The Washington herald., 1915-11-28

set the candlestick on the high dresser
near the bed and left the uncouth
visitor 10 his own reflections. To all
appearances, he had fallen asleep as
soon as he touched the bed
Returning to his mother. Richard
found that she had already lifted
Helen into the trundle bed and was
seated in her big rocker before a bed
of glowing Goals in the fireplace. As
he was bidding her good night she
whispered in his ear: Il guess we are
couple of babies after all Go to
sleep and don't worry about me-
Despite his mothers assurance that
all was well. Richard was determined
to keep awake all night, and he act
ually did for at least an hour. watch
ing the freight as ii cast fanciful
figures on the low ceiling. Then he
passed into dreamland with an ease
that is only possible for a boy with a
clear conscience and a good digestion.
Some time later-he found out after
ward that it was shortly after mid
night-his eyes popped wide open and
from the dark corner of the room in
which he was lying he made a dis
covery that almost made him stop
breathing. The bed of Goals was still
glowing and by its light he saw his
mother still sitting in her big wooden
rocker, and at her side. holding a
pistol within a few inches of her up
turned face. stood their villainous
guest!
mot a peep or I'll shoot Richard
heard the ruffian threaten.
That threat reused the boy from his
stupor of fear and amazement All
his native shrewdness and courage
came back and he evolved a plan Of |
action as heroic as it was desperate. |
Although there was light enough |
around the fireplace for him to see /
what was going on. he knew that the |
far corner Of the big room in which
he lay was in total darkness. and |
that he might move without detection |
If he could do it without making any
noise. He knew. also. that his
fathers shotgun, always kept loaded.
hung on the wall over his head. and
with the noiseIessness of one trained
in the woods he raised himself slowly
and took the weapon from its place.
Tell me where you keep your mon
ny." came from the man at the other
side of the room. who was so intent
on his own nefarious business that he
had not ever Thought OF the boy.
Richard knew that he must act
quickly and he did not hesitate. He
realized that he must not shoot so
ong as the man stood so near to his
mother, and he resorted to strategy.
StealthiIy cooking the gun and raising
I to his shoulder, he called out sud-
ienly, as loudly as he could. "Ho
herew
Instantly the villain gave a leap in his
direction and fired wide OF his mark. In
witt turn the boy in the dark corner
Who had seen his mother rise quickly
md move out Of her position as soon as
Ter tormentor's attention was engaged
ct the rascal have the contents OF one
,arrel OF the old fowling-piece full in
he face. There was a yell, followed by
heavy fall, and Richard knew he had
reed his mother from her peril Then he
rev faint and dizzy and lost conscious
less.
When he recovered. a few moments
dteT, ne saw MS mother, q HbHteu SdHuie
n her hand. bending over him and peer
ng anxiously into his face. As he smiled
nto her troubled countenance. she kissed
i'm and called out joyfully: Come here.
Helen, Our dear Richard is safe and
oundr'
The wretch who was responsible forl
IL the trouble lay PROSTATE on the floor,
roaming pitifully. ignoring the past,
FRS. Strong did all in her power to les
en- his suffering. She saw that his
rounds were not mortal, and she took
he precaution TO have Richard stand
uard with his shotgun. About daybreak
he Strongs were relieved of all further
are of their troublesome guest. The
ian from whom he had stolen the team
grays and a couple of deputy sherihs
ppeared on the scene.