The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-07-22
plaudits she seems determined to lavish

for ghost story, or something fright
full"
There's nothing very alarming about
this" said Audrey. ''Alice. you tel
them, for l never could make a story
interesting l only give bald facts"
"All right, only you must.all promise
not to taunt me with any cowardice, fol
l frankly confess l am timid and like to
be taken care Of" and Alice glanced CO
quettishly in the direction of Walter
Leasing, meeting in return look that
caused bright blush and sudden droop
of her long frir ged eyelids.
"Once upon time, which means last
Spring, grandpa and grandma going to
New York for visit, Audrey and l
came out to keep house for them.
Brother Will was to come out evenings,
so as to afford US more efficient protec-
ton at night than old Jonas could give.
We had charming time all day long
we sewed and road aloud, or drove round
in the pony carriage, or made trips to
the hills for flowers. In the evening
Will brought our letters, his budget Of
city news, the magazines and papers, SO
there was no danger of stagnation. We
spent an hour or two each day learning
to cook, under Aunt Chloe's tuition, and
almost poisoned the household with
some of our dishes. Everything was so
quiet and lovely that our ideas of Ar
cadia seemed fully realized but at last
the serpent penetrated into our Eden in
the guise of man, of course. Monday
morning of the second week, after re.
turning from our drive to the station
with Will, we took our sewing and
books and seated ourselves on the porch,
leaving the door open so that the old
fashioned beaufet, with its load of
family silver, was fully exposed to view.
1 was reading aloud from The Princess,
when a shadow falling on the path
caused us to look up Before us stood
a most disreputable-looking tramp, his
fierce, cunning eyes fixed on the silver.
Audrey Immediately started to her feet,
and stood so as to shut off the view of
the interior, while demanding his bust
ness there
"He SAID, looking very keenly at US
meanwhile, that he would like to see the
gentleman who owned the place. 1 was
conscious of changing color, but Audrey
coolly replied
"'You must tell me what you want,
for the gentleman is engaged now, so
that he cannot attend to you
"I'm looking for work, and maybe
the gentleman would give me some, if
he hasn't any man already.
Cole has all he needs Audrey an
swered sharply, wishing to shorten his
survey of the house.
after little more talk he went
away, but as he reached the gate turned
and looked closely at the house again. /
began to express my fear of him as soon
as he was out of hearing, but Audrey
was so composed l grew ashamed, and
resumed my reading. In the middle Of
the most interesting passage Audrey
suddenly said:
"Alice, suppose we pack the silver
and put it away in the secret place
grandfather showed us, with his strong
box. 1t seems foolish TO have such a
display for only ourselves, and In case of
fire we would have so much less respon-
sibility.
"Now know you are afraid, Audrey,
Just as am. I'm 80 gladv exclaimed.
Il hope Will will hurry home tonight.
"'No, I'm not afraid, Alice Audrey
insisted; but l do think it's safer
$50 we packed the silver away that
afternoon, and felt greatly relieved after
it was done. We drove to the station
for Will at the usual time, but imagine
our horror when, instead of himself, we
received a telegram saying important
business detained him, and, if we were
afraid, to telegraph and he would send
some one to take his place. / was very
anxious to do so, but Audrey scorned
the very idea.
"'What! send into town for man to
defend u.s. she said, 'wnen we have a
revolver, and Jonas is on the placel No,
indeed
81 made her laugh by saying l should
not sleep a wink all night, and confess
ing that would like to go to our neigh
bors house to sleep. But she ratified
away so fearlessly that she impaired a
little Of her courage to me. After sup
per we made the tour Of the house, bolt
inc and barricadinp all the weak spots.