The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-06-16
Penelope and a Burglar
By CLARIssA MACKIE.


fear. Some stepping and fro in the ad-
joining room and under the crack Of the door there
With awful dstinctness the recollection that
Bridget was spending the night in Jersey City with
sick relative. Her father would returned
from Chicago for she had talked with him over the
apartment and quite deenseess against the intruder
in the room.
At almost any instant he might open door
1t was unlocked. She slipped noseessy to the floor
and peered through the keyhole into the lighted sit
ting room.
In line with the keyhole her writing desk
and before the desk sat man trying first one and
then another key in the lock Penelope saw broad
back, line of white collar and bronzed neck and
close-oropped black hair, and made a quick reduc-
"A desperate rufiian--ust out Of prson-probably
sharply as the mans key grated in the lock and the
desk lid swung down into place.
MY diary gasped Penelope indignant. 'No-he
oh, dear, What shall ! do"
hope that she might attract policeman or owl
ish householder; but the uptown cross street was
quiet beftted its elegant neighborhood, The cleo
trio light on the corner sputered and sank into mo-
mentary gloom
Penelope shuddered as she heard a movement in
the next room. The burglar was opening the draw
ers of the desk lesurely,
There were two modes of egress from the room
one into the corridor and the other leading
10 the sitting room, where burglar A dar
ing thought Penelope Farnum. and she put
. 1t into immediate action.
1t plain that she could not call for help or
leave the apartment without detection the teephoe
was in the sitting room and the door that led from
mally
With resolution born of the emergency, Penelope
thrust her feet into slippers. shrugged herself into
her big fur motor coat buttoning it closely over
her hanging golden braids. over her head she pulled
cloth travelling cap and this with the addition OF
the huge motor goggles. completed disguise that
The only available weapon was one of Ner Indian
clubs. and grasping this firmly in her right hand
The burglar engaged in touching a lighted
match cigarette and penelope started at the stern
ground the desk. Her heart stood still as the
man turned quickly and tossed the burned match
int braS tray he n
j For instant they stared at each other. Pene-
gray ewes vide open In surprise, one hand holding
the cigarette. In turn. he stared at the slight little
figure, enveioped in fur cap and goggles. with
pair OF ridiculous Turkish slippers her feet
and wisps of golden hair struggling from under the
cap. -
The opened his mouth TO speak but Pen
elopes indignation had got the better of her fright
She swung the club menacingly
Whatever you say will be used against YOU she
cried excited and then conscious that she had sad
something quite absurd. dellelous wave Oh pniN
spread her cheeks. His involuntary smile re-
stored her self possession.
Il was about TO ask you that question Ae leaned r
Gus eyes You area female burglar presume;
madam"
Leave this apartment once" She stamped her
foot with such eaersy that one WIN e red e p re
ture he bent and caught it on one hand =.
i This will serve as clew,' he said regarding IL
"A clew--to what Penelope curled one rosy foot
with mingled anger and embarrassment, and, reek-
less she tore off the obscuring goggles
"To-your identity" said the man somewhat lame
ly. lie was staring Penelope with thoughtfuly
knitted brows. Where have seen you before he
I'm tho rogues- gallery suppose" retorted Pen
elope Now my good man do not care 70 listen n
place Immediately shall shall-scream Tor as
sistance"
The man looked thoughtfully the red slipper,
and then at Penelope gazing sterniy at him !
with note of doubt voice. III you have any
right here, shall be glad to hear your explanation
Mrs Bradley gave me to understand the apartment
Mrs Bradley gasped Penelope DO you mean
to that Mrs Leander Bradley told you our apart
nent would be vacant"
can't he corrected mildly; Il happen to be Mrs,
Bradleys brother and she sent me here to secure a
Penelope's brown eyes were dancing now. her
uplifted hand halted the words on his lips -,
This isn't Mrs Bradleys apartment she said
sweety. ITS tho floor below-underneath this
, one"
He stared increduously at her Why-I couldn't
have made mistake" he said heplessls
Have you been to Mrs. Bradley's apartment?
"'No-she described it and gave me the key,
We're all staying down at Breezehurst and We mo
tored up for the theaterthe rest of the crowd are
make such mistake" lie glanced apprenhensvey
Penelope and then at the writing desk. Uttered
You're awfuly untdy" complained Penelope. as
she crossed to the desk and tucked the letters back
in their places, one envelope she held toward him;
he read the address and gave it back 1t was now
II don't know what to say Miss Farnum" he muir
INJURED contritey. You must think me silly to break
into your here and ransack your desk and
then accuse you of being burglar, really didn't
know what fool 1 could make Of myself till this
night
you should feel encouraged" said Penelope WICK
eddy. You're really doing very well, indeed
automobile horn brayed impatlently in the street
below
Il must go-they waiting for me- Miss Far
mum. I'd like to bring my sister upstairs to assure
you that it is all mistake, you know"
But do believe you, Mr.. ---?" Penelope
foundered heplessly
"Drayton--Jack Drayton" he said II suppose
you know my sister, Peggy well?'
Yes, indeed--Peggy and / friendsin
fact. going down to Breezehurst for the week
end"
Was" he repeated anxiously.
Il am going" corrected Penelope demurey.
Then | make my apologies all over--it's aw-
fully funny but l know I've you before, Miss
Farnum.'
Peggy has my picture-we were roommates at
college"
The little violin girl" he said dreamy: and then