Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-05-08

door, when loud bang broke open the
stiffness A door inside was flung
open, admitting stream of light into
a room the windows of which opened
upon the porch. Through it dashed
Jack in hot haste, shrieking at the top
of his voice:
"Thievesi Robbersl Here, boysi
Help, quick!"
Ali the courage of the waiting boys
revived at sound of such unghostly
cries. They waited no longer, but with
loud shouts made their way in
"Herei here!" called Jack. Follow
ing him into the room which he had en-
tered, they heard sounds of blows upon
door.
"He's in that closet-the ghost is"
cried Jack. Help me to move these
heavy things against him there" When
it was done he threw himself into seat
laughing until he was almost helpless
so, boys, if 1 could only get my
breath to tell you! l slipped off my
boots on the porch-and crept in and
first caught sight-of my man standing
before bureau drawer-sideways to
me-and-he lit up another of those
blue lights and just-at that minute
spied a bit of his whiskers peeping
through that white mask-O! Or
Jack flung himself back in a still moro
severe paroxysm of laughter, resuming
his story as soon as he was able.
II watched and watched and wondered
what I'd better do, for he was rather too
big for fellow like me to tackle"
''Why didn't you call US sooner?"
asked Hal.
Wouldn't "a done any good, you see.
He might "a made off out of any of
these windows. Well, l watched, and
after he had mussed over the drawers
for awhile and got hold of some breast
pins and things, he seemed to think
he'd like to take look at Mrs. Hor-
toms silver spoons, for he went into that
pantry and heard 'em juggling. And
then says l: 'Now's my time And
had that door locked on him quicker n
wink. Hear him now!'
The imprisoned burglar, after having
tried kick and blows on the door with
out, declaring he had as yet gotten
nothing and would at once 60 peaceably
away.
That wouldn't do at ALL said Jack.
81 don't 'spose Squire Horton ever had
a ghost visiting in his house before and
he'll want to get better acquainted with
you"
81 ri ~ frio CHI
go for nothing-all for you, jack" said
Hal.
But Jack was soon done jesting as tho
boys realized the gravity of the situa-
ton and consulted together as to what
should be done. 1t was soon agre ed that
two of their number should hasten into
the village to obtain help in securing
the burglar while the rest of the party
stayed to keep watch over him.
He was promptly lodged in Jail until
Squire Horizons return. When that
gentleman came to the inquiry as to
who had saved the valuables in his
house, the party of boys generously
gave Jack the full credit for his bravery.
But he insisted that without their help
the robber could not have been secured
until further assistance came, and the
Squirc's liberal reward did not stop at
Jack.
A week or two later the boys again
passed Squire Horizons house in the
evening.
That's good, warm, honest light,
shining from those windows tonight"
said Archie, who had recovered from his
slight injury.
Not bit like that sickly blue light"
mo fear of the ice not being safe"
said another boy, as they drew near the
pond.
No" said Jack, 81 shan't be a cow
ard tonight"
Coward" said Hal, don't ever talk
to me about towards again. l tell you,
Jack, you might have led me up to a
lannon's mouth that night and well,
perhaps l should have shown myself
hero, but as for going into that house
as you did, all alone, horses couldn't "a
drawn me-"
Nor me-" ''Nor me" ''Nor me-" came
in hearty agreement.
80! you're all great gooses," said
Jack, laughing. 'If I had known just
what it was in there, perhaps I'd have
held back about going in. That fellow
might have given me a rap over the
head that would have settled me, but
what harm could thin-air ghost do?"-
Sydney Dayre, in Chicago Standard.