The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1868-08-01
NO. 4

some aspeIlty, DelnS VeAeu WIFI ulyN (
self for suffering my good nature to
lead me into a den from which |
might never come out alive.
To this my fair guide made no re-
ply. On reaching the foot Of the
stairs she pushed open door into a
small, dimly lighted room, and | fol-
lowed her into it with some secret
There was a bed in one
corner, and on it appeared to be a
human form, lying very still.
Il have brought doctor, mother"
said the girl, as she closed the door
behinh me, saying
"Will monsieur le Docteur please
be seated minute ?" l think my
mother is asleep
II beg mademoiselle will bear in
mind that can only spare few mo-
ments in this case tonight, as I have
another call | wish to make immedi-
ately." | replied, feeling anxious to
depart from that subterranean quar-
ter as quick as possible,
"Monsieur shall not be defined
long by me, rejoined the girl, pas,
sing out of the room by another door
l did not sit, down, but walked
over to the bed, where the patient was
lying very Still-so still indeed that
| could not detect any breathing,
The woman's cap was on the head,
and the end of the sheet concealed
the face. / ventured to turn this
down carefully, and beheld the eyes
less sockets and grinnihg teeth OF a
human skull
l started back in horror, aud at the
same time the door by which the
girl had left was thrown open, and in
marched, one after another, four hu,
man forms, in black gowns and
masks. I knew at once, then, that l
was to be robbed, and probably
murdered. I wore a heavy diamond
pin and ring, carried very valuable
Igold watch, and had in money about
my person some 600 francs, but not
a single weapon of any kind--rcsisN
tance being, therefore, out Of the
question felt that my only chance
I-if indeed there was chance-was
to conciliate the rufians and to buy
myself off, With a presence of mind
for which I still take to myself con,
siderable credit, I Immediately re-
marked:
Il understand it all, gentlemen, land
you will find me a very liberal person
to deal with. There is one thing ]
value very highly, because it is the
! only one | have, and once lost l car
: never replace it-that is my life
Everything else of mine is at you
t service, even beyond what I hay,
, with me-"
They were undoubtedly surprised
e to hear me speak in that cool, off
/ handed manner; but they marched
forward and surrounded me betor
either had returned a word.
"How much have you with you
a then ?" inquired enc in civil way
but in low, gruf tone.
I Immediately mentioned the diff
u ferent articles Of value, and the ez
I act sum of money, "all of which
will be pleased to present you with
c if you will be kind enough to escOr
me to the street above" | added,
"You said you had more money
IS Monsieur"
eyes gentlemen, I have 1000
= francs in the bank Of France, and
will willingly add a check for haI
II that amount"
II "Checks don't answer our purpos
very WELL said second voice.
h "Then | pledge you my honor thu
e l will, tomorrow, draw out the ,OO
e francs, and pay the amount over
m any person who may approach II
E. with this boquet in his hand, sat
t. l, holding out the flowers | had pu
chased Of the fair decoy.
!" "And have him arrested the ne,
5, minute, suppose" !"
" "No on my honor, he shall depa
unharmed and unquestioned, and
at other human being shall be inform
he of the transaction for week, a mont
re year"
"Let US handle what you ha
i'd here" said the first speaker.
ng | Immediately took out my pi
d. took off my ring, drew out my wat
is, produced my pocket-book and pur
US and placed them all in his extend
hand.
ed, "You make us present Of the
now" he said. Eyes, on conditi
ust that one Of you viii forthwith c,
duct me to the street above |
in Piled o
us Monsieur is a very liberal gent
oy- man indeed + was the response.
of They then drew off together, SC
axe tinized the articles by the light .
My smoky lamp, and oonvarsed togetI
1tal in low tones / felt that they v
holding consultation that inyol
III" my life,and every nerve in me OUR
it cd and it was with difficulty / &C
stand.
and Atlength the principal spokesr
il | turned to me and said, in cool
methodical manner.
and "Monsieur has acted more lik
and gentleman than any person we
sgan had dealings with, and if We g
,tten consistent with our business o.
him, We would be happy to do
,laco but, unfortunately, We are goye
hing by d rule, which IS d law with Us,
dead men tell no tales, ard We |
H. u s1I .,,4 dN A. y, 4 X q :, a,,as,t.f1