The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1910-04-19

eye SpaFkitu WIFI mlScQloI, the MANI
countenance, which had been picture
Of melancholy, showed that he had
caught on to possibility. She would
marry him if he would rob some one.
But robbing some one would necessi-
tate residence for awhile behind bars.
He must think out a plan by which he
might turn robber without submitting
to the Imprisonment He was ingen-
ious and had faith in his own inge-
nuity.
VERY wen," he said. 81 will rob
some one"
"Nonsenser
Il mean it. You have forced me to
take this course, and if l become a
felon it will be your fault. Adieu. l
will not ask you again until / have
committed a robbery"
"Bravow she exclaimed, clapping her
hands, while he walked away with
theatrical stride
Dear me-" said Irene to herself, 81
hope he isn't going to make a gander
of himself. Who would have thought
was so necessary to him? Suppose
he robs some one and that some one
shoots him! Heavens! | wonder If
hadn't better stop him."
But as she went on thinking over the
matter a desire to discover what he
would do got the better of her fears,
and she concluded to let the matter
take its course Besides, there was
something fascinating in his risking a
term in prison-indeed, his life-to gain
her.
A month passed, and she heard moth
ing from Mr.. Josselyn. Then one day
he wrote her that he had at last sue
ceeded in securing the acceptance of
play. and he would be happy to have
her go with him to the first night per-
formance.
Miss Sweetland was very much
pleased at the invitation, but she had
been fretting at having been thus let
alone and was now disappointed that
her lover had no tender word for her.
She feared he had accepted his dis
missal
The first night came, and with it
came Mr.. Josselyn with carriage to
take Miss Sweetland to see his play.
Naturally he was very i'll at ease.
When one struggles for months, per-
haps years, with play and it is to be
tested before an audience he is excus-
able for being agitated.
You're all of a tremor," said the
girl. Don't worry. I'm sure it will
be a success"
Their seats were in one of the pro-
seenium boxes. OF course the house
was crowded-theaters are always
crowded on first nights-and there
were many Of Josselyn's friends among
the audience.
The play was light comedy. The
audience were captured at the very
opening. The second act, which is
liable to be dull, was very effective
Just before its close Josselyn asked
Miss Sweetland to excuse him and left
the box. A few minutes later there
was cry of Help, helpY'
Every eye In the theater was turned
10 the box opposite the one In which
Miss Sweetland sat, where two men
were tussling with each other.
"Pm being robbed; he's got my
watch" cried voice.
These words had scarcely been spo-
zen when one of the two men ran from
the box
The excited audience sat expectant
for few minutes, when another voice
cried:
They've got him"
Two policemen in uniform were
seen marching a man out of the the
ater
Meanwhile the curtain had been
rung down.
The stage manager appeared from
behind a wing and said:
Ladies and gentlemen, one Of the
most daring robberies in the annals of
crime has been committed right here
in this very theater Thinking that
before the villain is taken to the sta
ton you would like to have a look at
him, | have requested the police to
bring him for moment on to the
stage"
There was a clapping of hands, the
curtain was rung up, and in few
minutes two policemen advanced from
the right center with a man hand
cuffed between them. The robber
wore mask and was in evening dress.
He was marched to the footllghts.
Take off his maskw ordered the
stage manager
A policeman removed the mask.
For one moment there was silence;
then a deafening shout filed the the.
alter.
Its Josselynr' cried voice.
who's JosselynT asked woman.
"Why, the man who wrote the play,
Of course"
Meanwhile the shouts continued,
while Mr.. Josselyn stood between the
policemen, each holding him by hand
cuff. Miss Sweetland, who was not
yersed in stagecraft, not dreaming but