The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-03-26


ter being cautioned against placing herself
again in such situation, she was dischar
ged.
The story was mucl, talked about, and |
got well 1uizard 10y many ladies Of my ac-
puain'ancc; hnt after all, things might have
proved no joke to me-. remained some
months longer in the place, and before !
left it heard many accounts of threats which
The woinan's male relatives had uttered
against me, for casting supicion on limo.
rcnt() people. l had probably injured
their business for fancy, after what had
occurred, few parties would have been viii
ling TO employ my nocturnal visitor in their
hu,iSrS
Three years elapsed from the date of my
adventure, and had lanost forgotten it,
when business again called ME to the same
town. Al first only thought of remaining
few days but fading should be dctain-
ed Longer, sought out my former lan,lla-
dy, as-,hat one night excepted had been
particularly comfortable under her roof
Finding my old apartments vacant, glad
ly took pos>cssion OF them second time
During my former stay, made many
agreeable acIuaintances, and now it being
near Christmas received many invitations
t" supper parties, etc which fancy were
not the less numerous because | was still a
bachelor.
On ChrStmas-cve accepted one to spend
it with friend at his fathers house, where
there was !; very large and charming family
Of sons and daughters. The father was !.
iine .iovial old fellow, and the mother Just
the cheerful, but cven.tempcre'l gentle SOU,
who alone could bring up such girls as hers.
We had aglorious evening.
All sorts Of joyous Cli>tmas fun was car
ricd on, and kissed pretty girls under the
misletoe, until either with that pleasant
exercise, or with qucnchng the thirst it en-
cited. became slightly elevated. WAS to
dine there the next day. and nv friends
would iain have persuaded me to stay all
night; but | WAS determined TO return to
my lodgings, rs knew Mrs. Wing;..r wou,l
sit up for me. 1t WAS past midnight when
| badc my kind entertainers goodnight,
and with Il ha>ty, but not too steady step,
set ont on my homeward journey.
I was soon at home and in bed Mrs.
Wingatc had more than once laughe about
the odd figure cnt Oh the occasion of my
old adventure. Sho had also informed me
that the two men who had played the street
part, had been since detected whilst attcmp-
ting to commit a burglary, and imprisoned
for twelve months but were now at liberty.
The cool lady manifested no small uneasi-
hess on my account, and cautioned me TO
be very careful no. to give them any oppor-
tunity of executing their threats of venge.
ance against me.
Her evident timidity and anxiety only
excited my mirth, but was, careful to en-
anime the fastenings of my door, and al.
ways both lolicd and boltel it.
When reached my lodgings on Christ
mas-eve | was, as said, lille. elevafed
contrary to my usual ls.on, on getting in,
to bed, could not sleep.
| began thinking over the amusements
Of the evening, criticising the. fair faces
had been SO close TO, wishing had such a
cheerful home; specializing as to my chance
OF success in heevent of my asking one oi
the sai'! fair damscls to part with her name in
favor of mine, and thanking my stars, that,
at any rates, Islould be a guest at the same
place on the morrow. The clock struck two
and found my thoughts still busy ;abut a
sudden check was given to the current OF
ideas. heard sort ofgra,ing sound land
then felt certain some one was emovinn
steathilySup the kitchen stairs. At first
| was a lutte alarmed, imagining thieves
were in the house, and thcn-psbawi--
thought !, Mrs. Wingate has been sitting ur
'aterrs than usual, to finish her Christmas
pudding. 1t as rather slgilar that my for
mer adventure did not then enter my mind
though ithad occurred in that very spot
| listened again. The footsteps sSere Ger
lainly audible; closcNo my room doors
hand was on thes slock--itturned--t they were
stealing along tile floor ofmy apartment
Lbecame sensible Of the presence Of lyt
persons and now l felt all the horrors oi
fmy situation. Every siota Of what bae
formerly happened there, the .Inisnacess 0
tlietwo fellows who hadtben, doubtless, beer
disappointed Of their prey, and the though
||,oGmy own powerlessness nearly drove. m,
mad. .sSs,
Fool, IDIOT, thatf q i. vas-1 had - iay tips,
EfolIyysfushel upon my fate. S,Ss