Not only have I lost moral courage in the matter of some of my deepest
convictions, but I notice also with consternation that my physical
bravery is ebbing away as my years increase. I have drawn the line, for
example, squarely and tautly on burglars. One night not very long since
I was awakened by noise and, after listening, I came to the conclusion
that it proceeded from housebreakers. I slipped out of bed stealthily
and put my ear to the bolted chamber door in order to confirm my
conviction. My movements aroused Josephine, who sat up in bed and asked
hoarsely what the matter was. I put my finger on my lips quite
irrelevantly, for it was pitch dark.
"Fred, are there burglars in the house?" she gasped.
"Sh! Yes."
"What are you doing, Fred? Oh, you mus'n't go down and expose yourself
on any account." She was evidently very much agitated. "Promise me that
you will not."
Having ascertained that the door was secure I walked across the room and
turned on the electric light. Josephine was sitting bolt upright,
quivering with excitement. Her eyes followed my every movement, as,
having slipped on my trousers and a pair of boots, I began to look around
me, tramping sturdily.
"Fred, they'll hear you if you make such a noise," said my wife, in an
agonized whisper.
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