Willmar tribune., 1909-07-28
his WIF['S PRISONER.
sy AGNES HUNTINGTON.


Copyright. 1903. by American Press Asso-
ctation.
Mr.. and Mrs. Owens returned from
the theater at II o'clock. They found
the light In the hall turned low, as
they had left it, and, leaving it SO for
the night, as was their custom, went
upstairs. They had barely turned up
the gas on the second floor when they
heard a sound below. Mr.. Owens de-
scended the staircase to learn the
cause and at the bottom met man.
"Who are you, and what are you do.
ing hereY' asked Mr.. Owens.
The man put his finger to his lips.
BE quiet" he said in a whisper.
There are burglars in the house,"
But you-how did you get in?"
Il am a policeman in plain clothes.
I came in through the same window
as the burglars"
Mrs. Owens, fearing some danger to
her husband, followed him downstairs
and asked what was the matter.
Burglars" whispered her husband.
Great heavens! We shall all be
murdered"
''Not while I'm here, madam" said
the policeman, "and If you'll only keep
quiet III bag them all. Go upstairs
and leave them to me-"
Mrs. Owens ran upstairs as fast as
she could go. Mr.. Owens would have
remained below to assist in the cap
ture, but his wife called him and
threatened to 60 down again If he
didn't come up. The policeman told
him to go and keep her quiet. So Mr..
Owens followed his wife upstairs and
into her bedroom, where she locked
him in with her and took the key out
Of the lock.
Mr.. Owens remained comparatively
passive for some ten minutes, occa-
sionally listening. Hearing mufflcd
sounds below and not liking the idea
Of the contemplate position he occu-
pied, he demanded the key Of the bed
room door of his wife, that he might
60 down to see what was going on
and take part in it II necessary. Mrs.
Owens, terror stricken at such an
event and fearing that her husband
would take the key by force, rushed
to the window. lifted the sash and
threw the key out. Mr.. Owens uttered
an exclamation Of dissatisfaction, but
could do nothing. He was locked in.
Under such circumstances one will
often do something ridiculous. Mr..
Owens leaned out Of the window and
looked down through the gloom for
the key. He heard in stage whisper
from below "Hist!
"Who are your asked Owens.
"A neighbor of yours. I think there
are burglars in your house,
'There are, but there Is plain
clothes man after them"
"Aren't you going down to help?"
I'D like to, but my wife objects"
"H'm! don't think my wife would
keep me upstairs with burglars in the
house."
"Nor mine either If could help my
self. She locked the door and threw
the key out Of the window. 1 wish
you would look for it and toss it back"
"Not !. If you should get shot your
wife would never forgive me.''
"What the dickens am to do? I'm
locked up here like kid in nursery.
What pickle for a full grown mani
II you don't mind I'd like you to go
In and see the condition of things"
mo, thanks. I've got a wife and
FIVE kids at home. I'm not going to
buck up against the revolvers of pro-
fessional burglars to save the property
Of those who lock themselves in. Be-
sides, If the police are on to the matter
there's no need Of any one else taking
it up. Good night. I'm going home
l just thought I'd step over and tell
you my suspicious"
This dialogue was carried on in
quick whispers between the two men,
the neighbor being almost invisible.
The neighbor disappeared. Then, after
it was too late, Owens thought that he
might have asked him to telephone the
police for assistance for the single
plain clothes man who was trying to
capture the gang below. But he was
under excitement and not able to think
clearly.
An hour passed and Mr.. Owens was
still q prisoner. Then he heard foot
steps below as of several men passing
out Of the place.
"Hello!" called voice.
"WellY' asked Mr.. Owens.
I'VE got EN-