The Jasper news. [volume] (Jasper, Missouri) 1898-1924, 1909-04-29

smash OF glass, ana with a cry he fell
In heap on the stones at their feet.
Then in the moonlight they saw the
white face of the pickpocket peeping
over the sill, and while some stayed
in the yard, others ran into the
house and helped the other man to
break the door In. 1t was difficult TO
obtain an entrance even then, for 1t
was barred with heavy furniture, but
they got in at last. and the first thing
that met their eyes was the body Of
Jerry dangling from the top OF the
bed by his own handkerchief.
(which bedroom was it?' asked
two or three voices together.
The narrator shook his head
'Thatll do" said an uneasy voice.
II wish you'd thought to ask your
father which bedroom it was
"what for?" inquired the old gen.
jtleman.
We'll, should take care not to
sleep In 1t. that's all" said the voice.
shortly.
'Pooh nonsense!" said the. old
gentleman, rising; GHOSTS can't hurt
you. For my own part, 1 should
rather like to see one. Good night,
gentlemen" !"
"old humbugin said Hirst Il
should like to put him to the test.
Suppose dress up as Jerry Bundler
and go and give him chance OF dis
playing his courage?'
Bravo" said Malcolm, huslsily,
drowning one or two faint noes"
Just for the joke, gentlemen.
mo, no! Drop it. Hirst," said an.
other man,
Only for the joke said Hirst, some
what eagerly. 1--WE got some things
upstairs in which am going to play
In the Rivals--k knee breeches, buckles,
and all chat sort of thing. It's rare
chance. IL you'll wait bit I'll give
you full-dress rehearsal, entitled,
Jerry Bundler; or The Nocturnal
Stranger. ;"
'I'll bet you level SOW. you don't
frighten me- said the stout trav,
eler.
"Done!" said Hirst. ''I'll take the
bet to frighten you first and the
old gentleman afterwards. These gen
tlemen shall be the judges"
He ran lightly upstairs to his room,
leaving the others, most Of whom had
been drinking somewhat freely, to
wrangle about his proceedings. 1t
ended in two of them going to bed.
He's crazy on acting" said
Somers. lighting his pipe. Thinks
he's the equal of anybody almost. It
doesn't matter with us, but won't
let him go to the old man. And he
! won't mind SO long as he gets an op,
| portunity of acing to u.s."
"E's comm, gentlemen" he said,
breathlessly.
''Why. you're frightened. George"
said the stout commercial, with a
chuckle
ut was the suddenness of It," said
George, sheepishly; "and besides. l
| didn't look for seein' Inn In the bar.
There's only glimmer OF light there,
and e was sitting on the floor behind
the bar. ! nearly trod on i'm"
"oh, youth never make man,
George" said Malcolm. =
You don't know what it's like, sir, -
said George. catching him by the
sleeve. 1T amt fit to look at by
yourself, 1t amt, indeed. It's got the
What's that?p
They all started at the sound of q
smothered cry from the staircase and
the sound of somebody running hur-
riedly along the passage. Before
anybody could speak. the door flew
open and figure, bursting into the
room, flung itself gasping and shiyer.
ing upon them.
What is it? What's the matter?''
demanded Ma,colm. why, it's Mr.
Hirst," He shook him roughly and then
held some spirit to his. lips. Hirst
drank 1t grsedily, and with sharp
intake of his breath gripped him by
the arm
Light the gas, George said Nal.
colin.
The waiter obeyed, hastily. Hirst,
q ludicrous but pitiable figure In
knee.breeches and coat, large wig
all awry and his face mess OF grease
paint, clung to him trembling.