Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-07-02

That was the happy plan We sketched
out.
The next morning the merchant told
me he had been robbed of more than
usual.
"And have found out the thief"
said, though cannot tell you until to.
night, when l will be able to show YOU
the proof-that is, the money itself!'
He grasped me by the hand, he thanked
me, but I would give him no hint until
the designated time. ,H
Evening came at last. We three went
to the church. We found it dimly lighted
George left me standing by the altar,
while she went with Kitty into little
room at the side of the altar for few mo.
ments.
1t seemed but second before a young
man stood before me with pistol levelled
at my head in his hand. looked at him
i'll amazement. 1t must be-and yet how
could it be-my expected bride.
George " 1 exclaimed.
"George Conrad, at your service, sir, "
he returned in sneering tone. "Stand
still while Kitty adjusts those handcuufs
on your wrists, kitty held them in her
hand,- "and ties you securely to the
altar, or shall be under the necessity of
shooting you"
l was at their mercy-the handouts
gave an ominous click, the rope was ad-
justed around me and the altar-I was q
prisoner!
"Now," he continued, "when you play
detective again, hope you will have the
sense not to be bewitched SO easily. I
wanted Kitty, and she wanted me, and the
old fellow objected. l was poor, Kitty
could not 90 away with me. We con-
trived plan to rob the old man and then
elope. She robbed him successfully for a
time, and everything was going we'll until
you appeared. l saw you, read at one
glance that you was an over-grown, vain,
spoony calf, and so came to the house as
young lady on purpose for you to make
love to- How do you like the looks Of
your bride ?" and he laughed outright.
4" Now" he continued, eve have made a
big haul tonight, aud We are off, You
will stay here until some one accidentally
finds and releases you. Then it will be
too late to pursue US. Good day, my dar-
ling Harry" and throwing me kiss, he
took Miss Kitty's hand and walked off,
l felt mean; l was sold, and was help.
less. Nobody came that night, nor during
the first part Of the next day, and l had
the happy prospect of starvation staring
me in The face if nobody should come un.
til the next Sunday.
Late in the afternoon l was released.
l told my story to the man, and together
VIC went into the little room. All the fc-
male apparel which had robed the form of
George Conrad was still lying there. I
took them, wrapped them up carefully,
and went to the old merchant. He was
much surprised at my appearance. Kitty
and Georgie and l, all being missing, he
had supposed that We were all murdered,
and search had been instituted. He
listened to my story. He raved like a
mailman, and called me q fool for my
pains.
l went home without the promised re.
ward, and left the detective business in
disgust. l turned my attention to some
thing else, aud, for long time l was shy
of any one dressed in lady's clothes. How.
ever, l have married since then, but l
have never been quite so spoony or hasty
as was when courting Miss George.
l leave you to judge for yourself if I
was not, as told you before, sold, and un-
mercifully cheap at that"