Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1895-07-18

I lay there some time in a state ,o1
semi CONSEQUENCES, but after what must
have been about thirty minutes I pulled
myself together and managed to prepare
for my part in the game. rose hastily
dressed and went quietly out of the
lonely house. l stood waiting On our
steps for the policeman to pass on his
beat. He saw me and paused, looking
at me suspiciously.
u am Miss Clyde l said. u came to
town to-day. and am staying alone in
our house. find I have forgotten one
of my principal errands. wish to go
up to Mr.. Allan's house. He leaves
early in the morning for the East, and
If don't see him tonight it will be too
late and father will be so put out. If
you haye any doubt of my being Miss
Clyde, here is MY watch, with Dorothy
Clyde on it, and see-this is the latch
key of our house.
As showed these slight proofs Of my
identity l pressed a SIS bill into his hand
and was pleased at its effect and his
apparent belief in my improvised story.
How can l serve you, Miss? Shall l
walk up to Mr.. Allan house with you?
1t ism t exactly on my beat, but l can
fix that all right
AS We approached the Allan house
my courage began to fail, but l was
ashamed then to back out and determin-
Ell that if l died for it would make an
effort to get back that money. l asked
the policeman to ring the door bell. l
wished to save all my strength. The
house was dark and quiet and it was
after continued pulls at the bell that a
sleepy maid servant let us in.
u wish to see Mr.. Allan,' said |.
Sure, mum, he's in bed.'
Never mind he is. Take me to bis
room.'
The stupid girl was too far gone with
sleep to see anything unusual in this
demand of nine.
YOU stay here in the hail. said to
the policeman, and wait till I want
you-to walk home WITH added, see.
ing his surprised look.
We paused on the landing and the
girl pointed to door at the head of the
stairs.
Sure, that's mis- room, Teddy. Will
you be wanting me any more ?
Please stay here, so you can show me
out after have seen Mr.. Allan I re-
piled.
When sudden courage, born to des-
peration, l knocked firmly on the door.
Us that you mother am all right.
You are old enough to know better than
to prowl around in the middle of the
night, worrying about me as if l were a
baby. Do go back to bed,' Harry Allan
said, in irritated tones.
mo, Harry Allan, it is |, Dorothy
Clyde, who stands outside your room
With that opened the door and stepp.
ed in. There he sat in most detected
attitude. Closing The door so as not to
be overheard I contiHued-
I've come for my money, you thief
I will haye it You are in my power
A policeman stands below ready to help
me at any moment
For heavens sake he cried, There
must be some mistake Dorothy, you are
crazy !
looked at him firmly in the eye ,and
stretching out my hand, said
Mr.. Allan, if you will give me my
$1,000 I will never tell a Lying soul Of
this nights work. Ifyou do not re-
turn it to me I will give you up to
Justice
DO you swear it, be gasped, and bis
white face grew more pallid.
u give you my solemn word of honor
answered, and he tremblingly handed
me the package Of notes, just as it was
when it lay in my bureau drawer.
GOOD night l said scornfully, as l
started to leaye.
Stay! Let me tell you why l did it.
l can't let you 60 without your know
ing that an act so low was not done ex-
cept at moment of greatest extremity
A foolish investment-or speculation,
rather-has so crippled me that unless
| can meet note of $1,000 tomorrow |
am ruined man. I would not 60 to
nv mother for aid, as the last time she
helped me out l promise d never to dab,
BILE in stocks again. When I met you
and saw that exact sum in your hands,
for | heard the paying teller count it
out to you, an idea came to me like all
inspiration from Satan. learned your
plans. Everything you did seemed to
favor my theft. In the evening, when
you sang, l stole down stairs. and un-