Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-06-15
A CUP OF TEA.
ICopyright, lS95.l

an unpleasant wheeziness in my voice re- minding me of my cold, added, "I shall indulge in a cup of composition tea"
 "I wish you joy, unfeelingly responded Tom from the depths of his novel
 Tom, the dear fellow, who was blue over the election. Who wouldn't be? He had expected so much from it. And now he would just keep plOdding along forever, with no hope of advancement, and all the spring expenses coming on besides.
 The whole house needed renOvating. The parlor wanted papering, the library was positively shabby, the table linen was almost beyond alarming, and as for clothes well, the children were simply in rags.
 And it would cost at least $150 to be- come half way decent, and hadn't Q cent.
 Truly l was a martyr. We must Curtail expenses, but how.
 I gulped down some of the composition tea, hideous dccoction of rcd pepper and lobelia, which the doctor had prescribed for my cold
 It had n soothing effect, and was asleep before l knew it. was awakened by some thing cold on my forehead, and a gruff voice saving Stealthily, Wake up, will ycrE''
 Instinct ely knew what that horrible cold thinA Nvas-a revolver! And the gruff q
 I did not move, but my thoughts flew Often in days of peace and safety had inn agincd myself in just such n position, and I had planned n course of action that was both brave and polite. 1 would simply scrcam-onc blood curtiling shrick that would alarm tho ncighb0rS, put the bur glar to rout and pnssibly arouse tho dead AftCrward congratulations on my Couras2r with happiness ever after.
 But this was a different thing. How could I scrNm with that cruel steel upon my faccl What should du9
 Tho man kept saving: "Hcy thcrc! Wake up or I'll make yer. Air yer dcaf?'
 That was my cue. Yes. I was deaf Slowly turned in bed, and with yawns and strctchings, as slowly sat up. the man at the same time slightly withdrawing his weapon.
 In daZod manner, my eyes blinking at the flaring gas and with my heart wildly throbbing, I said stupidly, Whats the mattcr?'
 ''Whcre's that money your old man col lectcd yistccday?"
 Tom made collections for firms, but never brought any money home with him. I did not say so, however, for I knew that the man would not believe me. I said in stead: What $ that! Speak loudcr!" with my hand behind my car.
 The pistol glittered nearer. Tell, or I'll make yer
 With a courage born of desperation 1 said plaintively: If you will kindly hand mo my ear trumpet from tho bureau, per haps I can understand you"
 Tho brute half turned to do my bidding, but, suspicious of me, turned back. But was to" quick for him, In tho instant Inc had given mo, grasIcd tho pitcher of composition tea from the tahlr at my bod side, and aS he turned toward mo throw the tea in his face,
 With howl of ragn he dropped lis Dis tol and clappcd his hands over his face. Quickly was out of bed, with the weapon pointed al him
 Tho man continued 10 howl and swear.
 Red pepper iS not n pleasant thing tu havc in ones eyes. About this time be- Camc conscious of q struggle going on in Toms room. A dreadful thought occurred to me. There was n gang of rut>lans in the house and Tom was being killed.
 "Tom! Tom" shrirkcd. But Tom, a httlo hort of breath. answered r,,aSSuring- ly: "Wr'rr all right, Press the police but. ton, SU>y.
 That hl,,~>r'i district telegraph!
 As backed slowly across the room, still Tointing the pistol at my ruIbrr, vowed never to give il up, even if l had to pawu belongings to pay for it. 1 touched the button. We waited. Tho seconds grew tC minutes
 "IIow's your burElar:" asked Tom ohcerily. "Im sitting on mine"
 "Wcll. you know what composition tea is" replied,
 Its beastly stuff to drink, but good fol burglars. Srr that YOU shoot if that fellow moves, " he added.
 Trust nr for that said l, with wilG desire to laugh, for knew that Tom knew that I would as soon dive for pearls as tc shoot of pistol.
 "Gou unS takes it mighty cool" hC said. He was evidently inclined to. bt friendly. Nr so with my burglar. Hi! howls had suhsidcd somewhat, but he kcpt his hands over his eyes as if watching mt through them, and from certain cautious and almost impcrcoptiblc movements or his part l began to suspect that hc wa shamrling. Possibly the first effects O the pepper having worn off, he could Sc, better than l supposed. Just as ha, rcachcd this conclusion he sprang at m, with n mighty leap and grabbed at the bis tol.
 With n scream jumped backward, anC somc way the pistol went off, and knev no moro.
 When I returned 10 consciousness, found myself in Toms arms, witha strong smell of Camphor about.
 Am I shot>" asked fcrhly.
 By no means. Just n little faint. HOv do you feel now"
 Better" said I, sitting up. Then saw that two stalwart policemen hal bound and handcuffcd our two prcciuu villains.
 The officers got here just in the nick O timC-whCn that telling shot of yours tool this pretty fellow in the leg" cxplainct Tom.
 Both of Us knew that that straight sho of mino was beautiful myth and no moro Which one of these birds did tho lad capturc:' asked the officer politely This one. " answered Tom proudly, in dicating my burglar.
 "A good joh, ma a'am. You'll get the rc ward of S200 that's offcrUd for him. He i a noted tough and has served two terms il the ponitcntiary already."
 At that gave Tom spasmodic hug and then tainted again. "You 'buildcd better than you knew when you throw that tea in tho man face" said Tom the next morning. "Tha put my man off his guard and gave mo tn chance I was watching for. I happened t have $500 that had collected for Bryce { Go. under tho mattress" "Oh, Tom, how could you?'' asked rc proachfully.
 "lll never do it again, said Tom hum bly.
 And now lovely paper of cream ant goLi enhances our parlor walls, some beau tiful rugs add luxury to tho library, and | general air of thriftincss and comfort DOT vadsS the entire house, and Tom says he i opposed to locking up at night-on prin ciple. MARY F. ARNOLD Women Came Out Ahead. Women came ont ahead ill an exami