The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1921-01-07
THE BURGLAR

BY JACK LAWToN.

some Of course to be entirely alone
at 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, ito be away for
ever from the cid home" For there
vas but one condition on which she
night remain-and that condition WAS
part of Peggy's problem. Long ago.
When her stepfather had taken her
mother to his heart, ne had taken the
girl too, with al parents love.
Father Knowles had truly been to her
father. Perhaps because his own
son had proven a disappointment, the
mans hungry affection overfowed 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 it was supposed
that like a 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
ner 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
IT 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 10
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 will made not
long before his fathers death
Peggy perplexed and confused as to
her own position in the house which
had 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 no 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
he'd, an unmistakable though muffled
sound in the lower hall started her
heart hammering painfully.
When the girl could bear the IN
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 ut Father Knowles library safe,
iust as she had expected him to be.
She sank down behind the desk to
watch the burglar. Peggy silently
ronsl Tered: there seemed no sane
chance Of seeking aid. Then. with a
little soft rush. Peggy was at the
burglars side. "Oh." she whispered
eagerly, will you do that again
nlease-just that way"
The man wheeled around abruptly.
his hands caught her,
IF you make Il sound" he threaten
ed.
Her quick answer stayed the motion
If his hand toward her mouth.
u won't" Peggy earnestly agreed.
1T wouldn't do any good"
The burglar stared fiercely.
"What the" he began. but the
girls words coming in a soft rush in
terrupted.
You opened compartment in the
safe" she explained, which has never
been opened before I saw you. It
rad papers in il, folded up. I think
That a will 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 a shining panel.
Peggy put forth her hand excitedly
In draw out some folded papers.
See she told him triumphantly.
Il was right"
do you know" he said grlmly. 81
almost thought you were stringing
me-"
The burglar laughed uneasiy.
when you have decided to drop all
this crookedness." she said, "go right
to Mr.. Paul Helmer. he will help you
to make good I am grateful" she
added gravely, for your finding of the
Will. I shall keep my old home and
Robert Knowles may have the rest"
Then" said the man, you'd bet
ter send that there. will right TO your
lawyer. and get it out of this house.
I'll mail it, if you'll trust me" he
efinned over the word ION my wav."
From the DOORWAY the hurglar