Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1865-05-10


servant is to 60 down stairs before me in
the morning; nor is any one to walk
about during the night-then will defy
the robbers"
Thus it was agreed that my friend
was to act the part of guardian, and was
to commence his charge on the ensuing
night
Three nights had passed, and no alarm
had occurred, and no robberies taken place
we began to think our alarms had been
roundless-but our friend said that now
was the very time to be most guarded,
for that no wise burglar would rob when
he was expected; besides, he said, we
have not had windy night yet; it is
when doors and windows rattle. and the
chimney rumbles, that robbcries are best
effected, not when every strange noise is
audible--thus, he said, he did not give
up hopes of yet having something to
say to the robbers before his visit term
mated.
usually sleep very lightly, and there
fore awoke readily upon hearing tap at
my bedroom door during the fouth night
of our watch. 1t was my friends voice
that answered me, and we were requested
to come out at once.
"As soon as | strike lucifer- match"
replied.
Nonsense; alight will spoil the whole
thing. Come in the dark slip on dres
sing. gown and your goloshes, and come
at once"
l was soon provided as he wished. and
ready to descend the stairs in the dark.
Now, remember" said my friend
there are seven steps to the first landing
twelve others afterwards, and the fourth
step creaks, so be careful to descend with
out noise"
The night was boisterous, and many ;
window and door shook and ratified, 81
that the slight noise we made in descend
ing the stairs was not sufficient to hav
alarmed tae most keen.eared listenter
We descended to the ground-Aoor, entere'
the pantry, and then standing perfect.
still, devoted ourselves to listening.
In very few seconds we heard graf
ing noise on the shutter, then an interva
of quiet. aud again noise; present.
the window was gently raised, and agai
all was quiet.
The noise of a heavy vehicle passin
the house seemed to afford an opportunit
| for more decided effort, for while tn
the rattle of the wheels was loudest
crack sounded from the shutter, and "
could hear the bolt forced, for th
shutter was moved.
Don't stir, till I do, and hold you
breath if possible" whispered my frien
in my ear.
found the latter difficult request
comply with, for my heart was beatin
with rapidity, and humping against m
ribs in the most excited way still stoc
quiet. trusting my friend.
, Nothing could be more cautious tina
. the proceedings of the robbers; the shu
, ter was pushed back in the most slo
and steady manner; had there been eve
, a bell fastened to it, | doubt whether
would have been made to ring.
At intervals, there was a rest fro
work, evidently for the purpose of liste1
ing, and then one of the robbers place
: his leg across the window-sill, and light
7 descended into the pantry.
The night even out of doors, was vel
dark, and in the corner where we -stot
{ it was black as Erebus, our forms, ther
fore. were quite undistinguishable, ar
7 the only chance of discovery was by hea
c ing or touching us.
a The first burglar was soon followed
o second, whilst we could hear that thi
z who was outside, was to remain there (
It the watch.
n Now let us light up" said numb
two.
"Not yet, till you push the shutter +
: : replied the other. "thc glimll be secr
: then you come and hold the box"
) The shutter was quietly pushed to. al
both robbers moved away a'few pac
20 from the window by which they had Q
i; tered. By the quiet way in which tn
g walked, it was evident that they were