Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-08-02
CHAPTER TX.

Vial IIIb IA.
A few mornings later, as Ellen came
out of her bedroom, Mrs Priolo
emerged from hers also, and called
her by name. She was in a violet
flannel dressing-gown, and capless,
and her disordered gray hair gave her
so unusual an appearance that for the
moment Ellen scarcely recognized the
prim housekeeper who was ordinarily
seen only in the stiffest and most
conventional attire.
What is the mattery" cried Ellen,
in surprise.
I've had dreadful night. The rats
never let me sleep a moment hardly.
They're bad enough always, but last
night they were beyond all bearing"
Il have never been troubled by
them at ALL" said Ellen, adding, with.
'uzzled look, Il have never heard
complain before
I'M not one TO 90 about moaning
a groaning every time anything an
noys NE; but I've come to the limit
of my patience now. Something must
be done to get rid of them"
Are you coming down TO break
fastl" asked Ellen, wondering at the
houseketp er's diffuseness.
NO, I'm too worn-out. | want you
to tell Mr.. Bowyer the reason why
could not come. | must have an hours
sleep before i dress You will see that
Mr. Bower has all he requiresy
II shall be able to look after my
uncle" interpcsed Ellen, haughtily, as
she turned away.
Mr.. Bowyer came down in cross
humor and was difficult to please.
Like most nvalids, he d.siked a
change from the usual routine, and
resented anything that interfered with
his comfort. The housekeeper had
been with him SO long, ana never
before had anything occurred TO keep
her from the morning meal. He
fumed and tretted about Ii, and could
talk OF nothing else during the break
fast
we must find something to get rid
Of the pests he declared impatiently
once or TWICE.
Il have never seen or heard one of
them observed Ellen.
Last night | could scarcely sleep
myself" he went on, not needing her
interruption there were such noises
in the next room. OF course 1t was
rats. wonder IL did not strike me
at the time"
More likely YOU heard Mrs. Priolo
moving about"
1t comes to the same thing. The
rats disturbed her, aud consequently
She disturbed me-"
II am very sorry you did not sleep
we'll; and you need good nights rest
always. Shall | read to YOU after
breakfast? You say that sends you to
sleep
He assented, and for nearly an hour
she read aloud to him; but this morn
ing her voice had lost its soporitic
influence or else his nerves were in
too irritable state TO be easily
southed.
Then Mrs Priolo came down, look
ing much as usual in spite of the
mir Of inyalidism that she had adopted
ana the subject Of rals was resumed.
I'm sure | don't know what Is to
he done" said Mr., Bowyer uopelessly.
"A rattrap is the only thing | can
think of, That is very slow way
81 getting rid Of them; but what else
can any one sugsestT'
Mrs. Priolo looked at Ellen as she
spoke, and, wearied Of the discussion,
the grl answered somewhat impa-
tiently
"Why not lay down polsonT
is that practicable? What sort Of
poison Is usedf"
Arsenic, | suppose Il
little at he hous akeeper's asking for
information from her
II wonder whether II would be pos
sible TO yet itf''
Why notg said Mr. Bowyer. Il
will write note TO the chemist at
Grea'hayen. and you shall 20 in your
self
That Is easily managed; ana or
course il is quite safe since Miss
Warle recommends IL For my part,
don't care for meddling with such
dangerous thing as poisou: but then
I'm all Sid fogy" Then, changing her
tone with the subject. she said cheer
/ ily What about the letters this morn
! ing? Wire there any,.
There were two--one fer Mrs. Priolo
and one for Ellen Warde.
II was tile first that had ever come