Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1878-06-05

to sleep. when heard soft sound like
somebody creep, creeping nearer my bed.
At first the thief hung over my pillow TO
Judge if l was awake-he would have
KILLED me had opened my lips then. Yes,
he would! they are such desperate crea-
lures. thieves. Then he went to the table,
md when he had struck MATCHBOX,
what do you thinkP- he was that horrible
wretch opposite US at dinner, the one with
IL brandy nose. Quick, Ned! he may es-
cape from the hotel. The watch is gone,
and be dashed for the door when | called
for help nearly knocking me down. Tell
the landlord TO search everywhere"
A cold substance swayed gently and
struck the professors hand in the dark
ness. True, he was II thief; the watch
chain and trnkets had caught around his
cuff and sleeve button in cropping for the
candle on the table, and the watch was
now dangling within his vely grasp He
dared not face that injured lady, gifted
with such extraordinary power of lungs
again. Wrath and humiliation over
whelmed him at the prospect of confront
ing stout Edward rs we'll Had some ma-
lgnant fairy presided over the destinies
which led him to BerneP The professor
backed to the window, seated himself on
the sill with one foot outside, drew the
curtain closer, and awaited results, the
watch clutched tightly in his fingers for
fear of losing it.
The situation seemed incredible. Here
was Professor Harley Whiting. author of
several valuable works. respected by the
faculty of his college, perched on a win
dow ledge in II foreign land, grasping a
watch which did not belong to HIM. and
driven to abject hiding, all because a wo,
man must needs be frightened into hyster-
les at his appearance in her rooms. Oh,
what fibs she had told How could he
have made a mistake in the corridor?
Presently the door opened, and lady
entered with a candle. The professor s
heart began to beat with nervous thumps
of apprehension; the lady was Emily. He
awaited discovery with IL certain helpless
resignation of despair, feeling that his fate
was in Emily's hands. Would she also
shrek when she discovered him. and
alarm the hotel further by her absurd fem
mime clamor9 The smouldering anger of
this woman hater reached II climax of alb
solute fury at his own ridiculous position
He actually appeared to have scaled the
window of this maidenly bower, when he
wished himself very heartily any where
else on earth.
The candle rays cleaned on the oppo-
site wall, and seemed already to separate
the cui tains with wedge Of light. In Il
moment Emily approached the window.
drew aside the hangings, and recolrd mt
81. ht of the professor seated on the sill rs
if in the very act of jumping out, and
with II watch in his hand. She did not
scream involuntarily. although she grew
slightly pale. Silently Emily gazed nj
the man delivered over TO her mercy, and
silently the professor gazed back at her
Had not the circumstances controlled only
II portion of this mad night, and the evil
fairy pranks, certain unreaity would
have been impaired at the earnest, mutual
scrutiny ON the part of II man and woman
previously strangers. Emily. with her
classical brown head sof ly illuminated by
the candle she held in one firm hanu.
searched the shadowy obscurity of the en-
brasure where the professor urked.
Come in, and no person shall harm
you.' she finally said in German.
She aflerward confessed that her only
fear was that the thief would leap from
the window, and his end be on her con
science. Thus advised, the professor slow
ly left his hiding place, and retorted quite
petlishly, in English: For Heavens
sake, do not scream! Can you not perceive
that | have III lde II mistake in the room |!
There! The watch is uninlured, hope.
Emily regarded him with II twinkle in
her brown eyes. She was obliged to assist
in dsengaging the trinkets of the chain
from his sleeve button; but there was no
suspicion in her glance, for which the in.
truder felt the first glow of an undylng
gratitude.
Had we not inferred that YOU were a
German at the table d'hote, | should have
fance resemblance to Professor Harley
Wnitlling of Blank College, at home, "
said Emily. quietly.
Did II divine impulse of tact. which is
merely another name for kind heart,
prompt her TO cast this straw Of rescue to
him, atloat in such troubled waters?
- am Professor Whiltling," he return
ed. Then he added abruptly: " You must
be Emily"
She colored with surprise.
- am Mr.. Writings sister Emily, Ger
tainly," she replied, with IL tinge of that
primness indicated MS possible in Martha S
letter.
The professor blushed to the roots of his
hair; the open letter burned in his pocket
like conscience. "How am | to get out of
this-place? he fumed, glancing al the
door.
IL will explain ALL" said the dignifed
Emily.
No; do not explain anything" i'm
plored the professor ieebly. Let NE
see-your brother-to-morrow
Again they gazed ut each other steadily.
1t occurred to the professor, even in his
present perturbation of spirit, that the
slope of brow. in his com panion's case,
was eminently intellectual, while Emily
WAS moved to Il softer emotion of pity for
his evident distress. She was woman TO
be relied upon in emergencies.
Act precisely rs | tell you,' she said
at length, with IL crisp peremptoriness OF
tone.
IL will do whatever you wish, )" said the
professor, feeling rs if the coils of net
were closing about him
Emily went into the outer room, moved
the light adroitly, and insisted on muffiing
her sster-in- law in CLOAK and leading
her to the window.
You may never have another chance
to see the Alps in this twilight" she said,
and hore the tiny woman to the easement,
sheltering her from view by her own am
pie person.
"You big creatures have no sympathy
sobbed the tiny woman sptelully. Il was
never SO frightened in my life, and Ned
will not recover the watch, know. 1t
was pas wedding present, and am sure
we cannot afford TO buy another like it,"
at is all over now," replied Emily
soolhingly. look at the snow noun
lans, dear"
So the tiny woman ceased to sob, and
stood in the presence of that twilight
world, vast, silent and wonderful the
peaks blanching in the deepening night to
"a gbostly whileness on the horizon line
against the sky Of crystal clearness. A
lrIhe chilled and awed by the grand spec
tace Mrs, Whiting forgot her lamenta.
tions.
They make mo afraid,' she sighed,
and grew quiet.
Edward was still absent, chasing the
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