Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-01-26
Gpapasr's Glqrks66tillr5s, R1 esistpr
From the Journal of E. Hunt.
A SAILORS ADVENTURE IN LON


in sight of the Sicily Islands. and as we
were bound for London, shaped our course
up the channel. and in few days We're
anchored in the downs.
Having been short of provision for
some time back, we were obliged to stop
and replenish. The next day, however,
we were lowed up the river, and entered
the commercial Dock on the 28th OF Oc-
tober, 18-. 1t was grand sight to me-
for 1 had never been in London, and the
city seemed like the world in comparison
to my hnmble village in the west OF Eng
land. We were to be paid off on the
morrow, and determined, as soon as l
was at liberty, to take stroll. and see
some of the sights about which l had so
often heard At twelve the next day, all
hands proceeded to the Office in Leaden
hall street. and received, severally, the
amount due them. There was Just ten
pounds. coming to me, and started off
to see how Icould best make it conducive
to my pleasure l had been strolling
round for some time, looking at the Tow
er, and other places of note, and finally
walked into one of the parks, to see what
l could of the London fashions. l was
leaning against a tree, watching party
which attracted my attention, when-l was
suddenly accosted by female, apparent
" about eighteen or twenty. neatly dres-
sed, and with an expression which, al
though pleasing, seemed somewhat sad.
What is it you wish, my good Lady,"
said l.
She looked at me moment, and said:
"You are sailor, 1 suppose 90
Yes"
"How long have you been in London?"
81 arrived yesterday"
"Have you been here before?"
Never
"Well. then. perhaps can be of some
assistance to you. Suppose We take a
cab and drive out to Vauxhall this eve
ming?
hesituted for a moment, for, thought
I to myself, she no doubt thinks l have
plenty of money, and wishes to obtain Il
share But then. again. thought. it
makes no difference, LII spend it anyhow
and consented. She called a cab, and
in short time we were at Vauxhall.
pulled out my purse to pay the driver,
when she anticipated me, and said:
Never mind sir have plenty. Be
sides. l invited you here-therefore, L
bear all expenses"
l was astonished. for had never doubt
ed but that my money was the principal
attraction. and l was puzzled to think
what could be her object. After order
ing some refreshments, of which she ale
and drank very little, but which she in
sisted upon paying for, we strolled round
the garden, listening to the music, until
toward evening, when remarked that it
would be best to return.
Is Yes, it will soon be dark, and we had
better 90. But" said she, ''you are
stranger in London-and it would be fol-
ly for you to look for hotel Tonight
and, besides. it would be ungenerous in
me to allow you to. l reside in --
street, and if you will accept room in
my house, you will be welcome, and my
husband, who is fond of company. will be
glad to see YOU"
While hesitating, she called cab, and
half forced me in. When the cab stop
ped, We got out, and l found myself in a
narrow street, dimly lighted, and before
a large brick building, with iron ratings
in front. She opened the door, and ask
ed me to sit down a moment, when she
went into room close by, and returned
almost Immediately, and said
My husband has retired--I'll intro
duce you to him in the morning. Here's
a light--take the room at the head of the
stairs. Good night"
l went up stairs to the room she had
pointed out, opened the door and went in
1t was furnished, you may say richly
The bed stood in the further corner, with
blue damask curtains in front. 1 uu-
dressed quickly, as 1 was somewhat tired
by my days adventure, walked to the |
bed aud drew aside the curtains, and
there lay a man, Weltering in his blood, |
with his throat cut from ear to ear. 1t |
would be vain to attempt to describe my
feelings. Immediately dressed myself, |
with presence of mind for which | have
never been able to account for. l then
tried to open the door. which, to my hor-
ror, l found locked. CHANGING round the
room, my eye fell upon the irons in the
fireplace. l snatched one up, and, with
one stroke broke the lock and opened the
door. Running down the stairs, found
the front door fastened also Having no.
thing to break the lock with, l darted into
the first room came to, and jumped from
the window into an alley on the side of
the house, and had merely time to con-
ceal myself, when Iheard the people round
crying murder. and saw the very woman
that L came with, followed by several of
the police, enter the house, thinking, l
suppose, Of course, she would Ind me
there. left, as soon as the crowd ga
thered round. and passed out unnoticed.
The next morning l was reading the
paper, and almost the first thing which
attracted my attention was a notice of a
bloody murder in - street, with
the reward OF fifty pounds for the appre-