New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-20

in endowed with the perpetual thirst ina. inc
ocean gives and 1t was convenient therefore 10
keep something al the office. ,
It's cold job" reasoned George pi''eriy
land Of course they've let the hre out ~
wouldn't be them if they didn't Now, why
shouldn't I. it being occasion that, as Is wei
known. comes but once YEAR
He did. a chip with the tools In mis- hand and
the Tantalus released its three cut-glass pris-
oners. There a tumbler and water jug
conveniently near go
".'Ee's merry Christmas" said George; win
! much generosity. "a merry Chrls mas anu sue
10 crime
The refreshments certainly enabled him to set
about the laborious business with something
more of cheerfulness. He tapped away gently
with the hammer and chisel 40 the rhythm or
popular song which he hummed softly Wheh
the brass escutcheon fell with a muflied ring on
the carpeted floor George went and drank again
in conSratulation Of the success
MAY never know. said George. holding
the tumbler critically between his eye and the
/ gas jet-"may We never know what IL is 10 pe
! going down the i'll of life without friend 10
watch over our-to guard over our meanter-
/ say. may we never know what II ~ To - lie
gave up the effort Of memory. anyway, ne
! said. "'ere's a thousand "A year to all OF us
He took a large key from the green baize roll
and placed it on the table. and then, prepare.
tory to the commencement Of the serious part or
the work. finished the contents of the lumber
, Looking round then for the key. To his amaze
ment. not one key, but two OF almost Identical
shape. one was brighter and finished in a more
workmanlike manner than the other.
That's the worst Of spirits" he said re-
prOaChfully; lit gets into your cad and
! Why there are two of en-
| 1t was perplcxing circumstance. but there
was time to be lost in speculation Taking
not his own key but the other. George went
| toward the big safe. As he did 50 he heard
swish of skirts coming up the stairs. He ran
to the door. and. closing ii. locked II gently.
The swish of skirts came through the outer
office and smart tap was given I" the door.
| "Matthew. Matthew. dear
George gave no answer.
us anybody here" The voice had sugges-
| . aI.o Z hat hlN melt a
! the ciness of Georges resolve.
please please answer me if anybody is here
| want to know if Mr.. Carthew has left
George went again to the safe on tiptoe. He
was white with fear lest the inopportune visit
of this perturbed lady should attract the a.
| tention of others he determined To possess him
self of the valuables and to make sudden
| bolt.
NOW" said George gently does it. one.
The first press Of the key and the big heavy
iron door was pressed outward from within
George staggered back and half fell. and then
recovered himself.
"My good man" cried Mr.. Carthew stepping
out from the darkness Of the interior Of the safe
with intense relief my good man, YOU nave
saved my life.
IF you had not fortunately heard my cries
for help ! should have remained there all night
couldn't possibly have existed for another
hour"
"Spose not"
"The way it was done was like this" Mr.
| Carthew went to turn up the gas. and George
snatched from the table his green baizc roll
81 had turned down the light, ana was tnink-
! ing of-wcl of different matters and suddenly
! thought that would like To look again az =
/ rather good bracelet that. among other things
was in the safe. Sec what | mean;
II follcr YOU said George. glonmiy.
IF stepped into the safe and abs'ntly. and
without thinking Of What was doing pu''e'
the door after me. and IN an instant -
silly. idiotic thing to do"
Tho gentle tapping at the door re- ommenced
"Thercs Idly at III" door. said George
! surlily shall let her in
"Ccrtainly" said Nj. Carihcw. He locked IN"
safe very carefully and placed the key IN ms
pocket "Why is IN" escutcheon knocked on
"rhat's right" said George. bitterly. begin
to rrumhlc now that I've saved your life. !
thought it had to be- chippod OF
II must get the lock changed after Boxing
/ Day"
George went to the door and unlocked it. as
Mr. Carthcw took up the imitation key ana
dropped II casually into drawer tn" tapping
ceased and young Mrs. Carthew hurried into
"Ny dear dear Matthew" she cried. II had
most dreadful prcs'ntimcnt that something Was
harpouing and So -
"rhrre vas. my dearest. But thanks to this
brave fellow here who. with determination
and courage that are not. bel'N'. rare III
"Thaf's All very well" Interrupted GeorG
II. seemed anxious to arrive at realities. "Hni
the great point is this Iio" much DO you con" ,9
slider. in pounds shilling and pence. your life
might bc WORTH
pear Matthew" said Mrs carthcw. impul-
sivcly. give him a good deal
Dinner was late AZ Surlton that night. but
neither Mr. Carihcw nor Mrs Carthew thought
Of complaining And this. indeed was correct
behavior. for with all IN" rest OF IN" year I"
grumble in it is wise for all Of us I" abstain
whom Christmas Day Is near.
and cook has confessed dear Matthew. mat
she has hccn placing the wax matches IN very
damp cupboard. 50 that you were quite right
after all"
"Wcn do YOU know. dearest SAID Mr. car
thew. apologctically. 1t occurred to III" ihht
most likely was wrong We all make ms
TAX, Won know. and it would be II terribly
. monotOnous world If We didn