Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1890-07-18

us ldnUer0 Ill tndu ulTeCllOn, anu ulSCOV-
cred, to his mingled dismay and amaze
ment, the figure of an elderly specialized
gentleman seated calmly on the staircase
leading from the basement, regarding him
with perfect cOmposure.
Bill was so much disconnected by this
unexpected apparition that he completely
lost his presence of mind. Instead of put
ting out his light and making his escape
he stood stock still, staring open mouthed
at the unwelcome intruder and feeling alb
solutely panic stricken. In the midst of
his bewiderment he suddenly perceived
that the elderly gentleman had plaold him
self in such position rs to bar his passage
to the window, which constituted the only
available means of exit. Bill no sooner
realized this than he was seized with fierce
desperation which prompted him to whip
out his revolver and rush blindly forward.
"Stand back said IA quiet, thin voice
from the staircase twenty-five PAGES is
the right distance"
Bill paused abruptly, less in obedience
to the strangers request than because he
found himself confronted by the muzzle of
another revolver. This was new and
disagreeable sensation. Bill had on occa-
sions used his own weapon so effectively
that he felt no desire whatever to become
practically acquainted with the contents
of anybody else's He instinctively
guessed that his opponents aim was I'M
erring, and apart from this there was
ring of decision in the cracked voice which
seemed to COW him.
THAT is right" said the stranger en-
couragingly as Bill sulkily dropped his
arm. you needn't be frightened, my
man; don't wish to harm you. Come up
stairs and have chat"
The stranger rose as he spoke and stepped
aside, inviting Bill to mount the staircase
by friendly gesture of his hand. For an
instant Bill hesitated, but only for an in
slant. He was so daZed and startled that,
hardly conscious of what he did, he meek
ly advanced, and presently found himself
il the entrance hall on the floor above.
The stranger followed him closely, re-
volver in hand-a circumstance which &C.
counted in great measure for Bills sub
missive demeanor.
step in mere, said the stranger polite
ly, turning aside into one of the rooms.
He then proceeded to set light to the gas
and this circumstance, slight as it was,
made considerable impression upon Bill
for with professional caution our friends
first step upon entering the house had been
to assure himself that the gas was turned
off at the meter, and tine strangers action
revealed that he had been equally circum-
spect from his own point of view. The
idea that while preoccupied with business
his companion must have rassed within a
few feet of him seemed to Bill trifle hui
initiating.
Though he had not had leisure to bestow
a thought about the strangers identity
L. Il, Il,
sion that he was in the presence of Mr.
Jenkins master, and he felt somewhat en-
barrassed and difiident in consequence.
pray take a seat" said the gentleman,
subsiding into a capacious arm chair. II
am lighted that happened unexpectedly
to come home tonight. 1t was very alb
surd of me, but, do you know, have al
ways regarded your profession as some
what mythical"
This was Greek to Bill, who neverthe-
less vaguely resented the imputation,
whatever it might mean But the truth
was that the imperturbable GOODNESS or
condescension of his companions tone and
manner hurt his amour propre.
Il knew of course, that there were such
persons as burglars and house breakers,
but | never hoped it would be my good
lighted to have chat with you. You
really must be seated added his host, in a
slightly aggrieved tone.
Conversation under any circumstances
was not Bis forte, and he felt singularly
disinclined to prolong the interview; but
the elderly gentleman was so pressing that
our friend half involuntarily deposited his
person on the extreme edge OF chair and
stared at his companion with increasing
embarrassment.
Il regard your craft, my friend, as a relic
of the bold buccaneering spirit which in
other days helped to make England glOri-
GUS said his host. contemplating him
dreamily through the smoke of his cigar.
"CiViliZation has a great deal to answer
for Had you lived in the reign of, let us
say, Queen Elizabeth, you might have been
a popular hero"
Bill knew nothing of the historical period
referred to, but he gathered that the ALA
sion was in the nature of "A personal com
pliment and therefore felt more at ease
"What we want in these days is legiti
mate occasion for the exercise of those
talents which you possess. If there were
still rich galleons on the Spanish main
loaded to the matches with gold iugots and
pieces of eight, waiting to be captured
do you imagine that your courage and
your energy and your splendid disregard
of the laws of meum and tuum would not
have been directed to worthier objects than
housebreaking; My friend, those brawny
hands of yours would have grasped other
tools than the jimmy and silent matches. y
Bill grunted acquiescence, for his imag
ination was fired by the prospect of rich
plumber, whether on the Spanish main OIL
elsewhere.
1.-The pirate, the corsair, the privateers
man, the buccaneer-call him what you
will-what was he but bold, inscription,
blackguard like yourself; But he had al
outlet-more on less legitimate-for hi,
energies and talents; and if he had a sue
cessful career he was knighted and he
/ came famous. Now, with YOU my friend
the more successful you are the less doe,
the community appreciate you"
YOU'RE right there, guv'nor," growlet
Bill darkly.
Il am glad you agree with me, " said hi
host pleasantly ut is always satisfactory
to have ones theories verified To m,
mind" added his companion, lit require,