The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-24
SCOTLAND NECK y. G. THU URSDAY. DECEMBER u. 1891.

-
il MS hand ran out Of his sleeping
apartment on the first floor. Father
and son met in the dining-room whore
much expensive ~ilvrrw are. which il
had been hoped would grace the Christ
mas dinner the next day, had been
stored in Il sideboard. The silver had
not been disturbed.
We are just in time, cried Rudolph.
The raScals would soon have secured
all Of oar silver had they not been
frightened. ! ID not hear them. but
they have probably not gone from the
house. They are undoubtedly armed
and may fight desperately
Ills ardor was not 80 great as it was
at first. But James was full OF prowess
and his father reluctantly followed him
TO the kitchen.
There he is" cried Rudolph. as he saw
a man dart into an entry that led to the
cellar. With hands that tremblcd vio-
l.ntly the old man raised his rifle and
fred at random. The room was filed
with smoke, and Rudolph was at the
same moment filed with confidence.
He was not afraid of robber who re-
treated as if he were unarmed. Ru-
dolph 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 Hendrickson."
''lia. it is you, You rascal. Just
what I've expected; you've become Il
robbcr. III dispose Of you so that
you'll never sell another dried up
cow" shouted Rudolph; and again he
blazed away. although ne could not see
Hendrickson.
"Father. on. father. spare him, 1t is
all dreadful mistallc'" cried Edith, as
she pinioned her infurlated parent $
arms with her own.
Listen to me just moment" said
HendricksOn in excited tones as he ap-
peared from behind barrel when he
saw that there was to be a cessation in
the hostilities. You know that have
been visiting Mr.. Belnap, and that this
house and the one in which he lives are
just alike outside and in. approached
this house in the midst of binding
snow. thinking it was the right one. |
found the door unlocked, but supposed
Mr.. Belnap had forgotten to secure it
after him. / entered and locked the
door Every object about me was IA
miliar. | descended to the kitchen and
left my coat and rubbers there. / then
returned to the parlOr and lighted a
lamp. Not feeling sleepy | read for
about an hour, having found a copy of
the same book which | had been read
ing at Mr.. Belnaps. About one o'clock
| went to the bedroom which | sup
posed was mine. and to my intense sur
prise found your son in it. He was
awake and was after me with pistol
in an instant. You know the rest"
Did YOU leave the door unlocked?'
asked Mr.. Boulonger, turning toward
his son.
Il DECLARE I believe l did" said
James.
H did not add, however, that he had
left the door unlocked purposely and
was not surprised by what had subse
quently occurred.
Rudolph ROulOnger shuddered. not
knowing that ne mad been firing blank
cartridges that had thoughtfullv been
provided for his use, and was glad that
felt that he had greatly wrongcd John
HendricksOn: he observed with alarm
the highly-wrought feelings Of his
daughter; his nerves were too much
shaken for him to deny that the twin
houses which his eccentricitv had
caused him to erect and furnish alike
were responsible for the unwelconc Oc-
currence. and he was glad to make
peace by giving the intruder permission
to marry Edith.
The next day the family sat down to
splendid Christmas dinner in their
home, and John Hendr;cllson, the un-
expected guest, was entertained by
: them in a very pleasant manner.
''It is fitting occasion for a recOncil-
iation," said Rudolph Boulonger whose
recent experience had made him un-
usually regardful of religion. Il for
one am glad to feel the influences of a