Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-09-25

ant was alone and seemed to be busily
engaged in cooking his supper. When
l had made sure Of this, I hurried
around to the front piazza and began
to climb the post which had once be-.
fore served me similar good turn.
Knowing the way WELL l made quick
work in climbing on the roof Of the
house, and | reached the cupola with.
out mishap. Here ] found everything
MS I had left 1t during my previous
visit l opened the window without
difficulty and proceeded to lift the trap
door in the floor. The lock had not
been tempered with, and nobody had
ever been the wiser for my first visit
In a few moments l found my way
down the ladder and stood in the upper
hall. The house was wrapped in dark.
ness, except for the light in the kitchen.
This all helped to make my plan easier.
l descended the front stairs noise.
lessly, and through the half open door
l could catch a glimpse of the old
servant. From this position l could
measure his probable strength and
powers. 1t was necessary that should
be able to cope successfully with him,
and was not going to INn any risk.
For some time | watched his slow
movements about the kitchen. He pre-
pared his supper and ate it in silence.
Then when he proceeded to wash
the dishes found that it was getting
late, and for the success Of my plan it
would be necessary to expedite mat
tiers. I purposely dropped heavy
book in the front hall and then glided
quickly behind the office portieres.
The noise. as l expected, attracted the
old man from his work and he came
catlike into the hall, peering intently
ahead of him.
He did nos expect to find any one in
the house The noise sounded as II it
proceeded from the front piazza. The
old man glanced through the plate
glass Of the front door before he
opened it. This was my opportunity.
| sprang out of the darkness and
landed plump upon the mans back,
carrying him to the floor by my weight.
AS we fell together had grasped his
locked behind him. For moment he
was so frightened by this sudden at
tack that he did not struggle but when
he felt me running a rope around his
elbows and wrists he summoned all
of his strength and fought desperately.
| had not underestimated his
strength. He was thin and 1.-the, but
.ftt1 CT, 70
serpent in his wriggling, and l had the
greatest difficulty in the world to hold
him. We struggled and scuffled about
the hall floor for ten minutes before |
could tame him. Once or twice l felt
that the battle was going against me,
but l renewed my efforts and finally
pnioned his arms behind him with
the rope.
With his arms securely tied the man
gave up the struggle and lay there
painting and trying to speak. l saw
that he was really dumb, although not
deaf He could not speak, but he
could hear
BE quiet now. and ! shall not hurt
you" l said in answer to the question
which could plainly read in his eyes.
I'm not going to harm you; only you
must submit to being bound for the
rest of the night. l will make you as
comfortable as possible"
l picked him up and carried him
with difficulty to one of the bedrooms
upstairs. After placing him in an easy
position on the bed tied him securely
to the posts, running the ropes round
and round his body and the bed. He
looked more like bandaged mummy
than a living being when / had fin
ished.
Nov, you'n remain there until call
for YOU" | said. IF ! catch you at
tempting to escape, I'll shoot you"
l placed my revolver at his temple as
l spoke to emphasize my words. He
looked frightened and shook his head
vigorously.
Then l left him, locking the door and
windows securely, and returned to the
scene of our recent struggle. l lighted
a lamp long enough to give me an OPP
portunity to clean up things which we
had displaced In our struggle. l want
ed everything to appear natural when
the doctor returned home.
Leaving dim light burning in the
kitchen, took the front door key with
me and stepped out into the cool night
air. $50 far so good" said to my
self, 1t was then half past s. and l
had half an hour in which to reach
the Stetson mansion in time to meet
my appointment.