The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-04-19
THE WRONG MAN.
EY J. LESLIE LARSED.

ats dismal night" muttered James
Story, as he stepped from the platform
of the westward-bound train at n,
and shook the fast falling snow from his
garments. .....
The train passed out Of sight in the
storm, and the young man looked around
him in disgust
IL say, where is the Eatonville
STAGE he inquired Of party Of depot
loungers.
"Gone-went half an hour ago
train two hour behind time-driver
afraid he'd get blocked up in the snow
banks if he waited longer.
James Story was drummer Not
drummer in Uncle Sans army, but a
dry goods drummer for Cloakem &
Holden. He had arrived home but
the week before from a long jaunt
through the West and South, and only
bad news awaited him. The firm was
in Strengthened circumstances, and
could not pay his wages. His rich old
uncle, from whom he had confidently ex-
pected a fortune, had died without be-
queathing him cent. The lady Of his
choice had eloped with rich old
widower
We'll, there's nothing to be done but
to stay over night in this pesky place"
he growled, as he walked to the hotel
and registered his name. The landlord
stared at it and then at The owner.
well, anything wrongY demanded
Story.
"No-that is-not exactly" STAN
mered the host, as he turned away.
The drummer took seat by the fire.
Soon a clerk closely scrutinized the
name he had just written, and then an
other, and presently three held a con-
sultation behind the desk, occasionally
casting suspicious glances toward him
self He picked up a paper, and pre-
tended to be absorbed in its contents;
but he could not fail to observe the
mysterious conduct of those around
him. Every one in the room eyed him
askance until he could bear the scrutiny
no longer.
Landlord, show me my roem,' he
shouted.
The host apparently much startled,
hustled about to comply with his re-
quest. simultaneously the two clerks
and a porter appeared from a back
room.
Two for ard and two behind said
the landlord, in low tone.
Accompanied by four men, each bear
ing light, James Story was escorted to
his room. The landlord set the light
down, and went hurriedly out.
Looks more like dungeon than
ANYTHING else" muttered the drummer,
surveying the room with much dissatls-
faction. Wonder if they think I'm an
escaped convict, and will break out and
kill EN- all if they don't keep me fast ?
He tried the door. 1t was fastened,
and he was a prisoner! Much mysti-
fed, he sat down to reflect. Suddenly
he heard voices engaged in low CONVEX
sation outside the door. He listened
attentively. There appeared to be two
men and he was the subject OF discus
sion.
al tell You it's he, and no mistake"
said one; know that mark over his
right eye"
James Story glanced in the mirror
opposite. A deep, red scar was plainly
visible above his right eye.
Keep dark, and if We lay our plans
right we Il get the money, remarked the
other
The ewes Of the listener dilated in
horror. The mystery vas explained.
These villains had mistaken him for
some rich person, and were plotting to
murder him for his money! AS the
thought flashed through his brain he
remembered that he was entirely I'M
armed. He was wholly at the mercy
of the assassins.
But when shall we pounce upon him
to night?' he heard one inquire OF the
other.
NO, not tonight; / want to see the
color of his money first, was the reply.
"Ha, they want to see my money, do
they! It's precious little ofthat they'll
see in my hands" muttered the drum
mer.
But it was a relief to him to know
that he was not to be attacked that
night, and soon the men went away.
However, he decided to be on his guard.
After firmly securing the door, he lay
down upon the bed, but not to sleep.
Visions of robbers foated through his
mind, and ever and anon he would start
up in nervous dread, fancying that he
heard the cat-like tread of the. MUIR
derers. Toward morning, he sank into
a deep slumber, from which he did not
awake until the sun had risen. With
the morning light, he was disposed to
laugh at his fears Of the night.
lie walked downstairs, and up to the
desk, behind which stood the host
my bill, sir"
The landlord named it, and received
his pay.
Il suppose you are going up to Eaton
Vile" he remarked.
How do you know that?' demanded
Story, in amazement.. =,
The landlord smiled, knowingly, and
glanced toward two men sitting in the
corner of the room.
Il say, Major, you are going up to
Eatonville, are you notY
"Yes, Duff and are going up In the
first stage" replied the larger and
fiercer-looking Of the two, rising, and
. approaching the drummer.
James Story started suddenly. 1t
was the same voice that he had heard
plotting without his door.
How dye do, Jim Story p said the