Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-12-21

I 'lAnAtSf hAS ll5 'i NpN- nc NA7ilCu
/ first 10 Obtain assistance; and Was about
10 penetrate further into the house for
that purpose when he heard hasty foot
steps in the porch and the words. ''Be
quick uttered in the deep voice which
had reached him when he was dragged
from the borse
There was only Just time for him to
dart under the table before three men
entered the diniug-hall. Peeping from
/ beneath the hanging edges OF the table
cloth, he perceived that their faces. too,
were blackened, which at once removed
any remaining doubts he mayhave left
that these were tie same thieves.
Now then" said the frst-the man
with the deep voice-''let us hide our
selves. They will all be back again in
minute. That was good trick to get
them out of the hoase, eh?"
lies. lou well initiate the cries
of man in distress" said the
second
Excellent, said the third.
"But they will soon find out that it
was false alarm. Come, where shall
we hide? 1t must he some place We
can stay in two OF .hree hours, tIh all
are in bed and asleep. Ain | have it
Come this wayl / have learn that the
further closet is not opened once in
twelvcmonth; it will serve our purpose
exactly"
The speaker advanced into corridor
which led from the hall. Creeping a
little further forward, Hubert could
discern that the closet stood at the end,
facing the dining The thieves
entered it, and closed the door
Scarcely breathing, Hubert glided
forward to learn little more of their
intention if possible; and coming close,
| he could hear the robbers whispering
| about the different rooms where the
/ Jewels, plate, and other valuables of the
house were kept, which they plainly
meant to steal.
They had not been long Ill hiding
when gay chattering of ladies and
gentltmen was audible on the terrace
without.
Hurbert felt that ii would not do to be
caught proving about the house, unless
| he wished to be taken for robber him
self; and he slipped softly back to the
hall, ont at the door, and stood III q
dark corner of heporch, where he could
see every thing without being himself
seen. In a moment or two a Whole
troop of pessonages came gliding past
him into the house.
There were an elderly gentlem n and
lady, eight or nine young ladies, as
many young men, besides half adozen
men-servants and maids. The mansion
had apparently been quite emptied of its
occupants.
Now, children and young people, we
viii resume our meal" said the old
gentleman. "What the noise could
have been l cannot understand. |
never felt so certain in my life that there
was a person being murdered outside
my door.
Then the ladies began saying how
frightened they had been, and how they
had expected an adventure, and how II
had ended in nothing after all.
wait a while, said Hurbert to him.
self. you'll have adventure enough
by-and-by, ladies '
1t appeared that the yong men and
women were married SONS and daughters
of the old couple, who had come that
day to spend Christmas with their
parents.
The door was then closed Hubert be-
ing left outside IN the porch. He
thought this the proper moment for
asking their assistance; and, since he
was urable to knock with his hands, be-
gan boldly to kick the door.
"Hullo. What disturbance are you
making here?" said footman who open
ed it; and seizing Hubert by the should
er, he pulled him into the dining-hall.
Here's strange boy l have found
making noise IN the porch, Sin
Simon.
Everybody turned.
Bring him forward. said Sir Simon,
the old gentleman before mentioned.
What were you doing there my boy?
'Whv his arms are tIedg' said one OF
the ladies.
Poor feliow,' said another
Hubert began at once to explain that
he had been waylaid on his journey
home robbed OF his horse, and merci.
lessly left in this condition by tine
thieves.
Only to think Of it," exclaimed Sn
Simon.
That's likely story, said one of the
gcntleman-cuests, mcredulously.
Doubtful. eh?" asked Sir Simon.
Perhaps he's arobberhimself. - sug-
gested u lady
There Is a curiously wild wicked
look about him, certainly, now that
examine him closely" said the old
mother
Hubert blushed with shame; and in
stead of continuing his story, and re-
latinc thatrobbers were concealed In the
house. he doggedly held his tongue, and
half resolved to let them find out then
danger for themselves.
well, unite him, SAID Sir Simon.
Come. since IT Is Christmas Eve, well
treat him well. Here my lad; sit down
in that empty seat at the bottom of the
table. and make as good meal as You
can. When you have had your fill, We
will listen to mora particulars of youl
story"
The fcastthen proceeded, and Hubert
now at liberty, was not at all sorry tc
Join in.