Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-06-11
CHAPTER ".

CdAf 1Eh Nv.
The train rolled on. Joe Gregson lay per-
fectly still and quiet, listening to the converse
ton Of the two men in the next compartment.
He knew perfectly well that the least noise or
movement on his part, if heard by these two
men, would, in all probability. cost him his life
81 know the house as well as do my own
could find my way about it blindfolded. l was
down here last summer on a skstching tour and
got an introduction to the old baronet and he
showed me all his pictures and treasures" said
Mr.. Neame. l also made the acquaintance of
the lady's maid and she introduced me to the
housekeeper, SO that. one way and another,
got pretty well the run Of the house."
And you've waited a whole year? Well, you
are q deep un!' exclaimed the other man.
well, you see, if burglary followed close
upon my visits to these country mansions it
would create suspicion and 1 should have the
police on my track"
And how are you going to get in?" asked
his confederate
by one of the dining room windows. I've
often found EN- left open on hot nights; but, if
they are closed, we've only to break a pane of
glass and unhasp it, and in we CO.
And you really think the swag will come up
to q thou?"
mot doubt. The ladys maid said her
lady's jewels were worth more than that and
know exactly where to put my hand on them;
besides which there's galores of plate in the
butler's pantry and racing cups in the library.
Oh, we shall have glorious sack and be miles
away before they wake up and discover their
loss"
After this there was silence for some time ex-
cept the rumbling Of the wheels and the putting
Of the engine. Then there was a whistle, and
shortly after the train stopped and the two men
allghted. In an instant Joe had decided to fol-
low them, and If possible, frustrate their inten-
ton. He stepped out on to the platform. and
passing up to the end. jumped over the rails into
the road just in time TO see Walter NeaIle and
and his confederate issue from the station door.
The night was cloudy. but as the neon was
almost at her full there was light enough for
him to descry two dark figures stealing along
the road some distance ahead They vent on
and on for more than an hour. the mel ahead
proceeding very Slow v and leisurely. At last
they came to stle and the two sprang over
When Joe came to it he paused. for at that
moment there came a rift in the clouds. and
CLEAN of moonlight revealed his quondam
friend and his companion standing with their
heads turned in his direction.
He lodged down and crept under the hedge
and listened. Not sound was to be heard
but the signing of the night wind. He wsited
few minutes and then he took another
peep. but the two men had disappeared. and
he jumped over the stile and followed them
He pushed on over two fields, but not a
soul was to be seen and not sound was to be
heard. Here he was now entirely at dead
lock. for he could not tell what direction the
men had taken and he was completely in the
dark as to the whereabouts of the intended
burglary.
At this moment a clock commenced to strike
the hour. He counted the strokes-12 o'clock
Where there was q clock there must be house
and he at once made his way in the direction
from whence the sounds came. He had not
proceeded far when he stopped short and lis
tened. Yes, he could hear voices and footsteps.
and he advanced cautiously and saw two figures
scaling the park palings which lined one side of
the lane short distance in advance. With a
feeling Of exultation a. having once more got
on the track Of the burglars, he noiselessly fol-
eowed them, and III short time large house
began to loom up in the distance.
Stealthily and noiselessly Walter Neame and
his confederate stole across the lawn and dis
appeared into the shadow Of the house. Joe
waited under cover OF some shrubs, and then
he cautiously approached the spot where the
figures had disappeared. Just as he had ex-
pected, he found one of the windows partially
open, and, vaulting on to the sill and taking off
his boots, he entered the room and made his
way to the door, which was partially open. and
beyond which faint ray of light was visible
He stood there for some little time, for he did
not want to alarm the inmates till the robbers
had secured the greater part of their booty.
Presently the CLEAN of dark lantern became
laden with carpet bag. and approached the
room in which he was secreted. He drew back
behind the door, and there. with a beating
heart. but with admirable GOODNESS. watched
them deposit their burdens near the open win
dow and then turn and proceed in the direction
OF the stairs. As they softly assembled they had
no idea that a Nemesis, in the shape of Joe
Gregson, was logging their footsteps
They entered the drawing room. and joe
who had been following in their wake. pau sed
till they commenced their operations and then
passed into an adjoining room. and Selling the
bell rope. he commenced to ring violently at
the same time shouting Murder. Thieves,
Thieves. Then, seizing the first thing that
came to hand, he sent it crashing through the
window.
For minute or two Walter Neame and his
companion stood paraiyzed; them as the shout
ing and ringing and the crashing of broken
glass continued, he drew heavy jimmy from
his great coat pocket and dashed into the next
room. There was a struggle. blow and crv
Of pain and them Walter Neame returned to his
companion, and picking up the bags containing
their booty they sped down the stairs and dis
appeared into the dining room.
The whole house was in an uproar; the men
shouted, the women screamed and Sir Thos
kilbey, In very airy costume, was loudly de-
handing what it all meant. The butler, who
seemed to be almost the only person who had
his wits about him, and who had on the frat
his beloved plate, at this moment came rushing
back and answered the baronet:
ut means robbery, Sir Thomas. The plates
all gone, every ounce Of it,
And my lady's jewels, too," cried the lady's
mSid, who at this moment made her appear
ance.
who was it discovered it?' asked Sir
Thomas.
They all looked at each other and no one
answered.
''Some one rang the bell and shouted; who
was it?' demanded the baronet
mot me, sir" was the universal reply.
ut was in the small drawing room, papa"
said his daughter. Had we not better 20 and
see?"
"a very sensible suggestion, my dear
Blanche" and he descended to the room in
question.
"Oh, gracious, here's . man! Is he dead?'
cried Blanche.
CHAPTER v.
1t was the day following that Of the burglary
at kubey Hall and Mr.. Benson sat at his desk
reafip0 n latter IL ~, ElIo,, nrac.,,, .r.l