San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-01-14

bptdh6T.
"Well, haw-I-haw-shoul rush upstairs
and see who the doose it was" replied the
gallant major.
al think that should run out into the
grounds and cut off the beggars' retreat"
said the soldier like captain.
"If you went upstairs, should you take a
light with you or 60 in the dark" Sir Charles
: asked Maj. Prodmore
SIN the dark, decidedly" answered the
major. ITO take light would give the
scoundrels the advantage"
"Yes, in the dark, decidedly" drawled the
captain. "You see, the light gives them the
means of taking aim at you"
"Wonldn't going up in the dark to look for
an armed burglar be rather creepy bust
nessg' suggested Mr.. Mander
"Pshaw!" replied the captain; lit would
be nothing"
mo, not at all, =" said the major IF we
soldiers had never anything worse to face
than that, We should have an easy time of it.
l should go up without q tremor-haw-
without
Suddenly an electric bell went off with a
whirrI In a moment another, and apparently
third joined in the din
As the bells continued sounding, the guests
and their host gazed into each others faces in
specifies horror. All sat mouionless while
the noise lasted. When it ceased no one
showed a sign of stirring. The first attempt
at motion was made when the convivial Lord
de Cellar, who was more than half tipsy,
made an effort TO conceal his bulky frame
under an arm chair.
As for Tommy, he could scarcely repress
his laughter as he looked round the room.
There was not face to be seen that was not
pals with terror. Sir Charles was lying bach
In his chair almost fainting. Lord de Cellar
was rolling about grooming on the floor. The
TWO gallant military men were sitting CULVER
ing to their very hair.
At last Tommy got up, and, Selling a can
die, said: Gentlemen, our conversation Is |
being verified Don't let us sit here"
There's perfect mob of 'em. Three bells |
sounded, muttered Capt Hammer
Two" corrected Tommy, who had the |
best means of knowing
mo, no; three or four" said Maj Prod
more. There must be gang of the scoun-
drels, and they'll be armed, and we've moth
ing but our fists. 1t would be madness to at
tack them"
surely" said Tommy, putting on a very
indignant air, surely, you're not going TO
remain here and see your hosts house robbed
Come on, I'll lead the way"
Don't, don't; you'll get killed, screamed
Mr.. Mander.
''No fear, if you only follow me-" cried
Tommy, looking very brave and seizing the
heavy poker. Come along"
where are the servants! How is it that
they have not gone to see what is the mat
teri" demanded Sir Charles, in a trembling
voice
''They're asleep or afraid" answered Tom
my, and away he marched to the stairs with
a candle in his hand. With an effort Capt.
Hammer and Maj 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" whispered Tommy in an awe in
spring tone, there are several of them.
hear their footballs. No doubt they have re
volvers-we must take them by surprise or
thereu be blOodshed. ow-quetIy-quiet
ly-oh, Lord" And with this Tommy blew ,
out the candle. There was a mOmentary 81
lence, and then Tommy heard the gallant
Hammer and the sOldierly PrOdmOre tum-
bling recklessly over one another in their ,
Mind rush down the staycase. {
The two warriors had just safely reached Z
the library, and were there explaining to the
mortified guests that Tommy had been muir,
dered, and that they themselves had barely +
escaped the same fate, when Tommy himself
entered the room laughing! Everybody gazed 5
ut him 70" & moment in silent amazcment !
Then the truth flashed upon them. The whole !
thing was joke r
Tommy roared with delight. The Others $
lid not seem so well pleased. Lord de Cellar, r
Mr.. Mander and the two nonenities were Wis +
bly annoyed So was Sir Charles Noodle at r
first. But it was the two military mon who q
we're the most furious. They were so angry, d
t at the same time looked and felt 50 small +
= . soon the rest of the company forgot | q
their own annoyance i'll amusement at that +
Of the gallant Hammer and the soldierly :
PrOdmore, and the evening ended by every p
body siding with Tommy, and joining in his I
laughter at the expense of the two officers Il
Tommy'S windows were then reclOSed ami r
The bells reset, and he went to bed and slept +
feeling, with satisfaction, that he | .
lad exalted himself and taken Capt Rammer q
and Mai. Prodmore and the rest of the com u
Dany down a very considerable peg" The
next morning, however, TO his amazement, he n
found himself suddenly awoke bynobody else y
Than Sir Charles Noodle himself
Look herel" said that gentleman in any y
hing but "a pleased tone to the bewidered G.
Tommy, 81 think, Mr.. Apes that you have +
carried this joke Of yours quite far enough II
Ii had better cease now" o
II don't understand YOU. SIR Charles, II
Il out Tommy. y
''Oh, nonsense" answered. sir Charles r
roughly. There's no use in >npplmg it 20
=; I'm getting thoroughly tired of it,"