Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1870-08-05

getting thoroughly amused. The dark
doorway held unknown terrors to my ex-
cited Imagination but two commonplace
fellows who had made mistake only caus-
ed feeling of merriment, even in spite of
the revolver.
Il am sorry cannot oblige you," [
replied. Il am fattered by the lady's
preference: but having one wife already.
I fear I must decline taking second !;
and as for the plates, please explain what
you mean"
The answer to this flippant speech was
a blow on the face. which sent the blood
streaming on the floor.
you'll remember insulting the sister
!of Louis Orloff! Here. Baron, let US gag
him, and search ; he will be raising an a.
larm presently"
They thrust a piece Of rope between
my teeth, COMPRISING my windpipe to
make me open my mouth; and there [ sat
helpless whilst they turned out the con-
tents Of my desk and drawers, not forget
ting my cashbox, which was opened with
a key taken from my waistcoat pocket,
and the contents appropriated. Knowing
that the two scraps of paper had found
in the waste-paper basket, and placed in
my drawner must have reference to their
visit. watched very anxiously when they
opened it. But they escaped notice. and
l felt that I had got some clue to the mys-
terry, even if these men escaped and l had
quite determined that they should not es-
cape, for I was insecurely bound, and had
been working hard to get my right hand
free, and, thanks to having very narrow
one. l now found myself able to slip it
through the loop which encircled the wrist;
but I "bided my time" for | saw that a
false move might bring bullet through
my head.
DE plates is in re oder room, Carl
Brunton, mon ami" said the Baron. smil-
ing, and patting my shoulder. ''Vy not
say? Wy shoot we you? You do dem
so we'll, We no get any like dem. And
you use them yourself, and den. Ach Gott !!
you upset de cart of de apple.
"Yes," I thought; "and it's odd to me
if I don't upset your cart of de apple be-
fore long"
"In dare; in back room?" asked the
Baron, with another amiable smile.
I said, EYES," with my eyes.
"See now. my Louis. you were too
rough. You into him pitch like dam
ISa-saa hin, N; n hle ,,
Then to me
"And you will marry Louise, who love
you like old boots p
NV other hand was free now. tried
to speak, aud implored with my eyes for
the gag to be removed.
The Baron removed it. and while doing
so resoled on plan of operations.
.You will marry Louise and give US
the plates?''
II will give you every satisfaction.
"That is business" said Louis Orloff,
coming forward. First the plates
Then you return with us to New York,
and keep your promise to Louise. Why
give us this trouble? I tell you frankly
that the expense will be deducted from
your share, and that you will be strictly
watched in future. l should have cut
your throat but for my promise to Louise.
Now. where are the plates p
"Look in the closet in the next room
rake out the Goals, and take what you
find"
Good. Come, Baron"
And they left me to operate on the
Goals. Springing up, l seized the revolv-
er. darted to the door. and in moment
had locked them in. But my triumph
was of short duration; for Orlof was on
the other side like lightning. the rotten
woodwork tore out under his vigorous
wrench. and his hand was on my throat
before I could grope my way to the stairs.
Then I knew that life depended on the
struggle, and I fought like one possessed
for the revolver. The Baron came to his
friends help; but I found time and OPP
portunity to send him reeling to the ground.
Orloff was the weaker man, but he outdid
me in skill; and dexterous feint threw
me off my guard, leaving the revolver iu
his hands.
Purple with passion, he fred instantly.
and I felt sharp sting in my left should
er and then all earthly things seemed to
be fading away, and world beyond open
ing to view.
When 1 recovered, found myself laid
on mattress on the of6ce-table, and my
wife tearfully bending over me. There
was calm-faced surgeon, too. who show
ed me the ball he had extracted. and told
me to cheer up, for should be better in
a few days, for no damage was DONE
Mr.. Moss was there too, and came to my
bed-I mean my tableside, and whispered
how he had been called up by the police,
who, hearing pistol-shot, had come up
stairs. and arrested Orlof and the Baron,
and. finding me on the ground bleeding,
had sent for surgeon and my wife, hav-
ing found my private address from letter
in my pocket.
was only faint from loss of blood the
bullet did little damage, and l preferred
getting up. and then gave an account of
the evenings adventure, not noticing at
the time that tall inspector Of police was
in the room.
"Will you kindly show me those pieces
of paper?" he said, advancing. ~ have