Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-07-05

aoout nifty years OF age, and wore
spectacles, and a profusion of beard
and whiskers covered more than half
his face. But he had winning smile
and good teeth, which he often took
an opportunity Of showing.
ave have found you at last"
| am thankful to say that | am not
nervous when see danger, and l
boldly replied
"My name is Harker and not Brun-
ton; Mr.. Moss, the landlord of these
premises, has noticed my resemblance
to his late tenant, and is satisfied that
! am not the same. Depend upon it
that | shall make you repent this out
rage"
| tried to rise to call for help from
the street, but the pistol was cooked
and pointed at me. and there was that
in the mans face which cautioned me
against rashneSs in my helpless posi-
ton.
II will sit down." [ replied, "and
hear what you have to say; but if I
choose to do it l shall do my best to
raise an alarm in spite of your revol-
ver."
"VelI spoke, Carl" said the for
eigner; "Iouise always say he a
plucky one"
"Now then Brunton," ," whispered the
other, "let us have no nonsense. We
have not met before, it is true, but
Louise has so well described you, that
putting another name on your door
was simply idiotic. Besides one Of
ours has watched for your return, and
we communicated with him directly
We landed. Go free if you like, but
are ,oiU hare the plates"
Oats the matter yid u.s." echoed
the German; eve will have the plates. "
Il know nothing Of any plates" l
cried, "nor Of Louise, nor Of you. All
l know is, that you will see the inside
Of a prison very shortly"
"And you think you can throw US,
throw me over in this way! Do you
think you deal with children ?"
4 think | deal with a burglar
Most certainly with rascal of some
sort or other"
Here my two friends held whis-
pered conference. Then he of the re-
volyer turned sharply towards me.
"WiIl you marry Louise? Will you
give up the plates, and marry my sis
ter?"
"She lofe you like old boots" add
ed the German; and from which l
opine that he prided himself on a
knowledge of English idiom.
In spite of my serious position l
was getting thoroughly amused. The
dark doorway held unknown terrors
to my excited Imagination; but two
commonplace fellows who had made
a mistake only caused a feeling Of
merriment, even in spite of the revol
yer.
Il am sorry cannot oblige you,"
replied. Il am hattered by the lady
preference; but having one wife al
ready, | fear l must decline taking a
second; and as for the plates, please
explain what you mean"
The answer to this fippant speecf
was a blow on the face which sent
the blood streaming on the floor.
you'll remember insulting the sis
ter of Louis Orloff! Here, Baron, lei
US gag him, and search; he will bt
raising au alarm presently"
They thrust piece of rope between
my teeth, compreSsing my windpipt
to make me open my mouth anC
there I sat helpless whilst they turn
ed out the contents of my desk anC
drawers, not forgetting my cash box
which was opened with o key taker
from my waistcoat pocket, and the con
tents appropriated. Knowing tha
the two scraps Of paper | had found il
the waste paper basket, and placed ii
my drawer, must have reference tt
their visit, | watched very anxiouSl,
when they opened it. But they es
capped notice, and | felt that 1 had 60
some clew to the mystery, even i
these men escaped and l had quit
determined that they should not es
! cape, for I was insecurely bound, ant
! had been working hard to get m.
right hand free, and, thanks to hay
ing a very narrow one, | now fount
myself able to slip it through the Loo
, which encircled the wrist; but l obi
dcd my time" for saw that a falls
move might bring bullet through m
head.
de plates is in &c oder room, Car
Brunton, mon ami" said the Baron
smiling, and patting my shoulder
, "Vy not say? Wy shoot we you? Yo
do dem so we'll, ve no get any lik
dem. And you use dem yoursel
q and den, Ach Gott you upset de car
\ of de apple"
"Yes," I thought; "and it's odd t
:. me if l don't upset your cart of de az
Y pie before long"
/ @In dare; in back room?" aske
e the Baron, with another amiabl
4 smile.
d l said "Yes," with my eyes.
+ "See now, my Louis, you were to
e rough. You into him pitch like dan
n So see him amiable." Then to me-
"And you viii marry Louise, VIII
!, lofe you like old boots ?"
Y My other hand was free now.
r tried to speak, and implored with IN
J. eyes for the gag to be removed.
K The Baron removed it, and Will
d doing so I resolved on a plan of ope1
II ations.
You will marry Louise and Civ
d US the plates ?"
I "I will give you every satisfaction
$ THAT is business" said Louis o
If loft, coming forward. "First the plate
e Then you return with us to New Yor
and keep your promise to Louise
20 Why give US this trouble ? tell yc
3 frankly that the expense will be d
I Quoted from your share, and that yc
o. will be strictly watched in future.
r should have cut your throat but ft
'o my promise to Louise. Now whel
q are the plates p
- "Look in the closet in the ne,
i room; rake out the Goals, and tai
% what you 6nd.'
~ \