwelling was tn,
residence Of my employer-Mr. Markham
The truth flashed upon me at once. Mr.
Markham aud his wife had, | knew, left fol
a short journey the day before, and she who's
life might pcrhps be in danger, was his only
daughter-a beautiful girl whom bad long
admired and worshipped ut distance
would have periled my life 10 save her, but
what could do? could hear the stealthy
working of the two men at the ARIA door
and one cry or movement on my part nigh
put II out Ofmy power 10 afford assistance
stepped softly back into the street anC
looked up at the house. Through window
on the second floor distinguished tain
CLEAN Of light, snd,a gazed, iancicd tina
human shadow passed aeross the white cur
tain Just visible within the shutters. Som,
one was awake in that apartment, and
warning could be conveyed to them in time
all might perhaps be saved.
Below the window ran stone balcony
supported BY columns which rested on leye
with the steps. A thought flashed upon M
Us observed this, and | acted upon it a
once. Anexpert climber from my childhood
clambercd up the pillars with little difficult
ty and drawing my-,lfup by myown weight
stood safely upon the stone work beneath
the easement whence had seen the light -
peepcd through the shutters, the window
was open, and her golden hair falling in |
cloud about her shoulders. neryed mysel
TO the task and called her BY name. Mis-
Markham Miss Markham = said do no
be frightened, but come to the window for
moment
How brave she was she neither scrcame,
nor started. but putting back her long tres
es, looked around her ana answered;
who is 10 that speaks to mey
'lt 10 Claude Demming, replied. 'Ther
: are housebrcakes in the rooms below.
have clambcr~d up TO this window because
saw a light burning here. Call the servant
softly and let me in, that I may deien
you!'
She came toward the window ss tinishe
speaking, and unbarred the shutters.
go 10 that door, she sad, poiutinr 1
one across the hall. lit leads TO the butler
, room. Call him. myself VIII awaken Il
Others. There are pain ofloaded pistols
that escrctoire. l will give them to 70
! when YOU return
'I salcd uPOa her in asionishnent-'