The Placer herald., 1872-01-27

JOLLY MIR. DILL.
BY PAUL PRENTISS.


the precise time when Mr.. Dill came TO
Greenough to reside 1t was sometime dur
ing the Winter that | spent in the city, for
when | returned to our home in early Spring
| found him one of the most intimate and
valued acquaintances of my fathers family.
Indeed, they were perfectly charmed with
| him.
ooh, Susie, DEAR" said my mother, be-
fore had been home an hour; 'you can't
realize how much you have missed by not
having known Mr.. Dill lie is really the
most charming acquaintance we have made
in long time"
"Truly, a jolly fellow" put in papa.
"Pray tell me where he came from and
how you met him?" | asked. "Who is
this parsonage with whom you have formed
such friendship during my short stay at
Aunt Harriet's ?"
"Dear me, wife, when did Dill first call
upon us?" asked my father, and without
waiting for reply, continued, "It must be
two or three months ago, at least. DR..
Jennings introduced him here, and he is so
agreeable that in an hour we seemed to be
cid friends"
''We all like him ever so much. He is
coming TO tea this very evening. invited
him on purpose to meet you, said my moth
er. 81 must be looking after the arrange
ments now," and she hurried away to give
directions to the servants.
Our home was just little way out of the
village of Greenough After an active busi-
ness life, during which he had accumulated
a comfortable fortune, my father had bought
delightful country seat, and devoted him
self-aside from minor business duties---to
beautifying the house and grounds, which
had now been fitted up in luxurious style.
Early in the afternoon | saw a stranger
sauntering up the avenue, whom | immedi-
ately conceived to be the jolly parsonage ex-
peced to tea. must say that l was not
favoraby impressed by his appearance lie
possessed that short, rotund figure, and full,
flushed face, which are supposed to be in
separately connected with jolly persons, and
are indicative of good living. There was
rather good natured air about him as he
slowly approached, and one could easily inn
agine him to be a prince of good fellows;
yet there was something in the wary glances
with which he scrutinized surrounding Oh
jects, directed occasionally at the windows
|
to me an idea of deception, which was ma
terially strengthened by the sudden change
overspreadins his countenance as my father
walked down the steps to meet him. Smiling
in way meant to be sweet, but which at
the moment appeared to me rcprlsive, he
bowed low and extending his hand, as he
returned his hosts greeting.
They entered, and presently my mothers
voice summoned me to the parlor to meet
our guest
"My dear" said she, as We entered the
room, 81 am happy to make you acquainted
with our good friend Mir. Dill.
"My dear Miss" he exclaimed, rising and
extending his hand, which was obliged to
grasp, by courtesy, though for some un-
known reason l dreaded to. "My dear
Miss, have been longing to see you. am
really delighted to meet you Would kiss
be wholly out'of order, friend Hcnwood ?"
he continued, turning to my father, while
ardenIly grasping my hand.
"Indeed, the girl is old enough to answer
for herself, said he; and did so immedi-
atey by begging to be excused from the
pleasure.
The conversation was not allowed to wane.
| Mr.. Dill well maintained his reputation for
oty by making several rather witty re-
marks, at which he himself laughed immod-
erately.
"By the way" he suddenly remarked,
after the usual topics had been discussed,
"Henwood, have you heard of the robbery
perpetrated few miles from here last nght?"
Robbery? mol" my father hastily re-
piled, gancing rather nervously at Mr.. Dill.
'sWho was robbed p
"Why as heard it told down at the post
office an hour Or two ago, the safe of Squire
Cunningham was broken open, and nearly
S5 900 in bonds abs.racted. The villains
escaped, but there is a fair prospect of their
capture, and good punishment is in store
for them.
"mdeed! These midnight prowlers are
getting bold And they left no clue, you
say, by which to be traced ?"
'"Not the slightest" ;"
"But," continued Mr.. Dill, after mo-
ments silence, plainly seeing that my father
was much disturbed. 81 don't think you
have reason to fear. Your safe is of the
strongest make, believe, and such bunsmg
burglars as usually wander about here are
not capable of breaking it OPEN"
81 don't know about that True, the
safe is a strong one, and well it should be,
continued the other musingly.
"Suppose we examine it and the sur
roundings," said Din. perhaps the win,
dow fastenings might be strengthened, and
other defensive measures taken. Not that
there is much necessity, though, for ! apprc-
hend little danger of an attempt upon it..
"Just what | was about to propose, an
swered nv father, and arm in arm the two
departed.
Left alone curled down in a cosy corner
of luxurious lounge, and soon forgot our
disacreeable visitor in the enhancing pages