The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-06-26


itors would rob me of my Clotilda's af-
fections. One of these particularly
Colonel Birkenrode-caused me the
greatest fear.
II could not deny him access to my
house, as he belonged to a very powerful
family; neither had anything in his
conduct given me reason to do so.
"At the time speak Of 1 bought this
house, where L previously had con.
structed in secret, behind this stove, a
narrow closet, from which could hear
all that passed in this room, wherein
my wife received her visitors.
''For long time Birkenrode content
ed himself with depicting in the most
vivid colors the passion which consumed
him. My wife listened without making
any answer. At last one day he became
more impatient than before and threat
ened to blow his brains out before her
eyes if she would not show little more
pity.
But l am not at liberty! exclaimed
she i'll voice interrupted by sobs.
And if your liberty were restored
to your urged the Lothario
"'SirP said my wife.
IF You become q widow, insisted
he, swear to give me your hand
ITO this proposition my wife an
swered only with her tears, and he left
her.
''The next morning an extraordinary
occurrence greatly increased the agita
ton of Clotilda. During breakfast o
servant came and whispered in my ear
that the cook wished to speak to me
privately. Let him come in, said l. =
have no secrets from my wife.
''The cook came, as pale as dealt
and, with long face, he told me tha;
he had that morning received pacLc
containing 800 florins, a small vial ano
a note telling him to put the conten;
of the vial into the first eel pasty he
made. You know my extreme fondncas
for cells, while my wife cannot bear even
the smell Of them.
'He was promised even q greater
recompense if he faithfully executed the
commission. Fearing some treachery,
he had fastened to give me the vial and
the 300 forms. .
81 Immediately put few drops Of
the liquid contained i'll the vial On a
lump of sugar and gave it to my wife's
little dog. The poor little animal was
taken with violent commissions and cx-
pired in q few moments. There was no
doubt that the intention was to destroy
me.
"The same day Birkenrode came, rs
usual, but Clotilda refused to SEQ him
and wrote to him to say that she would
confess all to her husband if ever he
dared to show himself again. Having
uselessly tried to calm her anger, he re-
solved at last to marry, and since that
our families have had no communica.
ton, except that my son has fallen in
love with his daughter, ana although
have given my consent my wife op
poses it.. "
''She is right, " Indignantly exclaimed
Won Grote. 81 never should huv
thought Birkenrode capable of suC'l I;
vile action.
"Ha, ha. hal'' said Brounker, burst.
ing with laughter. "Do you, then, too,
accuse him?"
"Who, then, could it be, if he was not
the culprit?''
''It was myself, dear fellow. The adj.
venture cost me 800 forins. which J
gave to my cook. 1t was rather dear,
but at tho same time l got rid Of dan
gerous rival and q lapdog which ]
equally detested-ha, ha, hap'
At this moment the door opened, and
Nine. Brounker entered the room.
Il thought you were at the party
said her husband.
"No. ] do not feel very well and al
going to bed. Maurice has accompanied
his sisters. l have brought yen KY
which l have found Oh your desk, ar
as it does not seem to belong to any {,
the locks i'll this house some friend Z,
yours must have left it behind him.
Brounker, deeply blushing, took the
key. He had recognized it as the key {
his private closet.
my dear" said Clotilda, ~ have
given Maurice my consent TO his n.g
riage with the daughter of Mr. Birkci.
rode. Z"
Thanks, dear wife, said Brounker.
THAT is good news. "
''Mr Grote," said she, ''pray remain
and sup with my husband tonight. VT
have an excellent eel ,pasty i'll the lara
Or, which, / assure you, does not cen
tain the slightest portion of poison!"
At these words she retired. Hardly |
was the door closed when Won Grotc
said to Brounker: "You are properly |
caught in your own net. She has been
in your secret closet. He that diggeth q
pit for his enemy often falls into il
himself, New York Advertiser.
An OSi Billiard Match.
A novel match at Billiards was played |
.ecentlY at one of tho west end II nndonl