Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1857-04-18
MY LAST NIGHT I'm LONDON.

age of four months in the northern
Atlantic hove in sight of the Sicily Is
lands, and as we were anchored in the
Dowasa, having been short Of provi
sions for some time back, we were OBJ
liged to stop and replenish. Thenext
day, however, we were towed up the
river, and entered the dock on the 28th
of October. 1t was grand sight to
me, for had never been in London,
and the city seemed like the world in
comparison to my humble village in
the west Of England.
We were to be paid off on the NOR
row, and I determined as soon as |
was at liberty to take stroll and see
some of the sights about which ! had
often heard.
Attwelve next day all hands pros
ceeded to the office in Londen Hall
street, and received, severally, the
amount due them. There was ust
ten pounds coming to me, and star
ted to see how | could best make it
conclusive TO my pleasure.
had been strolIing around forsome
time, looking at the Tower and other
places of note, and finally walked into
one of the parks, to see what | could
of the London fashions. | was lean
ing against tree watching party
which attracted my attention when |
was suddenly accosted by female ap-
parently about eighteen or twenty,
neatly dressed, and with an expression
which, although pleasing, looked
somewhat sad.
'What is it that you wish, my good
ladya' said !
She looked at me a moment and
said: a
You are sailor, | suppose 2
y 'Yes.'
How long. have you been in Lon
dong m " ~ s
4 arrived yesterday
Have you been here before?'
sNever.' .... .....a
well then, perhaps can be Of some
assistance to you; suppose we take
cab and drive out to Vauxhall this
EVENING" "'..
| hesitated for a moment, for |
thought to myself, she no doubt thinks
have plenty of money, and wishes
TO obtain share. But then again, |
thought it makes no difference; FIl
spend 1t ANYHOW, and consented.
She called cab and In short time
we were in Vauxhall. | pulled out
my purse TO pay the driver, when she
said.
eNever mind, sir, have plenty; be-
sides invited you here, therefore l
bear all Of the expenses. at9=s
L was astoni<hed, for / had never
doubted but that my money was the
principal attraction, and | was puzzled
to think what could be her object. AT
ter ordering refreshments, of which
she ate and drank very little, but
which she insisted on paying for, we
strolled around the garden, listening
tothe music, until towards evening,
when | remarked it would be best to
return.
yes, it will soon be dark, and we
had better go; butt said she, you are
a stranger in London and it would be
folly for you to look for hotel To-.
highland it would be ungenerous in
me to allow YOU to; | live in--street,
and if you viii accept 9 room in ny,
house you will be perfectly welcome
and nv husband, who is very fond Of
company, WILDE glad to see you.'
While hesitating she called cab
and half forced me i'll. When we got
out | found myself in narrow street
dimly lighted, and before large brick
house., with iron Tailingin front. She
opened the door, and asked me to sit
down moment, when she went into
d little room close by and returned al
most Immediately and said, Husband
had retired; I'll introduce you to him
in the morning. Here is a light--taket
the room at the head of the stairs
Good night9 'e 8
/ went up stairs to theroomshe had
pointed out, opened the door went IN.
1t was furnished you might say richly.
The bed stood in the further corner,
with blue damask in front. Iundress-
ed quickly, as I was somewhat tired
by my adventure, walked to the bed
nrd drn..r aeida the curtains and there