Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1844-01-19


tavern upon one of the Allegheny mountains.
The coach had broken down, and per force we
were detained until the next morning. We
had Just finished a substantial Virginia sup
per. and each one with his feet upon the fen
der. and cigar in his mouth, rumlnated upon
the storm without, and the warm cozey COM
fort within. Each one in his turn told story
or related an anecdo,e, and al last the joke
came round 10 hollow-cheeked individual,
who, until then had remained silent.
Gentlemen" said he, fixing piercing
grey eye upon one Of the company, Span
lard, who, uninvi,ed had drawn his chair TO
the fire, 'some ten years ago came near be-
inc murdered in this very house."
AT this moment the Spaniard got up and
was going to leave the room, when the nara
tor arose, and locking the only door in the
room, put the key into his pocket, took the
Spaniard by the arm, leading him up to an old
picture, surmounted by the English coat of
arms in gilt work, run his finger along the mot
"Honi sol NAL pense."
said, displaying al the same time the butt ena
of a large pistol, "evil be to him who evil
thinks" The Spaniard smiled, and said he
did not feel we'll. but the stranger said that no
man should leave the room until he had finish
ed his story. Requesting US not to be amazed
at his conduct, he proceeded
sSome ten years ago was travelling over
these mountains on horseback, and | stopped
at this very house. The landlord was extreme
ly obsequious in attending TO my comfort, and
and after supper he requested me 10 join him
in bottle of wine. Nothing 10th, consent
ed, and before midnight four empty bottles
stood on the table end, and he was acquainted
with all my business. very imprudently re.
marked in the course of conversation, that
had large sum of money in my valise, and
he politely informed me that he would take
care Of it for me until the next morning. AL
though somewhat intoxicated, did not APP
prove of leaving it in his charge, and wishing
him good night, took my vaise in my hand
and retired TO bed. After had undressed,
placed my pistols under my pillow, and care
fully as l thought, examined the room.
laid myself down, and soon sunk into a fiiul
sleep. l suppose it must have been two hours
after when awoke, anG collecting my scatter
ed senses, | endeavored to think what had
been about. Suddenly detected noise un-
der my bed. What was my horror when
observed small piece of carpet stretched a.
long my bedside, move as though something
was under it. A cold Precipitation started
ence of mind enough to prepare for the worst.
it under the bed clothes, feigned TO be asleep.
In an instant afterwards saw a trap door,
which had been concealed by carpet, can,i.
ously lifted up, and beheld my landlord, with
dark lantern in his hand, directing his gilt
,erng eyes towards me. Still l moved not
but as he turned his back 10 put the lantern on
the floor, fired, and''-
you killed him, did you not 2 shrieked
the excited Spaniard, almost jumping from his
seat.
"Silence! till have finished - said the
stranger, and again he touched the butt end of
his weapon. 1.-The instant that fired the
villain fell! started up and merely pulling
my overcoat on, snatched the lantern that he
had dropped, crept cautiously down with my
valIse in my haand, TO the stable. 1t was
bright moon-shiny night, and soon saddIed
my horse. galoped ten miles, when met
party of wagoners, and in their company
returned to the house: but despite Of our rigid
search, not even as much as the villains body
could be found. But if / can once put my
hand upon him, if i. costs me my life, he shall
die the dogs DEATH"
The stranger arose aud caught the Spaniard
by the throat Tearing open his shirt-collar,
he showed the mark of wound upon his
neck! We need say no more. Three weeks
after that Jose Gomez was hanged in the city
OF Cumberland. upon his own confession of
having purposely murdered no less than five
travellers in that very room!
New DEFlNITIoNs.-Nos A flexible piece
of cartilage. which may be easily turned up
with significant expression Of contempt.
Ears: Awkward looking excrescensss, to
which, in times past, pendant Jewels were at
tached.
Fingers: Delicate pieces Of mechanism, USE
ful for striking the keys of piano; also con-
venlent for the display of rings and other orna-
ments.
Cheeks: Intended by nature to be the seat of
blushed, but in this refined ape seldom used