The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1888-04-19
SECRET Of NY F00TST00L.

SECRET OF NY F00TST00L.
My brother gave his work fina,
polish and then viewed the valuabls
articles approvingly before placing
them in their softly-padded case.
"Think they look we'll. little wom-
am"
ri think they do, indeed" Ianswer-
ed, in unqualified admiration. for Ted
was q capital workman, and had
mended the pretty trinkets very skill
fully. II am sure Mr.. Bailey will be
pleased. The owner herself would be
puzzled to detect where she damaged
them.'
Ted smiled; then, as he did not in
tend to take them back to the shop
until the return of his employer, which
would not be till the morrow, he de-
posted both the ieweled bracelets in
his customary "non-burglar- proof
safe," as he jokingly called SMALL
strong, square box which he had fitted
with lock and key, padded inside and
out, and covered with chintz to match
our sofa. He made use of this as a
footstool, saying that evil-disposed
persons would be the less likely to ex
anime it; and many Jest he had
about his placing gems under my feet,
and about me beinga small person with
a high mind, for l set my foot upon
gold, and the like nonsense. Dear old
Ted! He was so clever at his trade,
and so trustworthy, that he had al
ways more work than he could get
through. He was very fond of me
his poor little crippled sister-would
mover allow me to sit too long at my
needle, and shared with me in every
possible way the little duties neces-
STATED by our humble menage; so he
and logged along very peaceably. We
lodged in two rooms in quiet street
on the outskirts of Bridgepool. Our
landlady was kindly old body who
had known our parents long before
either Ted or found ourselves on this
worlds stage.
Having put away the bracelets safe
ly, my brother next packed up three
or four watches he had been busy set
ting to rights, and prepared to 60 to
the shop in Bridgepool which usually
employed him. Watched him put ting
on his overcoat, for the day was very
cold; but he seemed slow in his move
ments, and thought he was reluctant
to leave me alone, for, though l was
generally active enough, considering
my intirmity, one of my bad spells was
now on me, when, as he knew, found
moving about pain and a difficulty
for some days. 1t happened, too,
that Mrs. Rrown-our landlady-had
gone out for the day-a very rare oc-
currence.
Can l do anything else for you be-
lore I go?" he asked.
mo. Ted, dear, thank YOU"
"Make sure; look round and see If
everything is put handy for you,"
said my brother, placing my crutch
little nearer.
"Everything," l replied, cheerfully.
"And I've such lot OF work to get
through, l shall find the afternoon
short"
II don't half like your being LETT
alone so long, for may not be back
before five," said Ted, cycling me dubi-
ously. Cousin Milly would come round
if l asked her."
Eyes, and bring her baby, who
would hinder my work sadly. l don't
like babies when am busy. Go away,
TED, you dear old fellow! Don't bother
about mel shall be all right"
"Well, by-by, little woman, he said,
stooping to kiss me; "I'll be home as
soon as l can. "And, Bessie" he
added, pausing in the doorway, "be
sure you don't touch the window to-
day The sash line snapped this
morning. must send a carpenter to
see to it. You will remember"
/ promised that l would, and my
brother departed. 1 heard him so
down stairs and shut the street door.
At first the unusual quiet ofthe house
was rather depressing; but l soon be-
came too much engrossed in sewing to
pay attention to that and stitched
away busily at some things ! was COM
pleting for q lady who was kind
enough to praise my needlework, pre-
ierring it, as many did, to machine
stitched articles.
Presently thought heard slight
noise down stairs, like the opening Of
awindow, but as all remained quiet aft
srward, put it gown to my imagi-
nation, and went on TRANQUILITY with
my work.
After some time was startled to
hear q step, stealthy, but distinctly
audible on the landing outside, while
under the door appeared the shadow
OF some one moving.
Perhaps Mrs. Brown has return.
ed, was the thought in my mind as
sat gazing at the door; but then
turned cold with fear, for the handle
turned softly, and strange man
looked in-ayoungm man, with q pallid,
greasy, leering face, ornamented by q
thievish looking twist of hair on each
side. while a limp cap OF semi-military
cut was stuck rakishly on the side of
his head.
Noticed these details mechanically
as ! sat petrified with surprise and
fright, and also noticed that his long
dirty neck was without q tic or a col
lar, = shabby frock coat being button.
ed up to his chin, and that his dirtier
hands sported more than one ring. !
This individual. after darting a swift