Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-02-01
SAVED BY A PIGEON.

1t was the sweetest little thing you
ever saw-a wee carricr-pigeon, with
pure white breast, its wings soft
pearl-grey, and its arching neck gleam-
ing with iridcsccnt hues.
\ boy had brought it over from Elm
wood that morning in a dainty willow
basket. lined with pink cottonwood,
and its handle adorned with bows of
Iink ribbon.
From Larry, Of course" cried Aunt
Judith, rs | entered the breakfast
room. Il don't believe earth ever pro-
duced SO gallant lover" she continued
in her teasing way. Il believe he
sends you present every day, Yes
terday it was beautiful boquct Of
flowers, the day before a box of bon
bons, and the day before that-wcll,
let me see-he came himself! And
what have you now, pray. turtle
doye:'
NO; a carricr-pigcon, and Larry
says it is a trained one, too" | replied,
referring to the letter. a dainty billet
which had accompanied the gift.
aha. Now we shall have tender
missives flying over our heads, pre-
sumo! Away with prosaic postage
stamps. and all that
Il wish Larry had sent her a big
bulldog instead of the bird" said papa.
as he helped himself to the toast.
"Why, papa" gaspcd. How un-
poetical"
VERY useful. my dear. Especially
just now when there are so many
burglars about"
81 hear Mr.. Sayre's house has been
robbed, and Golden's jewclry store,
too" said Aunt Judith. Goodness
me- l hope they won't come here.
Were in such lonely, out-of-the-way
place. tool Thomasr' turning TO my
father. don't you think that you had
better take the spare silver and the
family diamonds to a more secure
place."
I've been thinking about that very
thing" said papa. I'VE shan't need
them till Meg here" turning to me.
with a smile, becomes Mrs Lawrence
Carroll. So / might as well take them
down to the bank and lock them up in
the safe"
"But what If they break in the
bank? 2" | asked.
Papa laughed derisively. He was
always boasting Of the safety of the
bank.
They couldn't open the safe unless
the cashier and l were both thrc. It's
one of the best combination locks made.
I'm positive that anything put in that
safe is perfectly secure"
Poor papa! "How little he thought
But there, that's just like me. al
ways getting ahead of my story,
Larry didn't spend that evening
with me, and so went to bed quite
early. soon fell asleep, but somehow
] didn't rest very well. and was glad
when / awokc, for was dreaming that
Larry and had an awful quarrel.
But the sick, wretched feeling didn't
pass away with my awaking. had ;
smothered, suffocated feeling that mad,
me actually gasp for breath. Think
ing that the bedclothcs were lyin,
across my face, l reached up my han,
to draw them away. and found there
instead, handkerchief saturated will
subtle, overpowering scent.
ChlorOforml Yes, that was Il. Blu
what did il mean2 Shivering with
nameless terror, but with my senses a
aroused, sprang from the bed an
went to the door.
1t was slightly aiar, and through tn
opening light shone family. ! creI
softly out into the hall. and leanin
over the railing, looked down. u
heavensl what did / see2
-Four strong men, wearing blac
marks, and armed with revolver
dragging along my dear old fatherl
"You villainsl What is the use
this?" Iheard poor, dear papa say.
shall never, never do itr'
"You won't see the sun rise agai