The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1899-08-26
! ALMOST A BURGLARY. (
} By Fred Small, Jr.
nA>>~>>A>>~AS~
MRS. DRIsCOLL h ad a mind of her

uSHusoine properly, WIFI no one 10
OPP ose her will.
She adopted one of his nieces, and
loved her as well as she could love any
one but herself.
The niece grew up winsome lassie,
and had lovers, as maidens will.
Luckily her choice was her aunt's as
well, and the day was set for her mar
riage with Harry Winship without OPP
position, the only condition being that
they should return to Mrs. Driscoll's
home after brief wedding tour.
swell, Kate" said the stately lady,
the day before the wedding, "every-
thing is ready, and I must say that I
never saw preparations more complete
not even for your uncle's funeral,
poor man! always meant to give you
handsome marriage portion, so get
your hat-well go to the bank"
What girl would delay under similar
circumstances?
The carriage was speedily ordered,
and soon stopped before the bank.
Except the bank officials, there was
in the building only George Travis, one
of Hates discarded suitors, who was
getting an insignificant check cashed.
Mrs. Driscoll was not slow to see an
opportunity to futter her sails, as her
worthy husband had been accustomed
to say.
Drawing her check book she smil-
ingly wrote check for 6 1900 and pre-
scented it to the cashier.
Payable to Miss Kate-a marriage
portion, l presume. "Ah, very gen.
erous of you'll Miss Kate, congratulate
you," said the cashier. "Shall / make
the new book in your own name?'
"She wants no book-at least not
yet" retorted Mrs. Driscoll, sharply.
when / give thing give it. want
good, solid money for that check
bright, yellow gold.'
'But-why-you live fully yi'e
from neighbor. Have you-do you
think of the temptation" he said, hest
tatingly.
"Did I ask your advice?" snapped
Mrs. Driscoll. II am able to take care
of my own property, and, if it will not
break the bank, want it in gold"
Certain ly, madam. My conscience is
clear if you wake up to find yourself
murdered tomorrow morning. This
bank can pay ten times that sum at
sight, madam" was the dignifed reply,
to which Mrs. Driscoll listened in curt
silence.
The cashier went into the vault, clos
ing the door behind him.
George Travis, having counted the
money received on his check, went out
without a glance at the two ladies.
There! Now, I reckon, Travis be-
gins TO realize what he has lost" nodded
Mrs. Driscoll.
Kate blushed slightly.
But, aunt" she said, uneasily,
wouldn't it be better for me to take
book with the money left to my cred
it? Harry will not be here until to-
morrow, and-and think of the risk!
1t is unsafe"
''How long is it since came to be told
my duty by miss of 1872" breathed Mrs.
Driscoll scornfully. "What coward
you are! If you don't want the money,
say so, and I'll let it remain where it is.
If you do want it, hold your tongue, and
help me take care of it until can give
you both into Harry Winship's keep
ing"
Further conversation was prevented
by the cashiers return.
He carried strong iron box.
Count It'll" commanded Mrs. Dris.
coll.
One by one the golden coins were
counted under her admiring eyes.
"There, that is money! That is like
wedding gift!" she calculated, in a
satisfied tone.
Better let me give you receipt fol
ct and put it into the safe tonight,
suggested the cashier.
Put it into my carriage!" was the
sharp order to the bank porter.
The man obeyed and watched with a
puzzled face the carriage out of sight
'She beats all l ever saw" he said
81 don't wonder her husband died"
Meanwhile Mrs. Driscoll returned
home well satisfied with the world ant
herself in particular.
She had had her own way.
II shall not put this under my pillow
as l generally do" She said to Kate
'sThis box is harder than feathers.
shall put it under the corner of you
bed"
Thanks, aunt! Iron is as soft a!
feathers for me to lie on" laughed
Kate.
'"You needn't lie upon that side of til,
bed at ALL" was the cool reply.
There's man in the kitchen as say
he's had not a mouthful to eat fo>' tel
days." said Norah, the servant, appear
ing at the door.
1.-THE farm is only mile further on
Send him about his business" answered
her mistress.
Norah went out.
Soon figure clothed in rags went b.
the open window.
The man turned and shook hi
cienched fist at the astonished lady.
''Ofall things! The impudent thing!'