Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-07-29
MisGtllaMenMS.
MRS. BENsON'S PEDDLER.

Mary" said Mr.. Benson from the
depths of the closet. where is that old
checked coat of nine p
why, John" began Mrs. Benson
timidly.
MARY, have you given that away p
asked Mr.. Benson, coming into view.
"Why-yes, John, | did. You
haven't had that coat on your back for
three years and-and the man had
such-lovely-," here poor Mrs Ben
son relapsed into the safe refuge of tears.
"Peddlers," exclaimed Mr.. Benson
contomptuously. why can't woman
be satisfied with buying what she wants
at decent store, and not be picking up
a lot of worthless articles from sneak
thieves, because they are cheap You'll
be sorry for it some day. Mary, you
mark my words Mr.. Benson won't
out and shut the door vigorously,
He walked down the street with a
preoacupicd frcwn upon his face. 81
must cure Mary of that" he thought
seriously. Sometime she will have
something valuable stolen. I've got
it |" be exclaimed, after pause.
lie fitted his key to tho door Of his
private office, opened tho door and then
turned back.
"Jenning." he said, 81 shall be very
busy for an hour or two, possibly all the
afternoon. See that am not distUs bed
by anyone"
He entered his office, locked the door
after him II was n very easy matter
to open back window, drop into the
alley and hasten to an obscure costumcr's,
where detectives and birds were i'm
partially disguised to play at hide and
seek with one another
Left alone Mrs. Benson cried little
while rtpentantly to herself, and then
remembered that she had intended to
wash the delicate bric-a-brac that was
her pride and JOY TO do this she must
get her dainty white apron and her dear
little new pan that she had bought of
the last peddler-hcre she sighed lit
tie. She slipped off her rings, moved
out little table and left tho room for
the necessary articles.
Little matters defeated her and II was
fully an hour before she again entered
the room, bearing the pan. Just as she
set it down u peal at the bell startled
her.
II wonder who it can be-and Jenny
is ironing" she thought.
She opened the door herself, and then
almost shut it again in her momentary
dismay.
Certainly, it was disreputable look
ing object. even for a peddler, that
stood on the doorstep.
"I've come. mum. ter see T yc dim
want L exchange some old clos for
somethin' rale vallyble." lie edged his
way past her and established himself on
hall chair
"What have you, my man y Mrs.
Benson asked hositatingly.
"1've some Of the harnsomest lace yc
ever raw" lie produced piece as q
sample.
It was just what she had been want
ing to complete the dainty spring cos
tune she had just finished.
"Mr. Benson doesn't like TO have me
buy of peddlcrs," she said besitatingly.
"I'm sure 'eed say twas all right,
mum, Of zee was here. Just look around
an see ef thar amt an old coat you can
spare"
Mrs. Benson hesitatcd few moments
longer, then rose and went slowly from
the room after a long ago cast of coat
th at she remembered The temptation
had proved too much for her. At the
foot Of the stairs she paused. John
wouldn't like it," she thought. "No,
III go without the lace till oan afford
10 buy it," She turned back just as tn,
sound Of closing door caught hor ear
The peddler was gone lnstiDotlvely
her eyes few 10 tho table where she had
left her rings, they, too, were gone
Without moments thought she rush
ed 10 tho door and screamed police !
at the top of her lungs. Strange Il
say, her call was Immediately answered
for around the corner Of the square ap
pearod blue-coated guardian, dragging
the unwilling person Of the identica
peddler.
He's stolen my rings" scroame
Mrs Benson Don't lot him com
near me, sir 70
81 thought he'd stole something whe
! see him come away on the dead jump.
said tho policeman, IAN | thought q
ust run him in aud 500 about it," Dur
inn Ills anannh La hnh hnan rnnihl