The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1906-10-05

other side was what M ol1e Wilson a l.
ways designated as "a die-away sort of
person." and was her especial detesta-
ton.
81 am glad of that" said the prisoner
in a relieved tone.
why ?" with evident interest.
why. you know" confdentiallv, Il
should not want her to capture me-"
81 should think not. Well, you need
not fear, she never will. now"
Don't you think it is cruel to keep a
fellow being shut up in the dark so
long? ?"
"a burglar isn't a fellow being; he is
just a-a-a burglar"
"a burglar? Whew Do you think
could put one of my cards through the
key-hole ,"
81 am sure don't know"
May try"
"Yes"
Then came jingle as of silver money
and rustling of garments as the man
searched his pockets.
"WelI, hang it all, haven't one"
81 thought you had not"
"They are in the breast-pCcket of MY
coat. left in your hall; will you not go
down and get one?'
"And have you come out and murder
me while am gone? No, sir"
"Will you please let me OUT"
"No, sir, never"
What, never"
"WelI, no." smiling in spite of herself,
mot after that"
81 suppose could kick the door open. J"
She gave a little scream. ooh. don't,
please don't do that"
"Well, there, there. don't be frightened
l will not kick, nor even try to get out. !"
Then there was silence and she began
to feel little doubtful about her prisoner
and was debating with herself as to
whether she would not better call a
policeman, when she heard her brother
and his wife in the hall below.
Harry" she called from the head of
the stairs. "come up here at once"
Harry came up. What is it, Sis?'
1--WE got man shut up in that closet.
l think he is a burglar, but he says he
isn't, and begin to think that he is tell
ing the truth
How did you get him there?'
"Well, l came up the stairs and he was
just going into the closet, and l ran and
locked him in
"Yes," said a voice, almost checked
with laughter, land I'm here yet"
who are youH'
Charles Kingsley, visiting my sister
at No. +, next door, presume-left my
hat and coat in your hall. You will find
letters in the coat pocket; you can verify
my statement in moment if you choose"
Charles Kingsley? He called at my
Office today with Brown" then to Mollie,
at is all right, Sis, burglars do not leave
hats and coats in the hall. | have met
this gentleman You may come out
added, opening the door. And Mr..
Kingsley advanced into the lighted room
and looked quizzically at his gaoler. She
gave one glance at the laughing brown
eyes bent upon her. and then fled from
the room. 1t was the gentleman she had
seen in church.
"Ah! you are Mr. Wilson" said Kings
ley, in pleasant tone, as that gentleman
held out his hand. II hope you will
pardon me for entering your house in this
manner l arrived on Saturday, the
houses are just alike on the outside-and
inside, too, believe, and in the dim light
l did not notice the number. l should
have noticed that this was a lady S
ROOM" said he, glancing at the dainty
furnishing, but the gas was turned low
and the room l occupied at my sisters is
furnished much the same; in fact, she gave
up her own room to me, for the house is
full of company. l went into closet for
bcotjack thought | had left there and
putting my hand into a bandbox, had
lust concluded that l would better have
more light, when the young lady locked
the door. i fear | frightened her very
much; will you present my regrets, and
say that am truly sorry"
Come over tomorrow and dine with
US, and make your peace with the young
lady herself" said Wilson.
The invitation so cordially given was
accepted; in fact Mr.. Kingsley became a
! frequent visitor at the Wilson homestead
somewhat to the disappointment of his
good sister, who had fully intended he
should marry DR.. Clark's sister and
heiress, Bella, and who, as soon as she
had made up her mind on the subject, SET
herself about defeating her own wishes
by filling every letter to her brother with
praise of the paragon she would have
chosen for him had not the fates willeC
otherwise.
Six weeks from the date of his incar
ceration in the Wilson mansion, he entered
the parlor and found Miss Mollie alone
Miss Wilson," he began, when | cam
here six weeks ago you thought cam
to steal. but you were the thief, for yol
stole my heart, You made me an un