Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-11-30

He stood at the IOoI oI Ihe e'oii
and looked up at me.
Shall we proceed to the dining
room?' he asked airi'y; 'and, as l
wish to give you no unnecessary troub-
le. let me say that l do not dabble In
plated spoons; nothing but solid sill
YER"
I opened the old mahogany side
board in which Griffiths had, for
wears. placed the family heirlooms at
night. and beheld my gentlemanly
burglar stow them, one after another,
in a capacious felt sack, which he
carried in his hand.
"Charmingw he cried. Il am a
cCnnoisseur, Iassure you, and know
silver from plate. These articles are
! really worth the risk of the enter
prise
You asked me if was not alarmed.
No, | was not. Personal violence was
not in his professional line, unless op-
posed. | summoned all my energies
to outwit him. thought much and
said little. for had no intention of al
lowing him to carry of my mothers
silver.
After having rifled all the rooms OF
all the most valuable articles, he re-
turned to the dining-room.
On the table the remains Of supper
still stood. consisting of fowl hard
" touched. some delicately cut bread
and butter, cake, and II glass jar con
tanning some fancy crackers.
Il will make myself entirely at
home" he remarked, sitting down to
the table. and helping himself to n
wing of the chicken.
Really" he proceeded, Il have
thoroughly enjoyed this evening.
Not only have l met a most charm
ing lady, but have been able to
prove to Ler that the terms gentle
man and burglar may be synono-
mous."
He now began on the cake. l
pushed the cracker jar toward him.
Try them, | observed.
Still smiling induIgently, and talk
ing, he took ont one of the crackers
and began to nibble on it, 1t was
very dry.
Irose, and in an absentm minded man
ner placed on the table the remains
of bottle of old Burgundy, which
had been opened the day before.
Now, really" he prattIed, I'm a
very harmless man five months out of
ski never steal unless other means
tail. or tailor's bill comes due. I'm
a respectable citizen and-a church
member IN good standing when I'm
not on one of my professional tours.
| took up burglary more as a re-
source than from necessity. Candid
ly speaking, now, am | rufiian?'
No l replied, looking directly at
him. "On the contrary, you are a
very fne-looking man
\ glow of vanity spread over his
face. / poured out a glass of the
Burgundy and pushed it toward him.
England to Wales" he cried with
gallantry. Il don't generally drink,
he added, but these crackers make
me thirsty" "
IF could only find wife suited
to my tastes, he unused, such wo-
man as YOU are, by George! I'd give up
aesthetic burglary and settle down TO
quiet domestic bliss" He looked
ouestioningly at me. "If'-he hes
itated-"you could be sure | would
abandon my profession-would You -
do you think you could-condone my
past and-marry me?'
That is a matter for considsra-
ton, l replied.
He helped himself to another crack
er.
Your proposal is so startingly
unique. ." l continued; ito marry ones
burglar! Really it is quite a joke.
Isn't it?' he chuckled, evidently
enjoying the idea Of the oddity. I'VE
are kindred spirits!" he exclaimed,
conviviaIly. but was interrupted by
violent fit of coughing.
Selling the bottle of Burgundy, he
drained the only drop or two left.
Il think, maybe, there's another
bottle down in the cellar | cried.
artlessly. III go down and see-I
feel thirsty myself" "
we will descend together - ex-
claimed my burglar, gallsnlly taking
the candle from my hand and follow
ing me to the door leading to the eel
lar steps.
We descended the steps chatting
pleasantly-he discoursing on matri-
mony, l answering rather vaguely
but measuring the distance TO the
wine bins by nv eye They were at
the far end ofthe cellar, and were five
in number. each large enough to hold
a quarter Of ton Of coal. Before
the furthest one | paused.
Here, | said, lis the brand we are
looking for" l raised the heavy lid
and looked in. Il will hold the can
die, ," | observed; will you get the
/ bottle? | can hardly reack it.
He banded me the candle and bent
low over the bin. Ha! ha. Quicker
than flash of lightning tripped up
his heels lhe was easily overbalanced),
aud iuto the bin he fell headlong.
Down came the heavy lid. But there
was no paddock on it. l must hurry.
Blowing out the candle, | ran, for l
knew the way, straight TO the cellar
steps and up them-like a cat. Then