The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1905-07-13


of value
Il wish you'd come round an tell
that to my wife" said the driver "She
makes me sleep with loaded shotgun
standin' ag'in the head O the bed, an
then she's so derned scared for fear the
gun II 90 off that she sets up all night
to watch it."
At this he struck his infirm steed a
spiteful blow, and the creature ambled
along with the gait Of Il toy horse
carved from a single piece Of wood
until we came to Cousin Jim's house,
which was the last on the street Be
yOnd was a large vacant. corner lot
and then a highway scantily adorned
with residences. As a mark for mid
night marauders Cousin Jim's domicile
was well set, and l said 50 jocularly
to the driver while presenting him
with Il small token Of my esteem.
You're right" said he, pocketing my
coin, and then lie added in Il low voice,
There's stuff in that house that the
young lady don't know about-stuff
that's worth stealin'."
What stuff" said l. But he shook
his head as he climbed into the wagon.
Il dunno nothin' pers nally," said he.
Il only know what folks say. Get up,
Calamityr
The well named steed moved off, and
l turned toward the house. There was
a dim light in the hall, and Il brighter
glow shOne from some windows in the
second story. Margaret was leaning
out from the railing of the veranda
and calling to her mother to come
down and unlock the screen door. I
paused upon the walk and for the first
time became fully aware of the sin
gular oppressiveucss Of the night The
air was utterly stagnant; but, looking
aloft. saw a scurrying mass of little
clouds ike disordercd troops in re
treat.
As I lowered my eyes there came a
prolonged fash of lightning, like a Sc
ries of winks, and by this illumination
L saw the figure OF a man crouching
behind bush at the far corner of the
house. In my ordinary state Of nerves
this would not have startled me- The
mans presence might have simple
explanation, and, even though he were
there upon dishonest business, he
might easily be frightened off.
Before | could decide what to do
Mrs. Stanwood and Uncle Henry APP
poared at the door. l picked up my
satchel from the walk and hurried
forward. In a tremulous voice Mrs.
Stanwood expressed her pleasure at
my coming. and she introduced me to
Uncle Henry. q hesitating man who
seemed always to be afraid that he
had forgotten something.
4 must be going" said he at the ear
lieSt possible moment. The folks at
home will be anxious"
He stood 4 moment rubbing his chin
obviously and then babe Us good night
and wandered away, shaking his head.
I was shown to nay room, and after
removing the stains Of travel l joined
the ladies in the sitting room on the
second floor
They seemed to be struggling with
some vague alarm.
Mamma thinks she heard a noise
down in the kitchen" said Margaret in
explanation.
"Show me that noise" said l, taking
the pose of a stage hero, and l will
beat its brains out"
The kitchen is at the far end of the
hail." responded Mrs. Stanwood. This
little house is built on straight lines.
When ali the doors are open, you can
stand in the front vestibule and see the
big tree in the back yard through the
kitchen window. Still there's no real
need Of your going down there"
The last sentence was so obviously
insincere that I gave it no heed. be-
gan to descend the stairs.
You might make sure that the front
door is locked" called Mrs Stanwood.
This suited me precisely, for what l
chiefly desired was to get a look out
side. Therefore l opened the inner
glass paneled door of the veStibule
with the intention of going out upon
the veranda and came face to face with
a squarely built, grim vsaged man,
roughly dressed and wearing a cap.
1t was an even chance in the first in
slant whether | should faint away or
leap at the Villains throat, and then l
bethought me that he must be Robert,
the manservant.
Robert l said in low voice, was
it you whom | saw at the corner Of the
house Il few minutes ago?"
he stared nj mo y m0moDt thpD