Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-09-01

again trembled.
5 ealthy steps wero nov heard ad'
vancing directly under the kitchen floor
TO the pantry.
ITS robbers !" cried Julia. with blood
less lips. trembling violently. "What
shall We do ?"
ado just what tell you," answered
George firmly. II do not think 1t is any
person TO rob us, tor there is nothing IN
the basement worth carry ing OIL"
lle seemed To take inward counsel for
moment, and then said, encouragingly,
I'm going down TO find out what the
matter is
20, dear |" almost shriekcd Julia;
''don't leave me Don't leave me alone"
seizing his arm.
"But must Julia. won't bo gone
two minutes. You stay here. That's
good girl. Don't be frightened; I'll tax"
care ol you" in a hali-commanding.
hall coaNing voice.
Hastily pulling on his boots. he walked
on lip,ne IN his stockings noiselessly Ia
The stairs. fingered there IL moment IL
listen. and then learlessly descended 10
The kitchen.
All wus. nj the first glance, rs usual. A
bright coal fire was burning in the range.
aud puss was quietly sleeping in hol
chair. But the pantry. which adjoincd
the Kitchen. lookcd,a little suspicous.-
George WAS confident it contained tho
marauder; but what or who, no was ut n
loss 10 conjecture.
with GOODNESS and Judgment rarely
evinced by bay OF only fourteen, he
rapidly slipped to the pantry door. and
closed il with slam. The spring latch,
he knew. could be only opened from the
outside. so that whoever or whatever was
confined within was his prisoner. The
next moment. there was quick ra,tlins
of the latch by some one in the pantry (;
then no further resistance was offered.
Having thus secured his prisoner,
George hurried back 10 the library 10 his
terror stricken sister.
Back again all right" hc said. cheer
ily. taking her hand. land father and
mother and uncle Philip will come soon"
There they are now" glancing out of
the window
two arrows shot from bows TO meet the
advancing Carriage.
What's happened ?" was the anxious
inquiry oI every one beholding them
whats the matter2"
We've been frightened almost Ia
DEATH answered Julia. There is II
rubber in the house. There is some one
in the pantry" said George. rcsolutely
I'VE heard noise. and went down and
shut tho door; and some one is locked N
with that spring 'lalch."
The carriage had now reached the
/ house.
Uncle Philip got his revolver. and held
il ready ior use. Mr.. Seagrayc lifted his
heavy headed cane, and John. tho coach
man. ran to tho she'd and armed himself
with huge stick. They then went Ia
The kitchen. Mr.. Scagrave leading the
way to the pantry.
Mr.. Seagrave suddenly opened the
door. and all were surprised 10 behold
only ragged, poverty pinchcd boy.
Younger ami considerably smaller than
George. A half llnishcd slice Of bread
and nearly empty pic plate plainly
revealed that the sole object OF the juvo
nile robber was food. and that he had
been icasling ut his leisure.
"What arc you doing here. you young
rascal ?" sIernly asked Mr.. Seagrave. as
he stepped in and pulled him out by the
collar.
There was no answer. The boy Gov err
ed his face with both hands. 10 hide his
guilt and confusion.
What did you come here for ?" again
demanded Mr.. Seagrave, in louder
tone.
Still no answer; but tears like huge
raindIops ,rickled down his thin checks.
"You ate young for q thief. You arc
on tho broad road to ruin. and you don't
stop, you'll get into the states prison.
Do YOU know il ?"
Shall have to 90 to prison? p asked
tho sobbing boy. 80 dear Mother.
mother, What will become of herP"
What is your name?" kindly inquired
Mrs Seagrave. who. upon learning that
tho author of the excitement was only a
ragged boy, had come down to see bin.
Peter ellis" he replied. trembling in
every nerve. Il knew it was wrong. but.
oh. | was so hungry! How my poor
mother will feel !" the tears falling thick
and last.
Then you have o mother ?" said Mrs.
Seagrave.
"Yes, ma am, mother and little
sister, but no father. He was killed on
the railroad. On, dear. I'm so sorry!
knew it was wrong; but | WAS SO
hungry"
Mr.. and Mrs. Sea.raye pitied his dis
lress. His answers had been straight
forward and without any attempt al
concealment, either oil his name oil