The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-17

again. Then they opened door that open
ed in the middle. Then they went along
passage and up more stairs-there was ten
and turn, and then ten more Then along
another passage. and up another fight OF
stairs Just like the first. Then along anoth-
er passage, and up third flight OF stairs
They was alike.
Well, sir, here We was at the top OF the
house. One O. them williams opened q
door on the left side, and tother said
There-go in and do your duty and
pushed me through the door, and shut and
locked it on me. Good gracious, sir, how
scared was slipped of the silk handker-
chief and feared as was, l didn't forget to
put it in my bosom.
Then looked about me. Right afore
me on the hearth was little weny taper
burning, that showed was in great big
garnet with sloping walls. At one end two
deep dorner windows, and black walnut
bureau standing between them. AT tother
end great tester bedstead with dark cur
tains. There was dark carpet on the
aoor. And with all there were 80 many
dark objects aud so many shadows, and the
little taper burned ~ dimly that l could
hardly tell ,otber from which, or keep from
breaking my nose against things as CROPPED
about.
And what was 10 this room for to do?
| couldn't even form an idea. But present
" my blood ran cold to hear groan from
behind the curtains-then another---and
anoiher-then cry as of child in mortal
agony, saying:
"For the love Of Heaven, save me =
Il ran to the bed aud dropped the cur.
tains, and liked to have tainted at what l
saw
And what did you se2" asked the
magistrate.
Master, behind those dark curtains saw
young creature tossing about on the bed,
finging her fair and beautiful arms about,
and tearing wildly at the fine lace that trim
med her night dress. But, master, that
wasn't what almost made me faint--lt was
that her right hand was sewed up in black
Grape, and her whole face aud head was
completely covered with black Grape drawn
down and fastened securely around her
throat, leaving only a small slit at the lips
and nose TO breathe through )"
What, take care, woman . remember
that you are upon your OATH said the
magistrate.
~ know it, master And as ! hope to
be forgiven, ! am telling you the truth
"Go on. then"
We'll. sir, she WAS young creature,
scarcely past childhood, if one might judge
by her small size, aud soft, rosy skin. !
asked her to let me take that black Grape
! from her face and head, but she threw up
her hands aud exclaimed
"'Oh, no, no, no for my life, no.
! We'll, master, hardly know how to tell
| you what followed" said the old woman
hesitating in embarrassment.
go right straight on like a car Of jug
gernaut, woman Renember--the whole
truth,
We'll. master. in the next two hours
there were twins born in that room--a boy
and girl: the boy was dead, the girl living.
/ And all the time ] heard the measured
tramping Of them williams up and down the
passage outside Of that room Presently
! the steps stopped, and there was rap at
| the door | went and listened, but did not
1 open it,
/ OILS il all over the voice a'ked.
! Before could answer, a cry from the
/ bed caused me 10 look round. There was
/ the poor masked mother stretching out her
white arms toward me 10 the most implor
ing way. FASTENED back 10 her.
TEL him no no. she said.
(ro BE CONTINUED IN org sgXr)