Democratic enquirer. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1867-1873, 1868-08-20
SeItrte0 Stories,
A VERY THRILLING ADVENTURE.

A VERY THRILLING ADVENTURE.
was medical student at Paris at the
time the strange and startling adventure
happened which | anu about to record
Tired with long lectures and hard study l
was out one evening for walk in the
fresh air. II was o pleasant day in mid
winter, and the cold, bracing air, as it
touched my feverish brow, caused CRATE
ful sensation.
Passing through rather lonely street.
near the river, was surprised at meeting
young and pretty girl (at least so she ap-
peared in the dim light of a rather distant
street lamp who carried in her hand some
three or four bouquets, which she offered
or sale.
"Will Monsieur have bouquet" she
asked in sweet musical tone, holding
out to me well-arnnged collection oftlow-
ers.
'They are very pretty" said l, taking
them in my hand; and then, somehow
could not help adding, as l fixed my eyes
on hers, and so, think, is their fair own
er."
Monsieur will buy and assist me2" she
said.
'Do you really need assistance.
'cWhy else should l be here this hour OF
the night, Monsieur"
"And why here at alp" quickly returned
I. This street is very little frequented,
and it is about the last place in the world
should have selected for. disposing of
a luxury most suited to wealth and fash
ion"
She sighed, and reached out her hand for
the bouquet, which l still retained.
what is your price"
Five francs" t.
ga large sum-"
Monsieur will remember that it is win
ter. and flowers are not plenty"
To aid you l will purchase" returned
I, handing her the requisite silver coin;
''for though love flowers, would hardly
indulge in the luxury tonight at such an
expense.
She thanked me, and seemed about to
pass on, but hesitated, looked up to me, and
said:
hCould Monsieur direct me to the house
of u good physician who will turn ont to-
night to see patient at small recon-
pense?"
''Any friend of yours ill?"
My mother" with deep sigh and
downcast look. Yp H
Where does she reside?"
"Only short distance from here" 40.
s'What is the matter with herr"
''She has 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?"
"We hoped she would get better soon,
and it is so expensive for poor people to
employ physician
II am myself medical student with con-
siderable experience among the sick of the
hospitals, and if you are disposed to trust
the case to me, 1 am at your service with
out charge, 1 reioined, already feeling
deeply interested in the fair girl.
''Oh, how shall thank yod, Monsieur?
she exclaimed with clasped hands and an
upward, grateful look. pray, follow me-,
Monsieur lie Docteur,
She turned at once, and moved off at
rapid pace down the street, toward the
river Seine, in the direction l was walking
when we met.
In less than five minutes we had entered
wretched quarter among narrow streets,
old tottering buildings, and squalid look
ing inhabitants, some Of whom seemed to
glare at us as we passed along
lis it much further" inquired l, begin
ming to feel uneasy
"Only step, Monsieur; it is just here"
Almost Immediately she turned into
covered passage, which led back amongin-
habitants that I should never have volun-
tarily visited in the broad light of day. A
distant lamp served to make the gloom
visible till she stopped and opened door
in total darkness. .ts.A
''Your hand, Monsieur lie Docteur," the
said, at the same time taking it and lead
ing me forward.
was tempted to draw back and refuse
to go any further, though l mechanically
followed her
We now went through long passage in
total darkness, and after two or three short
turns, began to descend flight of creaking
rotten stairs.
lis it possible that you live in place
like thisp said l, secretly wishing myself
out of it. sgH
I'm Paris beggars cannot be choosers, "
replied the girl.
'But even in Paris it is not necessary for
the living to take up their abodes in sepul-
chresp I rejoined, with some asperity
being vexed at myself for suffering my
good nature to lead me into a den from
which l might never come out alive.
To this my fair guide deigned no reply
On reaching the foot Of the stairs she push
ed upon door into small, dimly lighted
room, and / 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. r..
II have brought doctor, mother, said
the girl, as she closed the door behind me.
As there was no reply to this, she turned
to me, saying: li! -f I1a
seated minute? I think my mother is
asleep" igG
II beg that madomeiselle will bear in
mind that I can only spare few moments
IN this case tonight as have another call
l wish to make Immediately" feeling anx-
ious to depart from that subterranoan quar-
ter as quick as possible. t
Monsieur shall not be detained long by
me, " rejoined the girl, passing out of the
room by another, li
did not sit down, but walked over to
the bed, where the patient was laying still
80 still, indeed, that could not detect
any breathing. A 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 eyeless sockets
and grinning teeth Of human skull
started back in horror, and at the same
moment the door by which the girl had left
was thrown open, and in marched, one af-
ter the other, four stalwart forms in black