Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-11-11
The Travellers Story.

party of travellers were seated around a blazine
fire, in tavern upon the Allegheny mountains Tn.
coach had broken down. and perfnrce we were detain
ed until next morning. We had finished snbstan
tial Virginia supper and each one with his feet OF
the fender, and cigar in his mouth. ruminang upor
the storm without, and the warm cosy comfort with
in. Each one in his turn told story or related ar
anecdote and at last the joke came round 10 hoI
lowcheeked individual, who, until then had remained
silence.
upon one of the party-a Spaniard-who unnviied
had drawn his chair up 10 the fire, some ten years
ago come near being murdered in this very house
At this moment the Spaniard go, up and was GO
ing out OF the room when the narrator arose and lock
ing the only door in the rOom took the Spaniard by
the arm. leading him up to an old picture surmouni
ed by the English coat OF arms, in gilt work, bis
fingers along the motto:
'Honi soft qui maly pense,"
sald displaying at the butt end of large pistol
&c Evil TO him who evil Thinks
The Spaniard smiled, and said he did not feel well,
but the stranger swore that should leave the
room until he had finished his story Requesting us
not TO be amazed at his conduct. he proceeded:
'Some years ago, (said he,) was travelling over
these mountains on horseback, and stopped at this
very house. The landlord was extremely Obseauious
in attending 70 my comfort, and after supper. he re.
quested NE TO join him in bottle of wine Nothing
loh consented, and before midnight four empty bot
ties stood on the table end, and he was acquainted
very imprudently remarked, in the course of
conversation, that had very large sum of money in
my valse, and he politely informed me that he would
take care of it until morning. Although somewh. t
intoxicated did not approve of leaving in his charge
and took my valise in my hand and retired 10 bed
After had undressed, placed my pistol under my
pillow. and carefully, thought, examined the room.
] laid myself down. and sunk into fful sleep.
suppose it must have been two hours after when
awoke. and collecting my scattered senses, endea
vored to think what had been about.
''Suddenly detected noise under nv bed What
was my horror when observed a small piece of car
pet, stretched along my bedside, move as though
something was under it cold perspiration started
from every pore but. thank God. had presence of
mind enough 10 prepare for the worst. Grasping a
pistol in my right hand. and hiding it under my bed
cloths, feigned to be asleep.
' In an instant afterwards saw trap door, which
had been concealed by carpet; cautiously lifted up,
and beheId my landlord with dark lantern in his
hand. directing his glitterng eyes towards me. Sill
moved not +; but as he turned his back &c put the
lantern on the foor | fired and
You killed him. did you" !" shreked the Spaniard.
almost jumping from his seat.
Silence! till have finished it 7" said the stran.
ger, and again he touched the butt end of his wea-
pom. The instant that fired, the villain fell |
started up and merely pulling my overcoat on,
snatched up the lantern that he had dropped, and
crept cautiously down, with my vaice in my hand,
to the stable. 1t was a brig ght moonlight night and
soon saddled my horse. galloped ten miles, when
met party of wagoners and in their company l
returned to the house, but despite our rigid search,
not even as much the villains body could be found
But if can once put my hands upon him. if it costs
me my life, he shall die the dogs death''
The stranger arose and caught the Spaniard by
the the throat Tearing open his shirt collar, he
showed the mark of W und on his neck We need
not say any more. Three weeks after that, Joseph
Gomez was hanged in the city of Cumberland upon
his own confession of having murdered no less than
five travellers in that very room.