Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-12-31
z glsasamt Sturp.
LOTTA'S BURGLAR,

1t was unprecedented at Erisham for the
students to break out so late in the term.
Still more unprecedented was it for potent,
grave, and reverend senior TO have any share
in the mischief Yet only three nights be-
fore the commencement, the students "made
things howl" and Tom Anstruther was head
and front of the offending. They nailed up
over the chapel door the sign, "To Provi-
dence and way-stations," stolen from the
railroad. They serenaded obnoxious mem
beers of the faculty in terms anything but
flattering. They built huge bonfire on
the campus and INDUCED in a promiscuous
song and dance performance around il.
In the midst of the uproar there was the
cry of Faculty faculty." followed by an
instant hush. The students scattered in all
directions, Anstruther as fast as any-iaster,
indeed, when he found himself closely fol-
lowed. His particular pursuer appeared to
be one of the more younger and active of
the professors, who quite caught the spirit
of the chase. Tom found it impossible TO
shake him off Was the valedictorian of the
graduating class to be caught thus igno-
miniouslyY
An open basement window gave him an
inspiration. He sped past; then, doubling
cleverly on his foe, sprang through it and
laughed to hear his footsteps grow fainter
in hot pursuit up the street.
Up stairs Lolita Desmond was brushing
out her pretty brown hair preparatory to
retiring. On her daintily friled toilet table,
looking oddly out OF place, lay Cousin Jims
revolver There had been great many
Jokes about that revolver Her uncle and
cousin had solemnly installed Lolita as man
of the house during their absence Jim had
reminded her of the exploits of brave Mrs.
Brunn and Peters, as recorded by the Datty
Chronicle The first of these ladies had, alone
unarmed, held burglar captive until help
had completely routed two desperate Williams.
And Lolita had demanded Jim's pistol and
declared that she only longed for a chance
to emulate her heroism And Jim had
promised TO watch the papers for e similar
mention Of daring Miss Desmond
So Lolita smiled when her eyes fell on the
pistol, for as yet no opportunity for glory
had come to her, and Jim would be home
tomorrow.
Just then her aunt came into the room,
fancying, as she had fancied every night
since her husbands departure, that she
"heard noise, and would not dear Lolita,
who was SO fearless, mind going down stairs
TO investigator
So Lolita thrust her little bare feet into
slippers, threw on wrapper and sailed
forth, pistol in hand.
Aunt Lucy detained her with last word
in case 1t should be any one, to "let her
know Immediately; but otherwise not to
disturb her, as she was extremely iatigued."
With dim recollection that the dining
room window had not been closed, the
young girl made her noiseless way thither
at once. The gas had been put out and
miserable candle left burning What Lolita
saw by It's dim light, was a tall, young man,
rather roughly clad.
Alas Tom, usually something Of dandy,
had that night donned his poorest array, his
clothes grimed with dust and SCOT, from
which not even his face had escaped, stood
coolly examining her uncle's silver. Spirit
of Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Peters, inspired her.
"Drop that or | FIRE y
Tom turned with start What he saw
a pretty girl in a charming neglige whose
voice and hand both shook as she uttered
this doughty threat, and in whose face u
certain determination, a look Of one fright
ened at her own daring, appealed 10 the
sense Of humor. Besides, that pistol in her
uncertain, unfamiliar hand was no joke.
So he said with due humility:
al surrender. But for heavens sake put
up the revolver You are az likely TO shoot
yourself as me-"
"Not at ALL" evidently nettled, 81 am per-
fectly accustomed 10 using IT,"
Need II be said that this was deliberate
lie, uttered with the intention of striking
terror 10 the bosom Of the robber.
For the same purpose Lotia continued 10
level her pistol and eye at him with As
much outward severity and not few in.
ward tremors, thinking withal that your
housebreaker is not the bold desperate that
ho is painted. Still, keeping watch over one
is weary work beigh no! Tom rapidly de-.