The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-01-15
A YOUNG NEMESIS.

ERsKINE CoLLEaE, S. c., January II, 1869.
YOUNG NEMESIS.
Detectives stories are rarely devoid of
interest," and when truthfulness is promi-
nent element of their matter, they acquire
positive importance in the eyes of the gene
raj reader. The one told by an officer, in
below, is no exception to the rule. AS q
record of facts, giving prominence to the
keenness and courage of woman, it will
be found worthy of perusal:
In 1S4S, circumstance occurred in New
Orleans which, of the time, created an ex-
citement which affected the entire popua-
tion. An old merchant, highly connected,
wealthy and of distinguished social posi-
ton, one night mysteriously disappeared.
His family were in infinite distress, and his
business in consequent disorder. He left
his store at late hour, ostensibly to go
home; but, before going, contrary to his
usual practice, he put in his pocket large
sum of money. His way led along Peters
street, on the bank of the river, far down
in the Third District of the city. His life
may have been sacrificed, and his body
thrown into the food that rolled at his feet
Police regulations at that time were bad,
and crimes OF this description were not un-
frequently perpetrated. A little way back
-
tumbling to decay, and inhabited by num-
Der of people, men and women Injured to
vice, and living by robbery.
Among the notes Mr.. Conlay was known
to possess was one for $500, with the word
"Canal" written on the back. The rest
were of various denominations and without
peculiar identity.
Mr.. Il and myself visited the residence
of the missing man, at the request of his
Sfrv k11
duty of tracing out and bringing to Justice
his supposed murderers. She was tall,
elegant-looking lady, of commanding pre-
sence and great culture. The wealth of her
beauty and fine mind were inherited by her
daughter, a young girl scarcely twenty
The terrible bereavement had paralzyed the
senses Of the mother, but had aroused the
energy and fire of the young girls nature.
More like beautiful Nemesis than an ordi-
nary woman she appeared to us. AS we
entered the room she was in the act of con-
soling her mother. The long black hair
had escaped from its confinement and
almost enveloped her person in its ebon
tresses. The great, luminous eyes were
fearful, but flashing and full of fire. The
face was dark with the blood of her Spanish
race, but the figure was queenly, slender
and faultless as a model. The glorious
beauty OF this young girl fascinated while
III DeWHoeTeu you. Ral6 IN Its exquisite
loveliness, the eye delighted to rest on the
wiiiowy outline and graceful symmetry.
Starting up as we entered the room, she in
quired hastily, almost fercely, I thought.
care you the detectives?"
owe are, and mentioned our names.
II must speak to you in private" she
said, and led the way to an adjoining apart
ment.
"What do you think of the matter?" she
asked, when ont Of hearing of her mother
GAS yet, an opinion would be mere guess
work, replied
Nevertheless, have come to one. 1
\. have no doubt he has been murdered, and
SNat the deed was committed somewhere
rlear that old ruinous building by the river. "
'Some such idea has crossed my mind,
but there is no trace as yet which can lead
to proof of it,"
eve will find it, rest assured" she said,
"and to this end you must cooperate with
me. And now listen to what 1 have to say:
Tonight, at IL o'clock, precisely, do you
two visit the old building. will be there.
Ask for the young woman who applied at
nlght-fall to them for shelter Let your
object be, apparently, to arrest her."
'tBut do not understandp
'But you will. 1 nm going there at dusk.
disguised as beggar girl. BY the time you
come, my information will have been col
lected." She rose to her feet as she spoke.
and now indeed she wore the appearance of
the Nemesis had likened her to at first.
Beautiful, but rigid as fate, looked that set