Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-16

woods, far away from assistance, and at
their mercy. What could he, boy Of
fifteen, do against their combined attack?
He would have preferred to sleep in the
woods without shelter, rather than
have placed himself in their power.
Under the inf1unce of this apprehen-
sion, he examined the door to see if
there was any way of locking it. But
there was neither lock nor bolt There
had been bolt once, but there was none
now. Next he looked about the room to
see if there was any heavy article Of
furniture with which he could barricade
the door. But, as has already been
said, there was neither bureau nor table,
In fact. there was absolutely no article
OF furniture except single wooden chair,
and that, of course, would be of no SER
vice.
What shall l do?' thought Walter,
'That man can enter the room when l
am asleep, and rob me of all my money"
Looking about the ROOM he noticed a
closet, the door of which was bolted on
the outside. Withdrawing the bolt, he
opened the door and looked in 1t was
nearly empty containing only a few
articles of little or no value. A plan of
operations rapidly suggested itself to Wal
ter in case the room should be entered
while he was asleep. In pursuance of
this plan he threw a few pennies upon
the floor of the closet, and then closed
the door again. Next he drew from his
pocketbook all the money it contained
except a single fve-dolIar bill. The bank
notes thus removed amounted to fifty
five dollars. He then drew off his stock
ings, and, laying the bills in the bottom
again put them on.
Walters feelings, as he lay on his
hard bed on the floor, were far from
pleasant. He was not sure that an at
tempt would be made to rob him, but the
probability seemed so great that he could
not compose himself to Sleep Suspense
was so painful that he almost wished that
Jack would come up if he intended to.
He was tired, but his mental anxiety tri-
umphed over his bodily fatigue, and he
tossed about restlessly.
1t was about nine O'Clock when he went
to bed. Two hours passed, and still there
were no signs of the apprehended inva-
sion. But, five minutes later, heavy
step was heard upon the staircase, which
creaked beneath the weight of the man
ascending. Jack tried to come up softly,
but it creaked nevertheless.
Walters heart beat quick, as he heard
the steps approaching nearer and nearer
1t was certainly a trying moment, that
might have tested the courage of one old
err than our hero. Presently the door
opened softly, and Jack advanced stealth
lily into the chamber, carrying a candle
which, however, was unlighted. He reck-
oned upon finding Walter undressed, and
his clothes hanging over the chair: but
the faint light that entered through the
window showed him that his intended vic
tim had not removed his clothing
The robber paused a moment and then.
stopping over, inserted his hand into
Walters picket. He drew out the peck
etbook, Walter making no sign of being
aware of what was going on.
I've got it," muttered Jack, with sat
isfaction, and stealthily retraced his steps
to the door. lie went out, carefully clos
ing it after him. and again the steps
creaked beneath his weight
I'm afraid he'll come back when he
finds how little there is in it," thought
Walter IF So | must trust to my
PLAN
The door was soon again thrown open,
and Jack strobe in, bearing in his hand
candle, this time lighted. He advanced
to the bed, and, bending over, shook
Walter vigorously.
What's the NATTER" asked our hero
this time opening his eyes, and assuming
look of surprise. rs it time to get
up?"
Its time for You to get up. I've got
something to say to you"
We'll" said Walter, sitting up in bed
I'm ready
"Where've you put the money you had
last night?"
Walter put his hand in his pocket
1T was in my pocketbook," he said !;
but it's gone"
Here is your pocketbook," said Jack,
producing it.
Did you take it out of my pocket?
What made you take it? Do you mean
to steal my money!"
YES. do; and the sooner you hand it
over the better"
Il have some more money" said Wal
ter 'but 1 hope you viii let me keep it"
What made you take it out of your
pocketbook 2"
Because l thought l should have a
visit from YOU"
What made you think so?" demanded
Jack. rather surprised
Il can't tell but | expected a visit
so l took out most of my money and
hid it"
Then you'd better find it again. l
can't wait here all night Get up and
find me that money, or it'll be the worse
for you"
Il hid some money in that closet" said
Walter. Il thought you would not think
of looking there
No sooner was the closet pointed out
than Jack eagerly strobe toward it and
threw open the door. He entered il, and
began to peer about him, holding the can
die in his hand
Where did you put it?'' he inquired
turning TO question Walter.
But he had scarcely spoken when our
hero closed the door hastily. and. before
Jack could recover from his surprise. had
bolted it on the outside. To add to the
discontinue of the imprisoned robber, the
the door blew out the candle, and he
found himself a captive in utter dark
ness.
Let me out. or I'll murder you ~ he
roared, kicking the barrier that separated
him from his late victim, now his captor
Walter saw that there was no time to
lose. The door, though strong would
probably soon give way before the
strength of his prisoner When the lib
GRAFTON took place. he must be gone. He
held the handle of his carpetbag between
his teeth, and, getting out of the window.
hung down. The distance was not great,
end he alighted upon the ground without
injury. Without delay he plunged into
the woods, not caring in what direction
he went. as long as it carried him away
from his dishonest landlord.
(To be continued.)
Doing Shores.
To dig ones own potatoes, to shock
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