The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-05-19
Select Storp.
RHODA'S PRISONER.


start to-norrow for Belleville, said
Ahoda Glare TO her aunt, upon whom she
4bs making farewell call.
Are you going alone, child ?" inquired
htr relative.
Yes, was the reply. "Papa cannot
iskye his business just now, TO 60 with me,
tet he will put me on the cans, and my
iiIends, who are already in Belleville, will
Neet me at the depot"
I don't think it is safe, continued the
az lady. "Just think, it you should be
fobbed, as was, on that very road, last
snmmer?"
How was that ?" asked Rhoda.
Well, " replied her companion, 1--WE
Nbre just approaching the tunnel, when a
spptlemanly looking young man, wearing
apectacles, came up to me and inquired,
HIs this seat engaged, madam "No,"
replied, and he Immediately appropriated
He was disposed TO be rather chatty,
and was quite interesting but he left at
she first station We reached. After We
bad passed through the tunnel, aud when
put my hand in my pocket, | found that
~ pocketbook had left with himl"
The strange young man had proved
leo fascinating for you, laughed Rhoda.
defy any one to rob me so easily"
Haying just passed through the graduating
nonrse at school, aud come OF with flying
eolors, she felt equipped for any emer-
gsncy which might present itself in the
heith Of life.
: Don't be too sure, replied her aunt !;
and beware of any gentlemanly- y-looking
<enng man in spoetaoles, who wishes to
khare your seat in the cars"
Rhoda set forth with bright anticipa-
*}ons Of u pleasant summer Her ticket
Hss bought, her trunk checked, aud she
Fas established in seat, all to herself,
e.th an interesting book in her hand, and
her lunch in a satchel beside her.
The whistle blew, and papa, giving her
buried kiss, bade her good bye; and,
fer the first time in her life, she was tray :
e3ing alone. For while she watched the
emery, as the train whirled her rapidly
>long. Then she devoted herself to her
book but finally becoming tired of both,
she yawned anu wished for company, and
eken fancied that her aunt's fascinating
{aung robber would be a rather agreeable
aversion
7 should like to see him get my pock
book, thought Rhoda, "If his hand
Nzre once in her pocket, he would not
eeape 50 easily without an introduction to
10 police" And she closed her own
1sile palm tightly, rs though she already
I'D the prize within her grasp.
While these thoughts were passing
though the young lady's mind, the cars
npped, and several passengers came on
tard. Rhoda was conscious of shadow
Nling near, and looking up, she beheld a
sion which mantled her cheeks with
asep blushi tall and rather elegant look
81 young man, with dark whiskers, and
airing spectacles, was respectfully touch.
4 b his hat, aud inquiring:
Is this seat engaged, Miss?" Aud
/. I'm he added, apologetically, "All tho
ethefs seem to be occupied"
Answers the description exactly"
ze'iloquized the yeung detective. "Now
4ant Ann shall be revenged will give
a'n the opportunity to pick my pocket, if
!. desires Il. Perhaps he may not enjoy
i iEso much in the endl' Then she added
bud, putting on look Of sternuess which
A comicnlly upon her chidlike face,
Ihe seat Is at your service, Sit" and she
decided to remove her satchel.
Allow me, !" said the stranger, and he
f'eyated 1t to the bracket above.
a khoda kept her eye upon her property,
most expecting to see II and her com-
n *pion disappear together.
He prefers pocket-books," was her
Hkntal comment; "I'll be on my guard. ="
ln spite Of herself, our heroine became
N erested in tho conversation Of the stran.
He WIS so perfectly acquainted with
y road, and pointed out all the objects
= interest, telling amusing anecdotes con-
Haeted with them. -t,r
But | must not forget that he is a
a. Hain," was her mental reservation, as
!. listened. "Aunt Ann said that he
N# entertaining How funny" she con
b, NHned, addressing herself shat should
. ~ the same person. But then, he fire.
ID sents this road "
Finally, they entered the tunnel
scarcely wonder" remarked the
ange young man in spectacles, eat the
la stake of the old lady who, having en-
n % the tunnel for the first time in her
and having never heard Of il, suppOs-
90 The Day of Judgment had come"
NJ He is trying to divert my attention,
night Rhpda. perhaps he imagines
y | am a young chit Of school girl
*Hp can. be easily imposed upon, but he
" 80 find himself mistaken"
I, ust then she felt slight tug at her
;,sl en polonaise, and Immediately thrust
: her hand into the pocket, imprisoned
~ masculine hand, which she grasped
"a 1khtly.
p Now | can triumph over Aunt Ann,
y *aght Rhoda, ~if ! ain not accustomed
IA g fravelling alone
~ hey emerged from the tunnel, aud
! nt was the ehagrin of the young lady to
Y. eover that she was imprisOning her
n ppanion's hand ia the pocket Of his own
'ARn duster. Hia
iER Oil I--bcg your pardon r stammsred
- Noda, feeling very much like the culprit
- whom she had mistaken the stranger.
W You are very excusable,Y be replied,
zzing in wonder at her blushiug coun-