Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1842-03-29
THE fRAYELLER,s STORY.

number, were seated BY blazing FTe, in
tavern upon one of the Allegheny noun
tainf. The coach had broken down, and
per force We we're detained until the next
morning. We had finished a substantial
Virginia supper, and each one with his
feet on the fender, and cigar in his
mouth, Illuminating upon the storm without
and the warm cozy comfort within. Each
one in his turn told a story or related an
anecdots and at last the joke came round
TO a hollow checked individual, who un
ill then had remained silent.
'tGentleman said he, fixing piercing
grey eye upoh one Of the cOmpany-a
Spaniard- d-who uninvited. had drawn his
chair up to the FIRE; "some ten years ago
] came near being murdered in this very
house."
At this moment the Spaniard got uP,
and was going out Of the room, when the
narrator arose, and locking the only door
in the room, put the kee 10 his pocket,
took the Spaniard by the arm, and lead
ing him up to an old picture, snrmouted
by the English coat. Of arms, in gil, work.
run bis fingers along the motto;
"HOni soh qui maly peHse,"
said, displaying at the same time, the
butend Of large pistol, "evIl be to him
who evil thinks"
The Spaniard smiled, and said he did
not feel well, but the stranger swore that
no man should leave the room until he
finished his story. Requesting us not TO
be Imazed at his conduct, he proceeded
"SOme years ago said he, 81 was trav-
ellinRoVer these mountains on horseback
and stopped at this very house. The
landlord was extremely ObsequiOus in at
tending to my comfort; and after supper,
he requested me to join him in bottle
Of wine. Nothing loalh, consented, AID
before midnight four empty bottles stood
on the table end, and he was acquainted
with all my business. very imPrudent-
" remarked, in the course Of conversation
that ] had large sum Of money in my
valise, and he politely informed me that
he would take care oft until morning.
Although somewhat intoxicated, did moi
spproVe Of leaving it in his charge, and
wishing him good night, took Iay valse
in my hand, and retired to bed. After
had undressed, ! placed my pistols un.
der my pillow, and carefully as | thought
examined the room | laid myself down
aid sank into a filful sleep. IsuppOse I
must have been Two hours after, when
woks,G collecting my senses, endeavorer
to think what had been about. Sud
denly detected noise under my bed
What was my horror when small piece OI
carpet stretched along my bed side NOV
ed as though something was underit. A
cold peEspiration started from every pore ;
but thank God! | had presence Of mind
enough 10 prepare Tor the worst. Gasp-
ing pistol in my right hand, and hiding
il under The bed clothes, feigned TO be a
sleep. In an instant afterwards | saw a
trap door. which had been concealed by a
carpet, cautiously liflsd up, and beheld
my landlord with dark lantern in his
hand directing his glittering eyes towards
me. Still moved not but; as he turned
his back TO put the lantern on the floor
fired, and"
"You killed him did You uot?" shrek.
ed the Spaniard, almost jumping from his
seat.
"SilenceS till | have finished" said the
stranger, and again he touched the butt
end Of his weapon. "T'hs instant that
fred, the villain fell. | started up, and
merely pulling my oyercOat on, snatched
the lantern that he had dropped, crept
cautiously down with my vals in my hand
10 the stable. II was bright mOOnshIny
night, and soon saddled my horse. ]
eailopod ten,miles, when met some wag.
0nsrs, and in their company returned to
the house, but 10 despite Of our rigid
search. not even as much as the villains
body could be found. But il can once
put my hands on him, ifit costs me IOy
life, ho shall die the dogs death.
The stranger arose and cought the
Spaniard BY the throat. Tearing open
bis shirt collar he showed the mark of a
wound on his neck. We neod say no
more. Three weeks alter that, Joseph
Gomez was hanged in the city Oi Cumber-
land upon his own confession of having
murdered no less than FIVE travellers in
fhat varv EO0nn