Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1901-01-17

| town ana meet some OF my Uusluess
associates at the hotels. l feel that l
need caretaker at the home-a man
to watch the premises day as well as
hight, and make himself generally
useful. You seem to have strong
arm and a stout heart, my lad. What
do you say to taking the job"
Guess I wouldn't fancy it for a
steady job" replied the lad. "But
III 10 the best I can Just the same.
Good, said the merchant. "Ill
pay you s. week and your duties
will commence this evening. Here 5
the car
The big house looked gloomy as
the merchant and the boy entered 1t.
q want you to sleep down stairs, the
former said. You can make up a
bed on this broad couch in the libra
ry. Now come with me and l will
show you about the house. -
The boy followed the merchant
from room to room.
Everything seems to be in order, "
remarked the owner. THE scamps
haven't disturbed things yet. Ifthey
find out somebody is in the house they
will leave it alone. You are not
afraid to sleep here, are you?'
NO" said the boy, Il aint. I was
afraid a little while ago that would
not have any place to sleep. This
don t scare me mite
Good, said the merchant. "You
will find all the bed clothing you re-
quire in the front chamber. Aud,
here-look at this room off the DIM
ing-room. This is where my wife has
stored her choicest bric-a-brac and
her fine china and linen. This is the
room that burglars would seek out
first of all. I've left it unlocked be-
cause if it were locked the thieves
would be sure to ruin the door in an
effort to get it open. There, you see
what it is. Just a big closet with a
ventilating slit in the outer wall in
stead Of window. My wife had a
spring put on the door as a warning
to the servants to keep it closed. 1t
locks with a spring lock, too. Don't
get caught inside it." He paused aud
looked intently at the boy. "Iou
may wonder why trust you in this
way. But | fancy know an honest
face when | see it-and, besides, you
look like friendless boy knew a
good many years ago.
I'm not doing any wondering
about that" laughed the boy; but
there is one thing I'd like to know"
"And what is that"
"The name of the man I'm working
for.
"My name is Richad Carter" said
the merchant, land this house is No.
Il East Monroe street"
zone thing more" said the boy
"does your trust in me go so far as a
quarter in advance on my wages
may want breakfast, you know
Heres a dollar and latch key,
laughed the merchant, as he turned to
60. a sleep at the club tonight If
anything should happen ring up the
police at the central station. The tele-
phone is in the corner over there. You
can use it, cant you?"
I've seen it used, replied the boy.
Good night and quiet rest to- you.
Good night.
1t was midnight when the boy closed
his eyes in the darkness. His impro.
vised couch was a restful and soothing
one. In moment he was fast asleep.
He awoke with a sudden start at the
sound of voices close by. He lay very
still and listened.
This is a cinch, Bill, " said one voice.
Nobody at home and all the time we
need to work the prize. Steady with
the lantern, old man"
That's all right, said another voice.
I'm hunting for the big closet off the
dining-room that the girl told US to
look for. All, here it is"
The boy saw the fash Of a dark Ian
tern on the wall as he slipped from the
couch and crept noiselessly toward the
dining-room. These were burglars
sure enough. His heart beat little
quicker, but he did not finch. The
men had the closet door open and were
lighting its interior with dark Ian.
tern.
Good stuff, said the man who had
spoken last. Easy to find a market
for it. Come on and we'll see what We
want.
The boys breath came in little gaspi
as he crept forward. He heard the