The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-02-18
THE GAMBLERS RESCUE.

"
construction. Its low, narrow front was
on the Rue Royal, near the corner of
Bienyille. with massive oaken door lit
erally bound with largo bars Of iron,
which some of the neighbors never re-
membered to have seen opened during
daylight. Then, anybody who would
have taken the pains to watch unobserved
might perceive and countscores, and even
hundreds, approach although not more
than one or two at time, and by giving
three distinct, and as it seemed peculiar
knocks, and whispering some secret Sign
words in the porter's ear, received ad.
mission.
At the date whenthe incident happen
ed which am aboutlto relate there was
acold Christmas night, long remembered
in the South as an extraordinary occur
lrence for such genial ATTITUDES. The
wind blew almost hurricane, while the
mingled snow, sleet and rain drove every
body from the streets and thoroughfares
lwho had any roof for shelter or who was
not kept out by the power of some Nigh
Ity motive or strong passion.
1t was about the middle of this tenn
pestuous night, when solitary female
might be seen advancing with timid and
faltering steps down the Rue Royal. from
1.-The direction of Canal street, until she
reached point Immediately opposite the
Iold frame building previously described,
when she paused, as if uncertain as to
her further progress, and leaning against
a lamp post gave vent to an uncontrolla-
ble grief. The Pickering rays of the
lamp above her head revealed enough Of
her dress to show that it was Of the rich
est material Notwithstanding its drenched
land dropping condition from the rain
while diamonds sparkled on her fingers,
| and heavy watch chain Of pure gold en-
lcircIed her neck. A single glance only
was sufficient to render apparent her in.
ccmparable beauty, although the brilliant
| FIRE of her dark eyes looked dim through
one continuous flow of tears, and her face
was Of a deadly paleness.
Whatever might be the occasion Of her
coming forth into the dismal tempest, it
evidently had something to do with that
old frame house before alluded to, for,
approaching it slowly, and with measured
steps she rang the door bell. The sum
mons received no response. It was tier
ated several times, and perhaps a little
ofs5 Ok.
hA.. azaaLan planks three times
with all the force Of her rarm. This seem
ed to have the desired effect, for very
soon the door was partially opened, and
voice hoarse and full Of wrathful men
ace exclaimed -"Who are you, that dare
disturb peaceful people at this hour?p agei
81 am an unhappy woman, was the
sad and tremuIoas answer. 9Ba 8
aWhat the devil de you wantw asked
the harsh voice. q as9a h ,s
81 want to come in and see my hus :.
band, y was the beseeehing reply. II 49bfs
"Who is your husband" inquired the
other, in the same ungracious tone.
"Mgor Ryan she responded, ufor
God rs sake let me see him. ~ .,e
.'I do not know any such man." said ]
the voice. 9qee o} bss asss
"Ohl do not say so,n. she implored, I
="because have seen him enter the door
every night during the pastweek." d
@itiis faisel"replied the voice in more
gutteral and angry accents than ever. sTt
is false, and if3you do not leave here in-
stantly, | will set the dogs on you
Here, Mgerlp ~ mi5asias
An ominous and savage groWls was
beard from within, and great hairy head
protruded itself from the halt open door.
The wretched woman retreated in alarm,
and the shutter was slammed to and boil
ted again. She.stopped, however, at her
former station by the lamp post, and
yielded to another convulsion of grief
more awful to behold than the 6rst.5 In
deco, she was SO oyer=powered by her
dispairing thoughts that she did not no.
tice the advance of a man up the street
until he advanced within three feet of
where she stood, and addressed her
in tones of politness, no: unmixed with
gentle commiseration.gs3 .aso "a
5"You appear to be in distress, y said
the stranger, "can do any thing for your
She started suddenly, and endeavored
to scan his oountenance, but the gloom
was too intense and the,light of the lamp
too faint to allow any satisfactory exam.
ination. However, as the voice was not
only kind, but very respectful, she an
swered in accents the most mournful ev-
er heard-Ohl sir, am miserable beyond
human endurance, and yet no one can
aid me- - s,si@, - .sg83 a&4
"You should not give upto such de-
spending idea," he urged in astillimore
impassionate manner, 1--WE can always as-ol
sist one another with our advice and sym.
pathy, if nothing more. Tell me what
is the subject of your griefa"Y saai Dal
She reflected moment, and the |
thought occurred to her that, perhaps, if |
she revealed tie true cause Of her sor-
row, the other might by some means pro-
cure admittance into the house from
which she had lately been driven away,
and this decided her to make the 6isclo.l
sure. aa 500 IS 10 eli 4
SIT will doubtless appear unseemly !"
she began, "to tell . stranger such pri.I
vate matters, as it certainly looks i'm
modest for solitary woman to be In the |
streets after midnight. In truth ! I am
nearly maddened with misfortunes Of the
past and apprehensioDs for the future. II
am married, and the mother of three liv-
ing children, and one is no more. NV
self and husband each inherited much
wealth, and for years enjoyed all the hap
pineSs which riches and affection can
conief until within the last few weeks,