The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-10-28

to see Mr.. Muggridge coming up the
road to the house accompanied by the
editor Of tho Barrytswn Weekly Ban
ner, who had determined. he said, to
write up the account Of the robbery
himself. But there was no escape, and
SO, prepared for host of questions, l
was walking slowly to meet them, when
my eye was caught by something bright
among the bushes by the roadside. Yes,
there could be no doubt of it; there lay
The box, empty Of course. Without
stopping, however. l walked as calmly
as possible on to the inspector, and was
introduced to Mr. Shears, the editor.
1t was simply wonderful how obliging !
had become. 1 even, when Mr.. Mug
gride limited that he was pressed for
time, volunteered myself to give Mr..
Shears the ,aformation he wished, and
to 90 over the premises with him. Once
left alone with the Jealous representa-
tive of the press, gave that gentleman
all the points of the case, and few
more, as you shall see.
The next forenoon, as soon as copy
of the Banner came to the house where
the robbery had occurred had for the
last two days spent from the forenoon
until dusk there-1 turned to the end OF
the column devoted to the "Great Rob
berry," and read, with a chuckle, the an
nouncement that the loss of "the jewels
would be less felt had there not been
between the two bottoms Of the box al
most .f2OO in bank notes, of which, un-
fortunately, the numbers had not been
taken"
Probably tho intelligent reader sees
my plan; but certainly did not choose
to explain it to Mr. Muggridge, when,
an hour later, that worthy but excitable
gentleman rode, very hot and very red,
up the shadeless road to complain of my
having made COMPOUNDED mess of the
account, you know" l simply advised
him to wait for a few days, and then
! would be very happy to explain every
thing.
That evening, as usual, l left the
grounds at dusk, after spending the most
of the day in watching-though appar-
emily engaged in something e!se-wheth-
or any one went near the spot, few
hundred yards from the grounds, where
lay the box on which | especially de
Tended as a bait to hook the thief. BY
walking slowly, l managed to let the
shades of evening close around me be-
fore l was far beyond the spot where |
had made up my mind to watch and
wait.
Eight Nine Were they never
coming and was my trap laid and baited
in vain Ten Surely they should
have come by this time. Still Was
that sound on the road Yes, and
coming from the village, too There
were evidently several Of them, and |
began to regret having brought some
help. Nearer they came, laughing and
talking. as l cautiously drew farther
back from the road. And now they
were opposite the spot where the box
lay hid. But-what They've gone by,
and in the hearty gufaw of the man
farthest away of the three, | recognize
farmer Lobbins, an honest fellow, whose
acquaintance l had made during my
short stay.
After this sell, had almost given up,
and was actually making up my mind
to abandon the Attain, when faint
sound from down the road made me
crouch as low as possible once more. 1t
was no hoax this time. n short, thin
man, whom | easily recognized as man
Of all. work who had been helping the
gardener all that day, was creeping
stealthily down the road, close to the
bushes. As soon as lie reached the spot
where the box had been thrown, he lit a
small lantern to aid him in his search.
This time | felt sure, and so, when the
man blew out the light, after securing
the supposed treasure, the capture was
made.
ooh why, yes observed the worthy
Mr.. Muggridge, who was in the office
when | brought in the prisoner that
night, a thought as much I've had
my eye on that fellow all along.
The man made confession indeed, he
was caught in the. act and could not
pdeny it. The jewels were all recovered,
and the reward proved very useful in
helping me TO marry and settle down
quietly, when, one month later ] re-
ceived INV promotion.
Oranges are mostly regarded az things