Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1872-12-19
AUNT POLLY AND TIE BURGLAR.

.. my. didn't the wind blowi When
went around the house that night, lock-
ing doors and windows before giving to bed j.
there was just breath of breeze sighing
about-uo.Ling more but BY the time I
bad fairly pumped upon the pillow. the
gsle was going it like mad. When l FIRST
came to the western country l used to be
surprised at the quick unceremonIous way
storms had of coming upon people-ha!f
the time. it seemed to me, out Of clear,
innocent.locking sky.
In my old home I prided myself upon
reading the signs of the sky; but here.
goodness me. when thought it would
snow. it was sure to rain. and when could
have taken a solemn oath that the clouds
were going to pour. Why. whisk they'd GO.
and the sun would shine out As though it
was in high glee at having fooled me. SO
l gave up being a weather prophet, aud
took it just as it came.
That night everything cut of doors SEEM
cd to be in coumo.ion. The loose shingles
on the house clattered up and down. the
windows shook. the blinds ratified. and
half the time it seemed to me that the bed
on which I lay would be blown through
the side Of the house. l know I'm fool
ish old woman, but at the thought I couldn't
help setting my rufiied nigh;cap straight,
ana smooth back my hair. because IL
should go. why there was Deacon Albec's
house opposite. and-but Lord bless me.
wha. ain saying!
Well naturally, I was Lonesome enough
without child or chick to speak to. but l
did very we'll until somehow I got it into
my head tha. burglars always chosc jus,
such nights to do .heir mischief in. AZ
ter that | started at every sound and as
there were thumps and clat,ers on all sides.
and in every direction, i, isn't to be sup
posed that got much rest.
didn't stop to reason that there was
very little in my poor little house to temp,
erii.doers. knew had fot.y dollars and
eighty cents laid away in my poor depart.
ed Jasou's old wooden chest. and fc!,
that to loose that would be terrible thing
to me.
The house was cottage, With a hall
running the length of its two roons-an
l. being built beyond. My room was 8,
the back. opening into the bali, and the
front room adjourning. So my eyes went
arst from one door to the other. lingering.
must say. with more dread upon the cue
leading into the hall.
1T should be robbed Of that forty dol
lars and eighty cen,s'-said I to myself
just then blind went whsck. and spring
irg up in bed. began to say the prayer
my mother taught me-'Now I lay me
down to sleep. though I'm sure i, look.
ed 4 great deal more as slough was sit
ting up TO sleep thsn laying down.
What an old fool you are Polly Quinn.
by! began to say. aloud. trying to
get up my courage BY the sound Of my
own voice
At that moment I was sure heard q
step in the little hall. and before had time
to move from my place the door swung
back, and there he stood, the very object
that | had been dreading. Mr.. Burglar
himself.
Good evening. ma 'am. hs said, in such
polite way. that found myself in the
motion Of bosing back. and saying good
evening too.
He vas a middlc.agcd man. with nous.
taehe and vhiskers. and he had the bright
est eyes that ever saw in persou's head
The hair on his temples was quite gray
Al in all. lie looked like respectable
Christian gentleman. and not midnigh'
thies.
Quite a windy evening. ma'am.' b.
wen, on. as he stepped into the room
You must be lonely by yourself.
Somehow. this touched my temper.
forgot who was speaking. and answered
back as tart as coald Be.
Il prefer to choose my company. sir !.
He laughed, and shrugged up has shoal,
ders.
You do, indeed So do 7. In thi.
case | have my prcfereuee-uos yoa.'
Then he sat down leisure.S in mt rock.
! ing chair. aud stretched out his feet, q.
though he intended to stay while.
! .Will you be 30 kind. Sir. a to 60 sbou