The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-04-11
THE MISSING WATCH.

ON a cold, wet evening in the month of
~ December, not many years ago, the
streets of London were still thronged with
passers by, hurrying to and fro through the
pouring rain. The gaslights in shop win
dows and street lamps shone brightly on
the flooded pavement, giving brilliancy
to the crowded thoroughfares in spite of the
dreary weather.
At the corner of Clearinghouse, near
the post Office, stood one of the more re-
spectacle looking omnibuses that ply be-
tween London and the distant suburbs.
The driver and conductor were encased
in oil-skin wrappers-the horses as sleek
as satin with the rain running off them--the
vehicle and its attendants were made up for
the journey, which promised to be unusual
ly uncomfortable. "Time up?" asked the
driver grufly of a man standing beneath
the portico of the post Office. "Another
two minutes" replied the time-keeper look
ing at his watch.
During the short colloquy two passengers
took their places in the omnibus-one a
well-dressed man, who growled audibly
to himself about the weather. the other a
widow in deep mourning. AS the latter
raised thick Grape veil she displayed a
set of features that attracted the attention
of her fellow-traveller. He stopped his
growing andendeavored to make room for
her on the opposite side, away from the
open window. frH
At the foot Of Westminster Bridge two
shabbily attired women hailed the conduc-
tor, and the omnibus was drawn up to the
pavement to receive them. They made
much confusion in getting i'll, and com
planned of there being no lamp inside, talk
ing loudly. The journey continued, and
then talking gradually ceased.
"The rain must surely inconvenience
you," said the first passenger, resuming
his attackupon the widow?" He laened for
ward and endeavored to persuade her to do
as he suggested. The offer was politely
declined. 81 prefer this position, thank
you," replied the little black figure. Some
ten minutes passed wearily away, when one
of the two last comers showed signs Of un-
easiness. She rose, and sought something
on the floor and upon the seat. She touch
ed the black figure roughly.
"You are annoying that lady," said the
man. "What have you lost?"
The woman continued her search. She
emptied her pockets, bringing forth mis-
cellaneous collection of coppers, keys, old
gloves, and other things her anxiety in
creased every moment.
81 have been robbed" she at last ex.
claimed. Her friend tried to pacify her in
vain.
Conductor" she cried in an excited
tone, Conductor, my watch has been
stolen, and these people have got it."
The conductor descended from his foot.
board, and stood at the door of the omni
bus
"My watch has been stolen, and this
woman has taken it,"
"I know this lady WELL" said the man
"she is one of my regular customers you
must be mistaken"
"I am not mistaken" " replied the female
"She took it, and passed it to her FRIEND
here. / know their tricks"
"You dare accuse Inc, madam y re
piled the latter furiously.
"Yes, you and your accomplice here VIII
looks 80 innocent"
A violent alteration took place. Th
woman declared she had her watch in he
possession few minutes since, and coulo
not now find it.
The widow was greatly agitated.
"You are very wrong" she said meekl,
speaking through her veil.
"No, / am not" replied the accuse
flercely, "and you know well enough I'm
not"
"Maybe you dropped it while getting in,
suggested the conductor.
"No such thing, it was too well fastene'