Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-06-27
The Mysterious Murder-One Nights Ex.
Perience in London

anu ao VIC NcIe LONDON, snaDed our
course up the channel and in a few days were
anchored in the downs. Having got short of
provisions for some time back we were Obliged
10 stop and replenish. The next day, however,
we were towed up to the river and entered
Commercial Dock on the 25-. 1t was q grand
sight to me, for / had never been in London,
and the city seemed like the world in compar-
isOn with my little village in the west of En-
gland. We were paid of on the morrow; and
L determined, as soon as was at liberty to
take stroll and see some Of the sights which
had so often heard. At twelve O'Clock next
day all hands proceeded to the Office in Lender
Hall street, and received severalIy the amount
due them. There were just & 10 coming to me
and started off to see how could best make
1t conducive to my pleasure. had been
strOlling around for some time, looking at the
tower and other places Of note, and finally
walked into one of the parks to see what /
could Of the London fashions. L was leaning
against tree watching a party which attract,
ed my attention, when was suddenly accosted
by female, apparently about eighteen or
twenty, neatly dressed, and with an expressions
which though pleasing, seemed somewhat
sad.
''What is it you wish my good Iady9' said l.
She looked at me for moment, and said:
You are a sailor, sHppose2"
"Yes"
"HOw long have you been in London7'
Il arrived yesterday"
have you been here before!
Never"
''WeIl then perhsp, can be of some assist
ance to you. Suppose we take a cab and drive
over TO Vauxhall this evening""
hesitated moment; for thought to my
self, she no doubt thinks / have plenty of
money, and wishes to obtain a share. But then
again, thought, it makes no difference; /
will spend it anyhow; and consented.
She called cab, and in short time we were
at Nauxhall- pulled out my purse to pay the
driver, when she anticipated me, and said
Never mind, sir, l have plenty. Besides,
invited you here; therefore, bear the ex-
pense."
was astonished, for had never doubted
but that my money was the principal attracs
ton; and was puzzled to think what could
be her object.
After ordering some refreshments, of which
she ate and drank very little, but which She
insisted upon paying for, we strolled about the
garden, listening to the music, until toward
evening, when l remarked that it was best TO
return.
''Yes, it will soon be dark, and We had better
90. But, said she, ''yOu are a stranger in
London, and it would be folly for you to look
for hotel tonight, and besides, it would be
ungenerous in me TO allow you to. reside in
- street, and if you will accept a room in
my house, You will be perfectly welcome; and
my husband, who Is fond Of company, will be
glad to see you
While hesitsting, she called a cab and half
forced me in.
went up stairs to the room she had pointed
out, opened the door and went in. 1t was fur
nished, you might say, richly; the bed stood in
the further corner, with blue damask curtains
in front. undressed myself quickly, as was
somewhat tired with my days adventures
walked to the bed and drew aside the curtains
and there lay man weltering in his blood
with his throat cut from ear to ear
1t would be vain to attempt to describe
my feelings. L Immediately dressed myself.
with presence Of mind can never account
for. then tried to open the door which. To
my horror, 1 found was locked GIsncing
around the ROOM my eye fell upon the irons
In the fire. place; / snatehed up one and with
one stroke broke the lock and opened the door.
Running down the stairs, / found the front
door fastened, too. Having nothing to break
the lock with, darted into the first room
come to, and jumped from the window into an
alley on the side Of the house, and had merely
time TO conceal myself when the people around
began crying murder, and it was the yery
woman L came with, followed by several Of the
police, entered the house, thinking, suppose
of course, she would find me. left as soon as
the crowd gathered around, and passed out
unnOticed.
The next morning / was reading the paper.
and almost the first thing that acted me was
the notice Of a bloody murder in street
with reward Of ESQ for the apprehension of
the murderer. 1t went further, and in the
description Of the supposed person described
me better than could have done myself. even
to the manner in which wore nv beard The
first barber shop received that gratis, and.
changing my clothing, which was almost min
utely described, went down to the docks and
bark being hand short, shipped in her for
New York, and have never since, nor ever
wish to spend another night in London.
JENNY LIyD's REBUkE OF A SrUPIp O,n