The Mena weekly star., 1898-02-02

dtIOSc aM anu LII Oc A ~ S.-~~- gate into dark side street.
 All this time Tom Trotter lay on his back rhythmically snoring at the ceil- ing in the second story of the Trotter home, four blocks away. That an avenging nightmare, or something more demoniac, did not seize and strangle him is but one more illustra- tion of the mysterious passivity and indifference of nature often displayed at one point while the most moment ous matters are in process of accom- plishment at another. Surely if there is any truth in the theory of soul-com- munion Tom should have awakened and rushed to the rescue of his lady love, but the fidelity of this chronicle permits nothing of. the sort to be re- corded; Tom snored on until break of day.
 However, Susan's peril, for the mo- ment at least, seemed anything but serious, since her delightful burglar was as tender and solicitous as any one, save Tom, could have wished. As proof of this 1 have to state that they had no more than passed through the gate when they paused, and in the midst of the pause Susan again expressed her sorrow that he had thought it necessary to eat onions. Tt spoiled the flavor of-of everything" she said; "but she did like the mus tache, and hoped he would cultivate one of his own as soon as possible"
 T will, my darling" cooed Burglar Ben; "it shall be a world beater! Say, you didn't forget your jewelry, did you? the diamond ring and-and the"
 "Oh, you silly thing! how could forget those?" came Susans panting whisper.
 "Where did the dear ducksy put her trinkets? In the valise, of course" He had that in his hand, and was debating if the present moment were not a good time to bolt.
 "Oh. dear no, not in thatl" gurgled sweet Susan.
 You didn't put your diamonds in here with the swag-the silyerware, did you?" murmured the solicitous burglar.
 NO, mol" Uttered Susan, q can't tell you now-wait maybe after awhile" But she added nothing more. The darkness and fog mercifully covered her blushes.
 She's hid the sparklers somewhere; probably inside her clothes" was the mental comment of Burglar Ben. He was silent moment as he slowly picked his way down the dark street. "Let's see. your next birth day isis" he hesitated.
 Why, Tom, have you forgotten? It's the 23d, of course!"
 "Oh, yes, certainly. How stupid I aml Then you will be just--just-"
 Just 10. Ain't you ashamed to for get like that? you naughty. bad boyt" and she squeezed his arm gaFectionately
 I'm not used 10 this. I never eloped before, and guess I'm slightly rat tled," murmured the burglar with a laugh. Its fun. though" he whispered, land I'd like to elope with some-with you, sweetie. every night of my life!"
 "Oh, myl" gasped sweet Susan, de- and squeezing his arm again.
 She's only 10," unused Burglar Ben; she must be daisyl It's awful nice 10 have a sweet creature like this so fond of feller! Plagued if I ain't beginning to love her myself. Won't the Chicago gang screech when I tell them how I stole bride and all her traps. It cer- tainly takes the cake. I wonder where the deuce the other feller was going to take her 10, anyway? I wonder if they were going to Omaha, or Chicago. or The Chicago express goes at three and the Omaha train goes west at four. I'll take her to Chi cago. What spooning and fun on the wayl The performance would break the record! This is picnic, romance worthy of the profesh! I wouldn't get he diamonds-oh no! of course could take 'em away from her now. but the ovin' thing. she would fall dead in her racks, besides would miss all the fun. There's no danger. I walked into the own yesterday evenin' as tramp with l pack, through the contents of the bundle I'm now dudel I ain't cribbed anything; the cop won't be layin' for ne. It's rich!" Burglar Ben was fair y intoxicated with the prospect
 You must not laugh out loud that way, Tom" protested Susan, pinching lis arm as he bubbled over with merri- nent.
 That's so, that's so," whispered the owing Ben, we must keep mum. You Snow, my angel, we talked over sew ral points that we thought of going to.