The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-02-05


and disgust, began to return from the
end of its floating thread, and re-inhabit
the quarters for whichit could not quite
shake off responsibility.
"Get up, or I'll shoot!' said George.
"Oh, don't shoot him,l'' cried Mrs.
McLane, while Bob, still motionless.
dimly hoped he would.
sect up!" reiterated John; and he.
did get up. His own will was inactive;
and Johns was the force that movedi
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; sand, if
you try to escape, yeu will get shot ~
Bob let himself drop, without regard
to how he was to alight, and in conse-
quence was severely bruised against q.
chair and the edges of the bookcase.
He stood facing the group. His eyes
mechanically sought Angles. What
was his surprise not to perceive in her
expression of mingled curiosity and
fright the slightest sign of recognition
A glance showed him that it was the
same with the others. John and George
evidently supposed they were dealing
with an ordinary burglar, and the others
were apparently quite as devoid of sus-
picion as to his identity. His wigl. 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
luXuriant locks who bade them good
night few honrs previous. AS this
fact and its explanation broke upon
Bob's mind he felt an immense sense of
relief instantly followed by a more
poignant perception of the inextricable
falsity and cruel absurdity of his posi-
ton. He had little time to think it 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 at once hurried
into the dining groom, throwing glances
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 ravishingly
beautiful as now, with her golden hair
falling over her charming oeshabille,
while her eyes scintillated with excite
ment. She would not have been seen
by him in such an undress toilet, but,
with feeling of being doubted he per-
ceived that she now regarded him as she
would have an animal.
"George and 1 will attend to him.
You had better go to bed," replied John
to her question; and then he sent George
after some cord, meanwhile standing in
front of Bob with cooked revolver.
Had he scanned his prisoner closely, he
might have detected something familiar
in his lineaments, but in careless con-
tempt he took him in with sweeping
glance as an average burglar, whose
identity was question for the police.
Bob had not uttered a word. In the
complex falsity of his position he could
not indeed muster presence of mind to
resolve on any course, but regarded
with a kind of faulty the extraordinary
direction events were taking But when
George returned with the rope, and Or
dered him to put his hands behind him,
he said In tone so quiet that it surpris-
ed himself;
I" Hold on, Mr.. McLane; this joke
has gone far enough. / am Robert
Withers, at your service, and respect
fully decline to be considered in the
light of a burglar any further"
Georges jaw dropped with astonish-
ment, and John was scarcely less taken
| aback.
"D-d if 1t isn't calculated the for
mer, after moment, in tone of in
credulous conviction, as he recognized
at once the voice and now the features
of Bob "but where's your hair ?"
Bob blushed painfully.
'' i wear wig" he replied, ''and to-
night, coming down stairs after you
were all abed to get my ring which
had left on the table here, did not fully
dress. Going back, it was my luck to