The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-12
,Y MORNING AT ONE DOLLAR AND YEAR.
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING,

spot III poho Piooo "nsA0 ~ '"a - s'o w.
concerned, couldn't have told myself from
barrel OF ink.
"Not word, monsieur 10 doctor, your life
depends upon it," said low, stern whisper
in my ear.
81 am dumb as post" said I, "moro so
II anything. II you hear me speak before
you are ready blow my brains out-that is,
what few have left"
"Silence you are bravo man, will not
bc harmed and will be paid for your trouble"
"Thank you-all right: and being oil
right, as Davy Crockett used to express it,
60 ahead"
This was all tho talk Of the wine. / was
getting sobcred up pretty fast. and almost
wished myself safe in bed in my lodgings,
but thought 1t best to carry out my previous
sang troid.
"a capital surgeon, so far as coolncss is
concerned" l heard whispered from one to
the other.
"Come, follow as L lead, and remember" !"
! said that stern whisper again. and at the
moment a strong hand took hold Of mino.
Iarosc, stepped from the boat to some
stairs, went up the steps, and through q
long, narrow passage, and then down some
stairs, and through another long, narrow
passage, and then up and through, and down
and through, till heartily prayed l might
soon get through, and all the time in dark
ness that might have been cut with knife,
so to speak, and in silence that death itself
might have been satisfied with.
At last we entered IN underground place,
that seemed to be large crypt, as l hastily
surveyed 1t by the light Of aambeau that q
masked figure held in his hand. Other
masked figures, oil in black gowns or domi-
noes, were standing beside him, and glance
at my guide showed him habited and masked
in the same manner. The girl was not pres.
ent.
"Monsiour 10 chirurgeon, said stern
voice, aloud, "swear by your honor as q
gentleman. you will never reveal aught OF
this nights adyenture-of what you have
seen or shall see-of what you have hoard
or shall hear-of what you know or shall
know"
"I swear never to mako the slightest revo-
lation while remain in France" said |.
Enough. Secret assassination will be
tho penalty il you break your oath. Now
follow u.s."
was conducted up stairs, two or three
flights, INTO small and elegantly furnished
apartment, In ono corner Of which was a
bed, and on the bed o young man, with face
as white as sheet, and groaning at every
breath. One of my mysterious companions
turned down the coverlct, and showed mo O
leg completely shattered at the knee, evident
ly pistol or musket ball.
"W oil, monsieur" said an anxious voice
"Thero is no help for it-tho leg must
come off" replied, by this time complete
ly sobcred.
"Nlonsieur will take It of, thcn."
al have not my implements with me-"
"Here is all monsieur can need"
A complete and beautiful set was pro-
duced.
Without another word took of my coat,
rolled up my sleeves, and proceeded to the
work; the masks assisting me. The poor
sufferer tainted under the painful operation.
When all was finished, one Of the men said
to me in low, anxious tone
"will he suryive?"
"with careful attention and nursing,
think he will"
"Thanks. Monsieur 10 docteur will write
down all necessary Instructions"
Pen. ink. and paper being furnished me,
this ! proceeded to do. When all was CON-
pleted, a heavy purse was placed in my hand,
and tho mask said
"Monsieur 10 docteur will not forget his
oath2"
"Not very likely to, with assassination in
prospect" said I.
"Enough. Comc!"
followed my conductor down into the
crypt again, and then, in total darkness
was let through succession Of long, narrow
passages, alternating with stairs. the same as
before-but not ending where I began; for
door was at last thrown open. and | sud
denly found myself IN dark, narrow street.
| heard slight click behind me, and on
looking around, was greatly surprised to
6nd myself standing alone, beside church,
and only blank wall where expected to
ace n door ut least. The stones wero all
alike, as far as could see, and nothing to
indicate an opening Of any kind. And yet
| had either come through that wall, or
else I was dreaming. Was drcamingi I
was not quite sure, though the purse that
had been put into my hand felt very heavy.
Well, thought I, this will do for ono night,
at any rate; and now, like tho Dutch bur-
somaster in the play, will 50 homo and
think.
was somo distance from the Seine; but I
soon found the river, and in les than half
an hour after, my lodgings also. which ]
reached just as day was breaking.
went to bed and went to sleep, and slept
till noon, and then got up and counted my