33 лучших юмористических рассказа на английском / 33 Best Humorous Short Stories

One glance showed it to be a highwayman, heavily armed, holding a pistol in each hand.

�Let no one pass out of this room!’ he said, in a voice of thunder. �The house is surrounded and you cannot escape. The first one who crosses yonder threshold will be shot like a dog. Gentlemen, I’ll trouble you to approach in single file, and hand me your purses and watches.’

Finding resistance useless, the order was ungraciously obeyed.

�Now, ladies, please to pass up your jewelry and trinkets.

This order was still more ungraciously complied with. As Blanche handed to the bandit captain her bracelet, she endeavored to conceal a diamond necklace, the gift of Mr. Rawjester, in her bosom. But, with a demoniac grin, the powerful brute tore it from its concealment, and, administering a hearty box on the ear of the young girl, flung her aside.

It was now my turn. With a beating heart I made my way to the robber chieftain, and sank at his feet.

�O ho! A governess? Give me your last month’s wages, then. Give me what you have stolen from your master!’ and he laughed fiendishly.

I gazed at him quietly, and said, in a low voice: �I have stolen nothing from you, Mr. Rawjester!’

�Ah, discovered! Hush! listen, girl!’ he hissed, in a fiercer whisper, �utter a syllable to frustrate my plans and you die; aid me, and —’ But he was gone.

In a few moments the party, with the exception of myself, were gagged and locked in the cellar. The next moment torches were applied to the rich hangings, and the house was in flames. I felt a strong hand seize me, and bear me out in the open air and place me upon the hillside, where I could overlook the burning mansion. It was Mr.

�Burn!’ he said, as he shook his fist at the flames. Then sinking on his knees before me, he said hurriedly: —

�Mary Jane, I love you; the obstacles to our union are or will be soon removed. In yonder mansion were confined my three crazy wives. One of them, as you know, attempted to kill me! Ha! this is vengeance! But will you be mine?’

I fell, without a word, upon his neck.