Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-04-10
The Midnight Assassin.
A TRUE STORY,

True STORY.
Il was, on my way to P, in the fall
of1S40, it was towards the Geld evenings
in the hrsa fall iaonth, when my horse
stopped suddenly before respectable
house, about four miles from NJ.
There was semething strange and re-
niarkable il this acton of my horse, nor
would he a: step in spitesof all my
exertiohs to move him on.
u determined to CRAFTY this whim, and
atfthe same time strange presentiment
which came over me, a kind Of supernatu-
raj feeling indescribable. seemed to urge
me to enter.-Having knocked, and re-
quested to be conducted to the lady or
gentleman Of the house, was ushered
into neat sitting-room, where sat beau
tiful girl about twenty years of age. She
rose at my entrance, and seemed a little
surprised at the appearance of perfect
stranger.
In few words I related to her the
strange conduct of my horse, and his
stubborn opposition to my mind. 81 am
not" observed, I" superstitious, nor in
clined 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"
eve are not" she replied, "well guar
ded, It's true, but in this part of the coun-
try we have little to fear from robbers,
for we have never heard of any being
near us; we are surrounded by good
neighbors, and fatter myself we are at
peace with them. But this evening, in
consequence of my fathers absence, |
feel unusually lonesome, and if it were
not bordering on the superstitious, might
reason as you have, and say | consent to
your staying; for similar feelings had
been mine ere you arrived; from what
cause cannot imagine"
The evening passed delightfully."- away;
my young hostess was intelligent and
lovely; the hours few so quick, that on
looking at my watch, was surprised to
find that it was II o'clock. This was
the signal for retiring; and by twelve,
every inmate Of the house was probably
asleep, save myself l could not sleep
strong visions foated across nv Lrain,
and lay twisting and turning on the bed,
in an agony of sleepless suspense The
clock struck one-its last vibrating sound
had scarcely died away, when the OPEN
ing of shutter, and the raising of sash
in one of the lower apartments, convinced
me some one was entering the house. A
noise following, as of a person jumping
from the window sill to the floor, and
then followed the light and almost noise
less step of one ascending the stairway.
II slept in the room adjoining the one
occupied by the lady; mine was next to
the staircase; the step came along the
gallery slow and cautious. I had seized
my pistol and slipped on part Of my
clothes, determined to watch or listen to
the movements, seeming mysterious or
suspicious, the sound of the steps stopped
at my door-then followed as of one ap-
plying the ear to the key-hole, and low
breathing convinced me the villain was
listening. / stood motionless, my pistol
firmly grasped, met muscle moved, nor
a nerve was slackened, for I felt as if
heaven had selected me out as the instru.
ment to effect his purpose.
The person now slowly passed, and |
as cautiously approached the door Of. my
bed:ehamber.. ,a 4sa,S@ a
Inow went by instinct, or rather by
the conveyance of the sound, for as I