Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1872-08-24
Oar R06ber.

anre sign that she was thinking OF the
happy. care free days when she and
this friend, who was SO anxious TO
have her present at their silver wed.
ding, were all the world 10 each other
uTo think that Carrie has been mar
ried twenty-five years! It does not
serm possible. Dear Carrie! | wish
II were 90 We co.ld 60"
"Why, what is to hinder Us from
going, pray tellT
"Eyerything, John; we should have
TO be away at least week, aud what
could we do with Sue and the house. .
watched the light fade from her
face, to be replaced by the usual care
worn expression, and vowed she should
bare this one pleasure her heart
craved. ~
Now, when I undertake q thing
accomplish it at all hazards; SO, in
spite OF mama's protestations and
misgivings, had the satisfaction of
seeing her and papa en- route for b
the next morning.
sent for Madge, my '!dear famil-
iar,r and what with our riding, visit
ing, and entertaing company, the time
passed quickly. Greatly to our sur
prise We found ourselves elevated to the
position Of heroinrs. 1t was consider
ed q wonderfully brave thing foI two
young girls to stay alone, of their own
free will and accord, with no protec-
tor save eowarlly negro boy and an
old dog. Our house was very large,
sadly deficient in locks, and we had
no near Neutrality-suspicious. nearer than
the village, two miles distant. Dan
and two servant-girls, with ourselves,
constituted the household.
But Madge and I, at school had the
reputation of tearing norhing; certain
Is We had not thought of fear in this
case. I confess l secretly examined
papas stock of firearms, after hearing
the gossip and smuggled several of
the necessary nuisances into my room,
beside coaxipg Watch to sleep in the
kitchen--to AIMS great disgust. The
week was halt over when We took Il
fancy TO drive to the village, and in
dulge ia the luxury of shopping.
Madge suggested that we should call
for some valuable lewelry | had lett
for some slight alterations.
IA we entered the establishment,
ny attention was attracted BY two
men who we're staring at us most
impudently. Mr.. Ernst was an old
friend Of oars; we chatfed with him
aomc little time.
$50 yoa are head OF the household,
Miss Sue. I'll warrant you double
lock all the doors, and start at every
noise in the night. Isn't it true, Miss
Madgcw
Madge Indignantly disclaiined suclf
weakness on our part, assuring him
that the doors had chronic dislike
TO being locked, and we were strang
era to anything 80 weakminded as
fear. N1
"A thousand pardons! l might
have known you were brave as "a regi
ment of men. When will your father
returni What not until Saturday !!
Well, you are two courageous young
laSies.r
just then / turned my head, and
there saw those two men seemingly
absorbed in the jewels displayed in
the case. Such queer feelings crept
over me Something iInpelIed me to
boast Of my skill in shooting.
1t wouldn't be safe tor burglars to
visit rs. Yon know papa drilled me
well in the use of firearms"
Sure enough. He does persist in
declaring you are proficient in that ac-
complishment. had forgotten that.
Pray don't expect me to make raid
upon your jewel casket now.
|. All through town those men follow
ed rs, uRtii grew nervous as witch.
0dadge did not appear to notice them.
and was ashamed to speak of it lest
she should laugh at me.
We had company until late that
evening. II was eleven when the last
guest departed. Madge was in the Ii
orary looking Tor hook, when heard
astealthy step on the side porch.
few to the door. as it flashed upon me
that it was no. locked. l had hardly