The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1878-03-01

ILC AOOnNN sAoONAA NeiNttAOtASAN- DN Nllc
faint glow Of the stars, which came
down through the overarching trees, he
perceived mans head rise cautiously
above the sill of the furthest window.
The body followed. Then it sank back
again. Presently he heard footsteps in
the grass lust outside the window close
beside him. Then whispers. Itseemed
that there were three men.
One said: Are you sure she isn't
in there?'
YES" was the reply; Il saw her in
the grove, not minute ago"
Then go ahead. Get in, you two;
you'll find the box in the top drawer of
her bureau, on the right hand side"
Dick then remembered that Poppet,
or rather, Miss Preston, had once occu-
pied this room, and that she always car
ried great deal of jewelry about with
her at the watering-places-
Dick began to remember his boxing
lessons. He slipped off his shoes, and
took position behind tall chair in the
corner,
Slowly and noiselessly two men en-
tered the room through the first window,
and in moment the third followed.
Dick heard them at his bureaus.
"Gad, they won't find much there,
though" reflected he.
The men fumbled everything, and
ransacked every drawer, meanwhile
uttering half suppressed sounds of anger
Dick thought he had better commence
operations. He crept out silently, and
approached them slowly. He got be
hind them, and, with a savage blow,
knocked one fellow into the fire place,
and another toward the window; but,be
fore he could recover to attack the third,
the thief, who was as good a boxer as
himself, dealt him tremendous blow,
and Dick staggered and fell. In an in
slant all three were upon him, and
handkerchief was forced between his
teeth, and he was gagged, and his hands
and arms pinioned.
The one struck a match, and, while
secreting their own faces, they examined
him. and took possession of his watch
and wallet, and then made the complete
tour of the apartment. Dick heard them
at his g-box and he knew his diamond
studs were on the way to the pawnbro-
kers.
Suddenly one of the men whispered
in alarm
Hist hist"
What is it?"
There's man outside the window,
sitting on bench"
There was pause.
@Itis woman"
"A womanl don't you see the light of
his cigar, you fool?"
by George, let's get out of this"
The smell of "a Havana fioated in at the
window.
Leave everything. If we're caught
with this stuff, it'll be ten years in quod
at least"
In moment Dick was alone. He
rolled about and tried to kick.
Presently he heard voice; a woman's
voice. 1t was Poppet. She was calling
him family, as if she were in pain.
"Oh, Dick, Dick come and help me,
I'm so sick-so dreadful ILL I'm afraid
I'm going to die"
"It's that Havana the little stupid has
been trying to provoke me with. III let
her suffer little" thought Dick.
For ten minutes he lay still, until he
knew she was in the proper agony; then
he raised his heels, and beat a tremen-
dous tattoo upon the floor, which raised
the house in a minute.
When he was released he explained
matters. and before he could get the
wondering crowd out of his cham
be-. 'Jppst appeared at the door, white
and haggard.
Dick ran to her and led her away.
She put her aching head upon his
shoulder, and whispered:
"Oh, Dick, Dick. I'll never-never be
such fool again. Is there anything
else you'd like to have me give up-is
there? Poor boy-poor-oh, how my
head goes around just like t-op~
"You saved my trinkets for me-
!. But did he think he lest his Je1relS'
She opened her eyes and by the light
of the gas, she gave him heavenly look
and smile
"Never, neverp cried Dick
He then led her home to pretty cot
tage on the top Of some mighty rocks,
where they found her father going about
swinging watchman's rattle, and rais-
ing hue and cry for his los. one.
Never mind, pa" cried Poppet, air
ily.
''Neyer mind, indeed ~ echoed the
old gentleman. "Oh, you're there. Dick.
are you? All right, then"
The author feels, with this model man,
tha. it is time to retire. One does little
good by penetrating too far into mystery.
The two brewed some lemonade without
sugar, and then went and lolled
upon the wicket gate, and gazed at the
moon and the illuminated waters, and
decided that life was pleasant.