Telegram-herald. ([Grand Rapids, Mich.) 18??-1892, 1891-05-26
BRANSCOME'S BURGLAR.
"A Nights Experience Which Mr.
D. Mover Relates.

.. Mover Relates.
Branscome sat In his coy parlor with
the soles OF his sliPpered feet turned up
10 the fire and his hands clasped behind
his head His eyes were shut, and, but
for the wreaths Of smoke curling from
the fragrant cigar between his lips, he
might have been supposed asleep
Branscotae, however, was not mapping.
but was In that bestific state that Is
superindrced in = man with a clear
conscience and perfect digestion, by q
good dinner. 1t is astonishing, really,
20 contemplate tho influence that the
physical nature of = man exerts upon
his moral and spiritual part. II per
con who is wet, hungry and cold can
feel any spark Of love for his fellow
man and show any consideration for
him. warmed ard fed that man must be
a angel indeed.
Branscomc always felt at peace with
particular night his post-prandial con-
tent was augmented by the contrast of
the CHEEKY room. bright with lamp
Light and the glow OF the fire, with the
storm that ragged without. Tho day
had been Of that kind which is of fire.
1uent occurrence in March in this lati-
tide In the morning the weather had
been damp apd clamrny and Of par
ticular disagreesble quality for mortal
set In and the snow-covered streets be-
come . mass of siush, and row, at
night, the rain was beating against tho
windows and the wind shrieking rs II
the concentrated spite Of the elements
was To be at once poured out upon the
earth
Branscome was Christian man, but
he smiled softly TO himself IS he pic
tured the discomfort Of the pedestrians
who were wading through the slush,
battling with the wind which turned
their umbrellas wrong aide out and
Tapped their garments about them, and
Mrs Branscome, who sat opposite her
husband and was gazing lovingly at
him. smiled also.
Mrs Eranscome's mind, too, had been
making an excursion into the darkness
md storm. She thought of the home
less creatures who might be abroad.
shivering and wretched. for whom
awaited no warm fresidc and good
cheer, and her tender heart grew sud.
Then she pictured some brutal. half
starved wanderer gazing in upon them.
rs they nat surrounded by luxury and
warmth, and being goaded to some
crime or to madness by the contrast.
She shu1dered, and laying down the
bright worsted with which she had been
working. smiled rs we have before re-
lated, and arose to draw the curtain
Brarscome opened his eyes lazily.
watched his wife's movements and was
staring n,edisatively into the fire when
she returned to her chair.
Dave" said Mrs Branscome.
"Eh, well. my DEAR" answered her
spouse.
Martins house was robbed Tuesday
night, and burglars entered Mr.. Smiths
house last night, aud. had they not
been frightened away By Mr.. Smith
lighting the gas To investigate noise
10 heard in the basement, would, no
doubt. have secured large quantity
of plumber. As it was they took al the
silver In the house"
Smith was . fool 70 light the gas
answered Branscome.
But, my dear. he could not investi-
gate without light"
'sNonsensel Mrs d. Smith Is q cow
ard. Now IL burglars should get into
my house, what do you think would
do?''
II don't know. I'm sure" said Mrs
Dranscome. with . shudder. but hope
you would do as Mr. Smith did. strike
. light and frighten them away"
Eyes. or make a target of myself I
think that Ira match for an ordinary
burglar, and I think / should try and
surprise hin."
Branscome was indeed match, even
fnore than a match in physical strength
for any common maurauder. and may
therefore be pardoncd for making
The statement OF magnificent proper
sions. he was a trained athlete and had
been the crack oarsmsn of the college
crew. could run. box and fence like
professional
When Brauscorns's sfter-dianer cigar
was narrhs but . fragrant memory and
the hands Of the clock pointed to ten
the gas was turned ont in the parlor
end. after Mrs b. he'd inspected the
fasscninrs of the windows and doors %
the room. upon the basement floor. the
dininr-roorn, kitchen and stovs-rooni,
abe assembled with her husband N their
bsd-chsmber. The sound of the rain
hailed them 10 sleep and for two or
three hours the silence OF the house was
upbroken-
srdieniy Mrs. Brsnsceue swoke eus
OF . sound sleep with every srnse
aler. The door leading from tie bed
chamber into The hall vas open Surely
she heard steslthy step is the psrisv
below. Their n slight noise. "a though
some ONE unfamiliar with the rvssri bad.
In the darkness. stumbled against some
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