The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-05-26
A LOCKSMITfI'S STORY.

Of pursuits. Many who follow it see
nothing in it but labor--think of moth
ing but its returns in gold and silver.
To me it has other charms than the
money it produces. l am called upon
almost daily to open doors and peer into
long neglected apartments; to spring
the stubborn locks of safes, and gloat
upon the treasure piled within; to qui-
etly enter the apartments of ladies with
more beauty than discretion, and pick
the locks of drawers containing peacc-de-
missives, that the dangerous
evidences of wandering affection may
not reach the eye of husband or father
in possession of the missing key; to
force the fastcnings of cash boxes and
of records, telling of men
made suddenly rich, of corporations
plundered, of orphans robbed, of hopes
crushed, of families ruined. Is there no
charm i'm all this no food for specula-
tion?-no scope for the range of pleas
ant fancy? Then, who would not be a
locksmith, though his face is begrimed
with the SCOT of the forge, and his hands
are stained with rust?
But have u story to tell-not exactly
story either-for story implies the
completion as well as the beginning OF
a narrative-and mine is scarcely more
than the introduction to one. Let him
who deals in things of fancy write the
rest. In the Spring of 1851 think it
was in April opened little shop on
Kearney Street, and soon worked my
self into fair business. Late one even
ing lady, closely veiled, entered my
shop, and pulling from beneath cloak
a small japanned box, requested Inc tc
open it. The lock was curiously con.
structed, and was all of an hour in fit.
ting it with a key. The lady seemed
nervous at the delay, and at length re.
quested me to close the door. l was q
little surprised at the suggestion, but o
course complied. Shutting the door and
returning to my work, the lady with
drew her veil, disclosing as sweet a face
as can well be imagined. There was {
rcstlessncss in the eye and a pallor il
the cheeks, however, which plainly tolC
of a heart ill at ease, and in momen
every emotion for her had given place
to that of pity.
"Perhaps you are not well, madam
and the night air is too chilly?" said
rather inquisitively.
/ felt rebuke in her reply: "In- re
questing you to close the door, had NJ
other object than to escape the attention
of persons"
l did not reply, but thoughtfully con
tinued my work. She resumed: "Tha
little box contains valuable papers-pri
vate papcrs-and have lost the key, o
it has been stolen. | should not wish t.
have you remember that l ever cam
here ON such an errand," she continued
with some hesitation, and giving me
look which it was no difficult matter t.
understand.
"Certainly, madam, if you desire it
If l cannot forget your face, l will a
least attempt to lose the recollection o
ever seeing it here"
The lady bowed rather coldly at wha
l considered fine compliment, and
proceeded with my work, satisfied tina
a sudden discovered partiality for m'
hadnothing to do with the visit. Havin.
succeeded, with much filing and fitting
in turning the lock, was seized with {
curiosity to get a glimpse at the precious
contents of the box, and suddenly rails
ing the lid, discovered bundle of let
ters and IA daguerreotype, as / slowl,
passed the box to its owner. She seized i
hurriedly, and placing the letters ant
picture in her pocket, locked the box
and drawing the veil over her face
pointed to the door. ! opened it, and a.
she passed into the street she merel,
whispered" Remembers" We me
again, and have been thus particula
in describing her visit to the shop t,
render probable Il subsequent recogni
ton.
About two o'clock in the morning, il
the latter part of May following, | wa
awoke by gentle tap upon the window
of the little room back of the shop il
which l lodged. Thinking of burglar
! sprang out of bed, and in mOmen
was ut the window with a heavy ham
mer in my hand, which | usually KEEP
at that time within convenient reach o
my bedside.
"Who'S there?" ! inquired, raising
the hammer, and pcering out into tn
darkness-for it was as dark rs Egyp
when under the curse of Israel's God.
"Hist" exclaimed figure, stepping
in front of the window; "open tn
door, | have business for YOU"
"Rather past business hours, l shoulc
say; but who are you?"
"No one that would harm you," re
turned the voice, which / imagined wa
rather feminine for Il burglars.
"Nor no one that can," l replied
rather emphatically, by way of warning
as frightened my grip upon the ham
mer, and proceeded to the door. push
ed back the bolt, and slowly opening tn
door, discovered the stranger alrcad
upon the steps.
"What do you want9n abruptly in
quired.
" i will tell YOU" answered the sam
soft voice, "if you dare open the doc
wide enough for me to enter"
"Come in," said j resolutely, throw
ip8 tbe door ajar, and proceeding to ligh
can4le. Having succeeded, | turne'