The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-03-24

continuing her search for eatables,"
Hark. againl
Surely that was q key turning in a
look; then door opened and shut
quietly, aid there were footsteps in the
hail.
Amy's small stock Of courage went
down to zero.
What would happen next?
Instinctively sne grasped poker ly-
ing on the fender.
The next instant the door opened,
and great broad-shouldered man with
blackened face and hands stepped into
the room.
Amy felt herself growing white with
fear, but she raised her poker threaten
ingly.
For moment they stared at each
other IN silence, aud then the man
spoke.
"Who the deuce are your"
Amy tried to shrek for help, but
the sound died away In her throat; she
was too thoroughly frightened to speak
or move.
Presently the man came towards
her.
"Will you please lower the poker, or
else move away from the sink2"
II would like to come there and
wash my hands," he said, looking very
much inohned to laugh.
Was ever such effrontery known be-
fore?
Still speechless, Amy moved slowly
round towards what seemed to be an
outside door.
"Don't glare at me in that frightful
way" he went on, with glance into
her terror.stricken eyes.
II will look more presentable when
get my face Washed"
Then came hearty laugh, which re-
assured Amy very little.
Certainly this was most extraordi-
nary burglar, or else there was some
ridiculous mistake, she thought, drop
ping her weapon, and tugging away at
huge bolt with trembling fingers.
By this time the young man had fin
ished his ablutions, al presented quite
a different appearance.
Il am Mr.. Aokerman's brother" he
said, politely.
"He asked me- to remain in his house
to-day, as means of protection in his
absence.
"Mr. Alderman has no brother"
contradicted Amy, stoutly.
care you sure Of thatp"
"Certaihly I am"
"Mrs. Alderman has just paid me
visit, and she, would have mentioned
him if such a person existed"
"Can 1t be possible you are Aunt
Margaret"
"Aunt Margaret, indeed"
Amy WAS finding courage enough.
Il beg your PARDON" said Tom;
"but Minnie told me she was going to
visit her Aunt Margaret. and you said
she had been visiting you, hence my
mistake"
81 am Mrs. Aekerruan's sister,"
''Strange that I nev er heard her speak
of you'll" r.
"However, am sorry I frightened
you, Miss--Miss Arden, and If you will
allow me I will explain matters"
II am book-keeper at Bottoms foun-
dry" n.
"You looked more like Captain
Moonlight" said Amy, ready to CRY
with vexation and nervousness.
cor burglar" added Tom.
p. "Well, as was saying, am book
keeper there, but as there was a press
of work at the foundry tonight, and as
they happened to be short Of hands.
offered to stay and assist; this accounts
for my blackened face and hands,"
"Have you examined the photograph
albura2" he asked suddenly.
"If yon will kindly do so, I think
you will find very good representation
of me there, which will convince you
that ] am at least on terms Of intimacy
here" -:
He looked very much like indulging
in another hearty laugh, but restrained
himself at the sight of Amy's white
distressed face.
II was afraid was rude," she said;
"but 1t was suoh n shook to me-"
IT am very tired and"
| Tom sprapg to nor side, or she would
have fallen from sheer exhaustion.
He helped her into the little drawing
room, brought wine and refreshments
from Minnle's well.stooked cupboard,
and they we're soon talking matters over
quite calmly. .r,.nr.
1t was after two O'Clock when Tom