The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-05-10
selfrt Stnsu.
Bread on the Waters.

1t is now many years ago since /,
Mary Rivers, performed the one eccen-
trio act Of my life. I was old enough
at that time to have grown prim and
"governessy," and years spent in preach
ing propriety to young ladies had had
their effects upon me, and knew that it
would never do in my position to be
spoken of as peculiar. And yet. But
you shall hear. ! had at that time an
engagement in Mrs. Pemberton's family
to finish the education of an only daugh-
ter. The house was large, double
building, and the study, or school-room
was in the wing across the hall. Next
it Was handsome, well furnished apart
meut, which had been given to me as
bedroom. 1t was removed from all the
other bed rooms of the house, and OF
night l was entirely alone. However, I
had no fears of the supernatural, and no
terrors of any sort, and the room suited
me.
On this night / had retired as usual,
and the whole household slumbered, my
self included, when / was aroused by
sometaing-I hardly knew whatZa
sound. q movement, perhaps merely an
impression. Instantly draught Of cold
air struck me, and / thought that the hall
door was open.
"Who is there ?" cried aloud, but all
was dark and utterly silent,save for such
a little velvety pat as cat would make
in crossing marble floor
However, the draft had no business to
be there, and / stepped back to my room
and lit wax candle which stood on my
stand, and came out again with my dres.
sing-gown wrapped around me.
The door was not open, but window
one of two on either side OF the hall
had been lifted, and heard heavy
clatter as of the dropping Of articles ol
iron or steel in heap. Something was
wrong. With sort Of tremor, rather
of excitement or fear, creeping over me
l ran up stairs and knocked at Mr.. Penn
tberton's door, crying:
"Thieves are in the house."
In moment more my employer ant
his brother we're in the lower hall, armed
with pistols, and search was made o.
every room on that floor but Iny own
As / had been there, there was M
thought OF finding any one in the apart
ment.
The police were sent for, and SOM
burglars tools were found outside tht
open window.
They explained that the window mus
have been opened in order to admit som
small boy who could open the door TO
them. A small boy indeed he must hav,
been to get in at those long, marrow
slips; but nothing had yet been done
and after awhile all returned to thei
own apartments to sleep if possible.
sBut shan't you be timid in your lone
Ily room? Won't you 60 up stairs auG
sleep with Florence 2" asked Mrs. Penn
berton. "I'm sure it's dreadful for 20,
to be down here alone, Miss Rivers.
i How glad ! am to-day that my nerves
were steady enough to allow me to de
cline the offer, and to laugh at any ides
of fear on my part; but governess cal
not yield to fine lady terrors, and I, as
have said, had occupied that position al
my life.
l retired to bed again, knowing th'
house to be safe for the night at leest
and was just about dropping of to sleeI
when felt, rather than heard, some on'
creep from under my bed. NV door wal
locked. Whoever it was, / was alon'
with him-one never thinks OF cher" II