The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1906-11-08
The Fool Killer
ror,Sinatl


Of two parts man and money. There
was very little 70 the man, but a great
deal TO the money. which his father had
made for him out OF bones. The only
notable thing Mr.. Belell had ever done
was 10 give a dinner TO dozen persons
costing $1,000 cover. BE was looking
about for another opportunity 10 dis
tinsuish himself when he met and
wooed Carrie Cleaver. She supplied
him with method for gaining ! new
distinction.
Mamma said Miss Cleavcr one day
after her mother had taken ten pounds
Of flesh OF the girl in her efforts to IN
duce her 10 we'd Mr. BedeH, 7 will
consent on one condition ! must be
abducted
Abducted exclaimed the mother.
.-Yes. l am OF 4 romantic disposition
and Mr.. BedeII has aspirations for dis
tincdon. An clopement would set all
the world asos."
Caroline said Mrs. Cleaver. amaz
ed. .,haSe sou taken leave Of your
senses And she swept out OF the
ROOM
But Mr.. BedeIl, though he feared the
absence Of motive would render the
plan unsuitable TO his purpose, still had
mind for it, and so told Mrs. Clcaver.
That lady. being absorbed in the main
object. the marriage. finally consented
to allow the pair ito make fools Of
themselves II they liked"
All things must end, even engage
ment periods. and the day finally ar
rived, or, rather. the night when Miss
Cleaver was to be abducted. She was to
sleep in wing OF the house, where her
mother would not be likely TO become
aware or her flight. Miss Cleaver In
sisted on Carrying out all the details
the same rs in a real elopement Mr..
Bedeli was to bring ladder and
carriage. and the fugitive was to take
only a hand bag. An address was to
be left on Miss BedeIfs pineushion to
which the trunks were 10 be sent the
next day.
Soon after dark on the evening Of the
telspement i wagon drove up to the
CIcaver residence. 4 man carried lad
der into the back yard. and the wagon
was driven away empty. Mrs. Cleayer
looked out Of the window. saw the pro-
ceeding and wondered why her daush-
ter preferred TO see ladder carried
into the back yard 10 numerous costly
presents carried IN at the front door.
Carrie. she called, the ladder has
come. II the fool killer should hap
pen by he might feel disposed to put It
up to your window and carry you OF
himself"
would be take Aisy, too:' drawled
Miss Cleaver.
..Nlr. Bedcll only consents to this fol
y TO humor you"
We'll. mother dear. II the fool killer
comes hope he and Aley will meet
lit would be so romantic to have them
Eight for me-
"Romance. romance. nothing but 70
nance. | call it idiocy."
Eleven O'Clock was fixed for the
Opponent and as the cathedral clock
in the neishborhood struck that hour
Mr.. Bedell drove up TO corner OPP
positc the Ceaver mansion, aliShted
and walked across to the Cleaver back
yard. He was surprised to see the lad
der standing up against the brick wall
and Miss cleaver-s window open. An
other thing lie saw, but it did not i'm.
press him at the tme-a carriage driv-
ing away from point near the gate,
Just as he alishted.
However, resolved to carry out the
programme. he mounted the ladder to
the open window and was about to
look in before entering when he heard
a policeman's club strike the curb op.
posite. so he tumbled in at once. The
room was pitch dark. He called, but
there was no answer. Heheard some
one coming up the ladder and. looking
out. saw the street Lamp shining on
brass. A policeman was mounting. Al
the same THE there was loud ham.
mering on the front door. Tie next
thing that happened was Mrs. cleaver
coming into her daughters room in her
nlghtdress. though this was sfInultane-
ous with the entrance Of the policeman
by the window. Mr.. Bedell made
dive under the bed.
We've got him. ma'am," said the 20.
! licenaan. Hes here. Lock tie doo:-.''
| Mr.. Bedell was dragged from suder
the bed and stood looLsing ut his in.
tended mothcrin-law and the guardian
Of the city. who had stepped TO tho
dresser, brought his lantern 70 bear on
I button and turned on tie Light.
Whats. tIlsm he said. pciing rr Al
bit OF paper fastened to . pincushicn.
Mrs. CIcaver snatchcd !; rr...ss him.
ran her eye over ft.and heldit. crushed.
in her clinehed fist. Meanwhile there
s:ss ? r. owed l. ;,nmerins Mt the 10 II.
-Go d9r'nS airs she s:.iiifs Mr. l.e-
lcll. a::i tel N..scycr i ati.:e door ~
90 av-ay.-
Glad 10 escare the sceltr.in:uo:s fons
she gave him, be dc..ar.cd ut once
SIrs. Cleave= explained 70 the police
man thar there lad been mistake
slipped a bill into his hand. and he
went downstairs to call OF his com
rades. When they had departed Mrs.
cleaver stood with Mr. BedelI in the
drawing room. he in travelling suit, she
still In her niyhtdress. She handed
him the slip Of paper found on the
iresser. he smoothed 1t out and read:
The fool killer came first and carried
ne on. Send trunks to Mrs. Theodore
Kirlcr,ire Il s. Army K1nfei 81 A. p q