The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-12

"oa but you must est married.. she
began. Forcing q brisk and enthusiastic
manner. IA good wife would be the
sewing of you" Cher cheeks crlmsoned
beneath his steady, di-HeoncertinE gaze,
but She went on bfaYely with her set
little speechl. Nov, take my advice,
and be on the lookout for a nice.
thrifty young woman. some one who'll
take care Of YOU and look after your
savings
Thank you, ma'am." said the bur
glar.
He stepped abruptly. his words cut
short BY the distant shrek OF an en-
CINE that suddenly filled the room.
'The 1880 e~xpress!" calculated the
girl, Tom has arrived"
"Your brotherl" repeated the bur-
glar incredulously, ''already?'
'YesI"-she was feYerishly consult
ing her watch-"he,n be here in Eve
minutes-no, ten at the latest Hor
voice shook a little, Aren't you go
ing now?"
mo" said the burglar. He had
crossed the room and now stood facing
her, his broad shoulders set agatnst the
door.
'No, he declared emphatically. "Tve
about decided to stay and give my
self up"
But, she stammercd, her eyes look
ing aDpealingly in his, I'll want you
to escape this time.
The burglar started perceptibly chi
escape?" he calculated. Eli couldn't
have card you rightly, mum; you
li6n't use that word?" She vas stand
ing by the window, her hands pressed
tightly together. Eyes" she said de-
terminedly, escape right away-by
this window. I insist upon it."
He got up on the sill. well, ma'am'
THUS roproschfuIly), "it's not my wish
you houghtn't to ave tempted a re-
pentant burglar from following after
his converted conscience"
She hastened in sudden recollection
to pick UP his bag from the floor.
Don't wait another instant" b
warned him, Here's your Yalise,
Now, go"
He swung himself out Of sight.
The girl watched a moment by the win
dow listening intently, but not a sound
was to be heard. He must have gotten
away safely. Five minutes passed, ten.
Il need not have hurried him way so
fast" she thought In sudden disappoint-
ment.
But a sudden slam of the door cut short
her m%editations. Hello, Sis" cried a
big voice, and running forward, the girl
threw her arms around a stalwart indi-
vidual in an ulster.
eyes, here / am at last" he an
nounced cheerfully. "Was detained I'M
e%xpectedly by my lawyer in Boston, so
1 sent on Jack ahead. BY the way (his
voice sunk to a whisper) he's my ranch
ing chum, whom I've brought back with
me; aWfully nice fellow. Gave him my
latchkey and told him to make himself
at home. l knew you'd look after him
all right" Gle broke into a laugh.)
'And yet in spite OF all my directions,
I'm blest if the old chap didn't reach the
house just as i did. Come in, Jack, and
explain now u LOST your Way!"
I'm afraid there was a mistake some
where" confessed a Well-known voice.
The girl gave a great start. In the
doorway, behind Tom, topping even his
tall shoulders, appeared an unmistaka-
bic figure in gray tweeds.
He was coming towards her. AS in q
dream her hands were taken in a firm,
friendly grasp. $50 glad to meet Toms
sister," said a familiar voice. Il really
feel as if I knew you already"
80 do l." she faltered, her eyes meet
ing his in swift appeal, and yet I don't
even know your name"
That's SO" broke in her brother. "ITl
have to make a formal introduction.
Mildred, allow me to present to you Lord
Huntington, captain Of Her Majesty's
Life Guards and the earl of DeerfeId."