Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-13

rvs, sudden thought came to me, following
which, hurried over and purchased bottle
OF strong spirits Of ammonia, resolving that H.,
while in my presence, she should meet with
fainting turn, she should meet with most
powerful and perhaps not very agreeable re-
v1val. After leaving the confectioser's she
kept on until she reached Ordway's which she
entered, l following. Just within the outer
door designedly placed my foot upon the
skirt of her dress. Rip went the stitches, and
my first stroke was struck. l apologized tre-
lnendously, and assisted her in Its restoration.
When it was done she inquired if | would do
her a little favor.
CA Thousand if you wish me,'' answered.
'sWould you be SO very kind as to purchase
for me my ticket ?'' at the same time putting
her hand into her pocket. Suddenly, how
ever. she Withdrew it, with the exclamation,
"Heavens! l have lost my port -monnaie; what
shall do?'' ssI am truly sorry for your loss,'
said l, 'sbut that shall not prevent you from
attending the performance, - and fastening to
the office purchased two tickets, and return
ing to her, placed one in her hand. She was
very sorry to put me to so much troube-waS
a thousand times obliged, and hoped would
not consider it unlady-like in her to receive
ticket from me, a stranger !; but she had so set
her mind upon the performance that really
she could not stay away. All these thanks
and protestations ended by accompanying her
into the hall and seating myself at her side.
She was so pretty, SO fascinating, and played
her part so well, that | did not wonder that
Markham had been taken in, and l verify be-
lieve that had 1 not been forewarned, should
have shared the same fate. AS it was, how
ever, l was prepared for whatever might turn
up, and appeared as unSuspecting as possible.
All went OFT according to my expectation. The
i'll turn and carriage were strictly en- Tegte
When l had placed her in it, begged her to
excuse me moment while l returned for my
gloves | n drOnDPd
Reckoning TO me a boy of some dozen years,
who looked if he might be trusted, 1 asked
him: "Would you like to earn five dollars ?''
s'Certainly,'' was the reply.
/ said to him ssAt the door IS hack which
l shall get into. AS soon as do SO, jump on
behind, and ride till l get out. Notice the
number OF the house which l shall enter, and
then run for couple of policemen tell them
in fifteen minutes to enter il, pass through the
hall into the second door, upon the right hand
side. Don't let the driver know that you are
on. Call tomorrow at ten, at the St. Nicho
las, and will pay you. Do you understand 2''
s.Yes, sir.''
"Repeat what have told you.'
He did it correctly. l entered the carriage
and went through precisely the same course
that Markham had done. All in good time
came the knock at the door, and my lady tried
to faint, but did not quite succeed, for laying
her back on the sofa, 1 poured about half a
knew that it was rather cruel, but could not |
resist the temptation to pay her off little. |
Quick as lightning she sprang to her feet, gasp |
ing and stranglng, while at the same instant |
open flew the door and the enraged husband |
The pistols were duly drawn forth |
and pointed at me, while the wife, instead of |
imploring for my life, was busily engaged in
to get breath, for the ammonia |
nearly killed her. l that my game was |
safe, that the forger stood before me, and !
when his first burst of well counterfeited pas |
sion was at its hight, pulling off my whskers |
and drawing out my revolver, coOliy inform |
ed him that he was my prisoner. The moment |
he recognized me, ga change came over the |
spirit OF his dreams.'' He dropped his pistol |
and sank speechless into chair. In few |
minutes the policemen entered, and l explain
eG the case. The prisoners were taken care |
of, and afterwards paid the penalty of their |
crimes. Markham recovered his watch and |
portion of his money, but would not accept |
the five hundred which had promised him,
ani We have often since then congratulated |
each other that there was so favorable ter
mination to our ssshaking."