The free press., 1895-01-10
right then, if this very improbable
event should take place"
"What sort of traps?"

event should take place.
"What sort of traps?'
"Some of my own invention.
You've heard of McCloskey's whiskey
that killed at forty rods-dropped the
drinker at any rate?"
Barnaby nodded.
"Well, my traps are like that. I'll
run back to the surgery and get the
stuff. Meet me at Waterloo at
o'clock"
They met at the appointed hour.
Selby had the burglar traps in medi-
cine bottle Thirty-five minutes later
they were at Maythorn Villa prepar-
ing to set them.
"Three will be sufficient" said the
inventor. zone for the pantry, where
the plate is kept; one for your aunt's
dressing-room, where you say she
keeps her jewels; the other for the
drawing room, which is Uttered with
valuable knick-knacks. Half fill three
decanters with mixed port and brandy
plenty of brandy, you know, or the
burglar may taste the stuff-and get
three wine glasses
Barnaby procured those adjuncts.
Selby divided the contents of the
medicine bottle between the decan-
ters.
"Its strong preparation of OPT
ates," he explained. "All you have
to do is to put decanter and glass to
each of the safes and another in the
drawing-room. If burglar enters
any of these rooms the first thing
he'll see will be the wine. He'll pour
out glassful, gulp it down-they're
thirsty souls are burglars-smack his
lips and drop in about minute and n
half. 1t won't hurt him, but you'll
find him there tomorrow.
"It's a good idea," said Barnaby,
"but suppose cook discovers the
stuff"
"You must warn her."
When the traps had been set SO
that the most purblind burglar could
not fail to see them, Barnaby went to
the kitchen.
''Look here, Mary" he said, "Fm
going out. I've put three decanters
of wine about the house. Don't touch
them"
The cook fired up on the instant.
"What do you take me for?" she
demanded.
ga woman, Mary. Remember what
happened in Eden, and don't be
tempted"
He retreated in hurry, dressed,
and left the house with Selby, per-
fectly easy in his mind. At the
theatre he met his friend and the Ia
dies, by the merest chance most care
fully arranged, of course; but de-
spite his earnest endeavor to be of SER
vice, he could not procure Selby the
desired opportunity. However, when
they reached the street after the play
it was raining fast and the doctor had
an inspiration. Instead of calling a
growler he hailed two hansoms, bus
tied the younger lady into one, jumped
in himself and was driven off, leaving
the astonished, angry chaperone with
his friend. The trick succeeded ad-
mirably, but Barnaby missed the last
train to Twickenham in consequences.
Meanwhile the Goldbys had been
enjoying their annual holiday, espe-
cially Bessie. She had formed the ac-
quaintance of certain Captain Dash
bury and, alas for woman's con-
stancy, had almost made up her mind
that she could never be more than a
sister to Barnaby now. And Johh
Goldby was equally well disposed to-
wards the gallant officer; indeed he
told Mrs. G. that with the money
Bessie would have, he had always ex-
pected her to marry into one OF the
professions.
Just about the time that Barnaby
and his chum were setting the bur-
glar-traps Mr.. Goldby and his new ac-
quaintance were sauntering along the
Kings Road.
"By the way," said the Captain, 81
think of running up to town tomor-
row. If you don't mind, Goldby' III
travel with you.
John Goldby expressed the pleasure
he felt. ''You must come to Twlck-
enham and dine with us" he added.