The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-08


dexterity as he handled the objects on
the dressing table. When her heart
took UP its work with violent throbss
over and above it's loud beating she
could hear his quiet, stealthy move
ments. Her numbed brain began to act,
to think, to feel.
Now he was about to turn-now-
nowi Her eyes measured the distance
to the door. Her shoes were off. Might
she not slip out unheard? There was
a chance, desperate chance. Should
she2
The man moved from the dressing
table Her opportunity was lost. She
closed her eyes. ceased to breathe,
waited. The clock on the mantel tick
ed off the seconds into the throbbing
silence.
A door ereaked. She looked up to
see his square shoulders disappear
ing into the closet.
Her blood leaped and coursed
through her veins. Her fears dropped
from her. She was no longer a
frightened, helpless little woman. She
slipped from the bed; her noiseless
feet skinned the floor. Just before
she reached the closet they caught in
rug. She stumbled; her out
stretched hands hit the door. 1t
swung to with a bang. Instantly she
was up, her fingers grasping the key.
She turned it and leaned breath1ess
but triumphant against the panel
a
Neither she nor the burglar moved
Then the knob of the door was turned
gently. The man breathed heavily as
he braced himself to break the lock.
Again her fears were upon her. Her
shaking knees failed her; she was
sinking to the carpet when louder
rattle of the knob behind stiffened
her to life.
She started to run. The floor rose
to meet her, but she kept on till she
reached the hall.
fMurderi Murder" Only a whis-
per came from her lips.
Murder. Murderi" A thin, qua
vering falsetto.
The door in front flew open.
What is, madam? What is it?
exclaimed small, .red-faced man
with startled eyes, sandy hair, strug-
Cling with a collar button at the back
Of his neck.
"A man." gasped Miss Bartlett, "a
"A man, madam, man."
Yes, yes; a burglar. He went into
the closet. l locked him in
Wait moment, Sammy; wait a
moment" deep bass voice drawled
at her elbow. A man, big of girth.
stood in doorway slipping a brawny
arm into vest. Don't be in
hurry, my boy. If he's locked in
he'll stay there a while. I'll get some
thing that will calm him in case he's
ugly. He vanished into the room be-
hind him.
Now there. right wheel, forward
march," he said, appearing with a
shining revolver in his hand. You
lead the way, madam, to where
you've got your burglar cornered."
Miss Bartlett cast an apprehensive
glance at the revolver. Il hope, sir,
L nope there'll be no violence done"
Not at all, not at all, madam.
Simply a method of argument those
gentry understand
He's in there said Miss Bartlett
Suppose we throw little more
light on our proceedings The big
fellow touched an electric button.
Walking up to the door, he hit it a
sharp thump.
See here. my friend you're in the
wrong box. I'm going to unlock this
door, and you are going to walk out
hands up
''Wot you goin' to do wild me?"
came back in a gruff voice.
DO with you, you scoundreI? I'm
going to blow you sky high if you
don't walk out lick apa ETAOINNN
don't walk out like a parson when 1
open this door,"
His hand was on the key. Miss
Bartlett rushed forward and seized it
Don't kill him; don't kill him"
she begged. Surely he will yield to
the persuasfons of a lady" With her
mouth to the keyhole, Mr.. Burglar.
Will you come out peaceably if I'll
give my word for your good behavior
to these gentlemen"
Madam replied a stifled voice
I'll come out like a lamb"
The big man turned the key and
threw back the door suddenly. An
athletic figure, clad in evening dress.
stood before them.
why? What the devil.', exclaimed
the big man.
No, johnson. deny the tender
appellation.
What in thunder. Atterbury, are
closet ?'
Well. Sammy, that's something I
wish you would explain
Ben! oh, Benz Miss Bartlett
and seized Mr.. Atterbury by the arm.
why, Aunt Lucy, Aunt Lucy.
what are you doing here %
Where's the burglar?"
But Aunt Lucy, how did you come
here ?''
Il came to see Lucille. Where's the
burglar o. she demanded peering
around him into the closet.
There isn't any burglar that |
know Of. Who locked me in there ?" |
''why, did. I thought-I thought
you were a burglar
But I don't understand. How did |
you come here in my room?''
Your room? Lucille said it was my |
ROOM
Seems to me things are a little
mixed. Lucille lives two blocks from |
here"
Miss Bartletts bewildered eyes
wandered from one to the other of |
the three gentlemen. 81 see how it |
s, she said at last. I've got into
he wrong house. I'm just a stupid /
Did woman" Il
"Oh, madam, don't say that" dep
recated Sammy. It's those old aris-
ocrats that used to live here on the
heights. Proud as the devil-beg
pardon. madam. Wouldn't be ONT