The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1868-09-12

squalid-looking inhabitants, some Of
whom seemed to glare at us as we passed
along. "+
"Is it much further?" inquired /, be-.
ginning to feel uneasy.
"Only a step, Monsieur; it is just
here" 7ss--e,-~.rrg. = #..-'t. -
Almost Immediately she turned into a
covered passage, which led in back a.
mong habitations that should never
have voluntarily visited in the broad
light of day. A distant lamp served to
make the gloom visible, till she suddenly
stopped, and opened door into total
darkness. ..... .-...
'" Your han1, Monsieur lie Docteur," "
she said, at the same time taking it and
leading me forward.
| was tempted to draw back and refuse
to go any further, though mechanically
followed her.
We movement through long, narrow
passage, in total darkness, and after two
or three short turns, began to descend a
fight of creaking, rotten stairs.
"Is it possible you live in aplace like
this ?" said. I. secretly wishing myself
safely out of it.
"In Paris, beggars cannot be choos-
ers," " replied the girl. .s...... r.
But even in Paris, it is not neces-
sary for the living to take up their abodes
in sepulchres," I reioined, with some
asperity, being vexed at myself for suf-
fering my good nature to lead me into
den from which might never come
out alive.
To this my fair girl deigned no reply.
On reaching the foot of the stairs she
pushed open the door into a small, dimly
lighted room, and I followed her in with
some secret misgivings. There was a
bed in one corner, and on it appeared to
be human form lying very still.
IL have brought 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 lie Docteur please be
seated? I think my mother is asleep"
Ibeg Mademoiselle will bear in mind
that I can only spare few moments in
this case tonight, as I have another call
| wish to make Immediately" returned
feeling very anxious to depart from that
subterranean quarter as quick as posi-
BILE.
monsieur shall not be detained long
by me-" rejoined the girl, passing out Of
the room by another door. ...,..
I did not sit down, but walked over
to the bed, where the patient was lying
very still-so still indeed that l could
not detect any breathing. A woman's
cap was on the head, and the end of a
sheet concealed the face. I ventured
to turn this Gown carefully, and beheld
the eyeless sockets, and grinning teeth
Of human skull. ~, z.s.-..
I started back in horror, and at the
same moment the door which the girl
had LETT, was thrown open, and in march
ed, one after another, four tall human
forms in black gowns and masks. /
knew at once, then, that | was to be
robbed, and probably murdered. wore
a heavy diamond pin and ring, carried a
very valuable gold watch, and had in
money about my person, some five hun
dred francs, but not single weapon Of
any kind--resistaaee being, therefore,
out Of the question. I felt that my only
chance--if indeed there were chance
was to conciliate the rufians and buy my
self off. With q presence of mind, for
which still take to myself considerable
credit. I said at snce:
"I understand it all, gentlemen, and
you viii find me very liberal person to
deal with. There is one thing I value
very highly. because it is the only one
/ have, and ! cannot replace it--that is.
my life. Everything else of mine is at
your service, even beyond what ! have
with me-"
Theyswere, undoubtedly, surprised to
hear mei speak in that cool, off.handed
manner; but they marched forward, and
surrounded me before either returned a
word.
How much have you with You,
then Z" inquired one, in q civil way, but
in a low. gruff, tone.
Immediately mentioned the different
articles of value. and exact amount Of
money e all of which I shall be pleased
to present you with, if one Of Won will
be kind enough to escort me to the street
above" | added.
You said you had more, Monsieur" !"
'sYes, gentlemen, ] have ten thousand
francs in the Bank of France, and will
willingly add aseheck for one-half that
amount"
" Checks don't aanswer our purposes
very WELL" said a second voice.
q Then ] pledge yon my honor that /
will tomorrow draw out i've thousand
francs, and pay the amount over to any
person who may approach ma with this
bouquet in his hand" said I, holding
out the flowers / had purchased Of the
fair decoy.
aAnd have him arrested the next
minute. / suppose" Il.
. No; on my honor, he shall depart
unharmed and unquestioned, and no
other human being shall be informed Of
the transaction for week. OF q month,
ora year.
LET us handle what you have here,n
said the first speaker.
I Immediately took of my pin, and
ring, drew out my watch, and placed
them all in bis extended hand.