The Morning herald., 1878-04-27
Bread Upon tbe Waters.

70 was midnight, ana the household o
George Grey, wealthy merchant doinl
business in Boston, | ut resident some mile
(istant, were hushed in repose. Their
seemed to be nothing stirring in or abou
tle house, yet intruders had entered the
grounds.
These intruders were three in number
two men and boy. They carried darl
lantern, and from their evident fear of dis
covery, were uron some business which
would not bear scrutiny. In word, they
we're burgla"s and their present object was
10 rob the house of such articles Of value
particularly plate--as might readily be con-
yerted into cash.
The two men were dark complexioned,
and with reckless expression which be-
spoke no compunctious visitings. The boy
was, perhaps, thirteen years of age.
Of his appearance we shall speak shortly.
"Bob," said one of the men, addressing
the boy, 'you are lighter than either of
us, and won't make SO much noise. You
must get in through that window after we
have lifted it, and hunt round for the plate.
Ilave information that it is kept in
closet leading out of the dining
expect from appearances this is the room,
and that must be the closet"
Tie boy drew back reluctantly, and
said:-
"Why do you make me goa You know
I don't wish to be thief"
"You can't help yourself" said the man,
exultingly. ."..
"Why do you have such Q spite against
me" ..s'
Because you are continually preaching
to us al out our improper conduct. Wen
make you as bad as we are ourselves"
II won't CO."
'You won'tl" retorted the other with an
oath. "You won't, you rascal, and we los
ing our time here when we ought to be
doing something! Say that again, and"
Instead Of finishing the sentence in
words, he resented pistol at the boys
head.
Bob was frightsned-what boy would not
be at the menace implied?
II will co." said he.
"Ithor ght 7 should bring you to your
sa the other.
This conversation was of course carried
on in low tone, and the preparations for
entrance were made in as much silence %
possible.
Nevertheless, there were two circum-
stances which were likely to interfere with
the designs of the burglars. In the first
place, Mr.. Grey's sleeping room was di-
rectly over the apartment which they were
about to invade. Furthermore, he had
been kept awake that evening by a severe
which did not permit him to
rest. His wife, who was seeking by vari-
ous remedies to relieve her husbands pain,
vas likewise awake.
II tho ght heard noise down stairs"
'aid Mrs. Grey, who had detected the noise
made in raising the window.
Mr.. Grey listened attentively.
He, too, fancied he could hear . noise,
md rising, slipped on his pantaloons.
Hastily snatching o pistol, which he always
Kept loaded in case of emergencies, he
lesc nded with cautious steps to the din
ng-room.
1t did not take long to satisfy Mr.. Grey
What was going on, for Bob was at that
moment carrying piece of plate to the
window to his confederates.
Drop that!" he exclaimed in an au.
horitive voice.
At the sound the two men made off pre-
'ipitately, and Bob would no doubt have
ollowed their example, but that in his haste
,e stumbled over an ottoman and fnn
Ieadlong on the carpet. In falling his head
truck against the corner Of chair, in
letting so violent a blow that he became
enseless.
Mr.. Grey hastily lighted the gas
By this time his wife, who had became
Harmed at her husbands long absence, de-
cended, and inquired anxiously:--
''What is the matter?''
"Our house has been assailed by bur-
liars, but fortunately they took fright at
ny entrance, and have all made of except
his boy" |
Surely you have not shot him." OK
laimed Mrs. Grey, seeing him pros.
rate.