The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1877-08-17

Upon Bob's paralyzcd senses fell the
sharp words Of John:
We've got you. Get down."
He did not move, but AT the summons
his soul, with inexpressible reluctance
and disgust, began 10 return from the
end Of its floating thread, and reinhabit
the quarters for which il could not quite
shake of responsibility.
"Get up, or I'll shoot" said George.
"Oh, don't shoot him. cried Mrs.
Mcl.ane. while Bob, still motionless,
dimly hoped he would.
Get up." reiterated John; and he
did get up. His own will was inactive,
and Johns WAS the force that moved his
muscles. He turned around and sat up.
his legs dangling over the edge Of the
bookcase. and his wet, white, wretched
face blankly directed toward the group
"a most pitiable figure.
"Jump down." said John; "and If
YOU try to escape you will get shot.'
Bob let himself down without regard
10 how he was to alight, and in conse-
quence was severely bruised against \
chair and the edges of the bookcase.
lie stood facing the group. His eyes
mechanically sought Angles. What was
his surprise not 10 perceive in her ex-
preston Of mingled curiosity and fright
the slightest sign II recognition! A
! glance showed him that il was the same
with the others. John and George evil
IDENTITY supposed that they We're dealing
with an ordinary burglar, and the others
were apparently quite as devoid Of sus-
picion As to his identity. His wig, He
had forgotten all about it. That ex-
planned their singular demeanor.
The bald man in stockings, trousers
and shirt, caught hiding In the library
after an attempt on the silver, quite
naturally failed to recall to their minds
the youth Of rather foppish attire and
luxurious locks who bade them good
night few hours previous. As this
fact. and its explanations broke upon
Bob's mind, he felt an immense sense Of
relief, instantly followed BY poignant
perception of the inextricable falsity and
cruel absurdlty Of his position. He had
4 little time TO think II over and determine
his best course.
John stepped forward, and with the
point Of his cane-sword motioned him
into corner, thus leaving the way clear
to the ladies, who NJ once hurried into
the dining-room, throwing Chances Of
fear and aversion upon Bob as they
passed. Angie paused at the doorway
and asked;
"What are you going to do with the
dreadful man?'
Bob even then was able to notice that
he had never seen her so rayishingly
beautiful as now, with her golden hair
falling over her charming deshabiiie,
while her eyes scintillatcd with excite
menf. She would have blushed to have
been seen by him in such an undrcss
toilet. but. with an odd feeling Of being
double. he perceived that she now re-
garded him a. she would an animal
.George and I will attend to him
You had better 90 70 bed, " replied John
20 her question; and then he sent
George after some cord. meanwhile
quietly standing in front Of Bob with
cooked revolver.
\ Bob had not uttered a word. In the
complex falsity Of his position he could
not indeed muster presence " mind q
resolve on any course but regarded with
kind Of faulty the extraordinary di'
rectioI events were taking. But when
George returned with the rope and order
ed him to put his hands behind him he
~aid. in tone SO quiet that il surprised
himself:
Hold on, Mr. McLane; this joke ha:
gone far enough. l am Robert With
ers, al your service, and respectfully de
cline to be considered in the light Of ,
burglar any further"
Georges jaw dropped with astonish
mcnt. and John was scarcely less takeI
aback
Blamed il he isn't" calculated tn
former, after a moment, in tone Of i'm
credulous conviction, a. he recognize,
J ut once the voice and now the feature
Of Bob; ssbut where's your hair?''
Bob blushed painfully
:" wear wig" he replied, and To
: night, coming down stairs after yo
were all abed to get my ring, which
i had left on the table here, did not full
" dress. Going back, il was nv luck /
stumble over that cursed stand in IN
other roomi"
!, But what did you hide for?- aske
John, sharply.
/. Bob Just touched his bald head and r,
piled:
a ~ heard the ladies up"
/ John pitched the revolver on the sof
:. and stood passive. Finally he said, wit
a sardonic smile:
q mir. Withcrs, how do you propos
i to get out az this? Shall call in III
n ladies and let you explain? They wi
) presently be wanting TO know what "
!, have done with the burglar
q alt won't be necessary, John--heI
amt said clear voice, with a shar
d ring in it that the family had learned
!, know meant decisive work. and Ang
e stepped into the room, her blue cy,
Il flashing with Indignation and her II