Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-07-30

" whom julius gave short detaii Of MS
adventure, and requested accommoda-
tion for the night. To this the man
nodded, without Withdrawing the pipe
from his mouth, while the woman, as she
prepared the supper, was inquisitive to
know their motive for travelling that
road. Casting their eyes around the
apartment, they were astonished at the
incongruity OF its furniture. On rough
oak table, Of the coarsest workmanship,
stood an India cabinet inlaid with pearl!
and beneath an ordinary little Dutch
glass hung gold repeater! while sew
eral silver candlesticks were ranged on
the smOke-blackened antel-piece.-
When supper was ready, the aforesaid
table was drawn forth, ovcr.whosc rough
surface was thrown n damask cloth of
ihe finest texture. Two ear,hen plates
Of different sizes, and some handleless
knives and forks, were placed upon the
board, while a rich silver urn, surround
ed by some cups and saucers Of the
coarsest ware, completed the tea equip
age. The travellers spake no;-but eX-
changed looks Of as.onishmeni. Yet OPP
pressed with fatigue ard hunger, (not-
withstanding their anxious fcars) they
partook largely of the food before them;
the tea, from its bad quality, they could
not drink, which the hostess perceiving,
brought in deep silver cup, resembling
a sacramental chalicc, filled with wine,
and placed it before them, then calling
TO the man to I" see to the house," they
both left the room; at this instant, as
RosIne was raising the cup to her lips,
the fearful spite who had hitherto haunt
ed their steps, sprang from dark nook
in the hut, and with an uncouth yell.
seized the cup, and holding it a, arms
length, he whired round with tho vcloci-
ty OF a top, scattering its contents over
every part oi the room, and replacing it
on the table, leaped out Of the window!
Tell me, in the name Of fheavcnw cried
julius, as the hostess entered, ",cho that
strange being is, and from whence he
came'" ooh! ',is only my poor idiot
Joy," said she, ''you need not mind him."
".Mind him" said u low voice beneath
the floor. Rosine started, hut the host
ess, without noticing it, told them their
rooms were ready, whenever they wish
ed to retire. "We shall occupy bu. one
apartment," said Julius, determining,
in this suspicious dwelling, not to be
separated from Rosine,) Gas we shall
pursue our journey very early in the
morning, my sister will rest herself
few hours in her clothes, for myself, a
blanket OH the floor will answer, il | feel
disposed to sleep" You'd better 20
to bed in christian way" Inuttered the
woman, as she closed The door. The
same incongruity was as apparent in the
chamber furniture as the kitchen. An
ill-shaped oak bedstead, with bedding of
corresponding coarsencss, was shaded
by a drapery of rich silk, tastefulIy form
ed, but rudely arranged; and remnant
OF handsome carpeting was upon the
floor. Yet overpowcred By the variety
of their feelings, and the fatigues of the
day, they soon availed themselves of
their accommodation for reposc. The
deep breathing of her brother soon con-
vinced Rosine that he slcpl-when sud-
denly she heard tho crcak of a foo,step
upon the npor and parting the drapery
of her bed, she saw the tall shadow of a
woman against the wall! With a heart,
chilled as by the touch ofdeath, she sank
almost unconsciously on her pillow, on
observing the hostess glide cautiously
round the room, and at length hold a
lamp to the face Of her brother. Rosine
strove to repress scream; for she knew
that ifthoy were the victims oftreachcry.
courage, and presence Of mind atone,
could save them. Presently, her cur
tains were Withdrawn, and she felt a
cold, hard hand pass slowly over her
face! At this moment she heard below
suppressed voice, scarcely above a
whisper, exclai,ning, "secure The bridge"
The woman immediately extinguished
the lamp upon the hearth, and departed
with the other, leaving them in total
darkness. Rosine now sprung up, and
looking out Of the window, saw the man
and woman 60 forth towards the bridge.
Not moment was to be lost.-IIast-
lily awakening her brother, she told him
in whisper all that had passed. Starting
up, he opened the door, and found
lamp burning upon the stairs, by which
lay dagger and pair Of pistols! The
horrid purpose Of these wretches was
now revealed; aud seizing the weapons,
which seemed sent him by Heaven for
his defence, he took the lamp and re-
entered the room, and advancing to his
sister, said in a firm voice." Rosine,
take this dagger, il may be necessary
we are in den OF murdern' ave are in
a den Of murder" responded full though
agonized voice beneath the floor, which
they perceived was agtated by a slight
knock. Fastening to the spot, julius
threw up tho carpet. when a fran-dnnr