The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-09-03
THE ROANOKE TIMES, TUESDAY, ssEPrEMBER s. 1895.

but the train had come and gone, and In
stead of the handsome well groomed Mr..
Smead, frantic woman, her neighbor,
Mrs. Thorno, rushed into her cottage.
"I'vc caught him'' she gasped "Ho's
locked up in the library. Oh! Oil Ohr'
Caught whomr" asked tho mystifled
woman. Then seeing that her distracted
visitor was very near fainting, she collect
Thorne's scattered wits.
Maud explained us soon rs she could
speak that desperate looking mana
burglar, she was certain, and n convict as
well by tho cut of his hair-had felonious-
ly entered her house moment before she
came, and walking boldly into her library
had been locked safely therein by herself
Tho windows arc nailed down. have
been waiting for Perry to open them, so
he cannot escape that way, I" she concluded
l expected Amos on the last train I
don't SEQ what is keeping him. said Mrs
Smead,N"but no has not como yot."
Neither has Perry, but perhaps they
will come together. Isn't it dreadful I
daren't go back with that man in the
house. 1 know by his looks he is muir
dorer. Our girl hasn't come, and Pm oil
alone Oh, II Mr.. Smead were only hore!"
II guess I'll do just as we'll, said Mrs.
Smead coldly. III will tako our revolver,
and you can bring tho stovc litter, and wo
will Interview him through the door"
But what good will that dor He may
Shoot flrstl;'
"Como on" said Mrs. Smead contempt
uously. She was only young matron
herself, but she WINS not going to DO igno-
miniously routed by ono man army, and
she led tho way to her neighbours cottage.
No other people lived in tho row, SO thoy
had all tho fun to themselves.
But ut that identical moment tho 7:4O
train, sometimes called the husbands
train, so many of them went out to spond
tho weeks interval with their families,
stopped mt the nearest depot, and Perry
Thornc, with his double load of packages,
hove in sight. Both women were over
joycd to sec him.
. whats the row?' he asked, dropping
his bundles on the veranda
IA man" said both women at once.
"Whcro is Smcad?''
"That is what would like to know"
said Mrs. Smead. IL expected him on
this train.''
81 haven't seen him. Who is the MANI"
IA burglar, and he's locked up in the
library. Don't you think was brayeP'
asked Maud, who now that her husband
had come, felt that she might pose us q
heroine.
burglars alrcadyf Hn, this is diver
sion. Give me the key, Maud. I'll take
your revolver, Mrs. Smead Now, ladies,
stand aside" and Perry made u valiant
rush for the library door, which he I'M
locked and threw open, ut the same time
presenting arms according to the best
manual practice.
Don't shootr' cried familiar voice
that tremblcd, not with fear, but merri-
mcnt, rs Mr.. Smead stepped smilingly for
ward and bowed low to Maud. II am
Mrs. Thorne's captive" he said.
What does this mcanP" cried Perry his
face flaming.
Eyes, what does 1t meant" demanded
Mrs. Smcad in the measured syllablcs of
the divorce court.
"1t means, " explained Mr.. Smcad, "that
my wife has not yet learned to box the
compass She gave mo southwest and
your wife locked me up in room that has
no ventilation and under n criminal ban.
But forgive her, " no added, with gallant
protest, whereat hiauds cheeks grew red
with embarrassment, and Mrs. Smead
said:
Como home After this 1 will meet
you ut tho train and see That YOU don f
get into tho wrong house,
DO forgive me, Mr.. Smead, " said Maud
penitcntly, while Perry glared darby like
jealous stage lover, "but you did look so
SOL
"She said you looked like a convict,
remarked his wife,
AT least 1t has made us acquainted,
observed Mr.. Smcad, true to his colors,
and with this parting shot he followed his
wife to tho southeast cottagc.-Dctroit
Free Press.