Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1899-05-05
A CLEVER TRAP
By Claude Oliver

OATH is "A beautiful little place on
ID that famous river made dear TO the
hearts of all the world, because on its
banks Shakespeare was born. 1t is
in fertile valley, surrounded by tow
ering hills whose verdant sides make a
restful picture for wearied eyes.
Sixty or 20 years ago il was a ia
vorite resort for health and pleasure
seekers, who found there something
that they were not seeking. 1t was
the scene of series OF the most mys-
FERROUS robberies that baffied the keen
est sleuth-hounds of the detective
forces
just as | entered the parlor | heard
my English friend relating the above
10 his little companion, who was lis
tening 10 his words just as have often
pictured Desdemona listening 10 the
recitals of the love-mad Moor
l knew that the big, fne-looking
Englishman was deeply in love with
out little brown American wren, and
that he could have wished me in Hal
flax rather than have a company of
three.
THAT sounds like possible ro-
nance" | said 10 myself as | pricked
up my ears like war horse at the
first sound of the bugle's call; and
sat demurely down and took out pencil
and paper.
The little brown wren was sitting
with her hands clasped around her
knees, and her pretty, dark head
poised to one side. She turned her
sweet head slightly toward me and
smiled cordial welcome.
Not so her handsome Englishman!
He frowned at me until his scowl was
ike "A thundercloud.
"Oh, you needn't look at me like
that, DR.. Gilbert" ! said saucily. max
ing a little moue at him. and thrusting
my chin defantly outward. II am here
TO stay until hear the end of that fish
story"
go away" he said with mock anger.
IF YOU say that TO me again ]
cried threateningly, "I'll sit right down
at the piano and play 'Therell BE a
Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight
! knew how the doctor hated that
song and by this means always used
to cow him into submission. We were
stopping at a boarding house in the
mountains of Tennessee. and we had
all become like one large family and
said what we liked TO each other in
our playful way.
As | uttered my fearful threat The
doctor dropped his hands helplessly az
his sides. drew down the corners Of his
mouth and made himself look The very
picture Of fear and submission.
I've never turned my back to the
enemy's guns. he said in serio-comic
tone. but | always quail before the
fire Of a woman's eyes"
We'll. if YOU will proceed with the
romance | will turn the fire Of my eyes
on Wrennie." ! said playfully, while
I take if down. skeleton-likc. Then |
will weave il into a story.
And now 'perceed with the prece-
dence,' | added dictatorily.
But he didn't proceed. He only sat
and looked at Wrennie as if he would
like TO drink her into the waste places
of his soul"
'Wrennie, will you kindly command
that slave Of yours to finish his recital
for my benefit? Here am | at the very
verge of despair for material to make
the pot boil and this wretched old
brain of mine won't bulge an inch.
It's lil0e JAMES old donkey; when il
gets tired it won't go for love or
money"
Resume your story, Doctor she
said, sweetly. And the big man imme-
diately obeyed. Love is a wonderful
mystery.
''Well-but where was att" the doc
tor laughingly questioned, while he
looked askance at Wrennie TO see how
she would take his slang.
"Oh, yes! Now l remember. l was
saying that GO or 20 years ago Bath was
the scene of series of mysterious rob-
berries.
Every day some man or woman
would find himself or herself relieved
ofa valuable watch, or brooch, or brace
let, or money, and not the slightest
clew could be found TO the robbery.
The most noted detectives were con-
tinually bafiled. and the mystery grew
deeper and darker.
Finally young man presented him
self TO the head Of the detective forces
and offered his services 10 ferret out