The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-07-27

sTpoNG CIGAR.-I returned few even
mos AFRO from my office, and sat down to en-
iov the papers and strong cigar which
had been given me by friend. read and
smoked, but when the cigar was nearly hall
consumed I felt peculiar sensation, to-
gether with dizziness, so stretched on the
lounge until recovered from the lll-turn.
Shortly after. / remembered an acqualnt-
ance whom had met at the club, and VINO
resided in West Roxbury. He had often
asked me to call upon him, but had never
found time to do 80, and thinking this wouid
be a good time, rose, brushed up little,
and opened my drawer to procure q mou-
choir, when my eye fell on revolver IN
one corner of the drawer. What possessed
me know not, but I took it up, found 1t
loaded. and put it in my breast-pocket, say
inr to myself, the road is lonely, shall be
out late and it may be safer and wiser to
take this. | called for a horse and chaise,
and was soon on my way. | arrived safely
ut the house, and leaving my horse at the
shed, entered. Externally the house was
very plain, but the interior was fitted up in
the most luxurious style. ] had always
wondered how its owner obtained his i'm
mense fortune, as he had never been en-
cared in any business. That night dis
covered his secret.
The servant conducted me through long
entry, then opening n door at the head OF
the stairs. left me in the dark. | CROPPED
nv way forward and descended the stair
case. lthen entered q spacious, brilliantly
lighted cellar, at the remote corner of which
stood the gentleman (O of the house with
lamp was all the furniture to be seen. !
saw at glance that / was an intruder, and
determined to leave the place as soon as
possible. :,
approached the party, was received
very coolly by the host, who did not intro
ducc me to his companions. On nearer
view of them, found they we're dressed as
gentlemen, but their faces showed them to
be of the very lowest class. The servant
then entered with refreshments, whereupon
I resolved to depart. Upon turning to take
leave of the host, one of his friends threw
off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and, ap-
preaching, gave me to understand that |
should be obliged to fight my way out.
never thought Of my revolver, but grasped
q knife from the table before me, and put
myself on the defensive.
A few seconds passed, which seemed like
hours to me. l felt that my hour was come.
had discovered the secret of that mans
wealth, and they knew it. lie was in league
with robbers and forgers, and they met IN
his cellar. had arrived among them at
the time that comradc had been expected.
Then. for the first time, | remembered my
revolver, and, taking it from my pocket,
moved towards the door. To follow me
thought they would not dare, but before |
reached it the master of the house turned
the key of it and put it in his pocket. Here
was [ at the mercy Of five strong men, for,
although l had a revolver, they knew they
could soon overpowcr me.
"Gcntlemen, l said, " | regret having
intrudcd upon you, and would wish to de-
part in peace give you my word of honor
not to mention what 1 have seen tonight"
No one replied, but all approached me
with threatening looks they had no inten-
ton of my leaving that place alive. Could
it be possible to burst open the door Or
Reader, [ regret that am unable to in
form you how ] escaped, for at that point
I-awokc. ! had fallen aslcep-thc above
dream was the result. Allow me to add that
I know no one III West Roxbury, and |
never had Il revolver in my life. l had
ONLY a StrOng ClqdT.