The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-08-23

"What! are you the young man that
has succeeded to everything?' Robin
bowed. "Then, what can you want
here?"
81 came to tell you, Miss Thorney, that
a gang of burglars intend to break into
your house tonight. Don't be alarmed,
please. It's all right. I've told the
police"
Miss Thorney, who had been standing
up right, dropped into her chair with a
grasp, which alarmed Robin.
"Can l get anything?" said Madge,
anxiously.
"Don't be fool, child. Well, go on
What are the police going to do?'
"They wish, if possible, to catch the
fellows in the act. The thieves mean to
climb tree, and get in at a window, of
which the fastening has been removed"
"You were not so wrong, after all,
child" said Miss Thorney, nodding at
Madge.
If you have no objection" Robin went
on, "one of the policemen shall be hidden
! III GudG IUciH, WHliC Iuc OlHClS WATCH D6-
low. But the most painful part of the
business is yet to come; l am sorry to say
that your old butler is an accomplish"
Miss Thorney's pale old cheek grew
little paler.
"And please, cousin Sarah" exclaimed
Madge, "don't drink the wine and water
he brings you tonight. He means to put
something in it to make you sleep more
heavily than usual
cold villain.' said Miss Thorney.-
CATER all I've done for him! Well, let
justice take its course. Mr.. Hyde, am
! obliged to you. l don't know why you
should take any trouble to preserve my
property. However, settle the business
your own way. But how did you find out
all this ?'
Robin told his story, and answered the
old lady's sharp questions.
every well, she said, when she had
heard all. "Now, you had better go,
and we will have our tea. Bring the
policeman to this window when he comes
and Margaret will show you the way up
stairs.''
That old lady is not such bad one,
after all, thought Robin, as he stepped out
into the twilight.
When Joseph came for the tea-tray, his
mistress was sitting with her face turned
away from the light, and Margaret was
reading at the table.
"Shall shut the windows, Ma'am ?'
"No; leave them"
"What time shall l bring the wine and
water, if you please, Ma am ?'-in a voice
even more woolly than usual.
At half-past ten. Bring the decanter
and some warm water, and an extra tumb-
Ter. Miss Margaret may like some, and
will mix it for HERSELF
every well, Ma'am,' said Joseph, and
away he went with his tea-tray.
81 thought should have choked," said
Miss Thorney. "Good gracious! it's
wicked world. How long have you known
that young man, Margaret"
GIVE travelled together last Monday
nearly all the way from home. That is all
1 know of him." said Madge.
Miss Tborney grunted, and was silent
Madge sat still with book before her,
| turning over a leaf now and then, but not
understanding a word; it was hard work.
| for she felt all on end with excitement, and
jumped up with a violent start when, at a
few minutes past nine, there was a step
outside, and Robin looked in at the VIM
dow. Miss Thorney was sitting upright
in her chair, wide awake, with stirn de-
cision in her face.
"Ceme in" she said. is the police
man there ?''
"Here he is" said Robin, as they stepped
into the room. "May we leave our boots
under this sofa ~
GAS you please" replied the old lady.
"Now, Margaret, lead the way upstairs"
"What will happen if we meet any Of
the servants ?'' said Madge.
eve shall keep them quiet" said
Robin, glancing at the policeman, a tall,
strong, silent fellow, who looked as if he
was equal to any number of burglars.
OpOuCu luC -lOOlh uool
very softly, and stole along the dim hall,
up the stairs, and along the passages, fol
lowed by her two companions, who trod
as noselessly as herself.
"That is my Cousins reom," she whisp-
cred to Robin, as they passed the foot of
Miss Thorney's steps; then little further
on. "This is mine; and this is the room
you are to hide ill.,"
The moon, which would be down before
twelve, was shining in through the tree at
the dangerous window, and the floor was
all checkered with light and shadow.
(Which is the plate-chest ?" said Robin.
"This? Then we can't do better than
put ourselves just behind it in this old
wardrobe"
"Oh, take care"' exclaimed Madge, as
he turned the rusty key.
"Never fear. Joseph is eating his sup
per in peace-Rather stuffy, but suppose
this is the best place TO the policeman.
eyes, sir. The young lady had better
take the key"
"Ah! it wouldn't suit us to be locked
in. That's it. Well leave the door aar
till the time draws near. Goodnight"
The policeman had already dived into
the wardrobe, among Miss Thorney's old
gowns and those Of her MOTHER musty
atmosphere. Madge put her hand for the
first time into Robins, and it flashed
across her mind that there might be danger
in what he was doing; the thieves might
have revolvers, too.
edo take care of YOURSELF" she said, in
a trembling whisper. "Must you really
stay here %
"Why, what bad opinion Miss Thor
ney would have of me if turned back at
the last moment"
81 don't know that her opinion mat
ters.''
1t matters very much to me just now,
l assure you. However, don't frighten
yourself; it's all right. There are two
| ,,ol;cop,oa opd Ion, Riddnll in the Garden.