Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-05-20
One Bold Bad Burglar.


Inc papers contain nothing but bur-
glaries, robberies and holdups. l am
aImcst afraid TO look under the bed at
night
Blanche Warden turned the rings on
her fingers nervously as she spoke. She
was not timid girl, but the finaT test
OF bravery had never come to her.
What would you do in case burglar
entered your room, Mr.. Dulano?" she
asked, addressing one OF her callers.
Exactly what / did last night" the
gentleman replied.
You surely didn't have a burglar
last nightr' Blanche cried.
And why not? I'm keeping the af-
fair quiet because l have a cleW that
is being followed up. OF course, it will
be safe to mention it here Dulano re-
Piled
ITO be sure. Do tell us about it,
the girl said eagerly.
1T must have been about 2:3O o'clock
this morning when l was aroused by
someone turning a key in the door
that communicates with the adjoining
room. I'm pretty stupid when I first
awaken; but l was soon aroused to
full consciousness by something cold
against my temple"
ooh, how dreadfulr' Blanche cried,
shivering.
That wasn't the dreadful part" Du-
lano laughed. THE part 1 object most
to is what followed. The fellow held
his gun calmly with one hand while
he went through my clothes and helped
himself to my watch, my diamond
scarf pin, and all my ready change"
AT what time did you say that
occurred?" Arthur Forrest asked.
We'll, l didn't have any watch to tell
me the exact time; but after l had lain
awake some three or four hours the
chimes on Pilgrim church sounded the
three-quarter hour, and after an I'M
usually long time the clock struck g."
Dulano replied with a comical drawl
Guess it was watches he was after.
He got nine 1t about the same time.
Wonder if he visited any of the other
fellows at our house., Forrest said.
What! The burglar wasn't in your
room, too Arth-Mr. Forrest?'' Blanche
cried.
Yes, but he had the kindness to
le' me sleep Until he got what he want
ed. He awakened me as he went
through the window" the young man
replied.
ooh, please don't tell me any more"
Blanche exclaimed. "You will have me
so frightened. And l have to stay in
servants. You know poor Leona is
very i'll and papa and mamma were
called to Chicago today, so am alone"
Miss Warden said, with some uneasi-
ness.
Really, Blanche, it isn't safe for you
to stay here alone Arthur said Sc
riously.
ooh, I'm not afraid. I'll put the
jewels and plate in the big chest in
the wine cellar and sleep with a re-
volver under my pillow. 1t would be
real fun to have a burglar come,' re-
piled Blanche. laughing.
Then they dismissed that terror
ton; but Arthur continued restless and
uneasy. He stood at the window and
gazed modify out on the moonlit
boulevard while his hostess played and
sang. As Dulano turned the music for
her, he whispered softly:
slip into the library a moment, I
nave something important to say to
you Then he said aloud: 81 think
I shall take a smoke in the library if
[ may be excused
When he had left the room Blanche
walked over to the deep bay window
and laid her hand gently on Arthurs
arm. What makes you so silent this
evening, dear?' she asked, tenderly.
"Oh, Blanche, [ hate that Dulano.
suppose l am jealous, but l wish you
have him hanging round
here" he exclaimed while his handsome
face crimsoned.
But, Arthur, you brought him here
before you ever spoke of love to me-
Surely you are not afraid of him now
that you have my promise" the girl
said, seriously.
mo, dearest, do not doubt you l
felt sorry for him, stranger there at
the boarding house. And, besides,
wanted him to meet the sweetest wom-
an in st. Louis he whispered as he
pressed just a suggestion Of a kiss on
her cheek
by the way, I'll go and hunt up
that Harper for you, dear" she said,
with an effort at spontaneity that was
not altogether a success. Then she left
the drawing room; walked half way up
the stairs, descended softly, and slipped
into the library. Dulano was at her
side in an instant.
I'm sorry you spoke of the jewels
and things" he said. 81 have reasons
to think Forrest is the burglar. He has
been losing heavily at cards lately, and
is in danger of losing his position at
the bank" he whispered hurriedly.
At the mention of Arthur's name
Blanche would have cried out, but the
man placed his fingers deity over her
lips. As soon as the speech was ended
she fed to her room. hunted up the
and returned to tie drawing
room. The two men were glazing az
each other in angry silence when she
''This call promises to be game
Of freeze-out, so | guess | will leave
and give you chance to help Miss
Warden put away the silver" Mr.. Du-
lano said in a family sarcastic tone of
voice to Forrest.