Maryland free press., 1866-06-21

drug ged" him less than an hour ago, ant
he is now SO stupefed that the lock may
be picked without his interference. l have
searched his pockets, but could not find the
key hence my application to you. Now
you know all; will you accompany me?
''To the end of the world, madam, on
such an Grand"
"Then prepare yourself; there is a cal
waiting at the door,"
1 was little surprised, for had not
heard the sound of wheels. Hastily draw
ing on coat, and providing myself with
the required implements, was soon at the
door. There, sure enough was the cab,
with the driver in his seat, ready for the
mysterious journey. entered the vehicle,
followed by the lady. AS soon as was
seated she produced heavy handkerchief,
which by the faint light of an adjacent
lamp, she carefully bound round my eyes.
The lady seated herself beside me, and the
cab started. In half an hour it stopped
in what part of the city am entirely ig-
norant, as it was evidently driven in any
thing but direct course from the point of
starting.
Examining the bandage to see that my
vision was completely obscurcd, the lady
handed Inc bundle of tools with which l
was provided, then taking ME by the arm,
led me through gate into the house which
| knew was of brick, and after taking me
through a passage way which could not
have been less than fifty feet in length,
and down flight of stairs into what was
evidently au underground basement, stop
ped beside vault, and removed the hand
kerchicf from my eyes.
"Hcre is the vault-open it, said she,
springirg the door of dark lantern, and
throwing beam of light upon the lock.
seized bunch of skeleton keys, and
after few trials, which the lady seemed to
watch with the most painful anxiety, sprang
the bolt, The door swung upon its hinges
and my companion, telling me not to close
it, as it was self-lockng sprang into the
vault. l heard the murmur of low voices
within, and the next moment lady ap-
peared, and leaning upon her arm man,
with face so pale and haggard thatI start
ed at the sight. How he must have suf-
fered during the three long days Of his con-
GnemGnt!
Remain here" she said, handing me
the lantern; Il will be back in moment
The two slowly assembled the stairs and |
heard them enter room Immediately a.
bove where l was standing. In less than
minute the lady returned.
shall l close it, madam" said I, pla-
cling my hand upon the door of the vault.
"No. no" she exclaimed, hastily scizing
my arm; lit awaits another occupant
Madam, you certainly DO not intend to
care you rcady:" she interrupted impa-
tiently holding the handkerchief to my
eyes. The thought flashed across my mind
that she intended to push me into the vault,
and bury me and my secret together. She
seemed to read the suspicion aud remark ed:
do not be alarmed. You are not the
man.
could not mistake the truth or the fear
full meaning Of the remark, aud shuILcr-
cd as bent my head to the handkerchief.
My eyes were carefully Landaged as before,
and was led to the cab, aud thence driv-
on home by more circuitous route, if pos
sible, than the one by which we came.-
Arriving i'll front Of the house, the hand
kerchief was removed, and | stepped from
the vehicle. a purse Of FIVE hundred dol
lars was placed i'll my hand, and in a mo-
mcnt the cab and It's mysterious occupant
were out of sight.
| entered the shop, and the purse Of gold
was the only evidence that [ could SUM-
mon in my bewildcrment, that all that |
had just done aud witnessed was not a
dream. ...
a month after that, saw the lady and
the gentleman taken from the vault walk
ing leisurely along Montgomery street. l
do not know, Jm IJelicre tie stccping hus-
band a,cohe within tie cault, and his ZONES
are there to this day!-The wife is still a
resident of San Francisco
OVER NICE-Old marin G--was never
regarded as paragon of neatness, and
if; cleanliness is next unto godliness," 4"