Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-03-10
THE MYSTERIOUS COMPACT
CHAPTER VI.

itated banker directed his steps was a no
torious cellar, occupied by company of
thieves, beneath an Estaminet, or fashion
able gaming house. 1t was dresry place
indeed The great depth beneath the
surface Of the earth caused the stone walls
TO be ever dripping with dampness. The
entrance was in the center of the rear wall
raised somewhat higher than the floor and
accessible by ricketty wooden steps. An
other entrance was by means of covered
arch wav, from the curve of which was
suspended lamp whose feeble rays gave
the only light to the apartment. Two
wooden tables of rough constructive stood
on opposite sides of the room, at one of
which three thieves at the time we intro
duce the kind reader who has followed US
thus far in eur delineations Of this great
mystery, were seated engaged in writing
The only seats were some half dozen stools.
A secret door, having the appearance of
being nailed, opened from one of the
walls beneath which two thieves were en-
gagged in the entertaining mysteries of
'ecarte' Such was the den Of Chicore, a
noted thief, and our indulgent reader must
pardon the meagre description. 1t was a
den-not to be described.
1t was near the hour of one, and as the
reader is introduced, Chicore, thief Of re,
pugnant aspect, attired in ragged habili-
.ments, opened the door of the arch-wav
and exclaimed:
Loupy Loupy the coast is clear !
Yon NAV hrin0 him down
Another thief appeared cautiously and
whispered
Have the beaks mizzed? Is it al
right!'
Yes, the corporal was cranky but
bamboozled him-all safe-bring the boy
down. a. ea -a~.
The thief called Loupy beckoned dowl
the arch way, and party of cut-throats
escorting boy dressed in the style of
peasant, whose handsome face was flushed
with some excitement. His dress was
blue blouse, with pants of the same mate
rial, the common leather shoes of tn
peasantry, and country cap. Yet in hi
face there was something which prove
the dress to be a disguise, for his eye sparl
led with too much beauty and intelligenC
to be owned by the country clown who's
habit he wore. ... .s.. s... ....-
Now young fellow he was addresse
by Loupy, here's our governor-tell hiI
what it is you can put us up top
Il can show you how to make fift
thousand francs,' replied the boy in mu
sical tones with fearless daring.
'Ah but how?' impatiently aske
Loupy. sasa.e
That's my secret!' .a 4a @. sa
"Come, no nonsense, my fine fellow
augrily retorted the thief, seizing hi
roughly by the arm. You have mac
us bring you here, and have learned wi
and what we are; so explain yourself,
we may find means to force your secret fro
YOU
Force ha! har he laughed throwiI
his head back defantly, / don't fe
you If l did, do you think that | shou
have ventured into your den /?
The thieves exchanged glances and gat
cred closer around the undaunted yout
'No-no! exclaimed Chicore mild
the boy is right-he shall not be ma
to do anything against his will. No!
Il will protect you, my little man!
You may show us how to make Fl
thousand francs 2 ...r.
/ can = .- ..
Yes nv dear boy, but how? Spe
boldly-you know we can be trusted
'Ha! Ha! Ha! | know you are
throats and villains laughed the boy.
The thief, Loupy, muttered an oath a
Angrily drew knife from his breast.
Mono, my dear friend said
rincipal thief to Loupy,' don't be imp
Gus! The young gentleman is perfec
ri ght. His notions of our community
in accordance with the besotted preiu
ce of the everyday world. which alw
ex. lggcrates. IT'S true we have disl
to, daylight, and are opposed to the
lice 10 politics and, though we live il
cell ar, and occasionally, in pure phil,
thro py, assist an unfortunate friend wit
false passport, to enable him to avoid
unpl sasant argument with the gen d'ar
ey;e ,r disencumber s'stranger of a Il
super duous cash at ecarte or billiards