Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-03-17
sHEPHERDsTOWN W. VA, THURSDAY, MARCH II, 1904

the dressing room for which he was
looking. Before he could step back
and turn down the corridor again the
unexpected happened. He received
violent push from behind, which
flung him forward out of the door
way into the room the door was in
stantly locked upon him, and he was
prisoner.
"Smythe luck !" said the poor man,
as he tried in vain to open the door
and knew by the rumpus he could
hear outside that the house was in
state of excitement. 81 suppose they
will think I was trying to steal some
thing"
And to add to his terror he heard
the alarmed household coming up
stairs. and the next moment the door
Of his room was opened, and his host,
backed by all the male guests, stood IN
the open doorway.
What are you doing here'" was
the first question his host proPOunded.
Tel the truth, now, as you would
hope for mercy.
u came here to get my hat and
coat, said the professor, the dignity
of all the Smythes since Mount Ara
rat in his thin, raspiDg tones,
"a likely story. Turn your Pock-
els inside out, commanded the host.
Il refuse to do it "
Then I will send for the police
I was willing to give you chance,
but if you refuse to be searched you
are guilty"
Il am not thief
Il DO not know Your actions are
very suspicious You can explain
matters to the chief of police There
must be reasons why you refuse to be
searched II you are honest, you have
nothing to conceal
A hollow laugh rang through the
room. Was it possible the bold in
truder dared to laugh at them? 1t
was the laugh of despair, and as such
it smote upon the heart Of the host,
who looked troubled and perplexed
His enforced guest saw the look, and
it suggested line of action to him.
Send these men away, be said,
pointing to the group of alarmed
guests crowding in at the door He
wss glad the women had remained
below stairs and not come to gaze
upon his discontinue. He did not
know that they were locked mp in
fear and trembling in distant parIor.
"We won't go, chorused the group
He may want to murder you"
Il don't think be will, " said the
host, who was really soft hearted
I'll trust him, and you fellows can
20 to the ladies'. I'll call if l need
help"
They went, rather glad to be out o +
t, and the two men, left together,
eyed each other, one waiting for the
other to speak. They were exactly
opposite in appearance, one rosy and
rubicund, the other thin and anxious,
a meager travesty on a successful
man.
81 refused to let you search me,
said the professor slowly, because
oh, my God, how can I acknowl-
edge it'll am thief T.
The other man started and moved
toward the door. Then be waited.
u have stolen from you-here let
me show you, and you will know why
I could have died easier than to have
those people gloating over me. See
here-and here-and here"
He took the valuables out Of his
pocket one by one. They made a
strange exhibit as he piled them up
on the table in front Of him. They
were a roll of dinner bread, pate,
sweetbread rolled in leaf of let
tuce, a chicken breast, bit Of toasted
bread and a caviare sandwich. He
brought them out to the last crumb,
with the manner of one who lays his
life on the altar of sacrifice.
Great heavens, man, what does
this mean ?" asked the sstonished
host.
at means" replied the other SOL
emnly, that my sick wife and my
little children are starving, and that
I pilfered from my share of food at
your table to give them, for my rent
is overdue and the money l earned is
already spent"
uP,t vbat did Won eat vourself ?"