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