Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1860-06-07
Misttllansous,
A MYSTERIOUS ACQUAINTANCE.
My First and Last Night in London

My First and Last Night in London.
1t was in the fall of Is, that the ship
TO which | belonged, after voyage in
the northern Atlantic, hove in sight Of
the Scilly Island, and as we were bound
for London, shaped our course up the
channel and in few days were anchored
in the Downs. Having got short of pro-
visions for some time back, we were OBJ
liged to stop and replenish. The next
day, however we were towed up to the
river and entered Commercial Dock on
the 2S--. 1t was a grand sight to me,
for had never been in London, and the
city seemed like the world in comparison
with my little village in the west of Eng
land We were paid off on the morrow;
and l determined, as soon as | was at
liberty to take stroll and see some of the
sights of which had SO often heard. At
twelve o'clock next day all hands proceed
ed TO the Office in Leander Hall street.
and received sevcrally, the amount due
them. There were just ten pounds COM
ing to me and started off to see how
could best make it conductive to my pleas
ure. l had been strolling around for
some time, looking at the Tower and
other places of hote, and finally walked
into one of the parks to see there what
] could of the London fashions. ! was
against a tree watching party which at
tracted my attention, when was sudden
ly accosted by female, apparently about
eighteen or twenty, neatly dressed, and
with an expression which, though pleas
ing, but seemed somewhat sad
"What is it you wish my good LADY,"
said |.
She looked at me moment, and; "You
are sailor, ! SUPPOSE"
Yes"
"How long have you been in London?
81 arrived yesterday"
''iave you been here before?"
"Never."
"Well then perhaps can be of some
assistance to you. Suppose we take n
cab and drive over TO Nauxhall this eve
ning?"
/ hesitated moment; for thought to
myself. she no doubt thinks have pen-
ty OF money, and wishes to obtain a
share. But then again, | thought. it
makes no difference; | spend it anyhow;
and consented
She called cab, and in short time we
were at Vauxhall. | pulled out my
purse to pay the driver, when she antici-
pated me, and said
"NeveI mind, sir. ! have, plenty. Be-
sides, invited you here; therefore, | bear
all expense"
was astonished. for had never
doubted but that my money was the prin-
cipal attraction; and | was puzzled to
think what could be her object.
After ordering some refreshments, oi
which she ate and drank very little. but
which she insisted upou paying for. we
strolied about the garden. listening to the
music, until towards evening. when | re-
marked that it was best TO return.
eyes it will soon be dark, and we had
better go. But" said she, 'you are a
stranger in London, and il would be fol.
ly for you to look tor hotel tonight, -
and besides. it would be ungenerous in
me TO allow you to. / reside in
street, and if you will accept room in my
house, you will be perfectly welcome; and
my husband, who is fond Of company
will be glad TO see you"
While hesitating, she called a cab and
half forced me in.
i went up stairs TO tho room she had
pointed out, opened the door and went in