The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-06-22

astonishing news, and in the middle
of them Jacko, gesticulating and glib
bering frightfully. The servants
were running. about excitedly, the
guests in the breakfast-parlor were
talking eagerly, while Giles Hum
phrey was rushing up and down the
room like a madman, his face green
with passion, his eyes rolling about,
his hair pushed up ON end. and va
rious signs of disorder about his dress.
One minute, he was calling down the
vengeance of Heaven on some per-
son unknown; the next, he was
wringing his hands and whimpering
like IL whipped school-boy. / soon
learned what was the matter. Giles
Humphreys strong box had been
rified during the night. Ten thou
sand pounds in money had been
stolen; also jewels to the value of a
fabulous amount.
I heard, and CHASTITY light was
thrown upon my puzzle. There came
Il kissing in my ears, and flames
darted past my eyes. For the first
time in my life, it seemed possible to
me that l, strong man, could swoon.
L looked at Peg, who was sitting in a
corner of the bay window, with her
pale, pretty face leaned forward on
her hand, the stray little wavelets of
her hair almost dipping into the
large grey eyes. The usual proud
reserve of her mouth and brows had
given way to an expression of strong
interest in the startling topic of the
moment. My uncle had commenced
shrleking at me the moment ap-
peared.
"Nephew!'' he cried, grasping
wildly at my coat, and screaming into
my ear, ''send instantly for detach-
ment of police, and have all your
rascally servants taken into custody.
Send"
But I will not trouble you, Tom,
with the repetition of his rawlings. 1t
seemed the general opinion that the
robbery had been committed by some
one in the house. True, window had
been found open on the ground-foor
at the back; but this was easily dis
covered to be a ruse, as the thief had
made serious mistake by opening n
window which was closely barred out
side. Some one in the house had
penetrated the secrets of the springs
and locks of Giles Humphreys
strong box. One or two persons had
the hardihood to suggest Jacko as
the robber, but to any suspicion Of
him, his master would not listen.
Jacko had been his servant for years
upon years, and had never defrauded
him of baubee. Why should he
turn traitor now?
Why? Because, perhaps, he never
before had been tempted by the art
of clever woman. / should have
said to Giles Humphrey: "There is
plot, and believe your man Jacko
to be concerned in it," only for that
handkerchief had found upon the
passage, and only for the hutter of
that black silk dress Again I looked
at Peg. Still that same eager, inter
ested look. SO becoming to the pale,
pretty face; still the sweetly- moulded
chin reposing on the white, guilty (?)
hand.
presence of mind and act reasonably.
despatched a messenger for the
police. | promised my uncle that
every endeavor should be made to
regain his property. Breakfast was
upon the table, and I begged my
guests to be seated, and to defer the
further discussion Of the unpleasant
event until after the meal had been
partaken Of. The first part of my
bidding they obcyed, but not the
second. had not, indeed, expected
they would SO easily waive the sub
ject. Why, such al adventure to
talk about on Christmas morning in
q country house barricaded with snow
was perfect God-send.
So busy were they with the subject,
that they had forgotten to miss my
Lady Fitzgibbon, who presently ar
rived, in the cosiest of Cashmere
morning dresses, and with quite a
bloom in her cheeks from her early
walk. She came in so gaily that she
had rs yet learned nothing of what
had happened. Hardly had she taken
her seat at the table, when lady by
her side commenced rapidly, Have
you heard
81 have heard nothing" she an
swered, lightly; 'but shall be de-
lighted to hear anything, for | am
dying fornews. But first she added,
suddenly recollecting herself, "frst l
must perform an act Of justice. Miss
OShaughnessy,' she added, putting
her hand in her pocket, and drawing
something forth ssT hoo yOI1r por1On