The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1890-12-13
MR.. MUNN'S MURDER.

The best that can DO said oil her Is
that she did not take after her father;
FOR Pearl was beauty. and did not
care whether stocks went up or down.
/ met Pearl at the seaside. and. to
cut long story short. fell in love with
her and told her so.
She said neither "yes" nor mo"
when popped the question. but hung
her head and asked for time.
soon found that another was the
real stumbling block.
II always Is another. who. in spite
al what the prayer-book says. Is wick
eddy putting asunder what Heaven
would join together.
Another. In this instance. was fat
broker, old enough 10 be her father,
md so like him that the two might
have been twins
lie was called Mr.. Mum; and TO him.
II seems, old Budd had some time be-
fore promised his daughter.
Pearl had no great liking for Mr..
Mum.
What girl ever had for man old
enough to be her father--unlcss IL was
her father
] was near her own age. and-well.
I'll not fiatter myself.
Pearl and l made up our minds to
run away and get married-she confid-
ing In paternal affection for forgive
ness.
Mr. Budd watched his daughter like
hawk.
How 10 carry out our plan became a
perplexing question.
The old fellows eye was ever on us.
To eyade his vigilence would have
been like giving the slip TO Argus.
A bright idea struck me.
had often amused Pearl by mimick-
ing Mr.. Mum. | could do his voice
to nicely; aud felt sure that with
little stuffing and other maSing-up
should be able TO personate the old
hippopotamus 10 peefection.
Mr. Mum was expected daily, and
when he came Pearl and knew that
with two TO watch US. the execution OF
our scheme would DO doubly difficult
Accordingly we determined To bring
matters 20 crisis.
II was given out that | was going
away not 10 return. IL being privately
understood that | was TO come back
the same evening. disguised as tho
broker, deceive Pearls father as 10 my
identity. carry her Off at midnight
marry her. and boldly risk the conse-
quences
/ took leave OF Mr.. Budd and his
daughter and took the next train for
the city.
That evening, padded to portliness
and the frosts OF fifty winters silvering
the locks OF my wig. personated the
broker.
spent dull evening with Mr.. Budd.
Pearl left us early to prepare for our
midnight fitting, and the old gentle
man fairly made my head swim with
the questions he asked.
Bedtime came at last and | hast
ened TO my room. where 1 threw of
my disguise and assumed my usual APP
parel. my purpose being to quit the
house when all was quiet. meet Pearl
Mt the appointed rendezvous, and con-
vey her TO the place at which the
nuptiul knot was 10 be- tied.
II is an unromantic act to speak OF
In this connection. but one which sub
scquent events make IL necessary TO
mention, that the excitement / wac
laboring under caused my nose to bleed
freely.
i had barely succeeded in stauching
the flow when glance at my watch
appraised me that had no time to
spare. opened my room door softly
aud stepped into the hall.
''Han exclaimed voice.
turned quickly, and found myself
face TO face with old Budd, who was
evidently surprised 10 sec mo coming
out OF what he supposed to DO Mr..
Munn's apartment
lie did not stop TO parley. but passed
on, carrying his chambcr-lamp In his
hand.
had gone but few steps when Mr..
Budd rushed out palo with alarm and
shouted:
''Murderl Seize him." pointing me
out 10 those who came la answer TO h Is
call. HE hds made away with Mr..
Mum. who Is nowhere 20 be- seen. and
tho floor Is covered with his blood"
The haste with which | was seeking