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

Sdtr him stOop 10 rdtsc INC sdsh.
would be so evident that Howard and
his wife, rs well as the old couple with
whom they lodged, would be filled with
thankfulness therefor.
But how explain my presence at the
critical moment? They would naturally
want 10 know what brought me thore
at that unseemly hour II should say
that was an officer Of the law who had
regarded tho interlopers with suspicion,
it would hardly satisfy them. More
likely they would believe l was one OF
the burglars who had quarreled with
the Others aud was as much to be dread
ed as they a complaint TO the authori.
ties would put me in an unpleasant SIT
uation, and though / could soon estab-
lish my identity all proceedings, so far
as concerned tho couple in whom | was
interested, would be brought to naught.
Ii is rarely safe for detective 70 act
upon impulse. He must weigh each
step carefully and labor to the end in
Wow with the careful calculation Of
professor solving an intricate problem
in mathematics.
Waiting until the conspirators had
time TO get we'll clear Of the premises, |
moved stealthily around the end OF the
house 10 tEe front and was making my
way toward the lane when tall figure
loomed up in the darkness, and came
face to face with man who held a
shotgun in his hand.
"Who are you?" no demanded in
threatening voice, bringing his formida-
BILE weapon partly TO level.
"A friend" made haste to reply.
II mean no harm.
knew instinctively that the man be-
fore me was Isaiah Bridges, the owner
Of the house, and that he was making
an investigation Of his own, with load
ed weapon in hand.
WAS il you who fred that gun lit
tie while ago;"
Eyes; l saw burglar trying to
climb into one Of your windows and
dropped him.
This ought TO have disarmed his sus-
picion, but it did not
And how come you to be sneaking
round here!"
1t was n natural question and the one
l was expecting.
II was passing along the highway.
and they entered your lane. / did not
like their looks and followed. When l
saw them trying to enter the window,
fred"
Ibid you kill tho tarnal scamp?'
"No, but hurt him so badly that he
was glad to leave with the help Of his
companion. They will trouble you no
more.
"But why didn't you let Inc know
afore they tried their tricks!'
"They are strangers to me. / could
not know they intended any wrong un-
til saw them attempt it. Then it was
too late to warn you.
"Why didn't you come round to the
house afterward and tell me?"
"You were asleep, or ! supposed So "
$50 We war, but that racket woke
u.s."
IT have just come from the rear,
where discharged my pistol and hadn't
time to wake you up"
"That won't do" said the old man,
his suspicion active again. lyon
warn't going toward the front door, but
trying to sneak off down the lane. Con
found you, believe you are one OF 'em
I've q good mind to fill you full Of buck
shot"
II wouldn't advise you to try that.
for there are several cartridges left in
my revolver, and before you could bring
your gun to level l would use them
all. I told you was friend. but you
can consider me an enemy II You wish.
made suggestive motion with my
weapon, which he understood. He ached
to let me have the contents Of his gun,
but was afraid.
"Waal, the best thing You can do is
to clear out from here as quick as you
can travel. There have been several
murders in this part Of the country, and
the law hain't found out who done 'em,
but il you should catch it while prowl-
ing round where you've got no business
to be I won't hesitate to tell the folks
that done Ii. "
"Now, Mr.. Bridges" said concili-
atingly, "what is the use Of our
"Who told you my manner" he broke
In.
Every one in the neighborhood
knows You as good citizen and gem
tleman like your brother Nathan. You
do me great injustice to suspect me Of
any wrong intention. Iwould no more
harm you than / would my own father. I"
"That talk is very nice, but don't
know y0u. You haven't told me your
! name nor where you come from"