The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1893-12-21

use OF his intellect ana tongue.
who are you and what is the mear-
ing of this outrage?" he demanded.
~ thought, don't you see, that had
already announced my name as T..
Brown Jones. Pardon me for not hav
ing made it clear" replied the burglar.
bowling deferentially.
Get out of here instantly" Van Tas-
sci cried, with a very perceptible quavcr
IN his voice. GLOW dare YOU. sir: I'll
call the police at once unless you leave. "
"Oh. no, you will not, Mr.. Van Tas-
sell Pardon me. hut at present, don't
YOU see, | am doing all the calling that
will be done in this vicinity" said Mr.
Jones 1T is true that have commit
ted the almost objectionable sin of be-
ing late at Christmas dinner, don't you
know. but am sure you will forgive me-
| also took the liberty, which you are
well bred enough to overlook, of bring
ing several friends with me. We will
not delay the dinner any longer
As he concluded Jones whistled twice
the drawing room and hall doors opened
and two more burglars, masked aud
armed exactly like their leader, stepped
into the dining room.
"Allow me to present Messrs. Brown
and Jones Smith, brothers and excellent
company They will lend the briliance
Of their presence to tins notable gather
ing. don't you know. and will do ample
Justice to.your turkey and your wines,
said Jones' You must have heard of
these Young men, who belong to the
famous Bowery family Of Joneses, and
whose ancestors have not only been noted
for years. cont you know, as skillful
collectors of silver, gold and diamonds,
but have also been much sought. after by
prominent city officials.
AT least two of their near relatives
have been til" principal actors in events
that have been described at great length
in the newspapers. events which, unhap-
mly, don't Won know. resulted i'll the mn
timely death Of both gentlemen So
you see that your guests are not ordl-
nary people by amy means, don't II
understand. even if Your welcome has !
lack of warmth about ii hardly appro-
pirate for such a day Of rejoicing and
loving Kindness as today.
'Well-wcll, bah Jove." gasped Mr.,
Girard
Leave us instantlyw cried Mr. Van
Tassel He attempted to rise from his
chair rs he spoke. but Jones Smith. who
stood behind him, pressed tn" cold
muzzle of a revolver 10 he back Of his
head and he sat down again precip-.
lately.
PLEASE do not move, Cornelius plead
ed Mrs. Van Tassel, beginning to shed
tears. "or these horrid-these gentlemen
will kill YOU
eyes, Cornelius: please remain in
Your chair, for whenever you move like
that | am in mortal terror, don't you
see, lest revolver somewhere should
go off and hurt you, don't yon know,
said T. Brown Jones. For fear. how
ever, that he may be indiscreet, secure
him to this chair the burglar added. adj
dressing his companions.
"B -bah-bah Jove. Denced shame
cried Mr.. Girard,
The two scions of famous Bowery fam
lies not only obeyed their leaders ill.,
structions. but they also honnd Mrs Van
Tass, !, Mr.. and Mrs Girard and Mr..
and Mrs Cowles firmly to the chairs i'll
which they sat. The gentlemen muir
nured loudly against this itdignity 10
their wives. hut the cold steel of three
revolvers was an argument that they
We're powerless against
1t WAS in vain that Mr. Girard pro-
tested, with numerous BAH Joves," and
finally in despair he vigorously damned
his monoclc into his right eye, knowing
that he would soon be unable To adjust
it. The arms and legs Of the men were
securely fastened, but the ladies were
simply hond to their seats Ivy the arms.
The burglars accomplished their task IN
us gentle and polite manner rs possible,
and not one of the captives was really
suffering physically.
"There's another member of the noted
Smith family IN the house, continued
Mr.. i. Brown jones' put regret 10
say that at present he is pnsliy engaged
Ill sitting on your negro chei' VINO VIII
insist upon rolling about ana ehdeaVor-
ing to release himself from bondage anu
III keeping an eye, don't You ser on your
maid, AS soon, however as he gets me
chef securely corralled between the legs
of Your big refrigerator, don't YOU know,
he may favor us with ms company
Well what doyou WANT demanded
Mr.. Van 1assei. wv ny don you take
what we have ana get ont ana allow my
guests to ENJOY their dinner'
II Will attend to everything III good