The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1853-12-23
.-. From the Boston Museum.
Tho Trap Door.
A THRILLING ADVENTURE.

Twas late in the evening of certain day,
ONE years since, that found myself trav-
cling in one of the widest portions of the
great West. The road, or apology for one,
for it hardly deserved the name, wound
through lonely forest, which concourse
of hoarse sounds served to make anything but
agreeable of:livy to my spirits, worn out as
I was by days hard travel.
To mend matters, it began to rain, not mod
erately and leisurely, but with such good
earnest that was soon wet to the skin. In
this dilemma,I looked round anxiously for
shelter Of some kind. 1t was with sense
of relief that beheld little distance in front
of me small house, the home. doubtless, of
an adventurous farmer, who, for the sake of
more elbow-room had located himselfcn tho
very outskirts of civilization. -
Irode up'to the house, and tapping at the
door with my riding-whip, requested admit
lance. My call was answered by woman
OF middle age, in whom noticed little more
than ON anxious, care-worn expression, which
at the time, did not take particular notice.
"Can you accommodate ME for tonight" |
asked. 81 am wet TO the skin with the rain,
and it is impossible for me to 60 further. My
horse, too, is worn out with fatigue, as he has
been on his feet all day."
The woman paused, and saw shade Of
reluctance passed over her countenence.
"You could be better accommodated" she
said, at length, sat the tavern, about four
miles distance from here.''
ait might as well be forty" said I, with
decision. GAS for accommodations, anything
will suit me. bed en- the straw, or rug,
with cup of tea and piece of bread, if you
have them, will strengthen me for to-mor-
rows ride.'
Apparently, this removed the woman's OBJ
iections, for without further opposition she
led the way into the common sitting-room,
in which were seated two rough, shock-hesd-
ed youngsters, and an infant, who seemed
aiIing. At least, so inferred from the
squalls which it poured forth, with compass
of voice truly astonishing in a creature so
young.
The master of the house apparently was
not at home. A plain repast was speedily
set before me, and partaken of with an appe-
tite which could not by any means be called
"poor." did not attempt to engage my hos
tess in conversation. She appeared disin-
clined to it, and, even if she had not been, the
cries of the child, which she was striving in
vain to quiet, would have effectsally prevent
ed it. AS for the two boys, they stared at me
with an intensity that showed their determin-
alton to know me again.
After supper, took my lamp and was ush-
cred into a large, low room on the second
floor, in one corner of which was plain bed
stead, which, with four chairs and looking
glass, ten inches by twelve, completed it's ar
engagements so far as furniture went.
81 hope you will rest quiet" said the wo-
man, as she withdrew.
Left to myself, I first boted the door, and
then disenro6ing myself, leaped into bed
where was soon buried in an uneasy slum-
Der; uneasy because could not throw of
some anxious thoughts which had obtruded
upon me during the day.
1t might have been twelve o'clock when
awoke from my troubled sleep, and became
conscious of conference which was being
held just outside my door.
One voice l at once recognised as being
the farmers wife the other conjectured to
be her husbands.
"Have you killed hint" asked she, soft.
ly.
"Yes," said the man.
"And where did you bury hint"
ain the swamp, about mile distant"
"Dd he make much resistance!'
"No, didn't give him chance. raised
nv gun and struck bin on the head with
| it so that he was stunned at once"
listened intently to these few words.
was convinced that they referred to the muir.
der of some unsuspecting person, with wha,
, purpose could not gather, by the master Of
the house. My blood ran cold at the cool
, ness with which it was detailed. I determin.
> ed, if ever / got out Of this den of murderers
/ would secure his arrest. rrr.sr
But the conversation was resumed, and
listened once more.