Middletown transcript., 1869-05-29
Nopular Gates.
A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE,

Some years ago, while journoying thro
the central part, of Ohio, terrible snow
storm occurred, which so obstructed the
road that several passengers, including
myself, were obliged to find accommoda-
tlons in small wooden tavern, situated
near by. After satisfying our "inner
man. with warm supper, we all congrc-
gated around the bar-room fire, and soon
were engaged in smoking, telling stories,
and enjoying ourselves generally.
Among us was a middle-aged gentle
man, apparently merchant, who re-
mancd silent listener to the conversation
the first part Of the evening. But soon
our vocabulary of stories was exhausted
and the gentleman was politely invited to
revive the dropping conversation by telling
Il story. lie readily accepted the inyita-
tion, and told the following, which give
the reader as near as my memory will per-
nit:
About twenty years ago, he began, |
was connected with wealthy firm in St.
Louis, and desiring to visit New Orleans,
was entrusted with a considerable sum of
money by my employers to be conveyed
with all possible haste to New Orleans
merchant
Early in the morning I got on board
the boat, and leaned listlcssly over the
railing, watching the inhabitants as they
went forth to their various occupations.
l had not remained in that position long,
before the steamer moved slowly away
from the pier, and soon the city was en-
tirely lost to view.
During the day nothing transpired to
render the voyage disagreeable, and as
the shades of night began to hover over
the water, | repaired to the saloon, where
several gentlemen were engaged in rath-
er stormy discussion on politics. Soon
became entangled along with the rest,
and gave my particular views on political
subjects.
While oonversing, l thoughtlessly men
TONED the fact of my having large sum
of money in my possession. Nothing
further WAS nd about it at the time,
howcr h". 0He thought flashed upon my
mind a. ,wd of desperate and un-
prime as were my associates. it
was ACE to tell such a secret, !
whlch E.I. 1e rather backyard in nv
conversation during the remainder of the
evening l retired soon after, fully re-
solved to be more prudent in the future.
The next day made the acquaintance
of gentleman who professed to be cler-
gyman. He gave me several tracts, and
soon we entered into a conversation that |
resulted in quite friendly intimacy. He
to be well versed in his profess
sion, and altogether very agreeable COM
panion. After conversing on the-various
topics of the day, the conversation natural
ly turned to the previous evenings discus
sion. Not being very we'll pleased with
what had occurred at that time, I attempt
ed to change the subject, but was prevent
ed by my friend remarking:
You were very indiscreet, Mr.. R.
in revealing the fact that you had money
in your possession. There are men on
this boat who would not hesitate to rob
you, if an opportunity presented /; there
fore advise you, to be more careful here
after"
| thanked him for his. kind advice, and
assured him that intended to keep aloof
from all suspicious indifidpals,
To this he made no reply, but rose from
mis- seat, and with cane in hand walked
away to his roem, leaving me to
my own reflections, which we're; that had
i good companion and valuable friend in
'he preacher.
On the journey l made the acquaintance
If several gentlemen, but none that valued
70 much as the clergyman, Nothing oc-
'urred of note after, and we arrived late
n the afternoon at New Orleans. Not