Year: 1879

Out not Oh uoT uuuuASAcu A0SSCA "AS~ WV
to the object OF her scheming. He thought
himself indisputable master of the situa-
ton, but found his mistake a grave one,
all too soon, as my story will show.


"Let me see," said the countess, as
though speaking to herself, yet loud
enough for the man to hear every word.
I must without fail, ask her down to see
me. But then, as I left everything of
value in Berlin, except the bracelet and
necklace which l now have on, have
nothing suitable to wear if she comes.
Oh, yes! I now recollect my husband
brought some of my jewelrY with him
last week when he returned from the city,
and had entirely forgotten it. Let me
count it over and see what 1 really can
call into use. There are my diamonds,
those splendid and priceless heirlooms IN
the counts family; and those large spot
less pearls which the duchess, my aunt,
gave me on my last birthday; and I have |
that pin, with the carved amethyst set IN
it. surrounded by lustrous emeralds, and
a change of bracelets, for he brought nae
the one with my fine topaz-oh, yes! l
can do we'll enough for the few days she
will remain"


"And then-well, I declare, it has just
come into my mind. How careless in the
count. He intended to take all the mon
ey with him when he went away, but
must certainly have forgotten it. Seven
ty thousand thalers! just think Of it And
there it is all in that box on the table in
the other rom, right beside ny jewels.
If had thought about it sooner, should
not have allowed the servants to 60 away
tonight, for, certainly, two helpless
woman, and towards at that, are poor
protectors for so much property. I am
afraid my husband would not feel very
easy regarding its safety if he knew how
we were situated tonight. Nor would I,
if believed any one suspected we had it
in the house. But, pshaw! no one would
expect us to bring any money with us to
this lonesome spot; and, even if a robber
should come, he would have to come
through my room to get the booty, for
there are no windows in the other apart
ment and no door leading into it save
the one there. However, am sure his
going through my chamber would make
little difference, for am very sound
sleeper. And even if I did wake and
found him near. should be little in the
way of his accomplishing his object and
making away with his stealings, tor I
know I should be too frightened to stop
him. Besides, what could do in that
direction if I had a weapon even, for I
am too weak and cowardly to use one;
and then, too there is none in the house,
if wanted such thing. And as for
screaming, why I might scream myself
dead, and what good would it do? No
one lives near here, and few pass this way.
Taking all in all, I think the things are
not very safe if any one comes to get
them; but apprehend no danger from a
visitor of that kind.


"Now, what am to wear for dresses?
I'm sure cannot think of thing. When
l came here I had no idea of seeing any


body but the peasantry hereabouts, and


now I'm thinking Of having real lady of


the court on hand, to pry into my things


and severely criticise them when she gets


back among my friends. l must go


right away and overhaul my trunk of


dresses. Who knows but the mice have


or, perhaps, they have chosen that abom-


Unable silk which never could bear to


put on. But then, as those are all that I


have at hand, I must use one or the other


this time; so III consume the next half


hour in examining into their condition,


after which I will retire."


There were but two doors leading out
| of the apartment which she occupied.


and through one of these she now passed


The other opened into large closet-for


it deserved no othe: name, though equal


in size to the room where the bed stood.


As she had remarked, no ray of sunshine


ever found an entrance there, for it had


no windows. Why, no one except the


builder could tell, as the outer wall


formed part of the. house, and openings


could have been left there as easy as not.


No sooner was the countess fairly out


of sight, end the door partly closed be-


hind her, than a burly form wormed it.


self out from under the bed and slipped


stealthilY into the closet. Fatal move


The room which he had entered, as the
| countess we'll known, contained not a


single thaler or article of .iewelry, though


the valueless boxes, which she had stated


held treasures unspeakable, were really


there. His eager hand was already y


clutching one Of them when the door be.


hind him suddenly closed with bang
The next moment a heavy bolt slipped
into its socket on the other side, and he
was prisoner. .2..s -. .. .-.. s.s
;, "Attrappirt! attrappirt! attrupp;rt!'' !''


exclaimed his jailer, as she finished lock.
ling the door. ("Caught! caught
n caught?D H. - ,...- ...-. ...'"
Indeed it was 80. He was Gagged, i'm
prisoned- outwitted by woman, and hi.
cunning overmatched. He flew to tht
entrance of his strange cell, and dashed
, the empty box furiously against that i'm
portant door, Then his huge fists begal