The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-06-18
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES,
n Gentleman
+. Burglar
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
copyright, 1909, by American Press Asso-
riatinn I

lie burglar was stunning NJ the
sideboard, pouring himself glass of
wine from decanter. He wore a
mask and ovcralls. click at the
knob Of the door behind him arrested
his attention. He turned glass in
hand, and faced a young lady in even
ing dress.
There was something very unlike the
class to which the burglar belonged in
his courtly bow.
'You surprise me-" he said. II did
not expect to find any Of the family up
at this time Of night. 1 am about to
take a glass of wine. Will you permit
me to pour one for your
"You will find the silver kept for
daily use in that drawer" pointing to
the sideboard. ''Take it all and well
come. Don't go upstairs You will
brighten every one dreadfully."
II don't need more than one piece"
said the burglar, "but it must bear the
initials Of its present owner"
"Only one piece! May 1 ask the
cause Of such modest demand? l
was not aware that burglars took such
frightful risks to Intentionally leave
the plumber behind"
Whether it was the burglars courtly
manner, his we'll modulated voice or
an air about him indicating that he
had been to the manner born, the girl
ceased to be afraid Of him.
Perhaps" she added, you are some
respectable man who has been led into
this life by force Of circumstances
and, smitten by conscience, you con-
fine yourself to very small robbery,
just enough to gain the means for
meal. can give you money instead,
in which there is nothing to betray
you. That would be much better than
TO take piece Of silver with our mark
on it,"
"Your kind thoughtfulness delights
me. But money is no object to meat
least your money. l can make more by
taking these sugar tongs. Probably
they didn't cost SO. They are worth
$500 to me-"
give hundred"
"Yes, and if l don't get away with
them or some other article in this
drawer it will cost me $500-in other
words, there is a difference to me Of
$1,000"
You are joking"
ETHEL" called mans voice from
the hall above.
Eyes, fatherr'
what are you doing down there.
Go to bed"
"Tell him." whispered the burglar,
'that you are getting some refresh
ment"
I'm getting some refreshment" she
repeated.
"Who is with you? heard some one
talking"
"Say a gentleman you met during
the evening who came home with you
and whom you asked in"
"That would be fib."
"Well, then, say gentleman friend
Of yours"
"That would be worse fib. I don't
make friends with burglars"
There was a sound of slippers flap
ping on the stairs. The burglar pulled
off his mask and threw 1t under the
dining table, then, unbuttoning his
overalls at the back Of his neck, they
fell to the floor and he kicked them
under the sideboard. He was in even
ing dress, his bosom covered with
cotillon favors. Scarcely had the
change of costume been made than an
old gentleman in dressing gown and
slippers entered the room.
Father" stammered the girl, "this
is Mr.. Merryman. He was at Mrs. APP
saw me home"
Mr.. Merryman bowed. The old gentle
man bowed stif1y and said to his
daughter:
81 didn't hear any one with you
when you came in"
Didn't you, father"
81 have on my rubbers," said Mr..
Merryman. "They exclude water and
have the advantage Of making no
noise"
Convenient for thieves" remarked
Miss Ethel, in whose eyes there was
now dancing much merriment.
"Your daughter kindly asked me in
for glass Of wine," said the intruder.
"Can induce you to join me, STRIP
At this master stroke of impudence
Miss Ethel repressed smile, and her
father repressed an exclamation OF
dissatisfaction. With mo, l thank
you" he turned on his heel and went
upstairs.
bob Merryman," exclaimed the girl,
what does this meanr'
1T means this: After the last time
you favored me In the cotillon-this
badge here-I left Mrs. Appleton's for
the club. There I met a party of fell
lows, and after lot of talk bet Per-
kins that l would burglarize your ia
theirs house, bringing away some ar
ticle Of silver properly marked as evil
dence Of the burglary. You interrupt
ed me In my honest work Of making
money enough to buy wine and cigars
for q month, and unless you let me
get away with the proof instead OF
winning I'll loose an equal amount"
upon my word! What pranks you
men will be up to! Take the sugar
longs"
Thank you very much. Let me see.
Are these your fathers initialsT