Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-10-29
NUMBER a..

made dash TO do the same thing,
but had farther to go, and the brakeman
blocked my way.
"Too late, +" he called. "Therell be
another along in half an hour. "
There was no help for IL. II Howard
saw me, aud in all probability he did.
no must have read my purpose, and
therefore would be on his guard agains.
me unless / effected complete change
in my appearance.
Mr. Bridges has returned home alone,
and for the time was perplexed as to
what 10 do. IL was useless TO try to fol-
low the man who had gone southwark,
for there was no saying what his desti-
nation was. He might have started ona
Journey Of 90 or / 900 miles.
| have referred TO a game Of bluff
which ] had in mind. Hitherto l had
been working at long range, as may be
said. Now decided upon a bold step,
which insured success or failure.
From the railway station walked 10
my dwelling place, reaching there just
in time for dinner. | spent couple OF
hours in my room, and then, telling my
friends that l. might not return until
late, once more SET out for the old stone
building where lived Isaiah Bridges, the
brother Of my host. OF necessity | was
attircd as OH the night before, but my
ornamental cane was left behind, and
every chamber in my revolver had its
charge.
It was cool, brisk autumn afternoon,
and the sun was shining. Any effort at
secrecy would have been idle. and l
walked with a confident step up the
long lane, which had been the scene Of
moro than one stirring occurrence with
in the preceding 2i hours.
Without hesitation stepped upon the
broad porch and sounded out ringing
knock with the old fashioned contriv-
ance which must have penetrated 10
every recess Of the building.
Tho summons was answered by Mrs.
Bridges, q sedate old lady, who wonder
ingly surveyed me through her specta.
cles and waited for the announcement of
my business.
Good afternoon. Mrs Bridges am
an officer Of the law bat don't be- alarm
ed, added, noting her slight start.
Something occurred here last night
Burglars | believe tried 20 effect an en-
trance, and . pistol shot was fired. y
She stood a. if hesitating what 70 dc
or say Assuming that was welcome,
| stepped aside, removing my hat
Il would like 10 make few in
quirics, aud we can 10 IL better inside
than On the porch, if you have no OBJ
lection.
Sho Id the way into the wide, plain
" furnished parlor. her manner show
ing that she was doubtful as TO the pru-
deuce Of .ho step.
Evidently she had received instruc-
tions from her boarders, and even my
pretended business did not fully reas-
sure her
My original plan, as | have hinted,
was 10 pretend 10 be an assessor who
had called 10 examine the property, but
the events Of the preceding night gave
me another pretext | doubt whether
even that would have worked had her
husband been at home, so took care tc
call when ne was absent, looking atteI
his farm duties.
"Couldu you stop when Mr. Bridges
is homer she asked, sinking into
rocking chair and Surveying me with
distrust.
when Will ho be in?"
Il can call bim. If don't, lie will
not be home until sundown.
That is hardly nee, ssary. May ask
whether you saw any Of the burglars!
Mercy, no! didn't dare look out OF
the winder. Ny husband shot as one Of
them, who pretended he was friend.
"Did he kill him:"
"I'm afeard not, for we haven't found
his body"
What = pity! He will not be likely
TO show himself around here again ="
"No, indeed The gun in the kitchen
is loaded, and we're ready for him. "
That's right Don't let him catch
you unawares. Did they attempt TO en-
ter 10y way Of the door,"
mo; they must have clumb one OF
the trees and tried 10 eit into the back
winder They had quarrel among
themselves, and one If 'em fired of q
gun or pistol, and then my husband he
fired, too, and the man groaned and
jumped up in the air So he must have
been hit purity hard. T"
Undoubtedly. will take look at
the room and window, please. You
know it is necessary that i should secure
all the information / can.
Mercy. can allow you to do that!'
[To BE CONTINUED