Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-12-21
a TERRIBLE NIGHT.
Ely RETT WJNWOOD.

IL was beautiful young girl OF TWEEN
ty who related to me the following
story-an experience in her own life
Having met her several times at the
house of friend, l finally learned
that there was a thrilling episode con,
nected with her history. l prevailed
on her to relate it to me, and now give
it in very nearly her own words
1t was nearly three years ago that the
circumstance happened, Mr.. Winwood
(this is the way in which Miss Jessie
Elwood commenced her recital and a
beautiful morning in September. We
had been quite busy since daybreak, fol
my father and mother were going away
to celebrate somebody golden wedding,
and of course there were many prepare
tions to be made, and only two house
servants to do the work for we were
then living at the country seat, and did
net require large number of domestics
Therefore the two were busily EN-
ployed.
| was down in the kitchen, directing
Ellen, who was crimpling ny mother:
ruhles, while Jane, the other girl, was
locking over and rubbing the silver thai
was to be taken as wedding present
The girls were chatting merrily ovel
their work, and [ was lister lug in some
amusement to their remarks, when {
shadow suddenly darkened the kitchen
doorway, causing US all to look up. A
man was standing there, leaning upon &
stick, and looking in at US.
Can | enter, and sit down to rest
good people p he asked, in harsh
unpleasant voice.
1t was no uncommon thing for these
men, 'stragglers," as we called them
to pass BY, in that country place, and
so we very readily gave the stranger
permission to enter. He sat down on a
low stool by the window, and soon asked
for drink Of beer. Ellen brought it,
while | went into the pantry, and made
up little lunch Of bread, cheese and
cake for him.
He sat there, quietly eating, and we
went On with our work, and the girls
with their conversation, utterly unmind-
full of the mans presence.
Your father is goiLg to make quite
a nice present, Miss JESSIE said Jane
finally, holding up one of the silver
goblets for US to admire. Il doubt if
there will be anything finer given to-
day
well, master is rich and generous,
returned Ellen, 'and [ am not at all
surprised at the gift. You might know
he would get something worth the
while
when will he and mistress be back p
asked Jane, after pause.
Not before evening" l returned,
'and they may possibly spend the night
with our friends. The wedding dinner
does not come off until five
Il suppose Joe is to drive them over p
Yes [ replied, and that will leave
US without man on the premises
The stroller's black eyes were sud
denly turned up to my face with swift,
keen glance that was instantly averted
| felt at once that | had been very i'm
prudent in my remarks, but for the
moment had quite forgotten the man S
presence. Now l looked at him search
ingly, but he kept his eyes lowered up.
on the floor, and quietly munched at
his bread and cheese, as if nothing had
happened, and l soon felt convinced
that he hrd paid but very little atten-
ton to what we were saying.
However, did not like the looks of
the man. His countenance was ex-
ceedingly repulsive, with his low fore
head covered by bushy black hair, its
coarse features, large mouth. and heavily
bearded chin. Furthermore, [ now
observed that his eyes had habit of
rowing covertly about the room, glancing
furtively around when no one appeared
to be looking.