The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1849-02-17
SlALlAU0 II 4 Mlno
The Midnight Assassin

| ABOUT lOur miles from N,
There was something stange and remark
able in this action of my horse, nor would
he move step in spite oiall my exertions
to move him on.
| determined to crafty this whim, and at
The same time strange presentiment which
came over me, kind OF ofsupernatural ndes-
crlbabe feeling, seemed to urge me to en-
ter. Having kncked and requested to be
conducted to the lady or gentleman of the
house, was ushered into neat sitting,
room, where sat beautiful girl of about
twenty yeas Of age. She rose at my en-
trance, and seemed little surprised at the
appearance of perfect stranger.
In few words related to her the
strange conduct ofmy horse, and his Stub
born opposition to my mind. IL am not"
| observed, "superstiious, nor inclined on
the side of the metaphysical doctrines of
those who support them; but the strange
unaccountable feeling that crept over me
in attempting to pass your house induced
me to solicit lodgings for the night"
1--WE are moi" she replied, "well guard.
| ed, It's true but i'll this part Of the country
we have little to fear from robbers, for we
have never heard of any being near US we
are surrounded by good neighbors, and |
tlater myself we are at peace with them.
But this evening, in consequence of my
fathers absence, ! felt unusually lonesome,
and if it were not bordering on the sup
erstlious: lmight reason as you have,
and say | consent TO your staying; for
similar feelings had been mine ere yOr ar
rived /; from what cause | cannot i'm.
agiuG."
The evening passed delightfully."- away !;
my young hostess was intelligent and love.
ly; the hours flew so quickly, that on
looking at my watch, was surprised to
find that it was eleven o'ckock. This
was the signal for retiring and by twelve
every inmate OF the house was probably
asleep save myself. could not sleep
strange visions foatcd across my brain,
and | lay twisting on my bed, in all the
agony Of slecpless suspense. The clock
struck one its last vibrating sound had
scarcely died away, when the opening of
shutter, and the raising of sash in one of
the lower apartments, convinced me some
one was entering the house. A noise fol-
lowed as of person Jumping from the
window-sill to the floor, and then followed
the light and almost nOseless step of one
ascending the stairway.
slept in the room adjoining the one
occupied by the lady: mine was next to the
slaircace, The step came along the gallery.
slow and cautious. had seized my pistol
and slipped on part of my clothes, determ>
ined to watch or listen TO the movements
seemingly mysterious or suspicious: the
sound of the steps stopped at my door
then followed one as ifapplying the ear to
the heyhole, and low breathing convinc-
ed me the villain was listening. | stood
moiionless, the pistol firmly grasped, Nota
muscle moved, not a nerve was slaCkened,
for felt as if Heaven had selected me out
as the instrument to effect its purpose.
The person now passed slowly on, and
| as cautiously approached the door of my
bed, chamber.
! now went by instinct, or rather by
the conveyance for as soon as | beard his
hand grasp the latch of one door, mine |
seized on the other--a deep silence follow
ed this movement it seemed as he heard |
the sound, and waited the repetition ii |
came not-aIl was still he might have |
considered it the echo of his own noise
! heard the door open sohly.-l also open
ed mine, and the very moment | stepped !
into the entry, | caught glimpse oia tall
man entering the lighted chamber Of the
young lady.
softly stepped along the entry, ap.
preached the chamber through the half
opened door glanced my eyes into the
room. No object was visible save the
curaincd bed within whose sheets, lay |
the intended victim 10 midnight assUs-
sin, and he, gracious heaven - a ne
gr0!
For at that moment a tall, IGrce-Iooking |
black approached the bed and never were
OthcIio and Dcsdcmona more naturally re-
presented at least that particular scene of
tho immortal bard's conception.
was now all suspense: my heart
swrlIcd into my throat almost to sufloca-
ton, any eyes to cracking, as | made
bound into the room.
The black villain had ruihlessly dragged
part of the covering off the bed when the
sound of my foot caused him to turn. lie
started. and thus confronted, we stood
gazing on each orher a few seconds; ms
eyes Shot iire--fury was depicted in his
cuuuleuance. He made spring towards
me, and the next moment lay a corpse on
the floor