Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-01-29
Published by James HarPer.l
A NIGHT OF HORRORS.

town Of Rouvray, to set down an
English lady and her child at lone
| ly roadside duberae. Mrs. Martin
expected to find carriage ready TO
take her TO the Chateau de Senart,
distance of some leagues, whittier
she was repairing on visit, but was
told that it had not yet arrived
The landlady, tall, coarse looking
woman, WHO showed her into the
vast hall that served at once as a
sittingroom and kitchen, observed
that the roads were so muddy and
difficult at night that there was little
chance Of her friend arriving before
morning.
"You had better, therefore" she
said, SNAKE up your mind to sleep
here. We have a good warm room
to offer you; and you will be much
more comfortable between pair Of
clean warm sheets, than knocking
about in our rough company, espe-
cially as your dear child seems sick
ly."
Mrs. Martin, though much fatigued
by her journey, hesitated. A good
nights rest was certainly a tempting
prospect; but she felt so confident
that her friends would not neglect
her, that, after a moment, she re-
piled:
81 thank you, madame. will sit
up for an hour or so-it is not too
late, the carriage may come, after all.
Should if not, shall be glad of your
room-which you may prepare for
me at any rate"
The hostess, who seemed anxious
that her guest should not remain in
the great room, suggested that fire
might be made above; but Mrs. Mar
tin found herself so comfortable
where she was--a pile of faggots
blazing on the hearth-that she de
clined at first to move. Her daugh
ter about five years of age, soon
went TO sleep in her lap; and she
herself found that while her ears
were anxiously listening for the roll
of carriage wheels. her eyes occa-
sionalIy closed, and slumber began
to make its insidious approaches.
In order to prevent herself from
giving way, she endeavored to direct
her attention to the objects around
her. The apartment was vast. and
lighted more by the glare Of The fire
than by the dirty candle, stuck into
filthy tin candlestick, that stood on
one Of the long tables. Two or
three huge beams stretched across,
leaving a space filled with fitting
shadows above. From these depen-
ded a rusty gun or two, sword,
several bags, hanks of unions, cook
ing utensils, &c. There were very
few signs that the house was much
visited, though a pile of empty wine
bottles lay in one corner. The land
lady sat at some distance from the
fireplace with her two sons, who
laid their heads together, and talked
in whispers.
Mrs Martin began TO feel uneasy.
The idea entered her mind that she
had fallen into a den of robbers
The words "C'eSt eue"--it is She
which were all she heard OF the
whispered conversation, contributed
to alarm her. The door leading
into the road was left ajar; and for a
moment she felt an inclination 10
start up and escape on foot. But
she was far from any other habita-
ton; and if the people Of the house
really entertained any evil designs,
her attempt would only precipitate
the catastrophe. She was resolved
on patience, but listened attentivelv
for the approach of her friends. All
she heard, however, was the wind
and the rain, which had begun TO
fall just after her arrival. About
two hours passed in this uncomforta-
BILE way. AT length the door was
thrust open, and a man, dripping
wet, came in. She breathed more
freely; for this new conner might
Illustrate the evil designs of her hosts,
if they entertained any. He was a
red-haired, jovial faced looking man,
and inspired her with confidence by
the frankness and ease Of bis man.
ners.
"a fine night for walkingI" cried
he, shaking himself like dog who
has crawled out Of pond:
"What have you TO give me?
Salut, messeurs ct mesdemeS. | am
wet to the skin. Hope | disturb no.
body. Give me bottle Of wine."
The hostess. in a surIy, sleepy
tone, told her eldest son to serve the
gentleman; and then, addressing
Mrs. Martin, said:
"You see your friends will not
come. and you are keeping US up to
no purpose. You had better 60 to
bed"
81 will wait little longer" was
the reply; which ELECTED a shrug OF
contempt.
i The red-haired man finished of