The Prescott daily news., 1908-07-23
The Mysterious Package
(Original.1


 There was a great ado in the Stan wood home A package had been de livered at the door addressed to Miss Grace Stanwood, had been received by the butler, and the bearer had gone away without stating who sent the package There was nothing on the wrapper by which the sender could he identified. The Stanwoods were enormously rich and feared that some socialist or anarchist had sent them an internal machine. Miss Stanwood looked at the thing-it rested on a fable in the drawing rOom-studied the address. but could not recognize in the 'I'll take off the wrapper, num-" said the butler who felt somewhat re- sponsible for having taken the pack age in and letting the messenger es- cape.
 The butler cut the string, removed the wrapper carefully so as not to jar the contents and laid bare box with sliding cover.
 There was ring at the doorbell.
 It so happened that Lord Edward Tallywag, an impecunious London swell, who had come over the big pond with view to replenish his exchequer by means of an American wife, had been invited to dinner. He had pro- posed for Miss Stanwoods hand, to say nothing of her fortune-no, this is technically incorrect-the settlement was to be specified in a legal docu- ment, and the matter was as good as settled. The only thing in the way had been removed-namely, Bob Otis, to whom the lady had been engaged and who had been told that in view of this splendid opportunity he must be relegated to position as Lord Tally wag's best man at the wedding. Bob had submitted to the sacrifice so nobly that he had been invited to dine with his lordship with view to getting his instructions as best man.
 Where was |? Oh, 1 rememberl There was a ring at the doorbell. The butler pulled himself together and opened the door. admitting the guest of the evening, Lord Tallywag. His lordship took view of the situation through his monocle, surprised to see the family all on the main floor
 I'm so glad you've come, Lord Tal- lywag," said Mrs. Stanwood excitedly, ito tell us what to do Some one has sent Grace an internal machine"
 Some disappointed lover, suppose" remarked his lordship.
 Dear me" exclaimed Mrs. Stan wood. "It couldn't have been Bob Otis. could itT'
 "Motherr' Miss Stanwood spoke the word reproachfully.
 Another ring at the doorbell This time Bob Otis himself was admitted.
 Speak of Satan." Grace remarked, |'hes sure to appear. Lord Tallywag. this is our old friend MT. Otis"
 Delighted to meet you," said his lordship stiffiy.
 Glad to know you." replied Bob, lowing formally.
 Some one," remarked Mrs. Stan wood, has sent Grace an internal ma chine. Lord Tallywag suggests that it may have come from disappointed lover"
 Something in the tone of Mrs. Stan woods voice caused Mir. Otis to draw himself up stifily. Then he said coldly:
 Since I am well known to have long been an admirer of the lady in ques- ton 1t is incumbent upon me to prove my innocence. Where is this internal machine?"
 Tn the drawing room." Mrs. Stan wood replied.
 MT. Otis walked into the drawing room while the others looked on through open doors. Taking the box rom the table, he scrutinized the ad- dress shook 1t, then held it close to his ear.
 You are right" he said to those gap Ing from distance. Tt is indeed an lhfernal machine. I can hear ticking. Lord Tallywag, if you will come here ana hold the box to your ear you may hear it distinctly"
 Good gracious, man! Do you SUD- pose I'm an ass?"
 You have seen fit to intimate that ah American gentleman would send HIS sweetheart who had discarded him bomb. It becomes me as an Amer ican gentleman to relieve Miss Stan- wood from an unpleasant situation. I shall open the box"
 He began to draw the cover. Those looking on. headed by Lord Tallywag, rushed to the rear of the house. some stopping in the dining room, though his lordship did not pause till at r-t<