Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1878-02-13

My strength was returning;
became treasured as | saw that the
man intended no violence to my
self.
"What do you want!" asked.
He chuckled again and replied
"Now that's good; you're a bust
ness woman, marin; you are right
to the point without any nonsense
I'm going to tell you what want
He arose from the chair as he
spoke, and crossed the room tc
the bureau, passing so close to me
that his boots brushed the skirt OF
my dress. l shuddered and drew
my chair back-I could not help
betraying my fear.
"Be queit, marm,' he said. 81
don't want to hurt you, if | can
help it. Keep still and | won't.
Let's have a look at each other
lie removed the shade, and look
ed at me for full half a minute, as |
sat in the glare of the lamp. He
was large, brawny fellow, full six
feet in height, and dressed in an
old suit of fustian clothes. His
face was entirely concealed by a
Grape mask; not a feature of 1t
could see. from his neck to the
crown of his head. He leaned one
arm upon the bureau, and regard
ed me attentively.
You don't know me- he re-
marked, in an ordinary tone. mo,
of course not it's best for you that
you shouldn't. l thought at first
there was something familiar in your
face but | fancy | was mistaken.
Well, to business, marm." And he
assumed a sharp tone, and looked
carefully at the bureau. Eve got
a pistol here, missus"-and he slap
ed his pocket; "but you are too SEN
sible woman, take it, to make
me use it on you. l want that
money. There's five hundred
pounds of it in this drawer; you
have the key-give it to mel"
/ handed it to him without a
word.
"I'll leave you now in minute,
he said, rapidly inserting
the key, turning it, and opening
the drawer, with many thanks for
your good behavior. Is this it 2"
He took out the package, and
held it up.
"That is the money" l said.
"She might deceive me, after
ALL" | heard him mutter; and .
his forefnger into the
md of the envelope, he ripped it .
,pen, and pulled the end of the .
notes out into sight. "Yes, here it
IS. Now"
He had thrust the package into
ais pocket, and was about to close .
he drawer, when his eye was
taught by something within it.
lie started, thrust his hand into
he drawer, and taking out an
object that / was well acquainted /
with, he bent over and scrutinized |
it, holding it closer to the lamp.
How | did wish to see the express
sion of his face at that moment
lie held in his hand the ivory
miniature of my husbands face, a
faithful picture, made by an artist
years before, at my request.
"Whose face is this 2" the robber
demanded, in a voice that trembled
with eagerness.
"My husbands" l replied.
"Your husbands. Yes, yes
but his name 81
"Elijah Crowly."
Captain Crowly!" he demanded,
in the same tone.
EYES,"
"The same who commanded the
barque Calvert, that used to run out
of Liverpool ?"
| nodded my head. | knew that
the vessel named was the last one
that my husband had sailed on the
ocean before he bought his own
coaster; in fact, was the same in
which ! came to England.
"And this is Captain Crowly's
money this is his house you
are his wife 2" he asked, rapidly,
giving me no time to answer his
questions. eyes, yes--I see it all.
Great God to think what / was
about to do !"
He dropped into chair, appear
emily faint with emotion; but
while sat in deep surprise at the