The Newtown bee., 1897-01-01

had been no Christmas presents for either of them. His mother had laughed brightly when he had spoken of it. say they had seen many jolly Christmas days, and she gussed it was time somebody else had them now. Then came the question why they had to be so poor when other people had so much money and so many lovely things.
 "Because," his mother answered, "God is teaching us to go without. Don't be unhappy to day of all days, my son, for | have you, and you have me, and there l are many folks who haven't us, you know. Perhaps we may be remembered | next year,-maybe sooner"
 Jack sold his papers very quickly, both morning and evening editions, for there was great excitement over large rob- bery that had been committed Christmas night at the Western national bank, and the thieves had very cleverly escaped. | It had begun to rain about o'clock, when tired and hungry. with his pockets | full of pennies and nickels, Jack hurried through narrow back street which formed short cut to his home. A large drop of rain splashed heavily on his face causing him to look up involuntariiy to see if more were coming, and it was then that hfs quick eyes saw sight which as tonished him. Just in front of him stood a large old house, in the last stages of dilapidation. It was unoccupied, having been condemned by the authorities, and ike all abandoned houses it had the rep utation of being haunted.
 Jack had listened breathlessly to the stories told by his associates of strarge lights, sights and sounds in the empty house and every new tale added greater mystery and interest to it. What he saw now made him stop open-mouthed and stare with eyes as big as saucers, though it was only faint light glimmeriDg in a
 window way up under the mansard roof. The light moved about in a very peculiar way, and Jack wished at least one of the many boys who had boasted of their fear iessness of ghosts would happen along this very minute. He watched the win- dow very eagerly and saw the light grow fainter, but it did not entirely disappear. Not daring to venture into the house and with many backward glances, walk ed away, leaving the light to burn unmo- tested.
 He had not gone far when he heard rapid steps behind him, and turning around with his heart almost in his throat, it was great relief to see, as the figure became visible under the gas lamp, that it was one of the young men from the Telegram office whom he had often met on his way home.
 Jack wondered if MT Burns would laugh at his ghost story, but thought he would venture to tell him, as he had not been grown up 80 many years. and prob. ably believed in such things once. So he told his friend ot the strange light in the
 i'd, haunted house, and to his delight, Mir Burns insisted upon being taken back to the very spot. They quickly retraeed their steps, and sure enough, the weird ight was still burning.
 | sWhew," whistled MT Burns softly.
 Then catching Jack suddenly by the arm, he pulled him into the shadow of the house.
 ssWhat is it a' whispered Jack, begin ming to be tiny bit afraid.
 ssI saw face, mans face, looking out of that window in the corner. He is no ghost at any rate. I can remember I years ago when this place wac used by a gang of thieves, but now 1t is so unsafe that mans life is in danger even to en- ter it.''
 "Oh," whispered Jack excitedly. 'sdo you suppose those bank robbers are hid ing there?"
 "Ah." ejaculated Mir Burns, s'I never should have thought of that" Pale with excitement, Jack said, ssShall [ run around and ask Sergeant Drum what to do?'
 ssNosI will go, and you curl up on that porch over there, and watch. They would not be apt to be suspicious of such little boy, if they should see you" Ja:k never moved his eyes from that fascinating window in which the light faintly glimmered, until after very fe~ minutes, which seemed m eternity to him. he heard the rapid. regular steps of | fquad of policemen, echoing down the street. They quickly surrouDded the house and then for tho first tiue. Jack realised that he ha1 been instruneptal n bring ilne Abont n sizventuse Nh5eh Wo11d far tsuspos1 III IT shonl - - haa ever