The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-01-12
A SUBURBAN
EXPERIENCE.


tracted visitor was very near fainting
she collected restorativcs and brought
back Mrs. Thornes scattered wits.
Maud explained as soon as she could
speak that desperate-looking mana
burglar, she was certain. and convict
as WELL but the cut of his hair-had
feloniously entered her house a mo-
ment before she came, and walking
boldly into her library had been locked
safely therein by herself.
"The windows are nailed down.
have been waiting for Perry to open
them, so he cannot escape that way"
she concluded.
"I expected Anon on the last train.
don't see what is keeping him." said
Mrs. Smead, but he has not come
yet"
Neither has Perry, but perhaps
they will come together. Isn't it dread
full? 1 daren't go back with that man
in the house. 1 know by his looks
that he's murderer. our girl hasn't
come, and I'm all alone. Oh, II Mr..
Smead were only here!
IT guess I'll do Just as we'll" said
Mrs Smead coldly. Il will take our
revolver and you can bring the stove
litter. and we will interview him
through the door"
but what good will that do? He
may s-h-o-o-t first!'
Come on" said Mrs. Smead, con-
temptuously. She was only young
matron herself, but she was not going
TO be ignominiously routed by one
man army, and she led the way to her
neighbor's cottage. No other people
lived in the row, so they had all the
run to themselves.
But at that identical moment the 74c
train. sometimes called the husbands
train 90 many of them went out to
spend the weeks interval with their
families, stopped at the nearest depot,
and Perry Thorne, with his double
load of packages, hove in sight. Both
women were overjoyed to see him.
What's the row, he asked, dropping
his bundles on the veranda
"A man. said both women at once.
"Where is Smead?"
THAT is what l would like to know"
said Mrs. Smead; II expected him on
this train
"I haven't seen him. Who is the
man?"
"A burglar, and he's locked up in the
asked Meud, who, now that her hus-
pose as a heroine.
Burglars already? Ha! this is di-
version. Give me the key, Maud. I'll
take your revolver. Mrs. Smead. Now
ladies, stand aside" and Perry made
valiant rush for the library door, which
he unlocked and threw open, at the
same time presenting arms according
to the best manual practice.
Don't shoot" cried a familiar voice
that trembled, not with fear, but mer-
riment, as Mr.. Smead stepped smilingly
forward and bowed low to Maud; 81
am Mrs. Thorne's captive" he said.
What does this mean?" cried Perry,
his face flaming
"Yes, what does it mean?" demanded
Mrs. Smead, in the measured syllable
of the divorce court.
"It means" explained Mr.. Smead,
that my wife has not yet learned to
box the compass she gave me south
west and your wife locked me in n
room that has no ventilation and un-
der a criminal van. But forgive her."
he added with a gallant protest,
whereat Maud's cheeks grew red with
embarrassment and Mrs. Smead said;
Come home! After this l will meet
you at the train and see that you don't
get into the wrong house"
"DO forgive me, Mr. Smead," said
Maud, penitently, while Perry glared
darkly like Jealous stage lover, but
you did not look So"
She said you looked like a convict"
remarked his wife.
AT least it has made us acquainted"
observed Mr.. Smead, true to his Colors,
and with this parting shot he followed
his wife to the southeast" cottage
Detroit Free Press.