The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-01-18
gupalar Gales.
AUNT POLLYS
WITH THE BURGLAR

ADVENTURE WITH THE BURGLAR.
o, my didn't the wind blow? When
l went around the house that night, lock
ing doors and windows before going to bed,
there was just breath of breeze signing
about, nothing more but by the time
had fairly pumped upon the pillow, the
gale was going it like mad When first
came to the Western country, used to be
surprised at the quick, unceremonious way
storms had of coming upon people-half
the time, it seemed to me, out of clear.
looking sky,
In my old home prided myself upon
reading the signs of the sky; but here,
goodness me, when | thought il would snow,
it was sure to rain, and when could have
taken solemn oath that the clouds were
going to pour, why, whisk they'd go, and
the sun would shine out as though It were
in high glee at having fooled me. So
gave up being weather prophet, and took
il just as il came.
That night everything out of doors seem
ed to be in commotion The loose shingles
on the house clattered up and down, the
windows shook, the blinds ratified, and half
the time il seemed to me that the bed on
which lay would be blown through the side
of the house. know I'm foolish old
woman, but at the thought | couldn't help
setting my ruifled nightcap straight, and
smooth back my hair, because if should go,
why there was Deacon Albee's house op-
posite, and--but Lord bless me, what am
| saying!
Well naturally, | was lonesome enough
without child or chick to speak to, but /
did very well until somehow | got it into
my head that burglars always chose just
such nights to do their mischief in, After
that | started at every sound, and as there
were thumps and clatters on all sides, and
in every direction, it isn't to be supposed
that got much rest
didn't stop to reason that there was
very little in my poor little house to tempt
evil-does. knew had forty dollars and
eighty cents laid away in my poor departed
Jason's old wooden chest, and | felt that
to lose that would be terrible thing to me.
The house was cottage, with hall
running the length of its two rooms-an
"L" being built beyond. My room was
at the back, opening into the hall, and the
front room adjoining. So my eyes went first
from one door to the other, lingering /
must say, with more dread upon the one
leading into the hall.
aIfI should be robbed of that forty dol.
lars and eighty cents-" said to my.
self just then blind went whack, and
springing up in bed, / began to say the
prayer my mother had taught me--"Now
| lay me down to sleep,"-though I'm
sure it looked great deal more as though
| were sitting up to sleep than 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 was sure heard a
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.. Bur
glar himself.
Good evening ma am, he said, in such
polite way, that | found myself in the
motion of bowing back, and saying good
evening too
He was n middle-aged man, with nous
.tache and whiskers, and had the brightest
,eyes that ever saw in persons head
The hair on his temples was quit gray
All in all, he looked like respectable
Christian gentleman, and not midnight
thief.
quite windy evening, maam, he
went 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 could be.
II prefer to choose my company, Sir !
He laughed and shrugged up his should
ers.
.sYou do, indeed SO do |. In thi'
case | have my preference--not YOU"
Then he sat down leisnrely in my rock
ing chair, and stretched out his feet, a.
though he intended to stop while.
Awill you be so kind, sir, as to 60 abou'
your b usiucss? What do you think o
yourself sir, to be intruding upon the pri
y
vaey ofmy room at this hour Of the night
sir?
He leaned ass head back upon my brighl
wasted tidy, apdipaghed 6ttokill himself
Ayo harm is intended you, my charming
womar. he said swear it--no harm i
intended your'
And saying this, he laughed louder I'D
longer than ever
DO You come iuto my house to make
game Of me before my very eyes2' ! ask.
ed, my temper very much stirred up. ~
yon were a gentleman, sir
This was too much for him