The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1893-12-29

ball. When he reached the head Of the
avenue. three-quarters of a mile from
the house. he dismounted 10 open the
heavy gates. Then hc perceived in the
dawniug light of the chill March morn
ing a strange dog sitting shivering in
side the gates, unable either 10 sur
mount or pass under them. He CON
cluded at once that the cur belonged 10
his late visitors. and that having staid
behind. either for his supper or in
search of game his retreat LAD been
cut off by the closing of thegates. lie
resolved to follow the clews tllls given
him, and was confirmed in his resolu-
tion when. the gates being opened
the animal secured away with his nose
TO the ground IN the direction Of Lon
don Away went the dog. and away
galloped Sir William, keeping an eye
upon him always II was broad day
light when the three reached the out
skirts Of London. and Slr William was
hailed 10y voice he knew well. 1t was
that OF the major Of his late regiment
"iiullo, colonel. where are you Off
TO SO early?" Maj. higgins was on his
way home after a nights play at
Brooks.
Turn your horses head and I'll tell
You" returned Sir William through his
set teeth. The idea of communicating
his losses and the indignity lac, an old
soldier, had suffered sufficed To make
the blood. which his swift ride had
kept at fever heat, boil again.
Maj. Higgins did as desired, and.
putting his horse TO the galiop, received
in as few words as possible the ncyvs OF
the nights occurrence At Lcnham
court as he and his old colonel rnadc
their way side by side through Oxford
street and the Strand. never once los
ing sight of the monCrel that was. hc
fancied 10 be, the clcw 10 the recovery
Of his property. Dodging and winding
has way through market carts and
hackney coaches the dog, never once
relaxing his speed, diverged into by
streets and lanes until he disappeared
up Il court in Leather lane
DisInountiug and giving their horses
In charge TO a lad. a.
pressed a watchman into their service.
they advanced up the court in single
file. Sir William led the way, a cooked
pistol in either hand; Maj higgins,
who came next, was uuarIned; the
watchnian brought mp the rear in
leisurely way that showed him by no
way after doorway was examined, but
the cur seemed literally 10 have van
ished. In an angle of the cul-de-sac
into which they had entered Sir Viii
liam at last discovered an outside
wooden staircase Despite the remon-
strauces of his COMPANIONS, ne< per
sisted in creeping cautiously up the
crazy stairs. There, curlcd mp at
door. and apparently fast asleep, lay
the clew who had SO faithfully but uu-
consciously guided him To his masters
lair.
A summons to open the door met
with no response. Sir William, TO
whom anger and excitement gave ad-
ditional energy, put his knee 10 the
door, bidding Maj Higgins duck as
he did SO. The door yielded with a
crash; a shot passed over the lowered
heads of the two officers and took
effect in the cooked hat Of the watch
man. a short scuiile, and the thieves
saved their lives by surrendering at
discretion TO Sir Williams pistol Ona
table in their midst was spread out the
whole of their ''swag;" not an article
was missing. y presentation sword of
Sir Williams, the hilt of which was
thiclIly crusted with gems, was the
only part of the booty that had met
with i'll usage; but every diamond.
ruby or emerald that had been knocked
from its socket still lay on the worm
eaten table, and was, before many
days were past, restored to its accus-
toned bed. A few bruises and dents
in the metal work of the hilt remained
and these Sir William would show
with great glee in after days. telling
how the good sword was lost and won,
while as to the dents and notches on
the blade. gained in a more legi innate
warfare, the good colonel could scarce
" ever be got To speak word. Cham
bers' Journal