The midland journal., 1915-10-22
BURGLAR BRUCE
BY JANE OSBORN.


For the first minute Constance lay
trembling, in such a state of alarm
and terror that she was quite incapa-
ble of moving. What had wakened
her she did not know. and save for
the far-of trickle of the little stream
behind the house all was quiet
Presently she heard the sound of
on the side veranda. And to have
someone walking about at that time
of night was serious matter, for
Constance Preston was the only per-
son in the house except her tempera-
mentally helpless mother, an aged
grandmother and a new cook. The
boys were away. Billy was with his
regiment and Alan was detained in
town on business.
With an extraordinary burst OF
courage and the sense Of her own
importance, Constance dashed into
her mothers room and found her
awake and trembling. "CaH your
grandmother" she cried, pulling the
blankets from the bed and wrapping
them franticalIy about her.
"Hush!" whispered Constance, try
ing to steady her own trembling
voice. BE quiet or they will hear
you" The sound of footsteps was
again distinct, and then a long, low.
terrifying whistle
''Heavens!" whispered Mrs. Pres
ton. If one of the boys were only
home!"
Perhaps I could wake the cook;
she is so big and strong"
But you never could rouse her.
But, Constance, you must get your
grandmother: her room is right over
that side porch,
Constance groped her way to the
door and opened 1t stealthily. The low
Hiickering light in the hall cast long,
waving shadows on the floor and
walls. Almost petrified with fear, she
dashed across to her grandmother's
room. Grandmother Preston, fortu-
nately, was very diminutive sort of
old lady. So Constance, wasting no
words on, explanation, lifted her up,
bundled her into her slippers and
dressing gown, and led her, dazed but
docile, back to Mrs. Preston's room.
"Oh, if Alan, were only here"
thought Constance, throwing on what
clothes of Mrs. Preston's she could
find by the low light OF the night
candle.
Grandmother Preston, who hadn't
heard a sound, was sitting huddled in
q chair, her feet drawn under her and
her head covered with blanket. She
was peering anxiously around.
Hadn't you better cover your
fleads?" she asked slowly. IF they
once get in it's hard to get them
out"
''What?" asked Constance aloud
frantically hooking herself into an eve
ming gown of her mothers.
do you think it came in by the
G1lfmney?' Grandmother Preston went
ON In her gentle old voice.
oh, it isn't a bat, grandmother;
it's a burglar!" Constance shrieked.
But without her ear trumpet the old
Lady could hear nothing.
Just then there was heavy stamp
ing of feet below Mrs. Preston clung
to her daughter for protection. I'D
give almost anything for man." Con-
stance whispered.
Let's telephone for one,' suggested
Mrs Preston
.The burglar might shoot him." OBJ
jected her daughter.
But you could call up the police. z
Then with desperate resignation.
Constance swept, half way down the
stairs to the telephone. There, with
Mrs. Preston's nerve-racking whis-
pers from above and the possibility OF
an attack from the burglars from be-
low, she gave the message.
Central she said. holding the re-
ceiver with trembling hands. THE
police station-teH them to send up
someone to the Preston place-at
once"
Without waiting for reply, she
sped back to the haven of Mrs. Pres
tons room. where. speechless, they
sat waiting, the monotony of their
anxiety broken only by the OCCASION
al sound of footsteps below.
Then. afer what seemed hours.
came the pounding OF the old brass
knocker, ringing strong and clear.
Without moments hesitation, Con-
stance ran downstairs, and, as she
passed the hatrack, she seized an old
raincoat Of her brothers and bundled
1t around her to hide the rather
elaborate array OF Mrs. Preston's
evening gown.
With trembling hands. she opened
the front door. and there before her
anxious and prayerful eyes stood
8ruce Morrison himself.
well. of all the confounded dough
heads was what he started to say
when he caught sight of Alan's old
coat.
@Bruce Morrison!" Constance gasped,
overcome with Joy at seeing pro-
tector. Il always knew you were an
Tive xuoffod 60 lo,,o os.1 x,ors,