The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-02-14
THE IRON VAULT.

nothing but its returns in money. To
me it has other charms than these, /
am called upon almost daily to open
doors, and peer into long neglected
apartments to spring the stubborn
locks Of safes, and gloat upon the
treasures piled within; to quietly enter
the apartment of ladies with more
beauty than discretion, and pick the
locks of drawers containing peace de-
stroying missives, that the dangerous
evidence Of wandering affection may
not reach the eye of husband or
father possessing the mystic key; to
force the fastening of cash boxes and
repositories Of records; telling of men
made suddenly rich, of corporations
plundered, of orphans robbed, of hopes
crushed, of families ruined. Is there
no charm in this-no food for specula-
tion-no scope for the range of pleasant
fancy? Then who would not be a
locksmith, though his face is begrimed
with SCOT of the forge, and his hands
are stained with rust?
But | have story to tell-not ex-
actly story either, for that implies the
completion as well as the beginning Of
a narrative, and mine is scarcely more
than the introduction of one. Let him
who deals in fancy write the rest.
In the spring Of 1861 think it was
in April opened little shop on
Kearney street, and soon worked myself
into fair business. Late one evening,
a closely yelled lady entered my shop,
and pulling from beneath her cloak a
small japanned box, and asked me to
open it. The lock was curiously con-
structed, and | was whole hour fitting
1t with key. The lady seemed nerv-
Gus at the delay and at lenght re-
quested me to close 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 a
face as can well be imagined. There
was a restlessness in the eve and pal
lor in the cheek, however, which plainly
told of heart i'll at ease, and in a mo-
ment every emotion for her had given
place to that Of pity.
Perhaps YOU are not well, madam,
and the night air is too chilly said |
rather inquisitively. | felt rebuke in
her reply:
in requesting you to shut the door,
had no other object than to escape the
attention Of persons passing.
! ] did not reply, but thoughtfulIy con-
tinued my work She resumed:
That little box contains valua-
bic papers-private papers-and have
lost the key, or it has been stolen. |
should not wish to have you remember
! ever came here on such an GRAND
she continued with some hesitation, and
gave me a look which was no difficult
matter to understand.
Certainly, madam, il you desire; if
| cannot forget your face, ! will at least
attempt to lose the recollection of ever
seeing it here.
The lady bowed rather coldly at what
| | considered a fine compliment, and |
proceeded with my work, satisfied that a
suddenly discovered Partially for me
had nothing to do with the visit
Having succeeded. after much filing
and fitting, in turning the lock, ] was
seized with curiosity to get glimpse
at the precious contents Of the box, and
suddenly raising the lid, discovered a
bundle of papers and a dagnerreotype,
as ] slowly passed the box to its
owner.
She seized it hurredly, and placing
the letters and picture in her pocket,
locked the box, and drawing the veil
over her face, pointed to the door. !
opened it, and as she passed into the
street she merely whispered "Remem-
ber,' We met again, and ] have been
thus particular in describing her visit
to the shop to render probable subse-
quent recognition.
About two o'clock in the morning, IN
the latter part of May following, | was
awakened by a gentle tap upon the
window of the little room back of the
shop, in which | lodged. Thinking OF
burglars, sprang out Of bed, and in a
moment was at the window with a heavy
hammer in my hand, which | usually
kept at that time within convenient
reach Of my bedside.
Who's therc?' inquired, raising
the hammer, and peering out into the
darkness-for it was as dark as Egypt
when under the curse of Israel $ God.
Hist exclaimed figure, stepping
in front of the window, open the door
have business for you.
Rather past business hours, should
say; but who are you
NO one that would harm you, re-
turned the voice, which imagined was
rather feminine for burglars.
No one that can" replied en-
phaticalv, by way of warning, as !
tightened my grip on the hammer, and
proceeded to the door pushed back
the bolt and slowly opened it, and dis
covered the stranger already upon the
steps. ,
inquired.
II will tell you, ii you dare open the
door wide enough for me to enter,
answered the same voice.
Come in," said | resolutely, throw
inc the door ajar, and proceeding 10
light candle.
Having succeeded, turned to ex,
anime my visitor. He was a small and
neatly dressed &c ntleman, with heavy
RAGLAN around his shoulder and blue
navy cap drawn suspiciously over his
eyes. As | advanced towards HIM, be
seemed to hesitate moment, then rais-
ed the cap from his forehead, and look
ell me curiously in the face.
did not drop the candle, but l con
TESS to little nervousness as hurrlediy
placed the light on table, and silently
proceeded to invest myself with two or
three necessary articles OF clothing; As