Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-12-09

the room, and the windows were high
and barred, for had contemplated the
time when baby should be large enough
to climb up and lean out. Noiselessly
and suddenly 1 drew that door to and
locked it on the outside; then, with the
key in my hand, and trembling like an
aspen leaf, stole down stairs and cried
to Bridget, "Tve locked them in they
shall give my baby back come with
me p and away went across the garden
and down the road to the first house.
That was " Mulligan's Tavern, a very
low place, indeed, Stunned by all re-
spectacle folk but l knew there we're
always men there who were afraid OF no
body. The greatest brutes would not
refuse aid to woman at such time.
AS we came near saw light in one
OF the windows, and heard voices and
loud laughter. 1t was no time for cere-
mony, 30 burst the door open and ran
in. There were four men playing cards,
and old Mrs. Mulligan behind the bar.
"Ol please excuse me" I cried; "but
do come right away. There are house
breakers in my house, and they've sto-
len my baby"
"Sthole the baby ?" cried old Mrs.
Mulligan.
90, do come - implored.
"Go, Pat" said the old woman
"never mind the game. It's Missus
Jaokman more betoken she's the next
neighbor to us. Take yer pistols, an
away wild ye, boys. An, missus, just
take drop of screechin' hot whisky to
kape the life in ye."
OF course l refused the latter offer,
but in moment the men were on their
feet, and felt like blessing them-those
half-savage creatures who had become
my protectors.
don't know how we got TO the house,
or upstairs. remember an awful tu-
multi. . smell of gunpowder. oaths and
shouts. Then there was silence-then
q loud laugh.
cts thrue, boys !" said old Multi
gan's voice. "I know Misther Jackman,
an it's himself. It's great misthske-
that's ALL"
A singular mistake 10 enter a mans
house, and endeavor to shoot him in
his own bed T. said voice knew to be
my husbands and at that rushed into
the room.
He WAS there, and so was baby, for he
held her in his arms: and there, also,
was Mulligan and his friends and their
pistols, and half the furniture was
broken and the stove upset But e. for
the house-breAkers, they-I began to
see the truth. Mr.. Mulligan Was back
ing out
"I'n lave Mrs. Jackman TO explain, &"
he said. "An' I'm proud I didn't kill
ye, though it's out O. friendship I'd have
done it; for If your own wife took ys
for house breaker how would know
betterr The top o the night till ye, an
I'll lave the lady to explain"
Ah did really wish that the ground
would open and swallow me. You see,
my husband had come home while we
were hunting up the chickens, and, find.
ing baby wide awake, had taken her up
to bed, and gone to sleep. And the
robber under the bed was his muddy
boots, with, of course, TO feet in them :;
and we'll there were none, for they we're
riddled with bullet holes. Mr.. Multi
gan had hred at them, fortunately.
When thought of the awful danger
Jasper and the baby had been in, went
into strong Mysteries at once. and fright
ened Jasper so that he was glad TO for
give me when I came TO myself. 1t was
a terrible mistake, and might have end
ed seriously, of course but 1 will say.
now and always, that it was Jasper's
fault, and that il he had been n house
breaker we might all have been thank.
full for my great presence of mind.