Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-07-24

1
sound, as sure as yer alive he'll stran-
gle yer" And with this ominous men
ace he disappeared.
Debonnaire was in darkness and
prisoner. What could she do to alarm
the house? Should the burglar find
his way into General Calnard's room
he might easily be awakened. No
doubt the diamonds were lying in their
cases close beside him on his dressing
table. But her lover would not re-
linguish them without a Struggle. and
this man was armed. She knew where
General Calnard's room was, for he
had taken her all round the mansion
that afternoon, and she remembered
that the one she occupied was down
short passage from the main corridor
and not far from the back stairs. If
only she were free, she thought, she
would have the courage to descend by
these, make circuitous route on the
frst floor, returning up the front
stairs near the other end of the house.
She tugged at her hair with all her
might, hoping to loosen it and drag it
through the interstice by main force,
regardless of the pain it caused her.
But her efforts seemed only to tighten
the knot, and time was precious.
Could she reach her scissors on the
dressing-table? 1t would be a sad
sacrifice, but that was the only way.
With all her strength she pulled her.
self forward. Thank heaven. the
drawers moved, making but little
sound over the thick carpet. One more
pull, and yet another, and her fingers
touched the table; last final effort
and the scissors were in her hand.
Glorious hair! l love it." The
thought flashed through her mind as
the shears did their work of destruc-
ton. Something like a sob escaped
her, standing upright and free once
more.
Then she gathered her gown more
closely around her. With bare feet
and noiseless tread, and arms out
stretched in front of her, with ears
sharpened to catch the slightest
sound, she was outside the room. and
creeping as quickly as she dared to-
wards the friendly staircase.
How dark it was downstairs how
hollow the empty passages. how every
crack resounded upon the boards, and
how her limbs shook as she began TO
ascend once more!
AT last the corridor was reached.
and there was no glimmer of light nor
sound of movement; so far she was
safe. The man was in some room
evidently, seeking for the treasure. A
lew more yards and she would reach
the door.
AT that instant the merest flash H.
Illuminated the end of the passage; she
was only just in time.
Her fingers grasped the handle:
thank God, the door was not locked.
With two steps she was beside the
bed, and was shaking the sleeping
man by his shoulder.
"Bertram, Bertram, get up," she
whispered
Good Lord, Bonnie, what are you
doing here?"
Hush, hush, it's burglar, and he
mas revolver For heavens sake
take care"
Then, having accomplished her mis-
sion from womanly weakness her
nerves gave way; she staggered back
wards with little cry, and sank in
a heap on the floor.
Five minutes afterwards bells were
ringing, lights were flashing along the
passages, every one was wide awake
A shot fired from General Calnard's
window had alarmed the household
ana warned the burglars that their
presence was discovered. Excited
women rushed about inside. whilst
enterprising visitors and men SER
wants, led by General Calnard.
searched the gardens and avenue out
side; but the thieves had made off
and got clear away with some booty.
jewels removed from some of the
guests rooms while Debonnaire was
struggling to free her tresses from the
tolls.
The diamonds. however, were quite
SAFE A few weeks later they served
to crown radiant bride.
But as Debonnaire stood before a
mirror in the drawing-room upon her
wedding day she surveyed her short
ened curly locks regretfully, signing
as her husband touched them lovingly.
:" A woman's glory they say. Alas,
the pity of it. Mine has gone.7
The woman is the glory Of the
man, he answered, land you gre mine
forever, love. "-Chicago Tribune.