Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-06-16
Two Burglars
and a Baby
IN HRS. GEORGE B. KINNEY has left
v the city for q six weeks visit In

in q cheap eating house Of large cit
one morning. They were printed on
torn bit of newspaper with date left o
the top line.
He folded the paper carefully, place
1t in bis coat pocket, and in drizzlin
rain took his way leisurely through tn
streets to Elmwood avenue. until b
reached the house.
With ready excuse for the call pre-
pared, If occasion demanded. he knocke
at the door, tried the bell, and finally
unable to gain admission, went away
But at half-past ten that night he an
his mate went over back fence. climbed
the trellis to the second story and looke'
In.
It was still raining and the place wa
intensely dark, save for dimly burn
ing gas Jet. As the foremost man raiset
himself over the window sill and glanced
into the room he uttered cry Of aston
ishment which made the man below
pull viciously at his coat and caution him
to keep still.
'It's asleep, Jack; only child asleeI
in a CRADLE" he said.
THAT thing don't count" returned
the other savagely, as he felt his matt
backing down upon him.
"But there's sure to be some one else
in the house, you idiot" returned the
first man with an oath, as he chung to the
vines. "Get of the trellis under me,
Pete, or I'll kick you down." he added.
angrily.
"You are a fool, Jack, to give 1t up In
this way!" growled the disappointed
nighthawk, as they reached the ground.
I'VE could have taken care Of the child
easily enough! There's no dog on the
place and I'll be hanged II I'd allow q
maid and a baby to scare me out Of q
good nights work"
BY way Of answer the other grasped
his wrist
Look up there, Pete, on the edge Of
the roof" he said.
A luminous streak ran across the
caves like faint fash Of lightning. A
storm was coming on surely enough, but
1t was not lightning which brought out
the ridge in red silhouette against the
darkness Of the sky.
Suddenly a tiny spiral Of fame twisted
around the base of the chimney, throw
ing of little sparks as 1t mounted higher
and higher.
Great God. Jack, the house is on fret"
cried Pete. There's a light In the gar
ret! The-the-maid has gone to sleep
reading a novel and left the child alone
curse her!"
And with one consent they again
turned their faces to the window and In
less than half minute were in the room.
Everything was quiet, and the solitary
occupant Of the chamber, suddenly wax.
ing from sleep, stretched out its tiny
hands with gesture OF welcome to tho |
man bending over It!
take it away, Jack, cried Pete, "for
the love of Heaven take 1t away. Get |
out of the window and see 1t Is not hurt! |
And, mind you, don't handle 1t roughly |
On the way! If you do I'll settle with |
you when come back!"
There was already smoke in the hall
as the one left in the house opened door
md looked up the stairway. With a
found he was at the head of the flight
velling "Fire!" Come out! come out!"
10 cried to the horror-struck domestic
,eering at him from half-open door.
She only went back into the room
He was quite used to hav-
ng women afraid Of him, and this was
rot the first who had turned and run
It his appearing; but now he swore
oftly under his breath a. he went
o the door.
Don't be afraid Of me, lady" he be-
an, through the keyhole.
Jack had once been q half-breed gen.
leman, and well up in his variety Of
ocial life, and now his training rose
o the needs Of the hour. as he went
n. II am only o Woodworking man,
ldy, and passing the house I saw the
ames from the street. and tried to
aise the family. For Gods sake hurry
p and let me take you down to the
treet!"
"Oh, II you are an honest man." be-
an the voice inside, In strange mix
ire OF suspicion and terror, III you
70 really q good man, I'll trust you!"
With that spinster voice and affec-
Ition she had certainly nothing to
,ar, for Jack had carried far hand
inner but much younger women in
q arms before. She rushed into the ..
III while this thought was passing
rough his mind, only half-dressed.
I'd still looking him over doubtfully. =
at Is not me you should fear. my 2
dy." went on the gallant burglar. 7
ny clothes are rough, but have to y
Drk at night for q living" U
Thank heaven she did not know how a
ecisely true this was. else shemight
I'VE gone back into the room and "
lited cheerfully for the names~
Noting that he actually seemed more
an half afraid Of her, her spirits rose q
the occasion D
,svo., AN coma NTH ma thar auA