The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-09-03
iIO0r. and vas aotually caring up the

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carpets.
Ireiire and reported to Bella. Once
more she broke into shrieks of silvery
laughter.
Indeed, Marmaduke will think it
no joke, assure you," said 1.
But this charming creature was
ready with third amiable suggestion.
stMarmy's orders are 10 secure this
mad woman" she said, therefore you
had better do so without delay. /
think if you could obtain the services
of two men who would throw some-
thing over her head suddenly and
thus
=I saw VIII she meant in an instant.
One OF these tall clothes baskets
would be the very thing-an admira-
BILE exTinguisher.
Immediately FASTENED out to find
this article and the two men. No
time should be lost, for the maniac
might suddenly take notion to set
fire to the cottage. offered a good
round sum, and found all L needed
two lusty eolored mon and tall
clothes-basket.
While there I hastened, now very
tired indeed, once more to the cottage
She was still there, covered with dust,
her hair tumbled, her eyes wild, her
form tremulous with passion. She
had just driven off the servant with
her umbrella for demonstrating against
the wholesale destruction we Witness
ed.
l stationed my two myrmedons out
side. They were to come in by the
door at given signal, very cautiously
and at a second sign to clap on the
extingnisher, place it on its side, and
and close the bottom.
/ entered.
stWe ell, madam, you have faithfully
carried out your reckless intentions, l
percieve," l said.
81 have"
care you not afraid of the law?"
l Isignaled. Ny trusty knaves crept
in carefully behind her.
"The law I despise the law. |
want Justice"
Law first, justice afterward," re-
Joined, signaling again.
The next instant the basket was
over her head, and she was snuffed
out.
must confess that / never heard
such screaming in my life before, nor
witnessed such struggles to escape.
But neither availed. Ny men were
powerful. She was covered up, the
basket was laid upon its side, and at
that moment who should appear, drip
ping with perspiration, red faced and
round-eyed, breathless with excite
ment, but Marmaduke.
He looked around and wrung his
hands.
'sThis is horriblel2 he gasped. l
never thought she would be guilty of
this. hope she is perfectly safe"
Perfectly. Do you care to see her?"
ssYes-if there is no danger of a
personal attack"
"My men," said, with some pride,
'saFe powerful enough to make that
fear needless"
They opened the basket, having
turned it upside down, so
that it stood upon its proper founda-
tion, and the maniac's head appeared
above the top.
She glared upon Marmaduke like
Gorgon.
"Fiend I" she exclaimed. "Demon."
"Why-whyI" he said, choking,
'sthis is Bella Skylark, my own dear
sister.
"Whati" exclaimed, as if I had
been shot.
Il repeat, my sister. What is the
meaning of your YiIlainous conduct
toward her ?"
"Yonr sisterl Why, then, who is
Mrs. Blossom pa
81 am Mrs. Blossom" answered a
voice from behind US.
We turned-but you may easily
guess it all.
had in the first place, stupidity
mistaken Mrs. Blossom for Marmy's
sister. The mischievous widow had
readily taken the joke, and this ac-
counted for her careless laughter.
Poor Miss Skylark was the victim of
my ridiculous error, and MarInaduke,
IS he deserved to be, the worst suffer-
sr of all.
What more is there to add? Only
lhis-that succeeded in recovering
The love letters, after all; but it was
BY marrying the enchanting widow
myself. Miss Skylark is our direct
snemy. Dear Tilly returned to the
,ottaGg in about q month, (through
Dit of Marmy's diplomacy, and is to
his hour perfectly unsusDicious of
extraordinary having hap
1ened in her absence.
q