Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-06-27
09lo Statesrran,
A THRILLING ADVENTURE.

a IHKlLLiNG ADHENIUkE.
I was medical student in Paris at
the time the strange and startling ad-
venture happened which I am about to
record. Tired with long lectures and
hard study, l was out one evening for a
walk in the fresh air. It was pleasant
night in midwinter, and the cold, bracing
air, as it touched my feverish brow,
caused grateful sensation.
Passing through rather lonely street,
near the river, was surprised at meet
ing young and pretty girl lat least so
she appeared in the dim light of a rather
distant street lamp, who carried in her
hand some three or four bouquets, which
she offered for sale. ~
"Will monsieur have bouquet" she
asked, in a sweet, musical tone, holding
out to me a well-arranged collection of
beautiful flowers e5 ..7-i ~. % $50 ri SIR
''They are pretty" said I, taking
them in my hand, and then, somehow, I
could not help adding, as fixed my
eyes upon hers, sand SO, I think, is their
fair owner" ,--..,- -..,-
monsieur will buy and assist me ?''
she-said.
"Do you really need assistance, mad
emoiselle ?' ,a .,1-
why else should I be here at this
hour of the night, monsieur 2" 81 q Ii.
"And why here at all :" quickly re-
turned I. "This street is little fire.
quented, and it is about the last in the
world I should have selected for dispos-
ing of luxury most suited to wealth
and fashion"
She sighed and reached out her hand
for the bouquet, which 1 still retained.
What is your price p
give francs"
IA large sum-"
Monsieur will remember it is win
ter, and flowers are not plenty"
"To aid you, 1 will purchase" re-
turned 1, handing her the requisite coin;
" for though L love flowers, would 9th
wise hardly indulge in the luxury to-
night at such an expense"
She thanked me, and seemed about
to pass on, but hesitated, looked up to
me, and said: .-.,..-, -.-..f
"Could monsieur direct me to the
house of a good physician, who will
turn out tonight and see patient at
small recompense p 80
"Any friend of yours i'll p
"My mother!" with a deep sigh and
downcast look.
"Whers does she reside ?"
"Only short distance from here"
"What is the matter with her r.
"She has a high fever for one thing"
"When was she taken ?''
"She came down last night, and has
not left her bed since"
"Why did you not send for doctor
at once 2"
"We hoped she would get better soon,
and tits so expensive for poor people to
employ physician" .~
II am myself medical student, with
considerable experience among the sick
of the hospitals and if you are dispos-
ed to trust the case to me, / am at your
service free of CHARGE" rejoined, al
ready feeling deeply interested in the
fair girl.
"Oh, how 1 shall thank Monsieur ~
she exclaimed, with clasped hands, and
an upward, grateful look ."Pray, fol-
low me, Monsieur lie Docteur."
She turned at once, and moved off at
a rapid pace down the street toward the
river Seine, in the direction I was walk.
ing when we met. -.
In less than five minutes we had en-
tered wretched quarter, among narrow
streets, old, tottering buildings, and
squalid looking inhabitants, some of
whom seemed to glare at us as We pass
ed along.
ais it much further?" inquired I, be-
ginning to feel uneasy.
"Only a step, Monsieur; it is just
here" -- =
Almost Immediately she turned into
covered passage which led in back
among habitations that should never
have voluntarily visited in the broad
light of day. A distant lamp served to
make the gloom visible, till she sudden
ly stopped and opened door into total
darkness.
"Your hand, Monsieur lie Docteur,"
she said, at the same time taking it and
leading me forward.
Twas tempted to draw back and re-
fuse to go any further, though mechan-
ically followed her.
We now went through long. mar
row passage, in total darkness, and af-
ter two or three short turns, began to
descend a flight of creaking, rotten
stairs.
as it possible you live in place like
thisa" said I, secretly wishing myself
safely out of it.
ain Paris beggars cannot be choos-
ers," replied the girl.
"But even in Paris it is not necessary
for the living to take up their abode in
L rejoined with some as
perity, being vexed at myself for suf-
fering my good nature to lead me into a
den from which might never come out
alive.
To this my fair guide deigned no re-
ply. On reaching the foot of the stairs
she pushed open the door into small,
dimly Lighted room, and 1 followed her
into it with some secret misgivings
There was bed in one corner, and on
it appeared to be human form lying
very still.
"I have brought a doctor, mother"
said the girl, as she closed the door be-
hind me. AS there was no reply to this
she turned to me, saying:
"Will Monsieur le Docteur nlease tn