The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1888-12-06

He closed the door as gently as he had
opened It, and for moment seemed
undecided. Did he have a dark lam
tern and . pistol could not imagine
q burglar without such adjuncts, both
of which were unfamiliar objects to
me; and shivered as thought Of the
advantage which he would have over
me and my poker. =.
Evidently the dark lantern was not
In working order, however, for he SIM
ply struck q match. The little fame
showed me that our suspicious of our
new neighbors were not unfounded
upon reason-this was one of them.
They were certainly gang of burglars.
He made a step toward the dresser.
To reach it he must pass me. He was
within reach of my arm. 1 raised my
weapon, and, uttering the loudest
scream Of which my lungs were capa-
BILE, struck him on the side of the
head. He fell like a log to the floor.
Horrors! Ihad killed him!
My renewed screams alarmed the
house and the others were speedily by
my side. had already lighted the
gas and was on my knees beside the
man that had struck, vainly endeav-
oring to recall life. My assortment OF
restoratives, was afterward assured,
was sufficient to have revived o dozen
swooning men.
"What in the world-' began my
brother as he appeared upon the scene.
He was the first to come to the room.
"Oh, my burglars come!' I ex.
claimed, 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 inquiringly around him.
He looks dazed," I whispered tc
Tom.
HE has occasion to look dazed il
you hit him with your beloved POKER y
rejoined Tom, pushing me aside and
applying restoratives in his turn; "put
it where it belongs. and 60 get me
some brandy or whisky, or something
of the kind. Wen have to get this fell
low on his feet before we call the po
lice"
"I-I-was mistaken, SIR" said the
burglar in a feeble voice, but with 8
very decided manner. Il was mis-
taken in the house. It appears tina,
the same latchkey unlocks both doors;
and got the wrong one"
Eyes, I think you did," rejoinec
Tom, emphatically, and cycling hin
with suspicion.
The burglar managed to scramble K
his feet, although I could see that ht
was still dizzy from the encounte,
with my poker. I retired into thu
closet and held the door shut-that is
very nearly.
Il think that you will do me thu
favor to change your mind about send
ing for the police" he said. "when ]
explain I am employed upon a morning
paper, and am not through with my
work until nearly this hour in the morn.
ing. Iusually walk home, but tool
advantage of the new owl cars tonight
and went to sleep on my way home,
hardly waking up when I got out and
walked the holt block here. I live a,
AS, and hope that you will accept my
explanation and apologies and allow
me to go home to bed. am very sorry
Ihave disturbed the lady and probably
frightened herr
1T seems to me.' said Tom, putting
out his hand, ''that the lady is perfect
~ we'll able to take care of herself, and
that you ought to know it.
The stranger laughed good-natured
~.
''She tried to beat it into my head, al
any rate. But you will convey my
apologies to her?''
The two men went downstairs ther
and 1heard no more. But the blow or
our neighbours head effectually broke
the ice between the two families anc
We became firm briends.
I was married about two years after
the episode of the burglar, Ny hus
band declares that he is not afraid O.
the house being entered while he il.
away, for my fame must have gone
abroad; while if, under the suppositior
that my vigilance 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 {
morning Chicago Journal.