Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1860-06-22
A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS.

| and sometimes, startling stories; and while
| they do great deal in that way for the mere
| fun of the thing, it is not to be supposed that
they are always joking-always iibbing it,
merely for the sake of raising a laugh, or Gre
ating wonder. In their numerous fittings
| they mingle with many strange people, see
many strange sights, and often encounter
perils which to many would appear incrcdi-
ble. We will relate little story which we
heard from the lips Of a poor fellow now dead
and gone:
In the year 18-, we were assisting in the
editorial department Of a daily paper which
was published in one of the small cities of
New York. One night-or rather morning,
(for editors, reporters and printers are COM
PEELED to keep all sorts Of hours,) after the
forms" were locked up, and everything was
ready for final adjournment to our respect
i've boarding houses, PROPOSITION was made
to visit near by restaurant for the double
purpose of having smoke and refreshing the
| inner man with little something good and
pleasant TO the palate. Accordingly, we re-.
paired to the eating saloon, and while discus
sing the good things before us, entertaining
each other by relating our adventures by sea
and land
did ever tell you of that adventure
had in New Orleansg" said Charley Rodman.
gay, dashing, good looking, and really gift
ed young man.
Guess notr' was the general response.
Well, will you hear it now?'
Ccrtainly!' fell from half dozen lips.
We'll, then, was working on morning
paper in New Orleans, during the winter Of
-, and was going from the office to my
boarding house, about twelve o'clock one
night, was suddenly startled by the abrupt
and unexpected appearance of female, who
rushed before me and threw herself down in
my path. was just in the light of street
lamp at the time, and, as the woman turned
her face up to mine, noticed that she was
both young and beautiful.
Save me, sir save me ~ uhe cried,
clasping my legs frantically.
"Save you from what?" demanded, as
raised her to her feet. 81 do not see any
thing"
20, sir! brutal Hooking man was pursu-
ing me, threatening my life and honor p was
the trembling, agitated reply. .'dy mother
was taken sick, and was forced to go out
for medicine, and that's the way l came in
the streets at so late an hour. It couldn't be
helped, sir; though never was out SO late
before without company"
Where do you live?' I cnquired, fairly
fascinated by the girls beautiful face and
soft voice.
Not far from here sir-only around in
the next street." said the girl "but I am
so afraid shall meet that man again. @, sir,
if you viii only see me safely home, I shall
be deeply indebted to YOU"
Certainly I WILL" was the response
shut still, there don't appear to be anybody
in pursuit of you new"
At that moment heard the clatter of feet
down the street, and, turning my face in that
direction, saw a man approaching the spot
where we We're standing at a rapid run. The
girl looked in the same direction at the time
did.
There he comes now" she exclaimed, in
deep, fearful whisper, at the same time
tightly clutching me by the arm. Suddenly
turning away from me, the girl dartcd up the
street.
Stop, young ladyv' l cried. 81 win
protect you-you need not fearr'
That was rather loud promise, under the
circumstances, but didn't then stop to con-
slider what said. The girl did not heed me,
but dashed on and inyoluntarily followed
in her steps. After running couple of
blocks she stopped, and looked back at me.
In few moments reached her side, and by
that time the man was not far behind me.
You had better come in the house, sir p
she said nervously; for l am sure that man
is very evil designing, and may do you some
HARM"
As she spoke she mounted the steps of
. very ancient-looking dwelling and vio-
lently rung the bell. I followed her, not ex-
actly from prudential motives, but because |
wanted to see more of her, and because was
fond of adventure of any kind, Almost in
stantly the door was opened, when | follow
ed the young girl inside. An old, hideous
looking negro woman stood in the hall Just
beyond the door, holding lamp in her hand.
Why, what's dc matter, Car'line ~ de-
mandcd the hag.
"Shut the door, quick! I've been waylaid
by rufian p responded tho girl excitedly.
"This way, sirr' she added, addressing me,
at the same time opening the parlor door
and pointing into the room. bowed and
passed in; and at the same time heard the
front door closed and locked.
Excuse me for a. moment, sir, while I
speak to my mothcr!" pursued the young
girl The next moment, and before had
time to reply, the door closed, and was left
alone walked to SOFIA light was burn