The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1893-07-28

There WIS the usual hustle and chatter at
closing time. and one after the other both
girls, women, men and boys departed, Mar
garet among them. But in the dimly
lighted hall she easily escaped notice and
quietly returned
No one saw her enter save the chief, Barry
Lawrence, who was concealed behind a
stack Of boxes and goods
Mr.. Potter, the senior partner, had gone
off In hurry, but the junior partner re-
mained and he also was deity hidden
away, but his sharp eyes looked from q
loophole and saw all.
Margaret Lee quietly slipped out of sight,
and the janitor, looking hastily about.
thinking everything was all right, quickly
extinguished the lights.
A few moments later he closed the out
side door, and the keys grated In the lock
amid the fast gathering darkness.
A half hour passed, and it seemed long
time to the trio, when light footstep was
heard, and out from the darkness a form
glided stealthily. The watchers caught
their breath and silently waited. The form
paused moment and then glided to a sew-
ing machine in the center of the room, and
STOPPING struck match softly upon the
floor, and as it flared up the face Of a wom-
an bending over it was plainly visible. The
woman was Miss Ray.
The match soon died out, but 1t gave
sufficient light for an instant for her to
reach out and draw several boxes toward
her, and then she removed the lids and be-
gan removing the pieces of goods, silk and
velvet, therein.
The watchers could not see just what she
took. but they heard the rustic Of the silk
and paper and felt rather than saw her
take II stout cord from her pocket, and aft
er seemingly folding the goods into as
small compass as possible she arose to
her feet. then lifting her dress skirt tied
the string across which hung the various
pieces of goods, around her waist.
Softly shaking out her skirts, she then
quietly unlocked the door and left the
room. ..a..-
All this time the watchers made NO sign,
but as the last sound of the echoing foot
steps died away in the distance one and all
arose.
Margaret, trembling and breathless, came
forward from her place of concealment Just
as Barry Lawrence lit the gas and turned 1t
down low, and seeing her approach he took
off his hat and bowed.
"You are jewel, J" he exclaimed heartily.
How did you find this QUIT"
81 beg your pardon, Miss Lee" and the
Junior partner, who had drawn near, ex-
tended his hand.
Margaret took it cordially. ut Is grant
ed, sir" she said, then turning to Barry:
"Oh, / Just watched. ! frequently saw
Miss r. folding and putting things away in
what seemed to me a mysterious and un-
usual manner that at once awakened my
suspicious. knew she could have no op-
portunity Of taking these things away In
the daytime, and SO for several nights I
have remained here to find out. Twonights
| remained here all night"
Remained here alone2" calculated the
junior partner in surprise.
Certainly, SIR"
"And you weren't afraidfn- asked the
chief jocularly.
"Well, no, but I'll acknowledge 1t was
very cold and lonely" answered Margaret
Barry Lawrence smiled. you'll do, ;" he
said sententiously. The junior partner rub;
bed his hands. Father will have to be con-
WINGED with his own eyes, for he'll not be-
lieve even me, SO we will do nothing fur
ther until have seen him."
The trio remained for some time after
this, and then as it was growing very late
the chief seeing Margaret safely
to her own door.
~ will detail steady watch here after
this" said Mr.. p, Jr.. as he babe the 9TH
ers good night.
A few nights later the senior partner was
fully convinced, and in a very quiet man.
ner sent for his forelady to come to his pri-
vate office, where he plainly preferred his
charges and dismissed her. At first she ap-
peared very indignant and stoutly denied
It, but when she learned that he was q wit
ness she broke down and confessed all
Out of respect to her family no arrests
were made.-American Farmer.