The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-01-10
A NJ Y S T E RY
The Lock-Smith's Story.

it, see nothing in it but labor-think of
nothing but its rotnru in money. To
ME it has other charms than these | am
called 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 apartments of ladies
with more beauty than discretion, and
pick the locks of drawers containing
peace-destruying missives, that the dan
gerous evidence of wandering affections
may not reach the eye of husband or
father possessing the mystic key; to force
the tastenings of cash boxes and deposi-
tories Of records; telling Of mon made
suddenly rich, Of corporations plundered,
of orphans robbed of hopes crushed, of
families ruined. Is there no charm in
this-no food for speculation--no scope
for the range Of fancy? Then who would
not be Il locksmth, though his face is be-
grimed with the smut of the forge, and
his hands are stained withrust?
But have story to tell--not exactly
a story either, for that implies the com
pleion as well as the beginning Of
narrative-and mine is scarcely more
than the introduction to one. Let him
who deals in fancy write the rest
In the Spring Of l856--I think it was
in April opened little shop on
Kearney street, and soon worked myself
into fair business. Late one evening,
closely yeiled lady entered my shop
and pulling from beneath her cloak
small japanned boz, asked me to open it.
The lock was curiously constructed, and
/ was whole hour fitting it with key
The lady seemed nervous at the delay.
and at length requested me to close the
door | was little surprised at the sug-
gestion, but of course complied. Shut
ting the door and returning to my work,
the lady withdrew her veil disclosing as
pretty face as can be imagined There
was restlessness in the eye aud pallor in
the cheek however, which plainly told of
q heart i'll at ease, and in moment every
emotion for her had given place to chat
ofpity.
Perhaps you are not well, madam,
and the night air is too chilly 7" said |,
rather inquisitively. | felt rebuke in
her reply.
t. In requesting you to close the door,
| had no other object than to escape the
attention of persons passing
| did not reply, but thoughtfully con-
tinued my work. She resumed:
THAT little box contains valuable pa
pers-privute papers-snd have lost
the key, or it has been stolen. should
not wish to have y u remember that |
ever came here on such an errand," she
continued with some hesitation, and gave
me look which was no difficult matter
to understand.
" Certainly, madam, if you desire it;
if | cannot forget your face, will at least
attempt to lose the recollection of ever
seeing it here"
The lady bowed very cold at what
considered fine compliment, and ! pro-
ceeded with my work, satisfied that
suddenly discovered partiality 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 u glimpse
at the precious contents of the box, aud
suddenly raising the lid discovered
bnndle Of papers and daguerrotype, as
l slowly passed the box to its owner.
She seized it hurriedly and placing
the letters and picture in her pocket.
locked the box, and drawing the veil over
her face, pointed to the door. l opel ed
it, and as she passed into the street, she
merely whispered" Remember" We
met again, and | have been thus particular
in describing her visit to the shop to
render probable a subsequent recognition.
About two O'Clock in the morning, in
the latter part of May following l was
awakened by gentle tap upon the win
dow Of the little room back of the shop
in which lodged. Thinking of burglars,
| sprang ont Of bed, and in a moment
was at the window with heavy hammer
in my hand which usually kept at that
time, within convenient reach of my
bedside.
g Who's there?" | inquired, raising
the hammer, and peering out INTO the
darkness-for it was dark as Egypt,
when under the curse of Israel's God
Hist" exclaimed figure stepping
in front ofthe window "open the door
l have business for you"
Rather past business hours, l should
BaY but who are Won 2n
" No one that would harm you" re-
turned the voice, which | imagined was
rather feminine for burglars.
Z" No one that can !" | replied emphat-
ically, by way of warning. as tipbtened