The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-03-01
MIR. BIRDS UMBRELLA.
Bel.ravia.

Belsravia.
 Nat-a-.at-a tat x-tat-a-tat-a-tat-B Bang There was a pause, and long enough pause to give me the impression that l had been dreaming of earthquakes, or of the bombardment Of the British Museum. or of volcanic eruption in Russell Square, to convince me even forcibly that l must have been dreaming, as sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes and listened Then-Bang, bang. bang .-rat-a-tat-a- tat-a-tat-a-tat-a-tat-a- Bang . Yes, there was somebody evidently knocking al the street door, hanging by the street. door knocker and throwing his whole soul into the instrument. The house was on fire. perhaps, or we were wanted next door at Brian's, or a lunatic had escaped and was clamoring for admittance. straight-waistcoat and all, or else the up- stairs lodgers had come back prema,urely from their visit to Tunbridge and were anxious to get Tn out of the rain. which was coming down with vehemence that WAS certainly startling. could surmise nothing more at moments notice and at half-past two in the morning. We all slept very soundly in No. 10 Prossiter street, Prossiier place, Russell Square, Bloomsbury, for we worked very hard a, No To, and the house was large one. l. was house of many lodgers -parlor floor, first floor, and second hoor-and all comfortably let, and those lodgers who were at home were all fast asleep. or else waiting for me, the poor. weakly proprietor of the establishment, fIane Neild at your service, gentle reader. age tHenty-iwo, and an orphan with an estab- lishmea on her mind, and living to get out of the establishment. 10 call the ser wants, Bridget. able bodied. general" aged forty and frightful temper, and Sarah, aged thirteen. child with A chronic cold and red nose. bu, handy as help 10 Brldgeil, to get up and see what was the matter al No. 10, or with a party outside No. To, who was " kicking up such deuce of TOW"
 That was the way in which ii was pu, al las, by Cap.aln Choppers, my drawing room floor, an irritable old gentleman no; to say violent when reused who came out or the landing ai last in an d. tire which Bridge; told me sflerward was far from decorous. and began bawling vociierously up the staircase the names
 
 with my own nagle in shrlef of sheer de- spair.
 ," Miss Neili here, say is every body dead. Mss N-e-e-e-lld
 " Bless my soul, captain. what is it now ~ l cried through the crack Tn my door,
 :" Don't you hear that internal noise down stairs. madam: Who the deuce is Il, al this time of the night. who the wha, do you say. madam ?''
 " I'm going 10 open the window and inquire, unless you"
 :" Its no business of mine. Miss Nield," bawled the captain. . don, expee, any body-l' m not gong into the drawing room al this tune of night, with my cold I'm disturbed enough as il is, through you all being so diabolically deaf. l shall leave this day week, ma am There.'
 And slam went the back drawing room door, and crick-crack went the key in the irascible captains lock. was in my dressing-gown, with flannel article which take the liberty here of calling d "mutfler wrapped round my head and shoulders and as went toward the win dow, trembling. mus, say, in every limb. the knocking was repeated for .he third time and with threefold vigor. born of the delay and irritation at the gross want of attention to past sum- monses.
 waited till there was silence again, or nearly silence could distinctly hear Captain Choppers loading all his firearms and then opened the window and peered down into the damp, shiny street, which the wind and the rain had all to themselves with the exception of dark ngure on my top step, whose hat could see was as shiny as.the pavement.
 What is IF" inquired, bu, the wind whisked my voice into Museum street, and had to repeat the inquiry in a shrill ialsetto. The man below paused with his hand to the knocker again-for he was just going to begin afresh-listened, and then ran down the sieps and stood on the edge of the curbstone, with his hands behind him, looking up at me at last. could make nothing of him in the darkness from my point of view.
 What do you want, sir ?" l asked, now that had secured the attention oi this individual. What are you making such noise for at this time of nigh,r'
 I'm very sorry to disturb you. lady,
 So 1t seems" said acrimoniously, but he did not hear me, and perhaps 1t was as well he did not. have not rep utatioa for being severe in my remarks, but then this was an exceptional proceed ing and deserved Tebuke.
 "The fact is, madam, the wind has blown my umbrella clean out of my hand into your area. l would not mind so much he condescended to explain still further, at the top of his voice, |. but it's m umbrella SCI great store by. Besides, it's raining tremendously"
 ." really cannot come down at this hour and get your. umbrella" said sc verely: you must call tomorrow for it.''