The Columbian fountain., 1846-02-14

D. c.. SATURDAY. FEBRUARY IA. 1916.

Gus deed, should sit upon his brow or CLEAN
from his eyeballs. 8r a.. NJ
Observing my silence, for he had no
doubt been contemplating me for some mo-
ments, he said, friend, thou art very taci-
turn, perhaps the joys of home and relatives
rise before thee, in strong contrast with the
monotony and dullness Of this stormy eve
ming. But come, drive care and languor
away-here's glass Of the truest Burgun-
dy--a sure antidote for morbid spirits Thus
! saying he offered the trimming glass, which
unperceived by me, he. had filed, and at
the same time took one himself.
Rousing myself, took the glass, which
| dared not to refuse, lest might provoke
feelings which, at that moment, did not
wish to excite, and, replying, said, "that
true, / was detected; that thoughts Of
home and friends would intrude them
selves and that to these my want of ami
nation was attributable" M
Well, them" cried he, "quaf your
glass and away with melancholy. Here's
health and long life," said he, as, raising
his glass, he touched mine, "to thy friends
and self-may your joys be many-your
cares be fewr'
Feeling 1t obligatory to respond to his
sentiment, toasted him thus: g The Trav-
ellers' Home" (such was the name of his
house) evil ever truly remain such, while
it's present landlord presides over its des-
tiny"
"Good, my boyn' responded he, with
that freedom and socially characteristic Of
the man: "Give us your hand you are
as clever fellow as have met Tor many
day."
Taking my extended hand, he gave me
a hearty shake; such an one as my cramp-
ed fingers did not forget for several days.
Surely, thought |, this does not look much
like he had murderous design upon me,
and my courage began to grow. | even
thought that could now, without averted
eyes, ask him to explain the mystery of the
words that had heard So taking long
breath, and arranging my coat collar, as if
il had been out of order, in rather couI-
ageous tone / inquired, elf my landlord
could tell from whence the noise proceeded
that reached my ears on my way TO the din
ing room''
Looking steadfastly upon mine host /
thought that he appeared disturbed by my
inquiry and his color seemed to 60 and
come, as the Pickering of dying lamp.
began to feel uneasy: he did not respond.
There he sat gazing upon the wall before
him, evidently so agitated as to be unable
to reply to me. NowI am fixed again,
thought |. How shall / get out of this
scrape' Mine host moved, as if he would
speak, and turning his eyes upon me, he
said:
"You have touched chord in memory's
harp, that vibrates nauglh but sadness, So
far distant is the object from whence the
voice came you speak Of, that thought it
impossible for any one about this house to
hear anything from thence. 'Tis a sad sto-
ry, and would touch ah iron heart. But
tell me where and how, and what you
heard"
now related the precise manner and the
words that fell upon my ear
''Oh treacherous whd," replied he, "it
was thou that tolds't part of the story of
yon emancated victim. My friend,n ad-
dressing me, "your blood will curdle, and
icy chils will shake your frame, listening
to the recital of this deed of wrong. You
seem desirous TO hear it, and haved warn
ed you that it is heart sickening story:
would you now hear it ~
Proceed" replied !, "you will find me
prepared for the trial"
My memory might fail me in some
particulrs Of this rehearsal, will, therefore,
read to you from manuscript, written by
myself short time after the tragedy" said
my landlord, "whlch am about to relate,
and which recorded, as it fell from his
own lips, ere reason tottered on her throne
and forever fled its resting place. He-the
maniac--whose voice you heard calling so
loudly for vengeance--is my own brother,
as read, you will perceive that he, him
self, is the narrator.
(1o be continued.