The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-08-21

the gathering OF knives and forks, with
now and then the rattle of teaspoon in
the cup.
The landlady, feeling that this was her
time, made strong effort, and exclaimed :
"Mr Stoller!"
Now the mere mention of Mr.. Stoller's
name by Mrs. Jones at the tea ia BILE could
not certainly attract extraordinary atten-
ton, but the manner and tone of the lady
startled many of the boarders sitting
around; many dropped their knives and
forks, and cast their eyes rapidly from Mrs.
Jones to Mr.. Stoller; the latter gentleman
suspended his attacks on the supper, and
gazed with an agitated countenance at the
head parsonage of the house.
MIR. Stoller," said Mrs. Jones, speaking
slowly, in order to give every word its due
emphasis, you are probably aware that |
endeavor to carry on the affairs of my
house as honestly and circumspectly as
possible was pause several lodg-
ers nodded, and one, who Vas noted for
being remiss paying his board bill when
due, intimated, in audible voice, that the
domestic economy of Mrs. Jones was not
excelled by that Of any similar establish
ment in the city.
Mr.. Stoller," continued Mrs. Jones,
twill you be kind enough to inform me, if
you can, what business detains you in your
room every Saturday between the hours of
four and seven in the afternoon"
All gazed at Mr.. Stoller, anxious to have
the all-lmportant question settled his agi
tatlon had been increasing to fearful ex-
tent during Mrs. Jones's remarks, and upon
hearing her inquiry he started to his feet !;
his face was deeply crimsoned, and he
strove for some minutes in vain to speak
"Ma'am," cried he, at last, 'you--you-
-cannot-now he stopped suddenly,
kicked over his chair, and dashed out of
the room.
No pen can describe the establishment of
the spectators at this unexpected exit; Mrs.
Jones started to her feet, and when she ut
length found her voice, addressed the COM
pany.
Now, gentlemen" said she, II am sat
isiied that Mr.. Stoller must be engaged in
some horrible plot in his room regularly
every Saturday--some counterfeiting
scrape or forgery-at any rate, some matter
which will most likely destroy the credit
of my house I'm sure you must all agree
with me when say that this horrible Sc
cret must be drawn from him by some
means or other. know from the fright
which seized him when asked him the
question, that there is something going
wrong"
Here Mrs. Jones hesitated, and waited
to be assisted from her difficulty by some
OF the boarders present.
suppose" said one, shat the next time
he shuts himself up in his room that we go
up in body and break open the door "
This brave proposition was Immediately
put down as being too belligerent in its
general features.
Couldn't some one slide down the roof
OF the house and peep in the window 2"
asked another, doubtfully.
"That might do" said Mrs. Jones, look
ing round upon the company in hopes TO
discover some one who would undertake
the task. but no one moved, for the roof
being slated one, and very steep, was
consequently too hazardous to be trusted
as a toothold.
II think" said one of the gentlemen at
the head of the table, "if we should all get
together next Saturday afternoon and cry
fire in the entries, we might bring him
out, and then discover his employment"
"Ah ~ exclaimed Mrs. Jones, that's a
good plan, but it would be liable to raise
the neighborhood but l think we'll close
all the doors and windows and try tat
any rate, it can't do much harm"
In fine, the last was considered by the
company to be most excellent plan for
the detection of Mr. Stoller in his dread
full plots, and the requisite arrangements
were made on the spot.
Nothing was said to Mr.. Stollcr during
the week, and when Saturday afternoon ar
rived at last, the greater part of the board.
ers were in their rooms waiting for his
arrival. AT the usual hour of four the sus-
pected ledger entered the house, and pro-
ceeded, as was his custom, Immediately to
his room. His door had been locked about
half an hour when large party of the
boarders, headed by Mrs. Jones, was steal
thily formed in the lower hall, and differ
ent attachments were then filed off to sepa-
rate portions of the house, and two gentle
men, more courageous than the rest, sta
toned themselves close to Mr.. Stoller's
room, ready to glide in and examine the
apartment as soon as he should open the
door.
All these prelminaries being arranged,
Mrs. Jones and her servant Betty raised a
heart-rending shrek in the kitchen, and
then dashed up to the entry. The party
in the lower hall slammed the doors, and
at the top of their voices screamed Fire "
The united efforts were completely sue
cessful, for suddenly Mr.. Stoller's door
opened, and out rushed the gentleman
himself. His coat was buttoned up about
his neck, and his sleeves turned up, leaving
the lower portion of his arms bare; in his
hands he held white article dripping
with water.
"What is the matter, Mrs. Jones 2 cried
he, looking with astonishment upon the
crowd that had collected about his door,
No cry of"fire" was now heard, and q
dim light broke upon Mr.. Stoller's mind
he saw the trick.
"Ah, gentlemen" said he, slowly, II sec
how it is; will few of you gentlemen have
the kindness to step into the room with
Mrs. Jones and the mystery shall be ex-
planned"
They crowded in, the landlady taking
the lead, and his room was completely
filed.
"Now, gentlemen" said he, slowly. "you
have all taken so much interest in my af.
fairs that it is but just that you should all
be INDUCED with the knowledge of the
strange secret which has so much harassed
your minds. You see, gentlemen, that
wash basin, and in the chimney corner you
will notice a few burning embers, and in
my hands you will notice an article, con.
corning which I hope there is no mistake
and, gentlemen, 10y putting all these things
together, you will easily discover that at an
appointed time every Saturday afternoon"
"That you do what 2" cried several