The Halifax Comet. — 1894-12-22 (Halifax, West Yorkshire, England)

OUR SHORT STORIES.  was, my face was completely hidden. The car was much crowded, many standing, I neit behind Fred. I was well laden with lots of little packages, so the idea struck me to drop a few into Fred's overcoat pockets. Without discovery I put what I wished into one, and was about slipping my purse into the other when my hand was daught with such a grip that I screamed right out. At the same time Fred exclamed, 'Here is a pickpocket ! And of course there was a policeman there, as none was needed. I was too frightened to speak for an instant. At length I found voice enough to say to the officer, who was making his way toward me, The gentleman will find he is mistaken in a moment.'  "After the first fright I was really amused, notwithstanding the mortifying situation. By that time Fred had drawn forth my purse. Nodding to the policeman, he said: "An old dodge. Putting into my pocket what she has taken from someone else. Has anyone here lost this ? " he asked, holding up my purse. "No one claimed it. I managed to get off my veil then, that I had been tugging at. I had got a lady in the depot to tie it tightly behind, as it was blowing a perfect gale when I arrived. All eyes were on me then, of course, and the officer, not recognizing an old offender, and not a very guilty looking young one, hesitated. I looked eagerly at Fred to see if he would not recognize me, but he did not. There was a very embarrassing pause then that had to be ended, so I said, not trying to restrain my smiles : " If you will open that purse, Mr. Loring, you will see my card. I thought my acquaintance would justify my loading you with some of my bundles, If you will notice, your other pocket is full." Everyone waited eagerly the result. Quickly Fred did my bidding. You may imagine his look, when he exclaimed:  "'Fannie Loring! Bless my soul, Coz, can you ever forgive me? But how could I know you? I've not seen you since you were a child.'  "There was a shout of laughter heard then, in which Fred and I joined. But Fred's was not a very hearty laugh, and I think he was glad to get out of that car, for he made me walk at least three time as far as you and I walk when we leave the car."  Nellie was almost convulsed with lauihter, which baby seemed to enjoy very much. And Fred exclaimed:  "It was not half as bad as you have made it out, Fan. And just for a punishment for your laughing so, Nellie, I hope baby will not go to sleep for hours. I'm off now." Merry rippling laughter followed him. And Fred ran down the stairs, and out of the house, almost hoping somebody might attempt to rob, or murder him even, so that his revolver might prove of-great avail, and thus silence Nellie, who was ever talking about, what she called his suspicious nature, when it was only necessary caution; he thought:  So-on baby was sleeping soundly, notwithstanding Fred's wish to the contrary. And Nellie, putting her into the crib, went to the bureau to arrange her hair. "Why, Fred has gone without his watch !" she exclaimed. "I don't think he ever did that in his life before. I wonder he has not been back again before this !" The hours passed swiftly by. Fannie,