Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-06-08


nized my two friends oil the post office
among them; and q mode Of procedure
at once suggested itself to me. 1t was
not strictly legal. perhaps. but il answer
ed my purpose. | went TO the ganger.
or foreman, and told him wanted two
of his men on charge Of murder. lie
did not seem inclined TO assist me, and
told me must help myself. Luckily |
had the pistols with me. | went up to
the two men. told them / was police
officer. and that had come TO take them
up on charge OF numbering Mr.. Darke.
They seemed little taken back, but de.
MED the charge stoutlY.
You laid fog signals on the road last
night to irighten his horses. and they up
set him into canal, and he's drowned" :"
said | $50 it's murder, my lads. Come
alongr
There seemed some inclination to re.
sist the capture, so | took out the pistols.
Look here" said | ali | can't take
the two | want, lads, shall shoot the
first two that come to hand; and they'll
| be the first that interfere. You'd best
keep quiet, all Of you; for there's war
rant out against you al for poaching"-l
saw most OF them look uncomfortable at
this-"and if give you bad word, it
will 90 hard with YOU"
This had its effect, coupled with the
appearance of the pistols; and got my
men off and marched them in front Of me
TO the road, where made them get into
the dog cart. The groom drove. and ]
sat behind with the pistols cooked and in
this form we went back TO Grasslands
| sent the porter on from the lodge.
where made an excuse for a minute or
SOS delay; and BY The time we reached
the hall. in accordance with the iustruc-
lions had given him, all the blinds were
drawn down, and Mr.. Darke kept out of
sight.
The clergyman. who was q magistrate
was sent for; and we examined the pris-
oners. who broke down completely and
confessed all, giving up their accomplic-
es. They had intended to irighten the
horses. as had supposed. without think.
ing much about the probable consequen.
ces-except with the vague notion that
they would not be guilty of murders even
ii the worst happened. The stable help
turned out 10 be the son of one of them.
When we had terrified them sufficiently
we called in the real constables, who had
been sent Tor. and they were given into
their custody,-Mr. Darke walking in
presently. much to their alarm-surprise
but ultimate satisfaction.
have not much more TO tell. On my
return 10 the office. found Chaundy
had sent of a graphic report to head
quarters. full OF blunders, exaggerations,
misstaiements-being founded. 10 fact.
solely on wha. the driver had said.
therefore did not utter syllable about
my dongs, but quietly sent off report
of my own. enclosin g document which
| had got Mr.. Darke 10 draw up, as mag.
istrate. to confirm my account.
The authorities placed themselves in
communication with Mr.. Darke; and the
result was that in week the appoint.
ment OF new postmaster at Cowford
was made; and the new postmaster was
not Chaundy il was
went over 10 thank Mr.. Darke for his
part in the matter. He was out; so
thanked Mary. She congratulated me
on my promotion. and said she supposed
| should marry now. / said no. She
inquired why. l at once explained. and
made a confession OF my audacious love.
She we'll, she gave me good reason
why should marry, and furthermore told
me whom l was 10 marry-Miss Mary
DArke 10 wit. and no other.
Mr.. Darke came 10 soon after, aud ]
told him all. He was furious at first, but
Mary demonstrated with him for his in
gratitude. and pointed out that she should
be twenty one in three months, when she
should assert her right to beome postmis.
tress Of Cowford. The squire relented.
and We triumphed. We were married
soon after Chrisimas-day, and have lived
as happily as the prince and princess Of q
iairy-lale ever since.
That's how won Polly-I always call
her Polly now. because our oldest girl is
called Mary; and she is three years old.
and therefore must be treated with re.
spect; and it wouldn't do to have two
Marys 10 the house.
That, repeat, is how | won Polly and
the postmastership-which latter I didn't
keep; for the squire makes as hand.
some allowance, aud ! am reading for
the Bar. got my father-in-lsw to use
his influence for Chaundy. who ultimately
was appointed postmaster, with hint
not 10 be TOO clever in future.