The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-09

ham In a timorous voice. First
heard the front door rattle, Then
someone tried the side windows. lhen
there was a window lifted in the gar
ret. Oh, I am sure someone is up
there! Now, Earle-do you not hear?
| You're right, Rachel" assented Mr.
Pelham. after a moment OF intense
listening.
There was no doubling the fact that
the floor overhead creaked as hurried
footsteps crossed it. Then there was
a scraping sound, as of someone pull
ing a trunk or box over the boards
Then a breaking sound.
Mr.. Pelham got out of bed, dressed
and lighting lamp got a revolver
from a bureau drawer. His wife FOL
lowed his example by throwing on
dress. She was close behind him as
they crept up the attic stairs.
"Oh, do be CAREFUL" she implored
whisperingly, as they reached the top
of the stairs and a low, vague Groom
ing sound reached their hearing from
beyond the threshold Of the attic
door.
Hold the lamp" directed her hus-
band. When | pull the door open
suddenly lift it SO | can see where to
fire."
Mr.. Pelham gave the door quick
pull. With trembling hand his wife
lifted and extended the lamp.
Don't ~ don't shoot" almost
screamed Mrs. Pelham. Its girl
a woman"
The Pickering lamp fell across a
woman. singing softly to herself and
taking dress after dress from trunk
she had opened She turned toward
the intruders in a surprised way
Visitors" she observed in a soft.
plaintire tone. You Will have to eX-
cuse ME till ct ready to go down
and meet my guests. | have Just ar
rived home Some wicked people
stole me from my husband and
ESCAPED"
"Oh, Earle" gasped Mrs. Pelham
tugging at her husbands slees
don't you understand? It's that poor
lady next door they mourn as dead
Oh, quick. quick, run for her hus-
band. She has found home at last
and see, that open window She must
have reached it with the stepadder
Mr.. Pelham. terribly excited, hurried
away. Mrs. Pelham advanced to the
side of the woman, whose garments
were nearly in rags.
"Pick out your dress, dear" she
said soothingly. Your husband will
be here soon
"But-strangers in the house," be
gan the other suspigiously.
oh, we are just guests" assured
Mrs. Pelham. You will find every
thing in order below"
1t was great shock for Robert Ma
son when his neighbor advised him of
the strange arrival of the night. He
Gained himself as he realized the stu
alton. AS he entered the attic, with a
wild cry of delight his wife ran into
his arms.
"Oh, Robert! those wicked men who
stole me away from you"
Gene entirely out of our life, my
darling" assured Mason. Come to
your own rooms and get ready to join
our kind neighbors at a little lunch"
he proceeded. and made sign to the
Pelhams, who retired.
Half an hour later Mr.. Mason led his
wife. neatly dressed and looking calm
and happy, into the rooms below. Tie
Mrs Pelham had spread
out small rejection To the letter
the program of visitors" was carried
out. and in the eyes of the poor wa,I.
derer all could trace a slow but sure
returning of reason.
You will have to keep up the pre.
tense of going over to the next house
till | can arrange otherwise" whis.
pered Mr.. Mason to Mr. Pelham.
oh, you mustn't disturb your wifi.
with anything" answered Mrs. Pei
ham. And besides we like the little
home best"
Famously good people. the Pelhams
shared the glad. grateful JOY of their
landlord. as the days went on and Mrs
Mason came back into the full sun.
shine OF reason and health.