The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-03-03

You will 20 II choose 70 let you out
Of the door," said Mrs Cunningham.
And il you do not choose 10 let me- out
Of the door will GO
No; you will spend this evening with
me. We will play cards; you must deaf"
The mention Of dealing" reminded
Fitzgerald that present might not be IN.
acceptable, AMI BE- took out his port-mon-
naie.
Perhaps you will accept little parting
present ?"
Ycs, thank you, sir" said she, taking
the proilcrcd bank mote. "If you are deter.
mined 10 60, will let you OF if you will
/ fix time for seeing me again
Monday, a, four o'clock said Frank.
quite anxious TO get out Of door.
Very well I; now you may 60 hope
you will decide 10 take that house up town, y
Before meet you here again replied
Frank. | shall decide definitely what course
% pursue"
Fitzgerald DESCENDED to the hall with the
intention Of going directly out; but the
hall was profoundly dark, and the house
was silent asa tomb. lie CROPPED his way
W tilf 'lgDT, Dut w IiS
il boItod and lockel, and, az he thought, the
key removed 1t was, of course, an easy
matter 10 slip back the bolt but this did
no good he was a prisoner, watched, for
all he knew, by some lurking assassin, who
was awaiting in the dark favorable oppor-
tuuity TO despatch him.
lie groped his way back to the basement
stairs, and pounding with all his might and
main, called for Mrs. Willis 10 come and let
him out. There was, however, no response
the basement, 80 far rs he could see, was as
dark and silent ~ the hall. lie pounded and
called several minutes IN vain and, finally
discovered there was light in the parlor.
lie raped upon the door, but received no
answer. After rappiDg several times he
tried the door. and was relieved to find il I'M
fastened. liz looked in, but the parlor was
vacant.
"Ah.' thought he, tho broker told me
she wanted tho parlor for the use Of a lady
and gentleman, but | SIC that was all moon
shine it was only stratagem to get me up
stairs. plotted undoubtedly long before
came"
Fitzgerald had c0niided TO q friend the
history Of his former adventures, and this
friend was Of opinion that he had undertaken
an unpropitious business. and was dealing
with customers he should not trust too far
lie therefore consented, at Fitzgerald's 10
quest, TO follow him 10 the house, and keer
up sharp watch outside, and be ready IA
go to his assistance ut call, II anything should
occur. Fitzgerald conissses that during the
period We are describing. ha thanked bis
stars this friend was % near him, for he now
firmly believed that the woman had laid q
plot TO rob him. Bat once In the parlor, he
ielt comparatively safe. He resolved, if no,
released Immediately, TO smash one OF the
windows II he could not raise It, and leap
into tho street--a feat easily accomplished.
lie determined, however, 10 make one
more effort TO 20 out regularly, and return.
ing to the basement stairs, set up such a
pounding and calling ~ must have penetrated
every part Of the house. There was no re-
Spouse, however; and what appeared singu-
lar, Notwithstanding Mrs. Cunningham must
have heard him from the first she paid no
attention TO him whatever; he did not see
her again. nor hear syllable from her lips,
more than he would had she been thousand
miles distant.
Not receiving any answer to his frutless
blows and calls no returned to the parlor
and seiziDg . chair. was advancing TO charge
the window, when he heard footsteps. He
waited, ready for peaco or war, and soon the
broker came up the basement stairs with u
lamp. and asked what was wanted.
l want TO got out OF this house" said
Frank. You scm to have taken the lib.
erty OF fastening mc in here"
"Oh. MIR. Fitzgerald, IL this you ?" she
exclaimed with apparent surprise. at seems
TO mo you do not make US a long visit to,
night
Il have stayed considerably longer than |
wanted to. have been trying to get out
here. aud pounding and calling until ev.
pected tho police would be in to quell the
disturbance. | concluded you were deaf
Didn' you hear me r
Mrs, Willis made no reply, bu, unlocked
the door, and Fitzgerald, without standing
upon ceremony, walked out, breathing frecr.
and went directly TO his lodgings,
Mex, day he called upon his friend Tor in.
formation relative To outside movements, and
the further procsding OF the Bond street
widow. lilo learned that his trus,y compan
ion had watched the house during the entire
period Of his visit, aud had discovered some
appearances which, under the circumstances,
he considered suspicious. A rough customer
went into the yard, and drove on, some
goats, and subsequently disappeared in the
rear, aud upon examination, the friend found
a rear entrance into the promises.
Aher Fitzgerald lief, the house, he kept
his cye constantly on the door aud after
waiting some time. saw lady in black come
into the street, whom, from her dress and
figure he believed To be Mrs. Cunningham.
She turned towards Fith Avenue aud he,
being stationed between the house aud that
street, walked on and turned the corner.
where he stoppd in the shadow OF lamp
post, lie expected she would pass him im-
media,ely, bu, she speut some time, appar.
emily in looking about, as il TO see whether
she was watched. Finally, however. she