Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1893-02-03

and all full of knobs-a lot OF soft
things like clothes, too
Will had been feeling over the outside
OF the bag, but now he rose, and turn
ing towards the woods. he gave ring
ing halloo.
There was no answer, but, while they
were waiting the sound of clicking
gate made them turn, aud what did the
see but Mr.. Waldron running towards
them from his back yard.
ELLA, go right into the house aud
help your mother; and Will, if you can,
wish you'd run over to DR.. SomerbYs
while l 90 down to the Constable's."
"What's the matterl" Ella and Will
ashed in unison.
"The house has been ransacked by a
burglar. We found Bridget locked in
the cellar and she is fainting every three
minutes. Your mother is nearly dis
tracted and we must-what is thatf
Mr.. Waldron's excited eye had fallen
upon the bag lying behind Will.
"Well, if Pm not mistaken, TINT is
the plunder from your house, or part OF
it," responded Will, whose quick in
teliect had pieced several things to-
gether in a second.
'What do you meanl How do you
knowl" Mr.. Waldron was excessively
startled, it was plain.
"We nearly ran over a ma1 who was
crossing the snow, and we frightened
him SO that he dropped this bag, aad we
went shooting over it. He was coming
from the direction of the house and
"Here, help me drag it back. We
will see if you are right. Rln ahead,
Ella, and help quiet Bridget"
Between the two the bag was dragged
to the house, just as Bridge: was coming
to out of her fifth faiuting fit.
The announcement of their surprise at
the contents of the bag seemed to revive
her mraculously, and she tottered over
to the group that waited patiently
while Mr.. Waldron's nervous hand Gu.
the string that bound the neck.
One article after another was produced
aud excitedly denti6ed-silyer candle
sticks, expensive table linen, trinkets
from Mrs. Waldron's boudoir, and even
small but expensive travelling clock
that vas still ticking faithfully.
Later it was fully told how low
browed vagabond, who must have seen
the folks drive away early in the even
ing, had called Bridget to the door,
thrown his coat over her head, and then
threatened her with instant death il she
uttered a sound.
He had then thrust her down into the
dark celler, tying her hands with
piece Of clothes line, and left her prey
10 horrible feai.
Apparently he had passed a not un-
pleasant evening, for the kitchen table
was strewn with the remains Of mis-
ceilaneous supper which he had gathered
from the cupboard and ice chest.
He must have dalied Il good deal, for,
comparing time, it would appear that he
was still in the house when Mr.. and
Mrs. Waldron arrived at the front door.
Hence his encOuntering the to5oggauer,
on his hurried escape.
"Aiter all, there's no great harm done
beyond the fright said Mr. Waldror,
soothingy.
"And thanks to the toboggau meet
aud that last ride. supplemented Will,
"which never would have occurred but
for my bright idea aboIt the hill"
"Yes, that is so, said Mr.. WaldrOn
rehectivey. 81 think l never appre
ciated till now what really valuable
sport tobogganing could be made to
prove"
Then they all laughed heartily AMI
4 Will went home.-The Argosy.