Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-02-03
THE IRON VAULT.

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strange one, and possesses certain faci
nation, rendering it one of the most agreea
bic pursuits Many who follow it see moth
ing in it but labor-think of nothing but it:
return in gold and silver. To me it has 9th.
er charms than the money it produces.
am called upon almost daily, to open doors
and'peek intolong neglected apartments; to
spring the stubborn locks of safes and gloat
upon the treasures therein; to quietly enter
the apartments of ladies with m ore beauty
than discretion and pick the locks of draw
ers containing peace destroying missives,
that the dangerous evidences of wandering
affection may not meet the eyes of a hus-
band or father in possession of the missing
key; to force the fastening of the cash box,
and repositories of records, telling of men
suddenly made rich, of corporations plum
dered, oc orphans robbed, hopes crushed,
families ruined. Is there no charm in all
this? No food for speculation-no scope for
the range of pleasant fancy? Then who
would not be a lock- smith, though his face
Is begrimmed with the SCOT of the forge, and
his hands stained with rust.
But Lave story to tell, not exactly
story either-for story implies the COM
pletion as well as the beginning of mar
rative-and .mine is scarcely more than the
Introduction to one. Let him who deals in
fancy write the rest
In the spring of IS56-it was in April
opened little shop on Kearney street, and
soon worked myself into fair business.
Late one evening, lady closely veiled, en-
tered the shop, and pulling from beneath
cloak small japanned box, requested me to
open 1t The lock was curiously constructed
and L was all of half an hour in fitting it
with akey- The lady seemed nervous at
the delay, and at length requested me to
eiOse the door. was little surprised at
The suggestion, but OF course complied.
Shutting the door and returning to my work
the lady withdrew her veil, disclosing as
sweet face as can be imagined. There was
A'es'iessness in the eye, and pallor in the
Cheek however, which told a heart i'll at
ease, and IN a moment every emotion for
her had given place for that of pity.
Perhaps you are not well, madam, and
tne night air is too chilly ?' said 1 rather
inquisitively.
IieIt rebuke in her reply. SIN request |
iasyou to close the door, L had no object, |
tnan to escape the attention of the passers |
BY" f'e00
l old not reply but thoughtfully continued
ny work She resumed: s79as.,sas
That little box contains valuable papers
private papers-and l have lost the key,
VI II has been stolen. And 1 should not
''Sn 10 nave you remember that ever came
-''e ou such an errand, she continued with
He hesitation, and giving me look which
was no very difficult matter to under
stand
certainly, madam, if you desire it. IF
'Annot forget your face, will attempt to
y, tue recollection of ever seeing it here"
tHe laay bowed very coldly at what con-
~, .-45'ed hne compliment, and proceeded
I ' Hly work satisfied that sudden discov-
,l 'l partlallty for me had nothing to do
-, - Ine visit. Having succeeded, after
T- -'u ALhg and fitting, in turning the lock,
- q seized with curiosity to get glimpse
~ precious contents of the box, and sud-
- raising the lid, discovered bundle of
oJI LIE and daguereo.ype, as slowly pass
b. -' G4sket to Its owner. She seized it
,n ral''ealy, and placing the letters and pic
III her pocket, locked the box, and
y. ner veil over her face, pointed to
~. opened it, and as she passed
" sue merely whispered Remember 20
,,I, -ie' again, and have been thus partic-
-. ~ describing her visit to the shop, in
80. 80 70 render probable subsequent re- +,
l.. -AO0ut TWO o'clock one morning in the
sdI t'isf part of May following, l was awaken
G,,I: gentle tap upon the window of the !
lo5H., 'oOn back of the shop, in which l
fnH thinking of burglars, I sprang
- NY oed, and in a moment was at the 4
psr.TN' T' with heavy hammer, which 1
I,.4 Iis Kept at the head of my bed, in my
h, Who's there?" inquired raising the ,
a. and peering out into the darkness, I
III vas darker than Egypt when under
curse Of Israels God. Ia