The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1868-04-15

might never come out alive.
To this my fair guide designed no reply.
On reaching the foot ofthe stairs she push
I'd open a door into small, dimly lighted
room, and followed her into it with some
secret mi.Riving. There was q bed in one
corner, and on it appeared to be a human
from living very still.
81 have brought doctor, mother" said
the girl as she closed the door behind me.
And there was no reply to this she turned
to me, saving:
"Will Monsieur lie Doctor please to be
seated a minute? | think my mother is
asleep"
81 beg mademoiselle will bear in mind
that can only spare few moments in this
case to night as have another call | wish
to make Immediately" | returned feeling
very anxious to depart from that subter-
ranean quarter as quick as possible.
Monsieur sh1 not be detained long by
me, " rejoiued the girl, passing out of the
room by another door
| 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. A woman's cap was on the
head and the end of a sheet concealed the
face. ventured to turn this down careful
ly, and beheld the eyeless sockets and grin
ming teeth Of a 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
after the other four tall human ferns in
black gowns nd mlsks. knew at once
then that | was to be robbed, and probably
murdered | wore heavy diamond pin
and ring, carried a valuable gold watch
and had in mouey about my person some
five hundred francs, but not single woap>
on of any kind-resistance being, there
fore, out Of the question, | felt that my
only chance-if indeed, there were chance
wa, to caucitiate the rutlans and buy my
sell off. With presence Of mind, for
which still take to myself considerable
Gre lii. said at once:
II understand it ALL gentlemen, and yon
will find me very liberal person to deal
with There is one thing | value very
highly, because it is the only one | have,
and cannot replace it-tltat is my life.
Everything else of mine is at your service,
even beyond what have with me"
They were undoubtly surprised to hear
me speok in that cool, off handed manner,
but they marched forward and surrounded
me before either returned word.
"How much have you with you then?'
| inquired one, in civil way but in low
| grutf tone.
[ Immediately mentioned the different
articles of valne add the exact amount of
money: AL of which shall be glad to
present yol with, if one Of you will be kind
| enough TO escort me to the street above,
| added
"You said you had more, Monsieur.
Yes gentleman, | have ten thousand
francs in the Bank of France and | will
willingly add check for half that
amount.
Cheeks don't answer our purposes very
we'll, said a second voice.
Then pledge you my honor that !
will, tomorrow, draw out five thousand
francs and pay the amount over to any per
| son who may approach me with this boquet
| in hi, hand" said |, holding ont the flow
ers hid purchased Of the fair decoy.
'And have hm arrested the next MIN
ute. [ suppose
No; on my honor he shall depart un-
| harmed and unque>tioned, and no other hu
man being shall be informed of the trans
| action for week, a month, or a year.
Let Us handle what you have here, y
sad the fryt speaker Immediately took
out my pin, took off my ring, drew out my
watch, produced my pocket book and purse
and placed item all in his extended hand
'You make US present OF these, now?
he said.
Eyes, on condition that one IF you will
forthwith conduct me to the street above,
replied.
Monsieur is very liberal gentleman
indeed!' was the response.
They then drew off together, scrutinizeC
the articles by the light of a smoky lamp
and conversed together in low tones
felt that they were holding consultation
that involved my life, and. to speak thu
honest truth, it seemed as if every nerve il
me quivered; AMI it was with difficulty
could stand.
AT length the principle spokesman turn
ed to re and said, in cool and methodica
manner:
Monsieur has acted more liks a gentle
man than any other person we ever haC
dealings with, and il we could, ccnsisten
with our business, oblige him, we would b.
happy to do so; but unfortunately, we ar
governed by rule, which is law with us
that dead men tell no tules. and we think i
will not do to make on exception in thl
case. We will however, in consideration
of Monsieurs gentemany behavr, be a
mild and lenient as possible in doing on
duty, and grant Monsieur FIVE minutes 70
saying his pray rs "
You have then resolved to murder me?'
gasped l.
Monsieur uses very hard term, bu
uo r;ll iat that nass Won have fva min