Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-11-08
MISC ELL A N Y.
The Events of n Night.
~--D-DO-~-~~-~~~~0~~-0 ~|N|@-0~N~01N-"~00~
From the Albion.

When Martin Luther. cOnverslng with TREND,
walked in the field at Eiselben, and suddenly be-
held the partner OF his though struck to the earth
Inv lightning-a liyid corpse, what were his feel
ings!
Or. how excited was the mind of Michael An
gelo when. in his silent chamber OF the Medlcl
mansion. he pursued his immortal labours at mid
niuht. with opened collins and CHASTITY mortal re-
mains around him, to assist the workings OF his
genius!
You have read. moreover, Of the HebrIdean
fisher who descended horrible precpce In search
of eagle's eggs and, swinging IN mid air, was at
tackled by the euraged birds-a thrilling clrcum-
stance which blanched his dark locks, and de-
prvel, him, for time, of reason
But YOU have never heard the story of that
NIGHT and none save can tell it, Give me,
then, your best attention, and do not doubt me,
ior do not doubt myself
had taken supper, and found pleasure IN tt
Amiabe with the finely -flavoured coffee, and fresh
Finnon haddocks, rang my bell. Now, land
lady - said, ''suppose turn in. And 10y the
way. was rather cold, last night. II you would
give me another blanket I'd thank you"
"Ehl yes, sir; ye'll no. fash me!'
And rood Mistress Wilson departed. She was
A kind Scotch SOUL and therefore had not hest
tated to prefer my request. Presently she told
me all was ready. look my candlestick, bade
her goodnight, and in second was IN my cham
Der.
Before jumping into bed, studously arranged
several little articles which had collected IN my
raInbles had lately arrived at Lelth from Rot
terdam. and being fresh from Waterloo, natu-
rally wished to ''straighten" the various relics,
etc. which had brought in my c9tfe Mrs.
4 droty nd huSInpSS
keuan. The chestnuts from Huugomont, the
French eaples. the views of La Haye Sante,
MINT ST. Jean. La Montague du Lion, ETC., were
stverally placed in my drawer, together with
ouide-b0ok;. pocket compass, and other Ell cgterG.
...No,v IN to bed 20 With that thought my
outer she'll was speedily cast off. did my devo-
tions. and turned off the gas. The next moment,
leapt into bed.
Come gentle sleep ethereal mdness, come.
Exouisite warm sheets! lplunged my feet down
into their recesses. How delicious! now -
Heavens what was it? What could it be my
right foot encountered Frozen with vague nor
ror. spranr from the bed. My brain positively
wbirled nv teeth chattered-but not with cold
Cold! o, / would rather step upon an iceberg,
than again experience the thrill which then en-
dured. There was some object in the bed. A
rude Grasp. secret robber. would have chilled
me less. lis mysterious feel was not of aught hu-
man!
Momentary relapse into desperate mood. and
my spirit said within me, "Get in again and kick,
it out!"
Kick out-what2
Searching in the dark, | at .ast found chair.
My next thought was to examine my foot. No!
it was not lacerated-not even scratched. True,
had not at the moment experienced sense OF
pain; but So horrible a surprise would not allow
Of it. Mental excitement often deadens physical
suffering. Yet. as believed, there was no lace
ration. | could not detect the flow Of blood; and,
though in the dark, could have teH this.
With hands clasped on my forehead |, strove
10 think What were my best recollectlons OF
the contact? remembered that the lett foot had
touched nothing, but as the leg went down 1t re-
ceived gentle rub. recollected also, that the
sole of my right foot had been visited with the
feeling of hot breath, as though it were the breath
Of an animal. But then it had not touched any
rough or furry creature. AT this point. Impressed
with dread of the supernatural, ! removed my
chair to the most remote corner of the room, and
there pursued my train of reflection
Was it a sleeping cat? Entanged in one of
the sheets, its fur might have been covered. |
called to mind many instances OF cats which, for
rudely aroused would have extended its claws;
aud had been wounded Not to the best of
my belief,
In the first place, | was confident that the
plunge of my feet would have awakened such an
animal. It's impulse then would be to bound a
way. But no movement apparent to the ear had
taken place!
On the other hand
There were too married ladies staying at the
bouse. One cfthem had small baby. Her ser
want. maid had been enjoined to put that precious
infant to bed. had heard this through my open
ed door at the moment when supper was served.
Before taking supper, had accidentally caught
a glimpse Of the servant girl en- route to her mis-
tress' apartment and her physiognomy caused
me to think her a stupid. bluudering lass. Now,
how easily might mistake have occurred :
The stupidity or forgetfulness of the moment
might have led her to place the little baby IN the
wrong bed. Its mamma slept i'll the chamber
next to mine how iacile, then, to open the wrong
door!
Certainly. | had not felt anything Of the shape
Or substance Of baby. But, in that horrible mo-