The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-11-21


lifeless at her feet, if she ceased to
sing. Held by this mortal dread. she
continued to hum her song; she even
plucked a flower from the plant near
est the hidden foe. Then she crept
away slowly, faster and faster, until
she swung to the door of the adjoining
room, slid the bolt with stifening
fingers, and fell in a little heap, gasp
ing: "a mantle tramp-is hidden
there" At the same time there was a
noise in the conservatory of falling
plants and crash of glass, incident to
the tramp's escape through the case
ment rather than be taken like a rat in
a trap.
Walter gathered up Pamela in his
arms and placed her on sofa. Then
be gave chase, revolver in hand. Soon
all Locustville joined in pursuit of the
outcast. Every cottager turned out, to
D man, TO defend his own hearth-stone.
The news flew like lightning that Mrs.
limbs had found a burglar hidden in
her conservatory, ready to plumber
and murder when the household
should have retired to rest. Weapons
were snatched up, lanterns lighted, and
Watch-dogs let loose, as If ever tramp
waited under cover of darkness for all
such preparations of capture Even
the poet came forth in embroidered
dressing-gown and cap, his spectacles
polished, and silver-mounted poniard
in his grasp. The tramp had vanished
as completely as if the earth had swal-
lowed him, and only the rustling of the
wind through the trees and the murmur
of the river responded to the shouts of
the pursuers. When Walter returned
to his abode, flushed wish the fruitless
search, he found Pamela weeping bit
terly on the sofa, while Bridget stood
by with her apron to her eyes.
II am not hurt, my pet, and the ras-
cal will not return, said Walter, Law
ishing endearments on his wife, for his
heart began to melt
ooh, it's not that!' sobbed Pamela.
''No, indade, it's not that, thin, y
echoed Bridget, with sympathetic
howl.
"What is it, then?" coaxed Walter.
'.Why, he had been here before -
cried Pamela.
''He had, jist, bad luck to him !"
added Bridget, behind her apron.
''Ah the tramp had been here be-
fore. Did you leave the door opene"
pursued Walter, with deceitful smile.
Pamela swept the handkerchief from
her eyes with a tragic gesture. Con-
cealment was no longer possible.
''What | have suffered this day p she
she exclaimed. "You may as well
know the worst at once. The silver
is gone, and we are ruined. Oh, those
darling spoons with the little curly
ends, and that duck of a sugar-sifter
shaped like a thistle! I shall never
have any more
''The silver gomez repeated Walter
springing to his feet. '.Let me sen
with my own eyes, for I can scarcely
believe it,
He took candle, and ran up stairs,
followed by Pamela and Bridget. lie
unlocked the closet-door, and pro-
duced the bag containing the family
plate.
Mistress and maid were dumb. What
did it mean?
'"The fact is, was the thief" ex-
planned Walter. Il came home at two
o'clock to surprise you, and | found
the gate ajar, the door unlocked. I
had passed the tramp on the road.
Neither of you was in the house. / put
the silver in the bag, and carried it to
the garnet, and later took a chance to
put it back safely in the closet. Then
| slipped out and spent the afternoon
with the poet, in order to return home
at the usual hour"
Pamela stared at him rigidly, but
warmth and life began to re-animate
her frame. Bridget shifted
''Let it be a lesson for the future,
my love, to be more careful, con-
Guided Walter, with masculine superb
GRITTY. 81 did not intend to speak until
the hour of dinner tomorrow, which
would become a true Thanksgiving
with the re-appearance Of the family
plate"
Il wonder you are not shamed of
yourself to play such tricks, retorted
Pamela, finding voice at last. $50 like
thoughtless mani l might be worn
gray and worried into a fever with such
nonsense. Pity you spoke at allr'
Walters countenance fell under this
volley of feminine indignation, and
somehow the result seemed rather
lame.
''If | had not stolen that silver the
tramp might have got it," he reasoned.
Pamela dreamed that night Walter
was cook, in the white apron and cap
Of French chez, preparing the famous
Polynesian pudding, while Bridget had
given warning in consequence.
Next morning brought restored peace
and sunshine to Walter limbs interior.
Pamela's parents arrived at noon, and
of all Louisville the Thanksgiving din
ner served in the Gothic cottage was
the most enjoyable.
The restored family plate adorned the
table, and Pamela's eyes sparkled when
they reverted to the treasure. Two
notable results became manifest; the
front door of the Gothic cottage is al
ways kept locked, ard Walter never at
temps to enforce marital authority
Vi9.O199jn III Tob3,co,7