Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1921-02-23
THE BURGLAR
BY JACK LAwToN.
tta. 1921. Western Newspaper Union.l

and staring at the moon. 1t was awe
some of course, to be entirely alone
Mt this silent hour of the night, in an
old mansion on an unfrequented sub
urban road. At memory of the safe
sheltered years past, her heart con
tracted suddenly. "How would it
seem," she wondered, "to be away for
ever from the cid home" For there
was but one condition Oh which she
might remain-and that condition WAS
part of Peggy's problem. Long ago.
when her stepfather had taken her
mother to his heart, he had taken the.
girl too, with oil parents love.
Father Knowles had truly been to her
a father. Perhaps because his own
son had proven disappointment. the
mans hungry affection overtlowed to
the girl who was his wife's daughter
and Peggy had repaid his love with
tender care in his later years.
Robert took with him legacy left
by his mother, and 1t was supposed
that like prodigal he would return
when that legacy was exhausted. Peg
gy's mother had stepped in later to
fill the lonely breach, and the elder
Robert Knowles last days had been
his happiest. His will, Peggy learned.
had been made in her favor, leaving
her in the event Of her mothers death,
sole heir to his estate. Peggy was
quite alone in the big echoing house
of memories. when most surprisingly
Robert Knowles. the son, came back.
1t was at evening and Peggy in her
white frock received him in the fire.
light. And he was at once so pleasing,
and good looking, and altogether DIFF
ferent from what she had been led to
expect, that her aversion vanished,
and as the evening wore on, friendli-
ness took its place. Robert Knowles
was apparently regretful Of his youth
full rashness and neglect to his father,
and the excuses he gave sounded true
enough. Peggy generously gave him
the benefit OF the doubt, and when she
assured the son that no will could be
found he announced his intention of
taking up his abode in the house until
the matter should be settled. Old Mrs.
Weston. the hOusekeeper, called in to
give information, told Mr.. Knowles
that she had witnessed a will made not
long before his father's death; -.sAsrs.
Peggy pcrpleScd and confused as to
her own position In the house which
bad been her home, yielded to her
foster-brother's pleadings, for so
Robert Knowles named himself-and
stayed on, that her possible claim
might be proved. And, when there
seemed NJ longer hope of that possi-
bility, Robert Knowles asked the girl
to marry him. Peggy was not sur
prised when, with white tense face,
the man asked his question. she had
seen love lowering near. For Peggy
in her own wisdom had learned the
meaning of love, though Paul Helmer's
manner of love was different in some
intangible way from Robert Knowles
And she had told Robert Knowles no to
his question. Marriage was the con-
ditIon upon which Robert Knowles Of
fered to Peggy her home. and she re-
fused. Suddenly the girl sat up in
bed, an unmistakable though muffled
sound in the lower hall started her
heart hammering painfully.
When the girl could bear the un-
certainty no longer, she sprang from
her bed and slipped into dressing gown
and slippers. The lower rooms were
dark. The burglar was on the floor
below Mt Father Knowles library safe.
just as she had expected him to he.
She sank down behind the desk to
watch the burglar. Peggy silently
considered; there seemed no sane
chance of seeking aid. Then. with
little soft rush, Peggy was ut the
burglars side. "oh," she whispered
eagerly, "will you do that again
please-just that way"
LIE HILL Nueeleu dlOuuu dpI pIup'IJ,
his hands caught her.
."If you make Il sound" he threaten
ed.
Her quick answer stayed the motion
of his hand toward her mouth.
81 WON'T Peggy earnestly agreed.
"It wouldn't do any good"
The burglar stared fiercely.
"What the" he began, but the
girls words coming in soft rush in
terrupted.
"You opened compartment in the
safe." she explained, which has never
been opened before I saw you. It
had papers in It, folded up. I think
that a win is there which leaves this
property to me. Please raise that slide
again."
The mans sharp eyes left the girls
face with a short. queer laugh. Then,
toward the two swung shining panel.
Peggy put forth her hand excitedly
to draw out some folded papers.
"See," she told him trlumphaatly.