Smyrna times., 1859-01-06
NJ | S CELLAN L OU S.
A Midnight Adventure,

! Females often possess presence of mind, and
the power of self control under circumstances
of imminent peril, which seem almost foreign
to their nature and beyond the endurance of a
delicate physical organization. A striking in
stance of self command, by lady whose fear
must have been powerfully excited, and whose
| life of afiluence had probably never before Civ
en- her nerves any seVerer test than is incident
to the vexations Of domestic cares, is given in
Chambers journal of last month. We COPY
the adventure, promising, by way OF explana-
tion, that the lady was the daughter of rector
residing in quiet English country village
and was upon the eve of marriage
"The wedding day was to be on the morn.
ing of that on which our adventure happened
Grand preparations were made for the wed.
ding; and the rectOrs fine old plate, and the
costly gifts of the bride were discussed with
pride and pleasure at the Hare and Hounds, in
the presence OF some strangers, who had come
down TO prize fight, which had taken place in
the neighb0rhood.
That night. Adelaide, who occupied separ.
ate room from her sister, sat up late-long af:
ter all the household had retired 10 rest. She
d
had been reading chapter to which he had di
recled her attention and since had packed up
her Jewels, &c. She was consequently still
dressed when the church clock toned midnight.
As it ceased, she heard low noise like that of
file; she listened, but could distinguish no.
thing clearly. 1t might have been made by
some Of the servants still about, or perhaps it
was only the creaking of the old trees She
heard nothing but the signing Of the winter
winds for many minutes afterwards House
breakers were mere myths in primitive Thydon,
and the bride elect without thought Of fear
resumed her occupation. She was gazing on
glttering set of diamonds, destined to be worn
at the wedding, when her bedroom door softly
opened. She turned, looked up, and beheld
man with black mask, holding pistol in his
hand standing before her.
She did not scream, for her first thought was
for her father, who slept in the next room, and
to whom any sudden alarm might be death, for
he was old, feeble, and suffering from heart
complaint. She confronted the robber boldly,
and addressed him in whisper: "You are
come," she said Ito rob US. Spare your soul
the awful guilt of murder. My father sleeps
next TO my room, and 10 be startled from his
sleep would kill him. Make no noise, beg OF
you.
The fellow was astonished and cowed. awe
won't make no noise," he replied suddenly, " if
you give US everything quietly.
Adelaide drew back and let him take her
jewels-not without pang, for they were pre-
cious love gifts, remarking at the same time,
that more masked ruffians stood at the half
opened door. AS he took the jewel-case and
watch from the table, aud demanded her purse,
she asked him if he intended to go into her fa-
theirs room. She received a surly affirmative.
.' lie wasn't agoing TO run a risk and leave half
the tin behind" She proposed instantly that
she would go herself, saying: 81 will bring
you whatever you wish, and you may guard me
thiiher, and kill mo if play false to YOU" -
The fellow consulted his comrades, and after
short parley, they agreed to the proposal; and
with pistol pointed at her head, the dauntess
girl crossed the passage, and entered the rec
tors room. Very gently she stole across the
| chamber, and removing his purse, watch, keys,