Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-06-14
Barnaby's Escape.
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John Goldby had promised should be
his when he retired. and there was
Bessie. Barnaby Morton thought a
good deal more Of his pretty cousin
than Of the business-naturally. for the
Bessie had.
They were not engaged. John Gold
by. perhaps, for reasons Of his own
possibly In Bessie's interest had for
bidden him to ask the momentOus Ques-
ton Until she had seen a little more
of the world.
There's plenty Of time for that" he
said. and refused to listen to argu-
ment. Had his answer been favorable,
most likely Bessie would have laughed
in her lovers face-they had 50 long
been as brother and sister. But she
liked him better than any one else, she
had told him so.
Such was the situation when Barnaby
was requested to look after his uncle s
house during the absence Of the family
at Brighton.
Il don't want you to neglect the bust
ness. you know" John Goldby exclaim-
ed. You can leave an hour sooner,
then you'll get here at 6. Don't be abb
sent at night on any account; and If you
10 out for q walk, mind you come in
early. The parlor maid goes with us,
but the cook will be here to attend to
you"
His concluding words were:
''Now don't let there be another burg
larry"
Barnaby promised to obey every in
junction faithfully. But-he wouldn't t
have believed that Bessie's absence
could make such difference-he found
those evenings at Mayhorn villa deadly
dull Seven Of them he bore, then tenn
pered his solitude with friends. to
whom he gave little dinners in return
for their companionship.
One afternoon the most obliging Of
these young gentlemen, a doctor whose
practice had scarcely begun to sprout,
called at Mr.. Goldby's Office in the city.
81 want you to do me a favor. Nor
ton," said he. you know Miss Trevor.
I've persuaded her to let me take her
to the theater tonight. Her aunt goes.
of course. should be eternally
obliged IL you would contrive to meet
us-quits by accident, you knOw-and
take charge Of the old lady. She's
spoiled every opportunity I've had SO
far. and want to bring the affair to
q head.
I'm very sorry. Selby," Barnaby re-
Joined. 'You know 1 promised the
governor I would spend every evening
at his house."
"Yes; but you're the only fellow I'm
acquainted with who knows Miss
Trevor and her aunt I'm afraid a
help me much When Is the governor
expected backT'
Tomorrow"
"And he has been away three weeks.
Burglars don't work haphaZard. II
robbery had been planned, your pres
ence every night would have spoiled 1t.
Besides, you get home before IL. Come,
I make a personal matter Of it."
Barnaby hesitated, and of course was
lost. But he did not abandon the posi-
taoA all at once.
'T know 1 ought not to go. Dick. It's
only two years since the house was bur-
gled. II anything were to happen,
uncle would never forgive me. Still,
II 1 were in your place, you would help
me out II you could"
"Yes, 1 would. But why not set a
few burglar traps? You'll be all right
then, II this very improbable event
should take place"
What sort of traps"
"Some Of my own invention. You've
heard of McCloskey's whisky that kill
ed at forty rods-dropped the drinker
at any rateT'
Barnaby nodded.
'sWell, my traps are like that. I'll
run back to the surgery and get the
stuff. Meet me at Waterloo at 4
O'clock"
They met at the appointed hour. Sell
by had the burglar traps in a medicine
bottle. Thirty-five minutes later they
were at Maythorn Villa, preparing tc
set them.
Three will be sufficient" said the
ipventor. zone for the pantry, where
the plate is kept; one for your aunts
dressing room where you say she keeps
her Jewels: the other for the drawing
room, which is Uttered with valuable
nick-knacks. Half fill three decanters
with mixed port and brandy-plcnty of
brandy, you know. for the burglar may
taste the stuff-and get three wine
glasses"
Barnaby procured these adjuncts.
Selby divided the contents Of the medi-
cine bottle between the decanters.
Its a strong preparation of Opiates."
he explained. "Al you have to do Is
to put a decanter and glass in each of
the safes and another in the drawing
room. If 4 burglar enters any Of these
rooms the first thing he will see will
be the wife. He'll pour out glass
full, gulp 1t down-they're thirsty souls,
ere burglars-smack his lips and drop
In about a minute and a half. 1t won't
hurt him. but you will find him here
tomorrow"
@rs a good idea," said Barnaby,
"but suppose the cook discovers the
stuff"
"You must warn her"
When the traps had been set 80 that
the most purblind burglar could not
fail to see them, Barnaby went to the
kitchen.
Look here, Mary" said he. I'm 60
ing out. I've put three decanters of
wine about the house. Don't touch
them"
The cook fred up In an instant
What do you take me forT she de-
manded.
"A woman Mary Remember what
happened in Eden, and don't be tempt
ed
He retreated in q 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