The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-04-14
MASKED BURGLARS.

MASKED BURGLARS.
It was a lovely night in the month of
August that I sat on the porch of old
Uncle Toby's house not yet entirely re-
covered from the impressions made by
glorious sunset, which even then left
it's footprints upon the clouds in the
western sky.
Ny horse stood at the gate already
saddled, awaiting me, but was deter
mined not to leave Uncle Toby's house
until I had carried my point, and, be-
ing his nephew, had enough of the
same old blood in my veins to make me
as persevering as he was obstinate.
Uncle Toby, must have that bird"
"Wa'al, neffy, ask me for anything
else in the house except that and it is
yours"
II don't want anything else, Uncle
Toby, but that you MUST give me-"
"Wa'al now, neffy, you know that ere
carrier-pigeon took the first prize at the
county fair"
(which fact will only make me prize
it dearer. Come, now, Uncle Toby, be
generous" ....
"Wa'al, boy, the bird is your'n. You
always had your own way with old I'm
Gle Toby"
To say that I was delighted would
but family express my feelings. The
bird was beauty, as may be easily
imagined, and as bid old Uncle Toby
goodnight, and mounted my pony, with
the cage in my hand containing the
prize so dearly coveted, I rode home
with light heart, and brain filed to
overlooking with plans in which the
birds speed would be tested. Numer-
GUS valuable prizes seemed already to
be within my grasp as reached home,
and, having stabbed my horse, assembled
to my dark and lonely room.
Twas but 16 years of age at the time,
and on the night in question I was the
sole and only occupant of my fathers
mansion, the other members of the
family having gone on summer trip
to the mountains, leaving me in charge.
My room was on the second floor,
overlooking the road, and thither I had
taken my bird, where in my solitude
1 could quietly admire it's beautiful pro-
portions.
Distinguishing my lamp, I sat by
the open window, contented]y smoking
my pipe and enjoying the cool breezes
that swept across the lawn laden with
the rich odors of the flowers, when nv
attention was attracted by some dark
object that appeared to be approaching
by the road that led past our house. I
listened intently, and above the whis-
pers of the summer breeze thought 1
could detect the hum of whispered con-
versation.
It was no unusual occurrence for
tramps to pass our place at that hour,
and thecircumstance caused only ripple
of curiosity to arise in my bosom, until
heard latch of our gate lifted, and
distinctly the tread of many feet fell
upon my ear. 7 was so surprised and
startled at this unexpected intrusion
that was momentarily dazed, and be-
fore could decide on plan of action
they had assembled the doorsteps, and I
l knew from the splinterings of wood
that they had already commenced op-
erations to force an entrance into the
house.
BY the light of dark lantern which
they carried, I discovered that there
were six in number, and all wore heavy
black masks, the more efectually to
prevent recognition in case of discov-
cry. Then my voice came back to me,
and, thinking to make up for my youth
full years in the volume of my voice,
yelled out in laundering tones:
Hello! What are you doing there?"
The dark-lantern was closed like
fash, but yet could distinctly define
the dim outline of the robbers as they
stood like dark shadows in contrast
with the white balcony beyond. For
moment the stiffness of death ensued,
when 7 received reply, uttered in
tones I shall never forget, and with an
emphasis that clearly indicated pur-
pose to carry out what was threatened:
I say. youngster, just you take in
that head of your'n, and keep that baby
mouth closed, or I'll blow the top of
your head OIL"
The sharp click of pistol followed,
ana you can rest assured that needed
no second warning. What should do?
I was at least half mile from the near
est neighbor, but the house was sur
rounded, and escape was impossible.
There was certain death in the very at
tempt itself.
The shotgun. Ali that was good
idea. I would get the gun and defend
the mansion to the bitter end. The
shotgun had left in the parlor, SO as
to have it within reach during the long
hours of the day when tramps were as
thick as huckleberries, and had forgot
ten to bring it up stairs that night. My
mind had been so much absorbed by
my carrier pigeon that I had incautious-
~ overlooked the making of my usual
preparations for sef-defense.
! thought I would 60 down and get