Year: 1872




" went around the house that night,
locking the doors and windows before 60
ing to bed, there was just breath of
breeze skipping about-nothingsmore but
by the time had fairly pumped upon the
pillow, the gale was going it like mad.
When first came to this Western country
l used to be surprised at the quick, un-
ceremonious way storms had of coming
upon people-half the time, it seemed to
me, out of clear, innocent-loolSing sky


In my old home prided myself upon
reading the signs of the sky; but here,
goodness me, when / thought it would
snow, it was sure to rain, and when could
have taken a solemn oath that the clouds
were going to pour, why, whisk they'd go,
and the sun would shine out as though it
was in high glee at having fooled me. So
gave up being weather prophet, and
took it just as it came.


That night everything out of doors SEEM
ed to be in commotion. The loose shingles
on the house clattered up and down, the
windows shook, the blinds ratified, and
half the time it seemed to me that the bed
on which lay would be blown through
the side of the house. l know I'm a fool
ish old woman, but at the thought couldn't
help setting my ruffied night-cap straight,
and smoothing back my hair, because if l
should go, why, there was Deacon Albee's
house opposite, and-but Lord bless me,
what am saying


Well, naturally, was lonesome enough,
without child or chick to speak to, but l
did very well until somehow got it into
my head that burglars always choose just
such nights to do their mischief in. After
that started at every sound, and, as there
were thumps and clatters ON all sides, and
in every direction, it isn't to be supposed
that / got much rest.


didn't stop to reason that there was
very little in my poor little house to tempt
evil doers. knew had forty dollars and
eighty cents laid away in my poor departed
Jason's old wooden chest, and felt that to
lose that would be terrible thing to me.


The house was cottage, with hall
running the length of its two rooms-an
81" being built beyond. My room was at
the back, opening into the hall and the
front room adjoining. So my eyes went
first from one door to the other lingering,
/ must say, with more dread upon the one
leading into the hall


"If / should be robbed of that forty
dollars and eightJAcents-" said / to my
self. just then blind went whack, and
springing up in bed, began to say the
prayer my mother taught me-" Now lay
me down to sleep" though I'm sure it
looked great deal more as though was
sitting up to sleep than lying down.


"What an old fool you are, Polly Quinn
by / began to say aloud, trying to get up
my courage by the sound of my own voice.


At that moment was sure heard a
step in the little hall, and before had
time to move from my place, the door
latch lifted, thedoor swung back, and there
he stood, the very object that / had been
dreading, Mr.. Burglar himself


"Good evening, ma'am," he said, in
such polite way, that found myself in
the motion Of bowing back, and saying
good evening too.


He was a middle-aged man, with mus.
tache and whiskers, and he had the bright
est eyes that ever saw in persons head.
The hair on his temples was quite gray.
All in all, he looked like respectable
Christian gentleman, and not midnight
thief.