The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1916-09-20
The BURGLAR
BY IRENE TAYLOR.

ness and settle down to the monotony
Of cultivaIng small twenty-acre plot
in old Pennsylvania. But that is eI-
actly what George Cussler did, n stu
dent, athlete and all-around fine fell
low.
After looking over several farms, he
finally bought II small tract Astounding
and nbutting on that portion of land
known as the Sanderson place-a we'll
kept little farm wherein dwelt the
widow of Sanderson and her daughter,
Myrna, very attractive young woman
OF twenty-two-Just eight years Cas-
sIer's Junior.
OF course, the two young people fell
in love, or at least Cassler did. If
Myrna also became a victim OF Dan
Cupld's wiles no one was aware of the
fact.
Not many weeks passed before Cas-
sler declared himself. and as he and
Myrna had become good chums he was
not ii little surprised when his pro-
posal was gently. but emphatically,
turned down.
NO" Myrna said firmly. I've seen
quite enough Of married life. like
you aud | want to be friends, but both
my mother and sister were unfor-
tunate in their marriages, and l am
not going to take any chances along
that line. Perhaps some day I may
change my mind, but doubt It."
For several weeks thereafter Gas
sler undertook to persuade her that
she had changed her mind, but she
was not to be moved.
He finally ceased calling and became
engrossed in his agricultural expert.
ments. This, however, did not prevent
him from letting the weeds sproui
while he gazed longlngly across the big
field to the Sanderson home.
One night in August, Myrna wa,
awakened about midnight by stealthy
sounds on the back porch. She listened
lntently. Someone was Enthusiastically
trying to force open the door.
"DId you hear that7T gasped her
mother, who was also awake. "And
me laid up with spralned ankle"
Springlng out Of bed, Myrna rushed
to the open window. leaned far out
and screamed for help at the top OF
her voice.
Almost instantly a faint "Hellor
answered her from CaSsler's house
which was only about 600 feet distant
To the girl standing there trying t.,
peer through the night 1t seemed hour
before the stnlwurt form Of Cnsslei
emerged from the darkness beneath
her window.
Whats the matter up there?" h,
called rather slcepily.
ooh George Mr. Cussler-they ar,
trying to got in through the back door
I thought they'd 20 when | called, bu
they're there yet"
George started around the house OF
a run. There was Wild scramble.
shot and then silence. A moment later
he rcappenred at the front
NO catching that fellow" he said
The rascal ran Ike whitehead wher
he saw me. l fired to give him n good
scare. It's lucky sick horse wa
keeping me up or I never would hav,
heard you, for I sleep like log. 70,
are safe enough now. guess, so III
GO"
mo MOI no, - broke In Myrun wild
ly. Mother and | can't stay her,
alone. We are scared almost to deatf
as It is. You can sleep on the coucI
downstairs. Wait minute and II
let you In"
The speed with which Myrna per
formed her toilet must have estnb
lished record, for George had hard
ly settled himself on the StOOp for
long wait before light hickeret
through the kitchen window. Then the
door swung open and he stepped in.
side.
Without a seconds hesitation. Myr.
mn threw her arms around his neck
in desperate clutch that nearly
tipped him over. big as he was.
"Oh, George, George" she sobbeo
into his coat collar. Don't you ever
ever leave me alone again. do love
you've always loved you, but J
didn't like to say so. I'd marry you
this minute If l could. Whatever
would we have done tonight without
your Mother and I might both he
murdered by this time. You wont
leave us alone, will your"
George lifted her troubled face ano
gazed deeply into the tear-staInet
eyes.
''Myrna, do you really mean al
that" he asked sOberly