The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-05-18
inc Of treeAops which shade the Low.


the evening. suppose fall into one
Of my dreams, for l certainly start
when Robins arm is again slipped
within mine.
What are You gazing at so intent
Typ" she asks.
Nothing" answer, preparing to
move upstairs.
But Robins eyes are riveted on the
moonlit grounds.
Look" she cries, in a low voice,
full of pleased excitement-"I believe
we are going to have an adventure
there is a burglar in the garden"
Don't" l cry, with shiver, and
trying to pull her upstairs. 1T is not
kind-you know how nervous I amt
"But l am not joking in the least,
demonstrates Robin; sit is a real live
burglar. See, he is coming towards
the house."
My first impulse is to run upstairs
and lock myself into my room; but l
have no chance of availing myself OF
that prudent instinct of self-preserva-
ton, for Robin holds me firmly by the
arm. Seeing that escape is out of the
question, my eyes turn with a kind of
involuntary attraction towards the
scene without.
There he comes-there he comesn'
murmurs Robin, as the advancing fig
ure steps from the shadow of tho trees
into the patch of moonlight.
A moment later she breaks into a
fit of smothered laughter.
What sell!' she cries, with sigh
i verify believe of disappointment.
SIT is only your brother after ALI"
"John? Impossible!" / say, strain
ing my eyes to make sure of the point.
HE is in his study"
''If not John, then it must be Johns
DOUBLE" answers Robin.
All eagerness has died out of her
tone now that she is fully assured that
no thrilling adventure is in store for
her.
Eyes, it certainly is JOHN say
rather unwillingly, as the figure passes
by the window, within few PAGES of
the>house; "he is coming in at the side
door. What could have induced him
to go out at this time of nlght?"
"Restlessness," suggests Robin.
mo, he is not given to restlessness.
Wait here for moment; 1 must run
down and speak to him."
"All right" responds Robin, with
yawn; and she sinks down upon the
window seat as l depart on my errand.
John is turning the handle of the
side door as l gain the end of the
passage. He gives a violent start when
he sees me, and holds up his hand as
if to ward me off.
John, where have you been?" I
cry
He RECEIVERS himself instantly, and
answers, placing his hand reassuringly
on my arm
''Only for stroll in the moonlight,
child. Why are you not in bed?"
Harry went late, and l have been
chatting since with Robin. We saw
you from the staircase window, and
took you at first for a burglar. What
were you doing out of doors?"
':Doing?" says my brother. with
just touch of Impotence in his tone.
81 was merely walking in the grounds.
There is no law against it, | suppose?"
'.But midnight is lsuch an odd time
to go for a walk" object.
Perhaps so; but then 1 am an odd
fellow" answers John drily.
| make no response, only sigh; and
John, STOPPING down, kisses me on the
cheek.
There, run away to bed; and don't
be alarmed in future by my nocturnal
rambles. / often go out for an hour
or so at night"
You often go out?" l say feeling
perplexed.
''Yes, often; only you never CHANGED
to see me before. Good night"
Good notwithstanding l am dis
and then turn away reluct-
antly, and retrace my steps to the
staircase, where Robin is awaiting me.
.'Well?" she remarks interrogative-
ly, and with a very decided yawn.
He had only been for walk in the
remark, with a melancholy
shake of my head; lit seems he often
does So
"How sweetly romantic!"- and Rob-
in clasps her hands in derision.
mot at all" answer, annoyed at
her tone; sit must be lovely out in the
Eyes; and the full moon is said to
have an attractive influence on
she pauses, and gives g mischievous
laugh.
"Well, on what?" 1 demand sternly.
"Oh, on pupyy-dogs!'' she answers
neekly; but know well enough what
she means to insinuate, and stalk away
before her upstairs.
"You old goose! 1 was only teas
ng!" she cries, catching me by my
1ress before I have time to gain my
,oom. ..There-give me kiss of
or / shall never sleep"
Now remember that you never call |
Jack lunatic again." / say firmly, as
comply with her request.
II never did; and, if am not allow
I'd my little jokes, l shall pine away
Ind de-" says Robin pathetically.
THAT would be too-too utterly
sad" answer, laughing. "And now
rood night; it is nearly one o'clock.
Then seek my bed; but it is some
lime before l fall asleep, for my |
thoughts are occupied with Jack. What
an be his object in wandering about |
he grounds at night? Has he been
ong in the habit of doing SO? Is there
my truth in Robins little jest, and can
he moon affect his brain? This last
question however l scout at once. John
s perfectly sane, and we came of
ane family. OF course he is eccentric
md melancholy and given to the study
# abstruse sciences, but he is healthy in
mind and body.
l had hoped that Robins cheering
presence was rousing him from his US
Ially torpid state; and now, by mere
discover that he has been
himself for extra liveliness
turing the day by long and mysterious
Valks at night. Shall / demonstrate
nth him on the stranpeness of his |