Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-01-27
The Sheriff and the
Chauffeur.
By ClARISSA MACKE.
Copyrighted. 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.

The farm gate creaked loudly, and
Annie Jane hoped out OF bed and
ran to the widow. Two triangular
patches of light on the driveway, fol
lowed by a dark bulk. betrayed the
arrival of an automobile The voices
Of men raised in angry alteration
fioated through the open window.
"Oh, dear. He's caught another
one" walled Annie Jane sleepily as
she lighted candle and proceeded to
brush her pretty brown hair.
The mirror reflected lovely face.
full Of sweetness and modesty, with
soft curves and enchanting dimples.
IF mother was only at home to take
turns with me-
annie Janew beloved a voice up
the stairway. You git dressed and
come down l got another one of
them cha wfers down here"
Coming, father" yawned Annie
Jane, bu stoning herself into little
pink frock she had worn that afternoon.
When she entered the kitchen her
father WIS sitting on corner OF the
table fuss'ing with an old fashioned
revolver. Beside him was a shotgun,
Every separate snowy whisker of
the sheriff bristled with hostility when
he glanced toward the iawbreaker
whom he had captured.
The uni Apply prisoner was lounging.
his chsir lifted back against the wall
He was also smoking cigarette and
eying his warlike eaptor with good
natured tolerance. He jumped to his
feet when he saw Annie Jane. and the
cigarette performed parabola into
the coal scuttle.
.'Sit DOWN. roared Peter Lamson. Il
reckon you don't realize you're a pris-
oner, young man! Now. Annie Jane"
he added, turning to the girl, I'm go
ing over to get the justice and have
him
You better LET me take you over IN
MY car" interrupted the prisoner
eagerly.
The sheriff elared at him wrathful-
~. Eyes, and when you get me out
in the road yon'll run away with me
Just rs 4 chawfer did with a sheriff
down Scuogue wayi As I said, Annie
Jane" lie continued. turning his broad
back on the prisoner and addressing
his daughter. I'm going to ride over
to Justice Nainwright's and get him
to come over. If he amt to home,
III get Smith. But I wanted VAIN
wright to know I'm looking after
things on the Willow road"
"Oh, l say. sheriff" said the pris-
oner. Withdrawing his glance from
Annie James downeast face. "I'--
"You keep still. Young feller~ thun-
dered Peter Lamson, unbending bis
figure to its full height Now, you
understand that whatever yeu say
will be used agin you! Do you
mareh into that pantry, double quickr'
+ The chauffeur measured the sheriff
with calculating eye. At the end of
q minute his gaze encountered Annie
James appealing glance. Then he
bowed his head and disappeared with
in the dark pantry.
The sheriff slammed the door, locked
it and hung the key on convenient
nail Then he opened sliding door
in the wall of the pantry
Nov. Annie Jane, you set here in
front Of the little door, and if that
chawfef tries to get out do you use
this weepon on him! Better aim for
his feet. Thatn stop him quicker'n
anything else" He thrust the re-
volver into his daughters reluctant
grasp.
You know I'm afraid Of firearms,
father!- cried Annie Jane timorously.
II couldn't shoot 1t or"
Peter Lamson bent his head until
his white whiskers brushed Annie
James pink ear. at amt loaded" he
whispered hoarsely. Then, with an
elaborate wink at the girl, he left the
room.
Five minutes later Annie Jane,
crouched in the Boston rocker, facing
the pantry, heard the rattle of wheels
as her father rode out of the gate
Just then tall clock in the corner
chimed IL.
Put the revolver on the table il you
are afraid CT it; won't try to escape"
said reassuring voice from the pam
try. Framed in the opening was the
good looking face Of the prisoner.
III you'll promise" said Annie Jane
relievedly. She placed the weapon on
the table and resumed her seat
Father is very-very conscientious"
abe murmured alphabetically.
There was distinct chuckle from
the pantry. 81 have noticed that" re-
marked the chauffeur dryly.
Father has only been sheriff since
the first Of the MONTH" she further ex-
planned. "You know there is sign
board down the road which says that
motorists must slow down to ten miles
and"
"Pm aware Of it. That's what hap
pened to mer'
1T happens to so many Of them"
sighed Annie Jane. And then father