Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-04-28

grandfather, the Earl, won't pay his club
debts. However, he'll come round after
while. This Is Miss Kitty, Dolph.'
Dolph made bow, and backed against
the wall
''Come in, +" said Amy. "Every one is
out. Oh isn't this lovely ~
''Heavenly |" said Theodore, looking u!
the bronze ornaments ON the mantel and
letting his gaze rove to small ornaments.
$50 you are alone, chr How delicious |
say, this is fine place. Not 80 fine as We
Gre used to at home, but pretty good for
America. Your father must be well of,
Miss Amy Z"
Eyes" said Amy, 81 believe he is.
''Lots of silver, and all thatS" said the
nobleman. "You ought TO see the plate
at--a. the CASTLE"
''Yes, - said Amy. "rhe silver is all
up stairs now, though, Ma locks 1t up
when she goes out. There's a great closet
between the rooms above. She keeps her
iewelry there 1t is quite nice place,
for burglars wouldn't be apt to find the
door if they didn't know it. 1t slides in,
you know. Pa says it is better than
SAFE"
"Why, 1t must be-" said Theodore;
chow ingenious There. SIT down, and let
Us chat; or suppose you play for us."
"I'd rather talk, said Amy, sentiment
ally.
Meanwhile KITTY was growing very mis-
cradle The person introduced as Adol.
phus was awkward and said little. He
was not handsome like Theodore, and he
smelt of tobacco and whisky. His grand
father, the Earl, must have been angry
with him for some time, she thought. She
began TO wish that something would hap
pen to break up the party, that they would
at least go. Neither of them were gentle
man, she felt assured. They stared around
them oddly. Theodore arose and dropped
the silk curtains over the windows. The
men exchanged glances. Could not Amy
see that something was wrongs
At that moment Theodore pushed tie
door into the hall quite shut, and returned
to Amy's side. AS he did so he put his
hand into his pocket and took out sponge.
s'Curl Gus, isn't ?, he said. 81 think
a sponge is such a curious object. See the
little cells"
sT've got one, too" said Adolphus,
huskily. "Have you ever seen such Ing
one 2''
sit is large" said Amy.
Kitty, who had been expecting some
love making, and was disappointed, only
curled her lip; but the next moment both
girls sat staring spcechlessly at each other,
each with great sponge thrust into their
mouths.
''Tie her to a chair, Dolph, "cried Theo-
dore, rapidly binding Amy's arms and
ankles with a cord he took from his pocket.
'.Now, young ladies, you are not going to
be hurt. Well just help rs-lves to the
pretty things of value that can be carried
off easy, and get the silveS out of the slid
ing closet above, and be off. Dont't try to
scream-you can't. And don't kick-youll
only hurt yourselves. DaY-day."
Away they went up the softly carpeted
staircase Amy heard the sound of open
ing drawers and doors overhead. KITTY
thought she even heard the clink of silver.
But they could neither move nor cry out.
In few moments the two thieves accomp-
Iisned their purpose and descended the
stairs again, each with a bundle OF his
back.
'Good evening, young ladies', said
Theodore. "We're sorry we must go, but
ia might come home Unexpectedly. By
by"
They were OFF, The door changed shut.
The servants at their little supper knew
nothing, and the two girls both nearly suf-
focated. Their slender wrists, cut by the
cords that bound them, remained fastened
TO their chairs.
Glad were they when the good hu mored
voice of Miss Hess was heard bidding some
one good night on the doorstep, and when,
bustling into the house, she threw up her
hands with exclamations of horror, called
for help, and as soon as possible dragged
the sponges from the mouths, cut the cords
that bound them, and asked for the terri
BILE story, which, with many tears and sobs,
Amy told truthfully.
There had been heavy robbery
silver and jewelry were gone. Vainly
papa strobe the floor, scoldlng his daught-
er and bewailing his ''ducats.'
81 never thought English noblemen
could do such things" sighed Amy. emo
body could think that, papa"
''English noblemen!" laughed the de
tectlve, who had appeared upon the scene.
''They were two English thieves, Miss, and
this Is their regular dodge-making love to
young ladies and then getting let in. 1t
has to be the servants in England, but the
American young ladies are such firts, and
so easily taken in, they've changed their
plans"
s'I, at least, will not be 80 easily taken
in again, and | shall firt no more, )" said
Amy.
She kept her word.