Ednas Sacrifice and Other Stories | Page 6

years. As it was, my face was completely hidden. The car was
much crowded, many standing--I next 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 washed into
one, and was about slipping my porte-monnaie into the other, when my
hand was caught with such a grip that I screamed right out. At the same
time Fred exclaimed, '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
porte-monnaie. Nodding to the policeman, he said:
"'An old dodge. Putting into my pocket what she has taken from some
one else. Has any one here lost this?' he asked, holding up my
porte-monnaie.
"No one claimed it. I managed to get off my veil then, that I had been
tugging at. I had gotten 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 porte-monnaie, 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.'

"Every one 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 times as far as ever
you and I walk when we leave the car."
Nellie was almost convulsed with laughter, 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.
Soon 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, with her merry heart, fully
compensating Nellie for Fred's absence. Eleven o'clock came before
they imagined it near so late. And just then they heard the hall door
close, and a moment after Fred entered the room, and in an excited
voice exclaimed:
"Now, ladies, perhaps you will admit the good of carrying a revolver,
when I tell you that to-night I have been robbed."
"Robbed!" exclaimed Nellie and Fannie simultaneously.
"Yes, robbed. But I did not stay so, many minutes, thanks to my
revolver! Listen, and I'll tell you all about it. On my way home I turned
Gray's corner into Fourteenth street. You know how dark and dismal it
is about there--no lights. Well, as I turned, a fellow came rushing along,
knocked against and nearly sent me down. And saying quickly, 'Excuse

me, sir,' hurried on. I suspected what it was--a dodge they have when
relieving a man of his watch or pocket-book. I hastened to feel for my
watch. It was gone."
"Why, Fred, your watch--"
"Stop! Don't interrupt me. Wait until I've done."
The girls exchanged looks--mirthful first, anxious after.
"In a second I was after him. Presenting my revolver, I bade him hand
me the watch. He