Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-10-31
idiot CHIyERs!"

lDlOI CHlNERS!'
Mrs. Perkins, the stately housekeeper Of
Templeton Hall, looked ut the letters be-
fore her with smile Of satisfaction. The
smile broadened as she glanced from these
to the trim, neatly dressed young woman
who had brought them.
"Yes, am"
She was SO modest withal. That was
another of her strong recommendations In
Mrs. Perkins eyes. She did not assume
the airs that some parlor maids would
have assumed who had been in the service
Of a countess.
swell, you can consider yourself en-
gagged. When can you Gomez"
"Let me see, ma'am. Will Wednesday
doe"
"wednesday will do very well, Harriet.
What Is your other nane?'
Observation-Disclosures Beverton. Thank
you, ma'a,n, thank you very much. will
send my box on Tuesday night and begin
my duties on Wednesday,"
There was good deal of conversation III
the servants quarters that evening re.
specting the merits of the new parlor maid
maid caused f1utter OF excitement there
was yet greater excitement manifested
next day, when 1t was discovered that the
steward-Sir Horace Templeton, tho owner
Of Templeton Hall, was away at the time
had engaged new footman, who was
to commence his duties simultaneously
with the new parlor maid.
As 1t happened, Chivers, the new foot
man, did not commence his duties stimuli
taneously with Miss Harriet Beverton,
the new parlor maid. He arrived by an
earlier train. The first duty imposed upon
him was an agreeable one to a gentleman
Of the gallantry of Mr.. Chivcrs He had
to meet Miss Beyerton and conduct her to
Templeton Hall.
Chivers could not help glance of ad.
miration at Miss Beverton. If he, Chivers,
was smart, she was decidedly smarter. She
was dressed with scrupulous neatncss, and
a we'll knit figure set off her attire to the
best advantage.
"Any box?' he asked.
"No; sent it off yesterday"
"Did you-haws That's good thing
because-haw-we can walk--haw-com.
Portable like. Would you-haw-mind
taking-haw-my arm?"
What could Miss Beverton do? She
could only do what, in fact, she lid-place
her arm coyly and confidingly within the
gallant arm Of Mr.. Chivers. He was very
proud OF the honor, hawed and hawed
more than ever, twirled his side whiskers
more than ever and glanced at her with
more and moro admiration.
Miss Beverton had been installed In her
new duties under the critical eye of Mrs
Perkins and had been SO busy that 1t was
past 0 p. m. and quite dark without when
she assembled to her room for the purpose,
~ she explained to her fellow domestics,
Of turning few things out Of her box. /"
She unlocked her box with curious
smile. She lifted up a quantity of straw
and took from under 1t jimmy, q num-
Der OF skeleton keys, a revolver and pair
OF shoes with india rubber soles. She
quickly slipped off her own boots, threw
them In the box and put on the shoes.
Then she took from her pocket plan Of
Templeton Hall and scrutinized 1t closely.
That's the room; no doubt about 1t. !
must commence operations a. soon as pos
sible."
She locked up her box again and put the
Jimmy, the keys and the revolver In a
large leather pocket secreted under her
skirt.
As she rose she caught sight of herself
In the glass and laughed softly.
"What would that idiot Chivers think
Il he could sec me now? believe he was
quite gone on me. The way he squeezed
my arm and the spOony looks he threw at
me! Are you-haw--Miss Bevertony I"
she said, initiating THAT idiot Chivers''
and laughing outright at the recollection.
She made her way to Lady Templeton' q
chamber. The door was locked, but she
found little difficulty in opening it. Then
she locked 1t on the inside.
May as well guard myself against IN
terruption. The job may take some little
time
She produced piece Of candle from her
pocket and lit 1t, then examined the plan
again
Window overlooking the lawn" she
read. Yes, that's tho window. Safe On
side opposite the window, let into the wall.
Perfectly concealed by what appears to be
the wall itself. It Is covered by fresco.
Find the figure Of Cupid q yard from the
ground and press hard the small space
represented by It's heel. ="
She pressed hard, and In an instant q
door few noiselessly open, revealing q
small safe. Ingenious. very!''
The task was difficult one, and fully
IN hour had elapsed before the exertions ol
Miss Beverton were rewarded.
"At lnstl' she exclaimed, wiping the
perspiration from her brow. Then she
opened the door and drew from it large
case full of jewels and diamonds. She
could not repress an exclamation Of Cd
miration and delight.
She blew out the light, went to the win
dow, opened 1t slightly at the bottom and
whistled softly. In moment or two hea
whistle was answered by another.
All right |" she whispered, and q fgurt
mounted up ladder. He-for Il was !
man quickly reached the top and in 1
moment or two was inside tho room.
Easy jobs''
"No; beastly tough. Il the trap wait
ing In the road, Danversf''
Yea There's not much time to lose
But you might a. well let me have lool
% the shinen before We 60. =
She struck : Light and IL the candl.
again.