er got and let him go. That was nearly two weeks
ago, and he ain't showed up since, dag him!"

"You win, Mr. Ananias!" said Bunch, handing Diggs a ten dollar
bill, as he whispered to me, "That story is worth the money."

"What's that for?" inquired Diggs, somewhat taken aback.

"That's my contribution to the reward for the robber," Bunch told
him.

"Well," spluttered Diggs; "it don't seem zactly right, seein' as
how I on'y pulled the cuss out of his clothes and then let him go
with a lambastin'."

"The ten-spot is for the clothes you pulled him out of," Bunch
said, picking up the garments and handing them to me. "Keep them,
John, as a souvenir of your first burglar--and true friend, Bunch!"

I took them reverently, and said, "For your sake, Bunch, they'll be
handed down from generation to generation."

Clara J. blushed and said, "Oh, John!" and I thought Uncle Peter
would chuckle himself into a delirium.

"Good-night, Mr. Ananias!" Bunch called, as Diggs made a farewell
bow and turned to go.

"Good-night, one and all," replied Diggs, then a thought struck him
and he turned with, "Say, who's this here Mr. Annienias? Seems
like the name's familiar, but it ain't mine."

"Mr. Ananias is the first detective mentioned in history," Bunch
explained, and Mr. Diggs beamed over us all.

"Wait a moment, Mr. Officer," Aunt Martha piped in; "have a drop of
refreshment before you go. Tacks, run in and pour Mr. Officer a
drink from that bottle on the sideboard!"

Diggs stood there swallowing his palate in delightful anticipation
until Tacks handed him a brimming glass from which the brave
thief-taker took one eager mouthful, whereupon he emitted a shriek
of terror that could be heard for miles.

"Water! water! quick! I'm a'burnin' up!" cried the astonished
Diggs.

Uncle Peter in his eagerness to quench the flames poured half a
pitcher full of ice water down the back of Diggs' neck.

"It ain't there, it's down my throat!" yelled the unfortunate
Harmony, whereupon Uncle Peter poured the rest of the ice water
over the constable's head.

When, finally, the old fellow was revived he faintly declined any
more refreshment, and with a sad "good-night," faded away in the
twilight.

"Gee!" exclaimed Tacks, as he watched the retreating form, "I'm
afraid I upset some tobascum sauce in that glass by mistake."

Presently, Bunch went off to the depot to take a train back to the
city, and for some little time we sat in si