The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1868-08-27

said, at the same time taking it and lead
ing me forward.
| was quite tempted to draw back and
refuse to go any further, though l me-
chanically followed her.
We now went through long, narrow
passage, in total darkness, and after one or
two short turns, began to descend pair
of creaking, rotten stairs.
''Is it possible you live in place like
this p [ said, secretly wishing myself safe
| ly out of it.
"In Paris, beggars cannot be chnnsArs" "
1 replied the girl.
but even in Paris, it is not necessary
for the living to take up their abode in
sepulchres," l rejoined, with some asperi-
ty, being vexed with myself for suffering
my good nature to lead me into den from
| which might never come out alive
To this my fair guide deigned no reply
On reaching the foot of the stairs, she
pushed open door, into a small, dimIy-
| lighted room, and I followed her in, with
some misgivings. There was small bed
in one corner of the room, and on it ap-
peared to be human form, lying very
still.
Il have brought doctor, mother" said
| the girl, as she closed the door behind me.
As there was no reply made to this, she
turned to me, saying, EEWill Monsieur lie
Docteur please be seated a minute
think mother is asleep"
II beg Mademoiselle to bear in mind
that can only spare few moments with
this case tonight, as | have another call |
wish to make Immediately" / returned,
feeling very anxious to depart from that
subterranean quarter as quick as possible.
'Monsieur shall not be detained long by
me, " rejoined the girl, passing out of the
room by another door.
| did not sit down, but walked over to
the bed where the patient was lying, very
still-so still, indeed, that [ could not de-
tect any breathing. A woman's cap was
! on the bed, and the end of sheet con-
cealed the face. | ventured to turn this
down, and beheld the eyeless sockets and
| grinning teeth of human skull
started back in horror, and at the same
moment the door by which the girl had
left was thrown open and in naSehIfad ii:. Ifd iii If
black gowns and masks. / knew at once,
then, that l was to be robbed, and proba-
bly, murdered l wore heavy diamond
ring and PIN carried in money some five
hundred francs, but not a single weapon
of any kind. Resistance being, therefore,
out of the question, [ felt that my. only
chance-if, indeed, there was chance at
all-was to conciliate the ruffians and buy
myself off. With presence of mind for
which [ still take to myself consi derable
credit, said at once
| II understand it all, gentlemen, and you
will find me very liberal man to deal
with. There is one thing which [ value
very highly, because, if lost, L cannot re-
place it-I mean my life. Everything
else Of mine is at your service, even be-
yond what l have with me-"
They were undoubtedly surprised to hear
me speak in that cool, off-hand manner
but they marched forward and surrounded
me before either said a word
GLOW much have you got with you ?"
inquired one, in civil way, but in a low,
gruff tone.
l Immediately mentioned the different
articles Of value and the exact amount of
money | had with me ''all of which /
shall be pleased to present you with, if one
of you will be kind enough to escort me to
the street above" [ added
''You said you had more, Monsieur"
eyes, gentlemen, | have ten thousand
francs in the Bank of France, and [ will
willingly add check for half that sum :"
Cheeks don't answer our purpose very
well" said second voice
Then [ pledge you my honor that I
will tomorrow draw out FIVE thousand
francs, and pay the amount to any person
who may approach me with tins bouquet
in my hand" said 1, holding out the flow
ers | had purchased from the fair decoy.
l.. Il,
ute, suppose"
"No; on my honor, he shall go un-
harmed and unquestioned, and no other
human being shall be informed of the
transaction for a week, a month, or year. "
''Let US handle what you have here, .
said the first speaker.
l Immediately drew out my pin, drew
I off my ring, drew out my watch, produced
my pocket-book and purse, and placed
them all in his extended hand
'EYOu make us present of these, now %
he said.
eyes, on condition that one of you will
forthwith conduct me to the street above,
!, l replied.
Monsieur is very liberal man." was
the response.
They then drew off together, scrutini-
zing the articles by the light of smoky
lamp, and conversing together in low tones
l felt that they were holding converse
ton that involved my life, and to speak
the truth, it seemed as if every nerve il
me quivered, and it was with difficulty
A that | could stand.
At length, the principal spokesman
| turned to me and said
b monsieur has acted more ike gentle