The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-12-24
An Unexpected Catch. /.


when he retired, and there was Bessie.
Barnaby Morton thought good deal
more of his pretty cousin than of the
business--naturally, for the business
had no mind to change, and Bessie
had.
They we're not engaged. John
Goldby, perhaps for reasons of his
own, possibly in Bossio's interest, had
forbidden him to ask the momcntous
question until she had seen n little
more of the world. "There's plenty
of time for that" he said, and refused
to listen to argument. Had his an
swer been favorable, most likely Bes-
sic would have laughed in her lovers
face they had so long been as brother
and sister. But she liked him better
than any one else, and she had told
him so.
Such was the situation when Barna-
by was requested to look after his
uncle's house during the absence of
the family at Brighton. ~ don't
want you to neglect tho business, you
know" John Goldby exclaimed.
"You can leave an hour sooner, then
you'll get here at 6. Don't be alb
sent Mt night on any account; and il
you go out for a walk, mind you come
in early. The parlor maid goes with
us, but the cook will be here to attend
to you" His concluding words were !:
Snow, don't let there be another
burglary"
Barnaby promised to obey every in
junction faithfully. But-he wouldn't
have believed TINT Bessie's absence
could make such difference-he
found those evenings at Maythorn
Villa deadly dull. Seven of them he
bore, then tempered his solitude with
friends, to whom he gave nice little
dinners in return for their COM
panionship.
One afternoon the most obliging of
these young gentlemen, doctor,
whose practice had scarcely begun to
sprout, called at Mr.. Goldby's office
in the city.
81 want you to do me favor, Nor
ton," said he. "You know Miss Tre-
vor. I've persuaded her to lot me
take her to the theatre this evening.
Her aunt goes, of course. should
be eternally obliged If you would con-
trive to meet us-quite by accident,
you know-and take charge of the old
lady. She's spoilt every opportunity
I've had so far, and I want to bring
the affair to head"
"1'm very sorry, Selby," Barnaby
rejoined. ''You know I promised the
governor 1 would spend every evening
at his house."
Eyes; but you're the only fellow
I'm acquainted with who knows Mis-
Trevor and her aunt. Pm afraid ,
stranger to them wouldn't help mt
much. When is the governor expect
ed back?"
Tomorrow.
Sand he's been away three weeks
Burglars don't work hap-hazard. I
a robbery had been planned, you
presence every night would hav,
spoilt it. Besides you'll get home be
fore IL. Come, 1 make a persona
matter OF it,"
Barnoby hesitated, and, of course
was lost. But he did not abandon
the position all at once.
~ know l ought not to >, Dick
It's only two years since the hous
was burgled. If anything were Il
happen, uncle would never forgive me
Still, if l were in your place, yo
would help me out If you could"
"Yes, would. But why not set
few burglar-traps? You'll be a.
right then, if this very improbabl
event should take place."
"What sort Of traps?"
''Some OF my own invention
You've heard of McCloskey's whiske
that killed at forty rods--dropped th
drinker at any ratc?"
Barnaby nodded.
"Well. my traps are like that +
run back to the surgery and get ii
stuf. Meet me ct Waterloo at
o'clock"