Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-10-17

"I'shaw! I'm Just as certain those boots
are in there rs that I'm standing here. J"
"Let us see." said Mr.. Bricker, tax.
ing the key from his pocket and unlock
ing the door.
didn't tell you sop exclaimed Mr..
Dingus, pushing forward. why
hello! Why, the boots have disap-
peared!"
"Gone againl' said the deacon.
THAT is precisely what | expected"
"Well, that beats anything | ever
heard Off remarked Mr.. Dingus.
II don't believe in spirits" said Mr.
Killing, looking white and scared, "but
I'm beginning TO think this church must
be haunted. "
"Nonsenser' said the deacon. "a
ghost doesn't want boots, particularly
boots that creak."
"It's enough, though" said Mr.. Din
gus, ''to make man nervous"
"And hate like everything to have
you pay for another pair for me-" said
Mr.. King, looking very downcast.
"Oh, yes" said Mr. Dingus. "Of
course; forgot It's rather hard, but
/ made the promise and I'll stick TO it.
Here's the money"
eve shall have to take more decisive
measures with regard to this matter"
said Deacon Stammers to Mr.. Brickler,
rs they walked home. 1T has gone
just about far enough"
After talking the matter over with
several of the prominent men of the
church, Deacon Stammers went down to
the police headquarters and engaged the
services of skilled detective.
When Sunday came again, Mr.. Simp-
son, the detective, was there, and Mr.
King deposited his new boots in the
closet as usual. Deacon Stammers stood
by and saw him do it, and when Mr.
King, in his slippers, had disappeared
into the church, the deacon showed the
closet to the detective, and let him Sc
lect his own post of observation.
After service n large part of the con-
grcgation pressed rs near as possible to
the closet, while Mr. King, with n
trembling hand, turned the key in the
lock.
"Well, have they disappearedP" de-
manded Deacon Stammers, as the door
swung open.
No" said Mr.. Bricker, "they are
still here"
A sigh of satisfaction was breathed by
the crowd.
The spell is broken, guess" said
Mr. Bricker.
Next Sunday after church Mr. Kings
boots were missing again!
When Mr.. King discovered the fact
he turned almost white, and sat down
upon the stairs leading to the gallery.
Deacon Stammers was so much vexcd
that he could hardly trust himself to
speak. Mr.. Brickcr was-just about to
when n scuflle was heard upon the stars
in the cellar-way.
"Somebody is in the ccllarr' OK
claimed Deacon Stammers.
"Lct's see who it is" rejoined Mr.
Brickcr and Mr.. Dingus. Before they
could reach the door opening to the eel
lar, il was flung open and Mr. Simpson,
the detective, who had been secrcted i'm
the cellar, appeared. With one hand
he was dragging boy by the collar,
while in the other hand he carried q pair
of new boots.
Here is the thief" said Mr.. Simpson,
thrustng the boy forward.
"Why. that is Kings boyr' exclaimed
Deacon Stammers.
"And he has been stealing for his
fathcr!" rcjoined Mr. Simpson. "Seo
herc!n and the detective stopped
over in the closet and pulled up two
loose boards in the floor.
The deacon and Mr. Brickcr turned
to look at King. He had tainted, and
was lying unconscious upon the gallery
stairs.
King and the boy were both arrested
the latter, on account of his youth,
being retained rs witness in the case.
And as no bail could be obtained they
were both thrown into Jail. and in due
time King was convicted and SEN
| fenced.
The sexton who succeeded Mr.. King
was informed at the outset, that on nc
condition would he he allowed to wear
squeaky shoes. And Sunday after Sun.
day he stole about the aisles in silence,
and he always found the dark closet q
safe receptacle for hat and coat, and
even shoes. Youths Companion.