The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-01
n e TRAP DOOR.
A THRILLING ADVENTURE.

travelling 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 a
concourse Of hoarse sounds served to make
anything but agreeable or livening to my
spirits, worn out as was by days trav.
To mend matters, it began to rain, not
moderately and lesurely, but with such
good earnest that was soon wet to the
anxiously for shelter of some kind. Itwas
with sense of relief that beheld little
distance in front of me small house. the
home, doubtless, Of an adventurous farm
er, who, for the sake Of more elbow room.
had located himself on the very outskirts
Of civilization.
rode up to the house, and tapping at
the door with my riding whip, requested
admi,tance. My call was answered by
woman Of middle age, in whom noticed
little more than an anxious. careworn ex
preston, of which. at that time, did not
take particular notice.
"Can you accommodate me for to-
night?" | asked. 81 am wet to the skin
with the rain, and it is impossible for me
to go 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 pass over her countenance.
"4ou could be better accommodated" )"
she said, at length, sat the tavern, about
four miles distant from here"
sit might as well be forty" said I, with
decision. GAS for accommodations, any.
thing will suit me. A bed on the straw.
or rug, with cup Of tea and piece Of
bread, if you have them. will strengthen
me for to.morrow's ride"
Apparently, this removed the woman s
objections. for without further opposition,
she led the way into the common sitting
room, in which were seated two rough
headed youngsters, and an infant. who
seemed ailing. At least, so inferred from
the squalls which it poured forth. with a
compass of.voice truly astonishing in a
creature SO young.
The master Of the house apparently was
not at home. A plain repast was very
speedily set before me, and partaken Of
with an appetite which could not by any
means be called "poor" did not at
tempt,to engage my hostess in converse
ton. She appeared disinclined to it, and
even if she-hadr been, the cries Of the
child she was striving in vain to quiet
would have effectually prevented it. As
for the two boys, they stared at me with
an intensity that showed their determine
ton to know me again.
After supper. took my lamp and was
ushered into large. low room on the sec-
ond floor. in one corner Of which was a
plain bed-s,ead. which, with four chairs
and looking glass, ten inches by twelve
completed its arrangements so far as furni-
ture went.
81 hope you will rest quiet" said the
f woman, as she withdrew.
Left TO myself. first bolted the door
and then disarranged myself. leaped into
bed, where was soon buried in an unea.
sy sumber; uneasy because | could moi
throw off some anxious Thoughts which
: had obtruded upon me during the day.
Ii might have been twelve clock when
| awoke from my troubled sleep. and be-
came conscious of conference which was
being held just outside my door.
) One voice at once recognized as be.
ing the farmers wife; the other conjec
tured to be her husband.
"Have you killed hint" asked she, soft
ly.
EYES," said the man.
"And where did you bury him?''
"ln the swamp, about mile distant
sDid he make much resistance9"
. "No, | didn't give him chance.
raised my gun and struck him on the
head with it, so that he was stunned al
once.'
listened intently to these few words
was convinced that they referred to the
murder Of some unsuspecting person, with
what purpose | could not gather, by the
master Of the house. My blood ran cold
at the GOODNESS with which it was detailed
| determined, if ever got out Of this den
of murderers, would secure his arrest
But the conversation was resumed, and
listened once more.
"How shall we get in?" inquired Ie
farmer.
"Not by the door, for I've tried it and
found it bolted.''
| perceived they were now speaking OF
entering my chamber. doubtless with the
same design Of numbering me, and pos
sessing themselves Of my property.
"Try the trap door?"
i eyes, but if he should wake up"
80, no fear Of that"
The steps recede.
4 So. thought l, there is trap door. Well,
will be prepared for them.
i ! grasped my pistols convulsively. de.
termined if | gave up my life it would not
be without resistance.
waited a few moments. listening in-
tenty. At length could hear a slight
rus!ing beneath the floor. which was sue
ceeded by the cautious lifting up Of a trap
doorin the centre of an apartment, which
| had not noticed. The farmer slowly
emerged with lantern in his hand.
Now, thought |. is my time.
| Leaping from the bed, exclaimed.
shining pistol at the intruder
| "Not step farther. or you are dead
man!'s' ~
The farmer recoiled, while. as I con-
iectured, the surprise of detected villainy
filled him with confusion.
william. your base designs are fathom-
III With vot,r hands rod. with murdo Of