The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-05-27
HER GREAT CAPTURE
BY IRMA D. WILSON.

clatIOul
Miss Amy Pettengill was ina dread.
full position. 1t was 9 o'clock at night.
She was alone in the house. and she
had warning that burglars were com.
ing. There had been ring at the
doorbell. She had answered it, but
found no one. A bit of paper futtered
down as she opened the door. and,
picking it up, she read. Burglars TO-
night"
This bare statement of the fact was
enough to put Miss Pettengill in a
tremor. She was not interested to
know why or by whom she had been
warned, but the thought flashed through
her mind that some one of the gang
had turned against his fellows either
through a stricken conscience or re-
venge.
But what was she to do? The FAM
lily had left her for the night with
only a maid, and the maid had disap-
peared. Had she anything to do with
the proposed burglary? Probably. She
was a new girl and had been employed
without a character" There was no
telephone connection, the house stood
half a mile from any other. and the
night was stormy. Nevertheless Miss
Pettengill put on her rubbers, took an
umbrella and was about to 60 for as
sistance when she heard voices with
out. She stood still in the hall, para
lyzed with terror. Then came q ring
at the doorbell.
To refuse admittance to any one who
An entrance could be forced at any
opening. The front door even was not
locked. Her only defense was strata
gem. She would admit the burglar,
pretend not to know what he had come
for and watch an opportunity-that is.
II he did not bind and gag her-in the
hope of putting him in corner. Sum-
moning all the resolution there was
left in her, she opened the door.
There stood a man in a rubber suit
from which the rain was dripping.
II would like" he said. ito get shell
ter for awhile. It's bad night and
] can't 60 on"
Certainly" said Miss Pettengill, dis
eembling. "Come in."
where shall I put this wet suit:"
he asked. 81 don't wish to spoil your
rugs"
"Go right up on to the third floor.
There is bathroom there. You can
lay your suit in the tub"
The man looked a trifie surprised,
but made no objection. Miss Petten-
gill led the way. The prospect Of sue
cess of a trap she was laying gave
her courage and she became momen-
tarily elated. The bathroom was in
the center Of the house. with no win
dow, ventilated and lighted by small
opening in the roof. The man entered
and was throwing off his rubber coat
when Miss Pettengill, who had gone
little ahead and changed the key
from inside to outside, closed the door
and locked it. Then she proceeded to
faint. ..,
When she came to herself she heard
loud knocking at the bathroom door.
She got on her feet and staggered
downstairs. Doubtless the man she
had shut up had been sent in to rec
Onnoiter. His pals would probably
wait for signal. She sat down to
think.
She sat perfectly still for a long
while, an hour perhaps. but heard no
sound except an occasional knocking
above. After awhile even it ceased.
Midnight came. Being tired and worn
mi hn
lounge. The excitement kept her
awake for awhile. but in time she
fell asleep.
When she awoke it was broad day
light. She was surprised to see the
sash of window raised. There was
also a peculiar smell, which she soon
recognized as chloroform. Getting up,
she went across the hall into the din
ing room. The drawers of the side
board were open and what silver had
been left there was gone Running
upstairs. she found that the bureau
drawers. closets. ETC., had been ran
sacked
She listened for a sound from the
bathroom. where she had Gagged the
advance burglar. Hearing nothing, she
ran upstairs, tripped lightly to the
door, listened. tried the knob and
found it still locked There was a
faint sound as of one breathing in
sleep.
Miss Pettengill ran all the way to
the nearest house, where she found
the family at breakfast.
"Our house has been robbed" she
exclaimed and dropped into a chair.
"Are you Miss Pettengill?" asked
lady at the head of the table excitedly.
YES"
"Oh, heavens! Has my son been
killedY'
"Your SOM"
Eyes. A bit of paper was left here
last night saying that Your house
would be robbed during the night. My
son thought it might be hoax, but
concluded to go to your protection. He
said he wouldn't frighten you by tell
Ing you about the robbers. He'd lust
60 in and be there in case they came"
"Oh. my goodness graciousv'
"Tel me quick. Is he deadY'
mo"
I where is hep
Il locked him in the bathroom"