The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1858-03-04
my former landltta aliGsn Sii. rs, s-'l,s

apartments vacant, l gladly took posses
sion ofthcm a second time. q;
During my former stay, made many
agreeable acquaintance, and now, it be-
ing near Christmas--I received many in
yitations to supper Parties, &C., which |
fancy were not the less numerous because
| was still bachelor.
On Christmas Eve / accepted one, to
spend it with a friend at his fathers
house, where there was very large and
charming family of sons and daughters
The father was a fine, jovial fellow, and
the mother Just the cheerful, but even
tempered, gentle soul, who alone could
bring up such girls as hers. We had a
glorious evening.
All sorts of joyous Christmas fun was
carried on, and | had kissed pretty girls
under the mistlctoe, until either with that
pleasant exercise, or with quenching The
thirst it excited, became slightly eleva-
ted. | was to dine there next day, and
my friends would Gain have persuaded me
to stay all night, but was determined
to return to my lodgings, as | knew Mrs.
Wingate would sit up for me. 1t was
past midnight when l bade my kind en-
terainers good night, and with a haSty,
but not too steady step, set out on my
homeward journey.
was soon at home and in bed. Mrs.
Wlngate had more than once laughed
about the odd figure had cut on the oc-
casion Of my old adventure. She had al
50 informed me that the two men who had
played the street part, had been since de.
tected whilst attempting to commit a
burglary, and imprisoned for twelve
months; but were now at liberty. The
good lady manifested no small degree of
uneasiness on my account, and cautioned
me to be very careful not to give them
any opportunity of executing their threats
of vengeance against me.
Her evident timidity and anxiety only
excited my mirth, but | was nevertheless,
careful to examine the lastenings of my
door, and always both locked and bolted
it.
When / reached my lodgings on Christ
mas Eve, l was, as l said, little elevat-
ed, and contrary to my usual custom, on
getting into bed, could not sleep.
l be gan thinking over the amusements
of the evening, crilieising the fair faces l
had been so close to, wishing had such
cheerful home; spoculating as to my
chance ofsuccess in the event of my ask
ing one of the said fair damsels to part
with her name in favor of mine, and
thanking my stars, that, at any rate, |
should be a guest at the same place on the
morrow. The clock struck two, and
found my thoughts still busy but sud-
den check was put to the current of my
ideas. | heard a sort of grating sound,
and then felt certain some one was moving
stealhily up the kitchen stairs. At first
| was little alarmed, imagining thieves
were in the house, and then--pshaw !!
thought l, Mrs. Wingato has been sitting
up later than usual, to finish her Christ
mas pudding. 1t is singular that my
former adventure did not then enter my
mind, though 1t had occurred in that
very room. l listened again. The foot
steps were certainly audible, close to my
room door---a hand was on the lOck--it
turned--they were stealing along the
floor of my apartment--l became sensible
of the presence oil two persons-and now
felt all the horror of my situation. Ev-
cry iota of what had formerly happened
there, the menaces Of the two fellows
who had then undoubtedly been disap-
pointed of their prey, and the thought of
my own powerlessness drove me nearly
mad.
Fool, idiot that | was-I had, in my
iipsy folly, rushed upon my fate.
| had refused the cordiol invitation
which would have secured me from all
hanger, and had even neglected the pre-
caution Of securing the door Of my room,
almost for the first time within my recol-
ectiou. l became aware Of a dim light;
and partially opening my eyes, | per.
,eived two rascals fumbling about Ian
.ern. am not ashamed to own was
perfectly paralyzed with terror and utter
y incapble of doing anything--indeed,
what could | do? saw them remove
he candle from the lantern and convert
nv inkstand into a candlestick. One
proposed lighting the gas, but the other
,bected, that if disturbed he might be
lurried and turn it the wrong way. They
hen, with singular quickness and dexter
ty, ransaeked my desk and cases, which
hey opened by means of skeleton keys.
This done, and the pluRder tied in a
handkerchief, the younger of the two sug-
rested, with an oath, that they should
iaiSh him.
He approached my bed, drew aside
he curtains, and though burst not look,
! felt he was gazing in my face. Again
,e turned aside, and fumbled in his
,ocket as if IN search of something.
!. / had all a.. hoped that by feigning
leep, Tmi Epe; for | knew, should
strugs i. could not escape,
inc, Powerful men, and
lVd- while Kewas feeling in
sket, I.couldnot help stealing my
up 10 my lhroat, thinking at the
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