The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1901-08-09

looked sharply at the strangers, but
seeing nobody that he thought would
answer for "Major F." he sought the
conductor. That person knew nothing
of the major, and Nathan fingered in
the waiting room until it was empty
save a few war veterans. He ap.
preached one of these and carefully
explained his mission. The soldier
shook his head, he knew nothing of the
strange major. Seeing veteran
standing in the doorway who looked
as if he might be parsonage of some
Importance, Mr.. Dobbs went to him
and repeated lis question.
"Why, yes" replied the veteran.
"There was a stranger with Colonel
Blank very remarkable man, too.
Let me see," he added, thoughtfully;
"his name was Major Farnsworth.
Yes, that was it-Major Farnsworth.
There they are now," he added, as two
men entered the room. "The tall one
is the major"
Mr.. Dobbs fastened towards the
strangers.
"Major Farnsworth, l believe" be
said, bowing to one of them, a tall,
dignified man.
The stranger bowed gravely and
Mr.. Dobbs quickly explained his er-
rand. The major looked puzzled.
"Dobbs, Dobbs,' he repeated, ''it
must be some old school friend that l
can't recall this moment; you see /
have been away for several years and
l did not know that had any friends
living in this part of the country.
"But, assure you" added the major,
pleasantly, "that l will gladly accept
your generous invitation"
As they walked towards home Mr..
Dobbs was both surprised and pleased
by the majors genial and brilliant con-
versation. He Was evidently man of
education, and had travelled exten-
sively.
"An uncommonly intelligent man,"
Mr.. Dobbs said to his wife when they
were alone.
Mrs. Dobbs was not easily pleased.
For some time their sharpest vigilance
failed to detect the slightest popularity
in their guest, who entertained them
after dinner with very interesting
account of his travels and adventures.
They were charmed by his genial per-
sonality, and at loss to account for
the explicit caution in Miss Abigail's
letter. Toward the close of the eve.
ming there was pause in the converse.
ton, and the major quietly slipped his
hand in his coat, drew out an ivory
handled pen-knife and began slowly
and thoughtfully to cut small stick
into shreds. Mrs. Dobbs, with an
l-toldyou so-expression, glanced at her
husband. Mr.. Dobbs felt uneasy; his
guest was powerful man, and there
was no help within call. Suddenly q
book at the majors elbow fell on the
floor, and lie stopped to pick 1t up,
leaving his knife on the table. Mr..
Dobbs instantly whipped it up and
dropped it into his pocket. The neat
moment the major missed it, looked
about the table, then glanced at the
floor. He said nothing, however, and
soon after, being fatigued after his
days journey, went to bed.
After a hasty consultation the
hostess and host concluded that under
the circumstances it would be wise to
keep watch for the first part of the
night at least.
"Why, he might get up and murder
us all in our BEDS" declared Mrs.
Dobbs.
They quickly laid their plans. Mr..
Dobbs sat on the top stairs of the land.
ing in the hall at the majors room.
Mrs. Dobbs sat in the rocking chair at
the end of the hall where she could
watch her husband and scream at the
first sign Of alarm. Even Bridget was
called from her snug bed and placed on
guard halfway down the stairs 80 that
she could be called upon in case of
necessity.
Thus the hours dragged slowly on
until midnight; there was not sound
to break the stiffness save the ticking
Of the clock in the sitting room below.
Bridget's head nodded and sank lower
and lower; presently she paid the pen.
atty Of sleeping at her post by rolling
down the stairs and landing with .
shrek and thud in the hall below.
Master and mistress hastened to her
side, and to add to their confusion and
alarm the majors surprised face ap-
peared at the landing above.
HAS anything happened!" he asked,
quickly.
"Bridget has fallen down stairs"
replied Mr.. Dobbs. "There's no harm
done"
The major disappeared.
"Odd people, these!" he remarked as
he closed and locked the door after him.
Breakfast was barely under way the
next morning when Miss Abigail's
smiling face appeared at the door.
"Aunt Abby at last!" exclaimed
Mrs. Dobbs, with an expression of in