The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-04-11


him. He told me his namo was Richard
Jansen; that he was alone in California,
but not without means; that he lived on
Stockton-street, and visiting friend that
evening, had been detained to that unusual
hour. -..-,....- s... E.s..-- zig
/ In O. few moments we arrived at my
lodgings, and I observed that he evinced
little inclination to part with me, invited
him to accept portion of my bed for the
might. He smilingly declined, stating
that he was quite near his own: and
then learned, for the FIRST time, that he
occupied q room in the same house and
on the same floor with myself. Thus
became acquainted with two of my fellow.
dodgers. .5-- iii
jansen and myself often met after that,
but it was always in the street or on the
stairway. He never invited me 20 his
room, or accepted an invitation to mine.
He visited me but once at my Office, and
then remained less than five minutes.
How he spent his time. did not inquire.
He was q mystery, l spoke of him to
Smith one day. Strange to say, that
gentleman had never seen him, but from
my description of him, ventured the opin-
ion that he was either gambler or gen.
teel pickpocket. was reluctantly forced
TO the conclusion that Smith was right,
and after that treated the young man
with unusual GOODNESS He observed the
change, and his look wore o reproach SO
sorrowfuI that half repented having har-
bored the suspicion of my venerable look
ing friend, who was fearfully a7erse to all
mysteries. F. at5.
! Occasion called me to my room, one
evening, at an earlier hour than usual.
, heard a soft rap at my door, and, opening
/ 1t, found Jansen standing in the entry
, "Come in, Jansen" l exclaimed, throw.
ing open the door. sa
"Would you not prefer taking a walk?'
he inquired. "The night is beautiful"
II believe not 10 night" replied
"some other time" vas a little piquee
that he should persist remaining outside
the door. s5s. a.7sss.z s.T
, II should be much pleased to hav,
yon," he rejoined. IL have few word
to say to you, in justice o myself, and
f Enough" l interrupted, II will go.
0 I felt assured he desired to tell me some
!. thing of himself, and | vas all anxiety t.
S hear it. 1t was unpleasant to think hin
# a pickpocket or sharper, and / hoped b
might be able to prore to me that he wa
r neither. .ea
b We left the house and proceeded alon
|, Stockton street toward Happy Valley
= For ten minutes not word was spoken
e Several times he seemed on the point {
o speaking, but he as often checked hiI
1 self. ID. 5.....ae .ss.l a.r.s-
l. "Unless may call You one, have nc
l. a friend in California" he at length bega
N placing his hand upon my shoulder.
: bowed. but made no reply. 81 .su..
l "You do not speak," he continued, OF
g, serving my silence. II am to understand
presume, that you are not to be mad
<. an exception" sslssi
~ 'To be frank with you. JANSEN" n
le piled, "there is certain mystery abo,
,e your movements calculated to give rise
n. suspicious any thing but favorable" ,s
y, "Of what nature?" inquired my con
a. panion. aH .s5 "a 5sg;se
IS, THAT you are gambler, oreyen worse
I'd bluntly replied -.i tse .... 81
In He smiled as he replied: eyes. yes,
I'd see; yet the suspicion wrongs me-"
"Make it appear so," answered, car
or you shall not want q friend" I 10
Sc Promise that you will not divulge VIII
| may tell you, or attempt BY word
be act to thwart me in the accomplishing
IS, of purpose to which I have pledged n
soul,' he said, looking me earnestly
IS, the face, 'and you shall have the proof "
h. require sssgr sgeLs e.ss a. ss. / q sa.
"If your purpose is not criminal,
ed promise; if otherwise, keep your secret
elf was my answer. gg5.el sl! sHsai Z q
an "Ts what you would do, or any 9th
m man worthy of the name" e.f .rsE
"Then 1 promise; here is my hand"
It. "Listen," he resumed, taking my arr
and walking slowly on. II have tw
ce sister. We were born in Georgia, al
ty our parents were the possessors of hu
so, dred slaves and plantation large enoul
" " give Oil cupioJ tHeue. w hou VIC VIC
st> fourteen our father died. At the age
nd sixteen my sister became q convert, duril
ed religious revival, -snd six mouths, aft,
ly, in the face of the determined opposite
he of my mother, ran away with and marri
ed a young preacher, to whose eloquence t
nd revival owed its origin, Ny sister d
Sc. not love the man. Her feelings. for hi
De- were religious enthusiasm-a fan
ID wrought upon by an unnatural infatu
to ton. Learning they were married, Z
on good mother sent for them, and they l
,ct turned to receive her blessing. The pla
re tation was placed in charge of my siste
st. husband, and he relinquished the Gosp
ed He frequently visited New Orleans, a
,ty other of she large Southern cities, .duri
on the first year of his marriage, but t
I'd, circumstance excited no suspicion.
ng To be brief, before two years elapse
to the large estate left by. our father W
ID, swept from us, and we were almost ban
II bod ;rJ,ood