Cottonwood report. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1893-1901, 1899-06-16

hurt him, but you win find him here
tomorrow"
ITS good idea," said Barnaby,
"but suppose the cook discovers the
stuffT
you must warn her."
When the traps had been set so that
the most purblind burglar could not
fail to see them, Barnaby went to the
kitchen.
"Look here, Mary" said he, "I'm go
Ing out I've put three decanters of
wine about the house. Don't touch
Them"
The cook fired up in an instant.
what do you take me for?' she de-
manded.
"a woman, Mary. Remember what
happened In Eden, and don't be tempt
ed"
He retreated In hurry, dressed, and
left the house with Selby, perfectly
easy In his mind. At the theater he
met his friend and the ladies', by the
merest chance, most carefully ar
ranged, Of course, but despite his ear
nest endeavor to be of service, he could
not procure Selby the desired oppor-
tunity. However, when they reached
the street after the play it was raining
fast, the doctor had an inspiration. In
stead Of calling a growler he hailed
two hansoms, hustled the younger lady
into one, jumped in himself, and was
driven off, leaving the astonished and
angry chaperon with his friend. The
trick succeeded admirably, but Barna-
by missed the last train to Twicken-
ham in consequence.
Meanwhile the Goldbys had been en-
joying their annual holiday, especially
Bessie. She had formed the acquaint-
ance Of certain Captain Dashbury,
and, alas! for woman's constancy, had
almost made up her mind that she
could never be more than q sister to
Barnaby now. Aud John Colby was
equally well disposed toward the gal
liant officer; indeed, he told Mrs. G.
that with the money Bessie would
have, he had always expected her to
marry into one Of the professions.
Just about the time that Barnaby
and his chum were setting the burglar
traps, Mr.. Colby and his new ac-
quaintance were sauntering along the
Kings Road. 4.
"By the way" said the captain, 81
think of running up to town to-mor-
row. If you don't mind, Colby, I'll
travel with you"
John Colby expressed the pleasure
he felt.
"You must come to Twickenham and
dine with u.s." he added. II won't take
a refusal"
Il sha'n't give you the chance"
laughed the captain.
When they separated John Colby
hurried to the nearest Office and sent a
long telegram of instructions to the
cook, reply prepaid. He also wired to
Barnaby at the office-there was Just
time to catch him before sand the
cook would need money to get some
of the things he had ordered for the
dinner on the morrow. He then re-
turned home to await the answers.
None were forthcoming. He waited an
might have miscarried, he repeated
them, sending Barnaby's to Maythorn
Villa. Still there was no answer. By
this time he was thoroughly alarmed.
'There must be something wrong"
he told his wife and daughter. "Who
knows? The house may have been
robbed and Barnaby and the cook both
M r1n tn t1ntn IoV
home at once. You had better follow
on the first train in tomorrow. Mind
you bring Captain Dashbury," and he
rushed away.
Shortly after II o'clock next morning
Mrs. Colby and Bessie, escorted by
the captain and accompanied by their
maid, arrived at Twickenham station,
and leaving the luggage to follow, pro-
ceeded home in hired landau. Fifteen
minutes later they reached Maythorn
Villa. Captain Dashbury rang. No
one came to the door. He rang again
and knocked. No result. The house
seemed deserted, strangely silent. Mrs.
Colby noticed that all the blinds were
drawn.
what can have happenedT she
cried, and ran to the back. The door
was wide open. Passing swiftly
through the hall, she admitted the
others, and went straight to the draw
ing room. Next instant, a shrek, such
as only a terrified woman can utter,
startled all within hearing. Bessie
followed quickly, and found her mother
staring with frightened eyes at the
body Of a man lying fat on his back |
on the hearthstone.
1t was John Colby, not dead, in
deed, but snoring almost loud enough |
to wake the dead.
"He's been murderedr' cried Bessie, |
and she burst into tears.
But Captain Dashbury knew better. |
mo, no! 1t isn't so bad as that. |
Don't distress yourself. He's only in |
a it," he said, and STOPPING, he unfas-
tened the insensible gentleman's col |
lar, and tried to lift him into a chair. |
But John Colby was no light weight,
and the captain had to let him fall;
indeed, he fell with him, rising deadly |
pale.