The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-04-15
MASKED BURGLARS,

MASkEU BURG1iARS,
J 1T was a lovely night in the mont
of August that i sat on the porch {
old Uncle Toby's house not yet entir,
I ly recovered from the impression
made by o glorious sunset, which eve
left its footprints upon the clouds i
the western sky.
My horse stood at the gate alread
saddled, awaiting me, but l was deter
mined not to leave Uncle Toby's hous
until had carried my point, and, be
ing his nephew, had enough OF tn
same old blood in my veins to max
me as persevering as he was obstinate
Uncle Toby, 1 must have tina
bird. ''A''t l'''''-
"Wa'al, neffy, ask me for anythin.
else in the house except that and it i
you're. '''''s-i '-s'
81 don't want anything else, Uncl,
Toby, but that you must give me.
Wa'al now, neffy, you know tina
ere carrier-pigeon took the first priz,
at the county fair.
Which fact will only make me
prize it dearer. Come, now, Uncle
Toby, be generous.
I"'Wa'al, boy, the bird is your'n. You
always had your own way with old
Uncle Toby. q"
To say that was delighted would
but family express my feelings. The
bird was beauty, as may be easily
imagined, and as bid old Uncle To
by goodnight, and mounted my pony,
with the cage in my hand containing
the prize I SO dearly coveted, rode
home with light heart, and q brain
filed to overlooking with plans in
which the birds speed would be test.
ed. Numerous valuable prizes seemed
already to be within my grasp as 1
reached home, and, having stabbed my
horse, ascended to my dark and lone
ly room.
. I was but-16 years of age at the time,
and On the' night in question 1 was
the sole occupant of my fathers man
sion, the other mem bers of the family
having gone on summer trip to the
leaving me in charge. My
room was on the second floor, over
looking the road ,and thitherI had taken
my bird, where in my solitude could
quietly admire itss beautiful proper
ions. ns, ailI .1il.Iaistn .8a -.
Distinguishing my lamp, I sat by
he open window, contentedly smok-
ng my pipe and enjoying the cool
oreezes that swept across the lawn
aden with the rich odors of the flow
RS, when my attention was attracted
~ some dark object that appeared to
,e approaching by the road that led
'ast our house. 1 listened intently,
md above the whispers of the sum.
ner breeze l thought 1 could detect
he hun of whispered conversation.
1t was no unusual occurrence for
ramps to pass our place at that hour,
nd the circumstance caused only a |
ipple of curiosity to arise in my bos-
m, until heard latch of our gate
fitted, and distinctly the tread of many
eet fell upon my ear. 1 was so sur
rlsed and startled at this unexpected
that was momentarlly daz-
d, and before 1 could decide on plan
# action they had assembled the door
teps, and knew from the splinter
ngs of wood they had already COM
nenced operations to force an en-
rance into the house.
By the light of dark lantern which |
hey carried, discovered that there
we're six in number, and all wore
eavy black masks, the more effectu.
lily to prevent recognition in case of
iscovery. Then my voice came back
0 me, and, thinking to make up for
ny youthful years in the volume of
ny voice, l yelled out in laundering
ones :,t .a.f
Hello! What are you doing there
The dark-lantern was closed like a
ash, but yet could distinctly define
he dim outline of the robbers as they
TODD like dark shadows in contrast
7ith the white balcony beyond. For a
moment the stiffness of death ensued,
Vhen l received a reply, uttered IN
ones l shall never forget, and with an
mphasis that clearly indicated pur-
ose to carry out what was threaten.
d:
. | say, youngster, just you take in
hat head of your'n, and keep that
ably mouth closed, or I'll blow the
op of your head offI
The sharp click of pistol followed.
nd you can rest assured that need
d no second warning. What should
do2 / was atsleast half a mile from
ne nearest neighbor, but the house
7as surrounded, and escape was i'm
ossible. There was certain death in
he very attempt ITSELF t.i- $50
The Shotgun. All! that was a good
lea. l would get the gun and defend
he mansion tor osthe bitter end. The
hotigun 4 had left in the parlor,eso as
} aavs II within reach during the long
ours of the day when tramps were as
nick as huckleberries, andI had for.
often to bring it up stairs that night.
1y mind had been SO much absorbed
4.
my carrier-pigeon that 1 had in