The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-10-03

HUI piaceu MY garments nearer my manu-. IN
stead spreading them On chairs in the mid
die of the room, in order to get them dry
These thoughts, however, were but momen-
tary, and in short space had forgotten ev-
erytEing in slumber.
suppose may have slept about two hours
and the dawn was just breaking, when | was
awoke by slight noise, like something fall
ing on the tiled floor of the apartment
Luckily | did not start, or make the leas,
movement, but, half opening my eyes, in the
full consciousness of the situation, saw that
my companion was in the act of getting out
of bed. His movements were so slow and
cautious, and noiselessy made, that they at
once aroused my suspicion, and watched
narrowly through seemingly closed lids.-
I With the steathiness of prowling Cat he
got upon his feet, and, with his eyes fixed up
on me, advanced stealthily to the foot of my
bed. His object plainly was to be sure that
| slept, and took care to betray no sign Of
wakefulness that might undeceive him. Af-
ter IA statue-like watch of few moments, he
seemed to have assured himself of my slum-
bers, and, turning softly round, thrust his
hand into one of the pockets of my panta-
looms, and Withdrawing the contents, retreat
ed to his bed, carrying the plumber with him.
Here he lay motionless for several minutes.
watching me attchtively the while. At length
he raised himself, and drawing bag from
beneath his pillow, deposited within it the
booty he seized, replaced it, and lay down. as
If to compose himself TO sleep.
My blood was boiling in my veins at the
fellows impudent robbery, and felt half in
clined to rise and pummel him as he lav. and
recover my property. There was no occasion,
however, for any hurry; and rejecting that
secoLd thoughts were sometimes best, | lay
still, endeavoring 10 form some plan for do
ing myself justice. if it might be, without a
scene of violence. which isht be attended by
unpleasant consequences, but fully determin-
eu to do battle tor my own, if no other alter
native presented itself The contents Of the
pocket which the fellow had rifled amounted
10 about three pounds English. all in five
franc pieees,which mad received OF nv friend
OF the night before. in final discharge Of an
accommodation account between Us. but i,
was more than could afford 10 lose: an,
indeed, the idea of resigning it without
struggle WAS the last should have thought
of entertaining.
, While pulling nv brains for some prac,i-
cal expedient which, howeycr.did not present
ITSELF | could not help admiring the calm pla-
cldlty Of the countenance of the villain who
had robbed Ele, who, from his satisfied ex-
preston. seemed TO be ENJOYING the con-
sciousness of some good action: but in this
was much deceived. The rascal was no
: more asleep than was. If my anxiety ard
indignation were perplexing me, his appre-
tensions were at the same moment troubling
him, aid Just as was abandoning all hope
= OF connecting plan for the recovery CT MY
money without fighting for it, a movement on
his part put ME in possession of one which
!, had at least the promise of success. | san
Lin open his eyes suddenly, aud fix them full
/ on me then rising. he withdrew the canvas
: bag once more from beneath his pillow, and
: stepped out of bed with it in his hand. Upon
the window-sill there stood withcred ccra-
mum in a glazed earthcn-ware pot; the plant
was mere stick, which had dried M and
died for want of water To nv an,azement
, the thief lifted the plant out of the pot bv
the stem, raising the earth in which it had
. grown. and which was all matted together by
5 the roots, along with it: he then deposited
the bas in the bottom of the pot, and replac-
, ing the plant, got quietly into bed once
. more.
| Saw at once that this move placed the re-
suit of the game very much within my own
} power, and soon made up my mind how to
i act. do not suppose that either of US went
: to sleep again; and | have often thought
since, what curious study we might have
: presented to any one concealed spectator who
/ should have been in the secret of our relative
/ predicaments during the following two hours
t or so. l knew, of course. that my light-fin-
r gered friend would not think of rising till /
was up and gone; having placed his booty
] where he might easily deem ii beyond the
possibility of discovery, he was doubtless
S prepared TO out-tace any suspicion or accusa-
t ton that might be made against him, there.
:, fore he would lie there until he had the field
to himself. Accordingly, about o'clock
n got up, deliberately washed and dressed
: and having finished my toilet, was almost
e ready to start, being We'll aware that the fel
1 low, who was feigning sleep, had lis eyes up
g on me, and was watching for the moment
$ when should discover my loss. OF cours,
j. | did not discover it but when had draw
d en- my boots, and was ready to 90, becam,
l. suddenly aware that the atmosphere of tn,
n room was insufierably close, and began TO put
e and blow, and calculate interjectional com
- plants of the want Of air at the mex. mo
Is ment ran to the window, threw it wide opel
o with one hand, AID, leaning forward as if t.
d catch the morning breeze, awkwardly swep
off the aower-pot, down into the little cour