The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-10-19

The first attempt ct motion was made when the oonvivial Lord de Cellar, who was more than half tipsy, made an effort to conceal his bulky frame under an m-chair.
 As for Tommy, ho could scarcely repress his laughter as he looked round the room. There was not face to be seen that not pale with terror. Sir Charles was lying back in his chair almost fAinting. Lord de Cellar was rolling about groan- ing on the floor. The two gallant military men were sitting quivering to their very hair.
 At last Tommy got up, and, seeing a candle, said, "Gentlemen, our conversation s being verified Don't let sit here"
 "Thats perfect mob Of 'em. Three bells sounded !" muttered Captain Hammer.
 "Two," corrected Tommy, who had the best means of knowing.
 "No, no; three or four," said Major Prodmore "There must bea gang of the scoundrels, and they'll be armed, and we've nothing but fists. It would be madness to attack them"
 "Surely," said Tommy, putting on a very indig- nant air, "surely you're not going to remain here and sec your hosts house robbed. Come on; T'll lead the way"
 "Dont, don't; you'll get killed," screamed Nr. Mander
 "No fear, if you only follow me-" cried Tommy, looking very brave and seizing the heavy poker. "Come alongn
 have not gone to what Is the natter" demanded Sir Charles, in a trembling voice.
 "They're asleep afraid" answered Tommy, and away he marched to the stairs with candle in his hand. With an effort Captain Hammer and Major Prodmore managed to raise enough courage to follow him. They picked up whatever they could find In the shape of weapons, and, keeping well behind Tommy, crept up the stairs-
 "Hist p whispered Tommy in awe-inspiring tone. "There several of them. hear their foot falls. No doubt they have revolvers-we must take them by surprise or there'll be bloodshed. And with this Tommy blew out the candle. There was momentary silence, and then Tommy heard the gallant Hammer and the soldier Prodmore tum- IfnrwR thA~ In NhAsw Alfw~1 rush down the staircase.
 The two warriors had just safely reached the library, and were there explaining to the mortified guests that Tommy had been murdered, and that they themselves had barely escaped the same fate, when Tommy himself entered the room laughing 1 Everybody gazed at him tor & moment in silent amazement Then the truth flashed upon them. The whole thing was joke.
 Tommy roared with delight. The others did not seem we'll pleased. Lord de Cellar, MT. Mander and the two nonentities were visibly an noyed. So was Sir Charles Noodle at frst But 1t was the two military men who were the most furious. They were so angry, but at the same time looked and felt so small that soon the rest of the company forgot their own annoyance in amusement st that of the gallant Hammer and the soldierly Prodmore and the evening ended by every body siding with Tommy, and joining in his laughter at the expense of the two officers.
 Tommy's windows were then reclosed and the bells reset, and he went to bed and slept soundly, feeling with satisfaction that he had exalted himself and taken Captain Hammer and Major Prodmore and the rest of the company down 6 very considerable peg" The next, morning, how ever, to his amazement, he found himself suddenly awakened by nobody else than Sir Charles Noodle himself
 "Look here" said that gentleman, in anything but pleased tone, to the bewildered Tommy, 'I think, MT. Apes, that you have carried this joke of yours quite far enough It had better now"
 "I-I don't understand you, Sir Charles" stam- mered out Tommy.
 "Oh, nonsense" answered Sir Charles roughly "There's TO use in keeping it going I'm getting thoroughly tired of it."
 "But, Sir Charles really, Pm doosed sorry" said Tommy, "but, truly, don't know what you mean"