The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-07-05

never forget to my latest BREATH and exclaimed, I
am unhappy serabe-and SO would
you be, also, if you knew the doom that awaited
you."
"And pray what is that" asked, iDcredulous-
ly, for I thought she was trifing with me.
"Only," she replied, "that you have not three
hours to live-by that time you will be corpse. /
know not what impulse makes me say this to you,
but cannot resist forewarning you Of your ineyi-
table fate. Escape is hopeless, and you will meet
with the same end as the other victims who have
entered this room"
"This is some idle fiction you have conJured up," !"
Ireplied, "to deter mel from making love to you;
perhaps there is some lover in the case; and you
wish to frighten me by this improbable story"
''I call God to witness that speak nothing but
the painful truth" she rejoined "But stop-you
shall know all.'
Having said this, she went to the door, and from
thence into the passage, to listen if any one were
within hearing. Having ascertained that all was
safe, she returned, and, closnsthe door, she came
up to me, continued her appalling communica-
ton.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes, and
then pointing to the floor said, "Look at this sand;
did you ever see sand in sale ananger? and that
too on first floor. Alas! what scenes of blood
have been enacted here. You have ordered din
ner-which is being prepared below-a few min
utes before it is ready, you will see three officers,
in the uniform of the Imperial Guard ride into the
court-yard-they will call loudly for the landlord;
order dinner, champaign and other luxuries. You
will then be waited upon by the landlord himself,
who will announce the arrival of his distinguished
guests, and request, on such an emergency, that
you will permit them to dine in this room with
you; for although he has dinner sufficient for five
persons at table, yet ift were divided, it would
not suffice for three and t,oo in seperate apartments
you must comply for refusal would only accel-
crate your doom; by complying you will gain time,
and God grant you may devise some plan, with your
servant for frustrating the schemes Of these blood
thirsty wretches!"
! was thunderstIuck, as you may suppose, and
could hardly believe my senses. l desired this
lovely girl to send my servant up to me as soon as
she could without exciting suspicion. This she
did; and repeated to Pierre every word she had
told me- He was incredulous for long time; but
upoL my dwelling on every minute particular he
became more attentive, although he could hardly
believe thathis old acquaintance of Mazieries, who
was the landlord, could lend himself to sucba SAN
culinary plot "Atall events" he said, 81 will 60
back to the stabIe under the plea of looking to the
horses, and return with our pistols, which can
conceal in my pockets" In few minutes he re-
Joined me, and we had scarcely began to talk of the
extraordinary tale that had just been communica-
ted to me, when the tramping of horses feet was
heard, and three officers, dressed as the girl had
described, entered the yard of the inn Thus far
her story was confirmed Conviction of the truth
now took possession of Pierre's mind.
'sIt is too true," he said. I will go back to the
,table, and think of what is best to be done. In
he meantime the landlord will, doubtless, come to
you; and it is better we should not be seen togeth
r."
He had not left the room FIVE minutes ere mine
lost made his appearance. more specious and
,bsequious Boniface you never beheld, AS the
,irl had predicted his opening speech was to the
,ffect that would, he trusted, pardon the liberty
lie waa11nt to take in proposing that three Off
,ers oi 49, imperial Guard should dine in my room.
lie had dinner for FIVE, certainly; but ifthe repast
he had served up in two separate apartments, there
would not be sufficient for either party. He as
ured me, moreover, that could not fail to be
pleased with the society of these gentlemen, as
hey were officers of rank, du bon ton and bien COM
ne IL fdm
Putting as good face as could on the matter,
expressed my willingness to meet his wishes and
hose of the officers. / added, however, that
rusted the newly arrived gentlemen would excuse
ny servant sitting at the table with them; that
was travelling for my health, and he seldom left
ny side, as was subject to sudden attacks of
pasms thought the fellow appeared rather dis
at this announcement; but not pretend
ng to notice the effect my communication had pro-
iuced. requested him as he left the room to send
ny servant UP stairs, as wished to take some cor
lial before dinner. Pierre soon made his appear
lnce, and putting my pistols in my hand SAID:
"All shut too true, monsieur, courage and we
hall be masters of the field. have arranged my
plan, and you must follow my instructions. The
captain Of thi, internal band Of cut thoats you must
request to sit on one side Of the table, while
lake my place opposite to them. As soon as Ihave
helped myself to glass of wine, after the desert
placed on the table, you must shoot the scoundrel
acing you!-shrink not, for. on your nerve and
presence ofmind depend your safety. Leave the
.est to me; we have desperate game to pay-cool-
ness and courage alone are wanting to ensure sue
cess" .a
promised compliance, and was picturing to
myself the scene Of which was SO soon to play so
prominent part, when the three soidisant officers
made their appearance, ushered in by the landlord
rhe fellows were dressed to perfection-rather
'atre as to the dandyism, for they were oiled and
scented as the veriest petit naitre in the reche-
he saloons of Paris. Their address was rather Of
he free and easy school, somewhat overdone; per-