The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-05-15
HER GIFT TO
HER FATHER
And How 1t Was Received
By MARTHA A. HART

bis Oldest daughter. Eunice, was tween
| ty-started one fine day on long trip
/ He had worked hard for many year.
and, having secured a competence, pro
posed to take vacation and see some
thing of the world. Some one after
ward asked him what was the happies
moment in his life. He replied, "Wher
I was on that ocean liner sailing ou
through New York bay"
Whether the leaving Of his family
and family cares behind contributed
especially to his happiness or detract
ed therefrom is a puzzling question tc
maids and bachelors. Certain hus
bands and fathers who do not take
kindly to family restraints may see il
all very clearly.
But this story has nothing to do with
Mr.. Waukenfelt's trip; 1t has all to dc
with his return after seven months
absence. 1t was midnight when, hav-
ing paid his cabman, he mounted the
steps Of his domicile and, opening the
veshbule door, a man attempted to
brush past him. Mr.. Waukenfelt seized
him, there was a scuff1e, the man soon
relaxing his efforts till he was pinioned
by his opponent.
IF you'll give me time to explain
the prisoner began when his captor in.
terrupted.
"You can do that at the police sta
ton" And, dragging the man out on
to the stoop by his coat collar, he hus-
tied him down the steps. He was as
tonished to see that the man was quite
young and looked strong enough to
wipe the floor" with his antagonist.
Nevertheless he permitted himself to
be led like lamb to the slaughter.
Indeed, he never made a move to re-
sist or uttered a word till he was land
ed in the police station.
whats your Manner asked the SER
geant at the desk.
"I'll leave him with you, sergeant"
said Mr. Waukenfelt. 1--WE just re-
turned from long journey and wish
to go home"
Sure you'll appear against him in
the morning?"
yes: I'll be here; don't worry"
Mr. Wankenfelt went home and, GO
ing to his own room, went to bed
without disturbing his family. In the
morning there was great hubbub at
learning that the father had returned.
All gathered round him as soon as he
came out Of his room, and there were
hugging and kissing till breakfast was
announced.
What did you bring me, pop?" ask
ton was repeated by all the family in
an ascending scale of age till it reach !
ed those old enough to refrain from
expressing what was on their minds. |
When all were satisfied in this respect, |
Eunice, throwing her arms about her
fathers neck, said:
''And I've got something for you,
papa, dear. Guess what it is?"
Mr.. Wankenfelt guessed everything
from pair of suspenders to a clock,
then gave it up.
"a son-in-law," said the girl, hiding
her bushes on her fathers chest.
"a son-in-lawl Why, sweetheart;
that's something for you, isn't it?
You've not given me anything, but
have taken away yourself"
He's perfectly splendid, papa. /
want you to meet him right off. /
know you'n like him. He knows you
are here; at least | told him you were
coming last night. We sat together
till nearly 10 o'clock. / did so wish
you could have arrived before he went
away"
what time did he go?" asked the
father.
about quarter to H."
"Ohw
"Why do you say '0hT"
Il had an adventure when / came In.
opened the vestibule door, and a bur.
glar who was trying TO get into the
house or trying to get out, don't know !
which, tried to escape" ]
Good graciousr'
''But got him.
Got him! Didn't he kill your'
II wouldn't be here If he had. l took
lin to the police station and left him
here"
What kind of a looking man was
leT asked Mrs. Waukenfelt.
Zone of those fellows who go about I
committing burglaries " It'll crysanthe- q
NUNS in their buttonholes and leave
yentleman+like notes for the persons
hey rob. You'd better look over the
liver. But he couldn't have got away
With anything. for | took him right !.
rom the house to the station" !
did he look very wickedY' asked
1unice.
Very" [
"What did he say when you turned g
him in?" i
"Oh. the sergeant began to question
i'm, asking him first his name. came
way about that time" |