The National tribune., 1895-10-10

wasn't even thinking of his wife. He was
ploddiug along in the middle of the street
for fear of footpads, whom he fancied might
be sauntering in the shadows Of the NAPLES
at the curb on either side and was really in
quite happy, fortunate frame of mind.
As Bowlder turned in toward his gate he
was slowly repeating the lines:
'Tis sweet to hear the watchdog's honest bark
Bay deep-mouthed welcome as we draw near
home,
'Tis sweet to know there is eye will mark
Our coming, and grow brighter when come.
Not that Bowlder had a watchdog, honest
or otherwise, TO bay him deep-mouthed well
come. And inasmuch as they had discharged
the exile from Erin, who aforetime did serv-
ice as the Bowlder maid of all work, when
Mrs. i. took flight for the Summer, there
was but slight hope of an eye on the prem
ises to grow brighter when he came.
No; it was not that BOwlder was really
looking for deep-mouthed bays or brighten
ing eyes; he was naturally musical and
poetical, and the drinks he had corralled
had merely unlocked his nature in that be-
half Bowlder was reciting the lines quoted
for the pleasure he drew from their beauty /;
not from the prophecy they put forth Of any
meeting to which he looked forward.
A remark which escaped Bowlder as he
climbed his steps and dextrously fitted his
nightkey to the day keyhole showed this.
Il ought 10 have stayed at the hotel"
said Bowdler. There's nobody here to
rake me over the Goals for it, and Pm going
to have great head on me when wake
up"
Bowlder at last by mistake got his latch
key into the keyhole TO which it appertained
and the door swung inward. This was a
distinct success, and Bowlder heaved a sigh
Of relief This door, which had grown sin
gularly obduraie since Mrs B. Is departure,
had been known TO hold Bowlder at bay for
20 minutes.
Bowlder had just cast his hat on the hall
foor-he intended 10 hang it up in the
morning when he would have more time
and had got as far on a journey to the second
story rs one step, when a noise in the base
ment dining-room enlisted Bowlder's atten-
ton.
His curiosity rather than his fears was
aroused another happy effect of his liba-
tons.
Without one thought of burglars Bowlder
deferred his journey upstairs, and repaired
instead 10 the dining-rooin below. Bowlder
would investigate the untoward noises
which, while soft and light, were still of
Wonder # the house is baunted?" OBJ
served Bowlder, rs he went OBVIOUSLY below.
IL has already been noted that BowIder
never once bethought him of burglars. In
truth he had often scoffed at burglars while
conversing with Mrs. Il. on this subject SO
interesting to ladies; and had said that no
burglar could make day wages robbing the
house.
IL had all the thrill Of perfect surprise
then when, as Bowlder turned into his din
ing-room he beheld bulPs-eye lantern sit
ing on the table, shedding a malevolent
stream of light in his face; and caught the
shadowy outlines of a tall man behind
it who seemed engaged in pointing gun at
him.
Hold up your hands" said the tall man,
and don't come step further, or out goes
your light"
Well, like thish," observed Bowdler, in
a tone Of querulous complaint, at the same
time, however, clasping his hands above has
head; Il like thish. What's the row
here?n
The tall man made no reply, but caipe
round and deity ran his hands over Bowlder
for possible arms B0wlder had no gun.
The tall man seemed satisfied, and stepping
back, told Bowlder he might sit down on a
chair and rest his hands in his lap. Bowlder
took advantage of the permission.
Any Injections TO me lightin' a shegar?"
queried Bowlder.
" Not at all, said the tall man.
Bowlder was soon putting away. Being
friendly, not to say polite, by nature, Bowlder
bestowed one on his visitor.
" is it a mild cgar?" asked the burglar.
"Colorado-claro," said Bowider.
That's all right" assented the other. 81
don't like strong smoke; il makes my head
ache"
As the visitor lighted the cigar Bowlder
noticed that he wore a black mask across
his eyes, and that the latter shone through
the apertures cut for their convenience like
beads. The mask gave Bowlder q chill
which the pistol had not evoked. Indeed,
il came very near destroying the whole force
OF the drinks he had accumulated. b,
When the stranger had lighted his cigar,
Bowldcr and he puifed at each other a nio-
ment without word.~
what are you doing in my housh?" at
last demanded Bowlder
The stranger smiled and puffed on. Then
he kicked large sack with his foot. Bowl
der had not observed this sack before As
the stranger touched it with his foot it gave
out metallic clinking.
Bowlderseyes Toamed instinctiyely to the
sideboard. There wasn't much light but
| enough TO show Bowlder that the sideboard's
burden Of silvcrware was gone. With such
start Bowlder was able TO infer q great