Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1868-07-16

As there was no reply to this she turned
to me, saying,
"Will Monsieur le Docteur please to
be seated minute? think my mother
is asleep"
II beg mademoiselle will bear in mind
that | can only spare few moments in
this case to-nig ght. as I have another call
l 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.
I 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. The woman's cap
was on the head, and the end Of sheet
concealed the face. I ventured to turn
this down carefully. and beheld the eye
less sockets and grinning teeth of hu-
man skull!
I started back in horror, and at the
same time the door by which the girl had
left was thrown open, and in marched one
after the other four tall human forms in
black gowns and masks. knew at once,
then, that was to be robbed, and pro-
badly murdered. I wore heavy dia-
mond pin and ring. carried very valua-
BILE gold watch, and had in money about
my person some 500 francs. but not sim
gle weapon of any kind-resistance be-
ing, therefore, out of the question. l
felt that my only chance-if, indeed. there
was a chance-was to conciliate the ruff
fans and buy myself off. With a pres
cnce of mind for which I still take to N.Y.
self considerable credit, said at once:
II understand it all, gentlemen. and
you will find me very liberal person to
deal with. There is one thing I value
very highly, because it is the only one I
have, and l cannot replace it-that is my
life. Everything is at your service, even
beyond what I have with .ncs'''- -AA
They were undoubtedly surprised to
hear me 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 ?"
inquired one, in civil way. but in low,
gruf tone.
I Immediately mentioned the different
articles of value and the exact amount of
money; "all of which I shall be pleased
to present you with, if you will be kind
enough to escort me to the street above, :"
I added.
"You said you had more, monsieur"
eyes, gentlemen, I have 10, 900 francs
in the bank of France, and will willing
ly add check for halt that amount"
"Checks don't answer our purposes
very well," said second voice.
''Then I pledge you my honor that l
will, tomorrow, draw out 5000 francs
and pay the amount over to any person
who may approach me with this bouquet
in his hand" said I, holding out the aow-
ers had purchased of the fair decoy.
"And have him arrested the next min
ute, I suppose.
"No; on my honor he shall depart un-
harmed and unquestioned, and no other
human being shall be informed of the
transaction for week, month or year" +"
''Let US handle what you have here, :"
said the first speaker
I Immediately took out my pin, took off
my ring, drew out my watch, produced
my pocket book and purse. and placed
them all in his extended hand.
"You 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 gentleman,
was the response.
They then drew off together, scrutiuiz-
ed the articles by the light Of smoky
lamp, and conversed together in low tones.
I felt that they were holding consulta-
ton that involved my life, and. to speak
the honest truth, it seemed as if every
nerve in me quivered; and it was with
I could stand.
At length the principal spokesman
turned to me and said, in a cool and me-
thodical manner:
Monsieur has acted more like q gen.
tleman than any person we ever had deal
ings with, and if we could, consistent with
our business, oblige him, we would be
happy to do so; but. unfortunately, We
are governed By rule, which is law