, 1888-12-09

my hand. It was a plain, hevy bar Of
iron. at which the others often laughed.
declaring that it must make me tired to
rake the fire.
The knob of the door turned SLOWLY
and cautiously, and the burglar enters
the room. What would he dc next? He
closed the door as gently as he had
opened it. and for a seemed I'M
decided Did he have a dark lantern
and a pistol? / could not imagine u
burglar without such adjuncts, both of
which were unfamiliar objects 10 me;
and shivered as l thought of the advan-
tage which he would have over me and
my poker.
Evidently the lark lantern was not in
working order, however, for he simply
struck u match. The little flame showed
me that our new neighbors were IL o un
founded upon reason-this was ono If
them. They were certainly a gang OF
burglars.
He made a step toward the dresses. To
Zach it he must pass me. He was within
reach of my arm. raised my weapon,
and, uttering the loudest scream of
which my lungs were capable, | struck
hun on the side of the head. He fell like
a log to the floor. Horrorsl had killed
himl
My renewed screams alarmed the
house and the others were speedily by my
side. l had already lighted the gas and
was on my knees beside the man that /
had struck, yainly endeavoring to recall
life. My assortment of restoratives. /
was afterward assured, WAS sufficient 10
have revived a dozen swooning men
What in the world began my
brother as he appeared upon the scene
lie was the first to come to the room.
oh, my burglars GOMEZ exclaimed
half Historically, but I've killed him
Wholly unnecessary severity" re
marked Tom; you always overdo the
thing. But that man isn't dead"
As if to confirm his words, the burglar
just then opened his eyes and looked in.
quiringly around him.
HE ooksd azed," whispered to Tom.
He has occasion to look dazed if you
hit him with your beloved poker, re.
joined Tom, pushing me aside and apply.
ing restoratives in his turn; put 1t where
it belongs, and 60 get me some brandy
or whisky, OF something of the kind.
Won rave to get this fellow on his feet
before we call the police"
IL was mistaken, SIR" said the
burglar in u feeble voice, but with a very
decided manner. Il was mistaken in
the house. 1t appears that the same
latchkey unlocks both doors, and got
the wrong one"
Yes, | think you did" r~eioined Tom,
emphatically. and cycling him with sus-
picion.
The burglar managed to scramble to
his feet, although could see he was still
dizzy from h encounter with my poker.
retired into the closet and held the door
shut-that is very nearly.
Il think that you will do me the favor
to change your mind about sending for
the police" he said, when l explain |
am employed upon a morning paper and
am not through with my work until
nearly this hour in the morning. !
usually walk home. But | took advan-
tdge of the new owl cars tonight and
went to sleep on my way home, hardly
waking up when l got out and walked
the half block here. live at Ais, and !
hope that you will accept my explana.
ton and apologies and allow me to go
home to bed. | am very sorry | have
disturbed the lady and probably fright
enCd her"
1T seems to me-" said Tom, putting
out his hand, that the lady is perfectly
well able TO take care of herself, and thai
you ought to know it,
The stranger laughed good naturally.
'She tried to a it into my head, at
any rate. But you will convey my apol.
ogies to herr"
The two men went down stairs then,
and | heard no more. But the blow on
our neighbours head effectually broke the
Ice between the two families and we be
came firm friends.
was married about two years after
the episode of the burglar. NY husband
declares that he is not afraid of the house
beng entered while he is away, for
my fame must have gone abroad; while
If, under the superstition that my vigil
ande relaxed when he CHANGED to be at
home, they should come while he is there,
he would be sure of being ably defended.
P. 81 married a proof reader on Q
morning paper.-Chicago Journal.