Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-07-01
No. 9.

| No, no; it was done by him-my
. husband. lie struck me with ham
> mer because l would not consent to his
: taking away my child.
| 'Mercful heavens, can such things
be? Where is he now? l somewhat
eagerly inquired.
II cannot tell, she answered, and
: appeared to be growing fainter by the
exertion. Last night, II little before
twelve, he came home in terrible
temper. saw murder lurking in his
eyes, and after listening to his fearful
oaths, | ran to the police station, pur-
sued by him. could not attract at
tention. lie overlook me just as I re-
entered this room, and-IIark What
is that!'
Instantly we were rs silent as the
dead, and listened. The faculty Of
hearing is remarkably keen with me.
and soon came to the conclusion that
some one was crouching behind the
door. | motioned to the woman to be
silent, while | crept noiselessly into
the open wardrobe. | closed the fold
ing doors from within, and, as good
fortune would have it, discovered a
large crevicc through which l could
see the movements Of any one who
might choose to enter the apartment.
The poor woman's head sank on the
pallet Of straw, apparently in swoon,
and all was still again.
The minutes that elapsed seemed
hours to me aud was beginning to
think that, after all, my ears had de-
ceived me, when, very slowly, and
without the faintest sound, the door
opened, and the figure of Il short, stout
bushy-bearded man crept in. He
stole to where Lizzie Thornley, lay he
bent over her, as if to assure himself
that she was unaware of his presence.
'Um she must have been mutter-
ing in her sleep, l reckon. could
have sworn, though, I heard two voices.
Curse her And you would have
split on me, would you ? he grow!ed,
between his set teeth. I wonder if
she'll croak this time p
A., he said this his voice sank in
hoarse whisper, and he turned toward
the bench. A momentary fear came
over me lest he should open the ward
robe doors, and with this feeling upon
me placed my hand in readiness on
my revolver.
The rays of the setting sun were
Just glintjng through the latticed pane;
his face was straight before me, but |
did not recognize it. 10 my surprise
however, he proceeded to divest him
self of his flowing beard and wig,
and then | beheld in him the long
looked-for coiner, Bill Thornley,. My
first impulse at that moment was to
suddenly spring upon him, but his
next movement deprived ME Of any
such intention.
Slipping his fingers in his waistcoat
pocket, he drew forth small key
With this he opened secret panel in
the wanscoat of the wall, and there l
saw great piles of glittering coins,
which my practised eyes told NE were
were spurious. One by one he placed
them noiselessly in bag beside him,
then relocked the panel, and after
closely examining his pistol laid that
on the bench preparatory to rcsumlng
his hirsute disguise.
With the rapidity Of a panther
springing on its prey. flung open
the wardrobe doors and sprang on him
The suddeness of my appearance struck
him motionless and dumb. He could
but glare at me- while held him in a
wise like grip, and his lips trembled
and grew ashy pale.
At such a moment as this detec-
tive needs all the GOODNESS and deter
mination he can command, for then it
is that his victim is almost powerless
of resistance. lie becomes semi.para-
lyzed with surprise, and before he
knows the meaning Of it he finds the
bracelets on his wrists. At least such
was the case with the ruffian Thornley,.
| made short work of him. AS for his
wife and child (tor such they proved
to be, J | had them tenderly conveved
to the Royal Infrmary, where for ten
long days and nights OF suffering she
and her baby lay, and then their spirits
crossed the confines of better world.
Thornley, was found guilty, and l
had the satisfaction of hearing him
sentenced to long term Of penal
scrvitude.
Il