Nevada County picayune., 1891-12-24

Mir. Bonlonger.
 Nothing of interest occurred until Christmast eve. Then in the midst of a binding snowstorm James Bou- longer returned home at midnight. The rest of the family were abed and asleep and James retired to his couch without delay.
 An hour later the household were startled from their slumbers by the cry
 Robbers, robbers !"
 James Roulonger dashed out of his bedroom and fired his pistol. Old Randolph was aroused, and with a rifle in his hand ran out of his sleeping apartment on the first floor. Father and son met in the dining room where much expensive silver silverware, which he had hoped would grace the Christmas dinner the next day, had been stored in a sideboard. The silver had not been disturbed.
 We are just in time,' cried Ru- dolph. "The rascals would soon have secured all of our silver had they not been frightened. l do not hear them, but they have probably not gone from the house. They iare undoubtedly armed and may fight desperately"
 His ardor was not so great as it was at first. But James was full of prowess and his father reluctantly followed him to the kitchen.
 There he isl! cried Rudolph, as he saw man dart into an entry that led to the cellar. With hands that tremblcd violently the old man rais- ed his rife and fired at random. The room was filled with smoke, and Rudolph was at the same moment filled with confidence. He was not afraid of a robber who retreated as If he were unarmed. Rudolph put another cartridge in his gun and quite boldly opened the door con- meeting the entry with the cellar.
 For Gods sake," cried a voice in the darkness, 'do not shoot again. l am John Hendrckson.
 "Ha. it IS you, you rascal. Just what Eve expected; you've become a robber. I'll dispose of you so you'll never sell another dried up cow," shouted Rudolph; and again he blazed away, although he could not see Hendrickson.
 "Father, oh, father, spare him :! It is all dreadful mistake." cried Edith, as she pinioned her infuriated parents arms with her own.
 ''Listen to me just a moment" said Hendrickson in excited tones as he appeared from behind a barrel when he saw there was to be ces- sation in the hostililies. You know that have been visiting MT. Belnap and that this house and the one he lives in is just alike outside and in. l approached this house in the midst of binding snow, thinking it was the right one. 1 found the door un- locked, but supposed Mir. Belnap had forgottotten to secure it after him. 1 entered and unlocked the door. Every object about me was familiar. l descended to the kitch- ed and left my coat and rubbers there. then returned to the par Tor and lighted lamp. Not feeling sleepy l read about an hour, having found a copy of the same book which l had been reading at Mir. Belnap's. About one o'clock l went to the bedroom which 1 sup posed was mine, and to my intense surprise found your son in it. He was awake and after me with a pis- tol in an instant. You know the rest"
 Did you leave the door unlock ed?" asked MT. Boulonger, turning toward his son.
 "I declare, l believe l did," said James.
 He did not add, however, that he had left the door unlocked purpose ly and was not surprised by what had subsequently occurred.
 Rudolph Boulonger shuddered not knowing that he had been firing blank cartridges that had thought fully been provided for his use, and that he had not killed an innocent man. He felt that he had greatly wronged John Hendrickson he ob- served with alarm the highly-wrought feelings of his daughter his nerves