The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-03-29

'esteu against the pillow, aged by
many years since its round be.
nehcence OF the morning. The phys.
ical comfort soothed her as a moth
ers arms a tired child, and the
shadowy room filled with vague, In
distinct forms that came and went
and foated of into the darkness.
Suddenly she was awake, wide
eyed. conscious that she was no
longer alone. Eagerly she raised her
self on her elbow. The light from the
street sent a long. bright ray across
the room and her near-sighted eyes
made out form In front OF the dress
ing table.
LID" the word was checked.
The form had moved. II was a man.
Limp, nerveless, she dropped back
on her pillow. The fear that haunted
her by day. the trembling terror OF
her waking hours at night, had taken
shape.
She was alone in the presence OF
burglar.
In her fright and horror she lay,
following in a maze the mans smooth
dexterity as he handled the objects
on the dressing table.
The man moved from the dressing
table; door creaked. 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 n fright.
ened, helpless little woman. She
slipped from the bed; her noiseless
feet skinned the floor. Just before
she reached the closet they caught In
a rug. She stumbled; her out.
stretched hand hit the door II
swung 10 with bang. Instantly she
was up, her fingers grasping the key.
She turned II and leaned breathless
but triumphant against the panel.
There was moment OF quiet.
Neither she nor the burglar moved.
Then the knob of the door was turned
gently. The man breathed heavily as
he braced himself 10 break the lock
Again her fears were upon her. Her
shaking knees failed her; she was
sinking 10 the carpet when 4 louder
rattle OF the knob behind stiffened
her 10 life.
She started 10 run. The floor rose
10 meet her. but she kept on till she
reached the hall.
Murder! MURDER" Only a wills.
per came 10 her lips.
Murder. Murder" A thin, quaver.
ing falsetto.
What Is II, madam? What is it?"
exclaimed big man. struggling with
a collar button at the back OF
his neck
"A man" gasped Miss Bartlett, "a
man"
"A man, madam. n MANI
"ies, yes; a burglar. He went into
the closet. l locked him in"
why? What the devil?" exclaimed
the big man, when he opened tic
closet.
NO Johnson, deny the tender ap
pellation.
What in thunder. Atterbury. are
you doing locked up in your own
closet?"
We'll. Sammy, that's something
wish you would explain"
Ben, O Benz" Miss Bartlett
pushed 10 the center of the group
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" she demanded peering
around into the closet.
There isn't any burglar that
know of. Who locked me in there"
why. did. thought thought
you were burglar"
But | don't understand. How did
you come here in my room?"
Your room? Lucille said il was my
room"
Seems TO mo things are little
mixed. Lucille lives two blocks FROM
here"
Miss Bartletts hewildered eyes
wandered from one 10 the other Of
tho three gentlemen. Il see how f.
~" she said ut last. I've got into
the wrong house. I'm just stupid
old woman"
Supported on Ben's strong arm. the
street lamps blinked merrily at her
through the whirling flakes. and the
wind that caught her skirts and
whipped in her face, was but glee-
full winter gale.
do come in, Ben; do come in,"
she urged at the door. Don't leave
me till ! find out whether Lucille Is
hunting for me among the lost ar
ticles at the police station or is drag.
ging the river"
Aunt Lucy" voice cried from
the hall above. Flying feet. floating
draperies, vision OF disheveled
golden hair. and she was seized In a
warm embrace. II have hunted
Good evening. Mr.. Atterbury." from a
remote distance.
Lucille" said Miss Bartlett, sol.
EMMY. Il came near getting Ben
murdered. Yes. murdered" she re-
peated in response 10 Lucile's incred.
ulous expression. Hell tell you all
n hnut ~ I wnnt IN got om fhasa