The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1899-01-20

"A pretty time this fer frien's to be
locked up in vestybules, particular with
pockets full O. spoons an things like this. !"
Grogan held handsome portfolio in the
light of the lantern. II got it in her
room while lookin fer jewelry an bills
Kin you read?"
He opened the leaves and turned the
light full ON a page covered with angular
handwriting. A long silence followed,
during which the burglar ran his finger
along the lines and spelled out word after
woId.
WHY, it's about n Teller, 10 muttercd.
"Sho must "a had EN- bad. IF he'd on
Iy come back to me, she says"
says what?" czcluin,d Whitridge,
grasEing his companions arm.
"S-sh! She says if he'd only como back
skc'd accept him an
Whitridgc seized the portfolio. "lt's
woman's diary" he said roughly, land
you have 10 right to look at it,
Then, fixing it i'll the lantern light to
suit his own eyes, lie read tho last entry
"ElGvcn p. III. What n fool am! l have
just refused him; told him that To was
nunskUll; rantCd about aims and ambi,
ti0rs; aired all my fine ideas, and yet
when no had gone listened just to heal
his footsteps he picked his way along
the path to tho street. Women are geese
If only he would come back, l would beg
his forgiveness and accept him. If he
would OILY come back"
Thitridge snapped the portfolio shut
and arose.
"GrCgan," he said firmly, I'VE must
get cut of this ut oEcc. Never mind how
I'll take care Of you and plead your case
ut another bar"
Jest wait" grow led the burglar
"MchLo''--
a strong hand was laid on his throat,
and he WAS lifted to his feet and thrown
violently against the deer
There was crash of glass; feminine
screaIn, followed Ey in uproar On the up
per iiocrs cf the house
Never mind, DorUtkca," arose from
the vrstibl.lc IT'S omiy me, Sam Whit.
ridge I've got burglar Hurry down
here and let lie ont Of this cell
Is it really yo;i, SAM" calno in fright.
cred tones to Whirridgc, who had Grogan
pinned fast in ii CCrECr.
Elp, miss, CLIP! Hos chokin me tC
DEATH
Eyes, it's l. Don't DO scared"
III answer to these cries DGrothca Wal.
to:, ;;ttircd III lCng driving coat and
carrying IL gClf club, led n limo Of five
maids, similarly armed, down the stairs
Tie ancient negro butler drew up in tht
rear mUttg:il Z prayers.
The door was opened, and Whitridge
dragged his captive forth before the house
hold.
"How did you get him?" exclaimed the
girl, her fright having given way to as
toniShmcLt
Don't Huthcr about that now, p" replied
WhitriGgo Ionchalantly. "Haye you a
good close close by
Dorcthc,. ran to tho distant end of the
hall and threw open ii deer. Whitridge
pulled the di>comftud GIogan after Eer,
while the maids made Il threatening
demonstration against the prisoner with
their golf clubs.
plead and, Mr.. Whitriige; plead
ard, mcancd the burglar rs his captCr
pushed him into the closet, closed the door
and turned the key.
What docs the creature mean?"
Compose yourself, Dorothea," replied
the young nan cooll7. First let us have
some lights in the library. Then l shall
explain.
The suggestion was quickly followed,
ard while the SIX servants watched the
door behind which lay the captive, sam
Whitridgc explained.
"rhc man thinks, and rightly, too" he
said, that he has IA claim on you and me,
inasmuch as lie showed this to me-" He
drew the diary from his pocket and opened
it at the last entry. Il have been mean
enough to read it.
Dorothea Walton took the portfolio,
looked blankly at the man and then at the
last page.
Am l forgiven" Whitridge asked.
The girl seated herself at the table and
seized a pen.
There is one more entry" she said.
"Look over Ely shoulder and read it.
She glanced ut the clock and then wrote:
"Two u. III. He has come back, and l
have accepted him. New York Sun.