Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-11-27

added, feeling in his coat peck.
els. | wonderI didn't think of it be.
fore. Listen. Here is M last letter from
my mother. See, | will slip it under the
door. And here are the photographs OF
my little sisters. Surely you will believe
NE now
He noted her cry OF surprise and the sud-
den change In her voice as she took UP
the letter and the pictures.
Isn't that proof enough, he added
sharply
oh, what shall l do, she cried. de-
spairingly. How do know but thai you
may have met the real Gerald Mowbray
somewhere and stolen his bag, and got
possession of his letter in this way and
used 1t for this purpose? I've heard Of
such things. There is no end to the clever
ness and shrewdness of burglars. | can t
tell whether to believe you or not. Oh,
what shall | do.
open the door, painted Gerald, that s
what you must do. am faint now for the
want Of air. Can t you see that l AIN half
suffocated?n
1T seems to me as if you must be Ger
aid Mowbray, she said. And yet
I'll tell you what to do. Turn the key
and then stand where you can cover the
place with your revolver. | will only push
open the door an inch or two | don t
want to get out. All ask is breath OF
fresh air. If you don't do this you will
have dead man on your hands Don t
you see that | am completely at your
mercy? You can shoot the moment
show myself"
VERY well, she said calmly. Il will
do that When | say three you may
open the door just q crack. But mind, if
you so much as poke out the tip of your
nose I'll shoot without word Of warn
ing"
She unlocked the door, and Gerald
waited until she counted "one-twc-
three" then he opened the door a few
inches and stood breathing the fresh air
After few momente she broke the
silence.
Young man, put ont your head. |
want to get a good look at you"
Gerald complied with her request, but
hastily drew back as he saw the barrel of
pistol pointing directly toward him.
Pat out your head and keep it out,
she said, sternly; and he obeyed meekly.
You certainly look very much like the
photographs of Gerald Mowbrav | am
half inclined to believe that your are he
Open the door wider. A little yet. Not
so fast, young man. There, now open it
wide, and stand perfectly still that | may
get good look at you
She moved backward step at d time
until she had placed large desk between
her and the cupbard Then she deliberate
ly survey ed Gerald from head to foot.
Turn around very slowly she direct
ed. You are certainly Gerald Now
Bray partially lowe ring her pistol.
You may come out if GU please
For the first time her voice trembIed
Then she grew suddenly white as she
turned toward him with an appealing look
IN her brown eyes.
Help me. ;" she said, II believe / am
going to faint"
She would hive fallen if Gerald had not
darted forward and caught her in his
arms. Placing her gently in a CHAIR, he
hastily seized pitcher. fortunately stand
ing on the desk, and dashed some water
in her face The shock revived her. She
looked up and said Indignantly:
''You almost drowned me"
And you almost sutfocated me. So we
are quits She smiled family
''What simpIetons we have made of our
selve,. owe you an apology, Mr.. Now
bray"
''And owe you one But [ wish you
would tell me who you are and how it hap
pened that you are here alone
Il am Mary Rodgers, the new governess.
As Mrs Earl had to leave and | heard of
the position while visiting my cousin. the
rector here, applied and was accepted.
Your father and mother with the children
sailed for the east day before yesterday.
They did not send you word because they
thought to find you still in Athens. They
left the coachman and cook il charge of
the place, and promised to put the house
in order before | went to the rectory to
spend my vacation. The servants are all
asleep. | happene& to stay up late read
ing, thai all.
Gerald took ND the pistol.
Here is your trusty weapon, Miss
Rodgers" be said.
She turned away with a shudder.
"Oh, | never want to see that horrid
thing again What if had shot you, Mr.
Mowbray?"
I'VE should have bad tragedy then
instead of comedy. But let us be thank
full that you did not. You look worn
out with the excitement, and you need
good nights rest. | suppose | can
take possession of the guest chamber. To-
morrow we can talk over our adventure at
leisure"
ooh, | hope you will never mention il,
again, she cried impulsively.
Very well. Let US agree to forget it,
Here i; my hand on it.
Are you afraid to shake hands with
burgIar?' he asked mischievously.
She laid her slender hand in GeraId's
hearty grasp, and with goodnight
they parted.
The next morning, when the young man
awoke, he found a note that had been
slipped under his door. 1t read as fol
lOws:-
DEAR Mr.. MowBRAy: | have order
ed the cook to prepare. a good breakfast
for you. and James is now waiting to
drive me over to the rectory. There is no
occasion for my staying any longer, sine
you are here to take charge of affairs.
Very truly yours,
MARY RoDGERs."
As .oon as be kfast was finished Gerald
ordered the horses aid drove to the
rectory.
He was enthusiastically received by his
old friends the rector and his wife. though
neither could refrain for many moments
from laughing at him Numerically over
his adventure in the character of bur
glar.
Il think it is rather hard that | should
support all this quizzing. You might ask
Miss Rodgers to come and take her share.
Gerald soon pleaded, glad of any pretext
which might afford him sight of the
L. Ii