Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-08-04
rTo the right" was the reply.

ITO the right, was the reply.
"I'll follow them. My bicycles out
aide. Send some one to the police sta
ton to give the alarm. The thieves art
from Bedlington, no doubt. "
A minute afterward the curate Of st.
Johns was pedaling along the Bedling'
ton road as fast as he coul,. 70. 1t was
his first attempt at "scorching," " and he
made fair to chino at that dangerous
pastime.
Swiftly, noiselcssly, the pneumatic
sped on, until the quick beats of the
hoofs ahead became more audible to the
cyclist as he rode. Nearer and nearer he
drew, until at last the trap was in sight
The moon was shining brightly, and he
could see that it contained two men ant
boy.
1t was q desolate part of the road,
with not house in sight, but the vii
lage of Cranworth lay only mile
ahead, and the burglars must pass
through it.
Gradually drawing up as the flicker
ing lights came in view, he presently
spurted past the trap without turning
his head and dismounted as nearly IL
the center of the village as he could
Judge. At that hour the streets were
deserted and most of the houses were in
darkness. But Mr.. Stone was all old
"blue," and he felt himself moro than
a match for a couple Of Bedlington
thieves. The boy he did not count.
Mr.. Stone had scarcely had time to
get his wind before the trap was close
upon him. Picking up pebble, he SHE'D
it through the nearest lighted window
to rouse the inmates, and springing al
the horses head caught hold Of the
reins.
Imprecations assailed his ears, blows
were showered upon him with the whip,
but he did not let 60. The driver sprane
to the ground and rushed at MIN. Still
holding the horse with his left hand,
he knocked the fellow down, never
ceasing to shout: "Thievesl Thieves!'
The second man leaped from the trap
to assist his companion, but he also re-
ceived knockdown blow. 1t all passed
in few seconds, but the villagers were
aroused Men came running from thei1
cottages without coats or waistcoats,
women with shawls thrown over theil
nightdresses. The boy escaped in the
confusion, but both men were secured
and handed over to the constable, who
arrived IN his stockings and trousers,
and thus clad marched them to the
lookup.
In the trap Mr.. Stone found Miss
Meddlebury's jewel case and the box in
which she had placed tie securities,
both unopened. Having given the con.
stable his name and address and prom.
ised to return early in the morning,
that officer, very young man, allowed
him to depart with the plunder tied tc
the handle bar of his bicycle.
A mile from Cranworth he met q
mounted policeman, followed by two
more in dogcart Stopping them, he
informed them of the capture Ct the
burglars and rode on. The Lines was
a blaze of light when he arrived. DR..
Gray's carriage stood at the door and a
fussy police inspector stood on the door
step.
"You can t go in, sirp' cried the funo-
tiopary as the curate approached with
the recovered valuables
'That is immaterial," was the
answer. Perhaps you will give these
boxes to Miss Meddlebury and assure
her that the thieves are in custody at
Cranworth.
who had recognized the new curate o1
st. Johns, you don't mean to say,
sir, that you've got the swag?
'Yes, do," said Mr.. Stone; "all o1
it, think. The locks do not appear tc
have been tampered with. Perhaps you
will also be good enough to inform Miss
Meddlebury that I overlook the burglars
on my bicycle" he added, with a quiet
laugh.
Soon after 10 O'Clock the next morn.
ing Miss Meddlebury called at the vicar.
age. She had not quite got over the ex'
citement Of the previous evening, and
q great deal of what she said was so in
coherent that the vicar, who knew
nothing Of the burglary previous to hez
visit, could not make head or tail o,
it. But he had a very clear recollection
of the most important Of her rambling
remarks
lido hope you haven't said anything
to Mr.. Stone about his bicycle. Itwould
be sinful of me to object to his riding
it after this. I am convinced that the
purpose was good, and l am sorry that
l said word about it. And if Nelly
likes him and they think Of marrying,
she shall not be portionless bride.
shall make her wedding present of q
substantial character.
Miss Meddlebury was as good as bel
word-rather better, in fact When,
few months later, Miss Nellie Armi.
tage's engagement to her fathers Gu.
rate was announced and the wedding
day fixed, that young lady received
very substantial gift in the shape Of g
check for $500.
Mr.. Stone seldom rides his bicycle
now. He is much more frequently to be
seen on andem.-Answers.
Demonstrating Owls.