Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-08
STEPHEN STEBBINS' STRATEGY

i action and watched for a favorable opportunity to put it into effect. I The chance soon came. Elizabeth received a message from an old aunt lsliving not many miles away that she was quite i'll and desired to see her niece. As the lady was well advanced | in years. every illness was 8 matter of l anxiety, and Elizabeth being a favorite relative she was called for whenever her aunt was i'll or in need of assist | ance in any way The devoted niece l always responded quickly, setting aside l any plans of her own in such an 1 emergency and as in thsi instance, she hurried away leaving her brother to his own devices
 No sooner had she gone than Steph- en began to develope his plans Tor ms IS future comfort. Where he found 1t all will never be known, but he accumu- lated dust and lint in greater quantity than was ever seen before in the house, and with mixture of straw and other litter it was scattered in El1zabetn 3 own room, where he decided it to be Of most use. Then he flung about the room articles of wearing apparel, shoes rubbers, and other things. Then he sent for his old friend, Benjamin Randall to come up for an evening over the chessboard and the two had a pleasant time of it in spite of Eliza beths absence.
 Toward the end of the evening as the men were enjoying. their pipes af- 
 heard in Elizabeths room directly over the one in which they were seated. What can that be?" queried Stephen
 Tt sounds like the cat" replied his guest.
 s..So it does,'' responded his host, she is a great mouser, and must have found one upstairs. How could she have got into that room! l must go up and find out. I'll take the poker to help Fuss despatch her prey, and you come and bring the lamp for the hall and rooms upstairs are not lighted.
 So the men went up to Elizabeth s room, where they found the door aJar, which accounted for the eats entrance. The appearance of the room, however, was a real surprise to Benjamin and an apparent one to Stephen.
 stephen called to Fuss who was in the middle of the room at play with a mouse. Instead of coming 10 them, however, she darted under the bed to continue her fro1ic.
 We'll have to move the bed-stead,' . said Benjamin.
 Better than that" said Stephen, reach under with the poker and drive her out. I'll see she does not run out of the roorn.''
 Now Benjamin was the neatest of all men about his clothes. and his looks when he emerged from under the bed filled him with dismay.
 I'm afraid Ben, you will need a brushing off remarked Stephen Sis ter went OH III hurry. put never knew her to leave her room in this plight before. All housekeepers have their shortcomings. I suppose, but she wilISnever forgive me for bringing you in here. Don't tell her of it, I beg of you.'
 The men went downstairs again, where Benjamin received his brushing off and quickly after took his de- parture.
 The object lesson had the desired eff feet, and though the calls continued, they were devoted entirely to Stephen.
 ElizabethS room was in it's usual order when she returned, and she never knew of her brothers strategy When her good housekeeping was referred to in Benjanin's hearing, he said nothing, but evidently thought he knew better than others what a neat woman could do or leave undone.
 He remained a bachelor, and Stephen retained his sisters services as house. keeper.
 AN IDLER.