The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-05-13
A Travellers Story.

ANE stormy evening party of travel
" ers were seated around blazing fire
in house having somewhat the appearance
of hotel upon the Allegheny mountains.
The coach had broken down, and were de-
tanned until the next morning.
We had just finished substantial supper
and were sitting with our feet on the fen
der, and cigars in our mouths, Illuminating
upon the storm without, and the warm,
cozy comfort within.
Each one told story, or related an anec-
dote; and at last the turn came round to
hollow checked individual, who until then,
had remained silent.
Gentlemen" said he, fixing piercing
grey eye upon one of the company-a Span
iard-who, unlimited, had drawn his chair
up to the fire, "some ten years ago was
near being murdered in this very house."
At this moment the Spaniard got up,
and was going out Of the room, when the
narrator rose, and locking the door, put
the key into his pocket.
He then took the Spaniard's arm, and
leading him up to an old picture, surmoun-
ted by the English coat of arms, ran his
finger along the motto, and said, at the
volver.
evil to him who evil does.'
The Spaniard smiled, and said he did not
feel well but the stranger swore that no
man should leave the room until he finished
his story.
Requesting us not to be amazed at his
conduct he proceeded.
"Somo years ago | was travelling across
the mountains on horseback, and stopped
at this very house. The landlord was ex-
tremely obsequious in attending to my com
fort; and after supper he requested me to
join him in bottle of wine.
Nothing 10th, consented; and before
midnight four empty bottles stood upon
the table, and he was acquainted with all
my business. had very large amount of
money in my valise, and he politely inform
ed me that he would take care of it till
morning. Although somewhat intoxicated
did not approve Of leaving it in his
charge, and wishing him good night, l
took my valse in my hand and retired to
bed.
"After had undressed, put my revol-
yer under the pillow, and carefully, as /
thought examined the room. 1 laid myself
down, and soon fell into the arms of Nor
pheus."
!" suppose it must have been two hours
after when l awoke, and collecting my
scattered senses, l endeavored to think
what had been about. Suddenly de-
tected noise under my bed.
What was my horror when observed a
piece of carpet stretched alongside the bed
move as if something was under it. A cold
perspiration started from every pore but,
thank heaven, / had presence of mind
,, enough to prepare for the worst.
, Grasping my revolver in my hand, and
hiding it under the bed clothes, feigned
to be asleep. In an instant afterwards /
saw trap-door, which had been concealed
by the carpet, cautiously raised up; and
beheld my landlord, with knife in one
mana ana udfk ldlIeIn III luO OJucI, I'LL
recting his glittering eye towards me.
, Still / moved not, but as he turned to put
the lantern on the floor, l fired, and----''
1 you killed him, did your shrieked
/ the Spaniard, almost jumping from his seat.
""Silence, until have finished" /" said the
4 stranger, again tapping his weapon. -
''The instant fired the william fell. got
' up, and merely putting ON my coat snatch.
4 ed up the lantern he had dropped, and
4 with my valise crept cautiously down Ia
8 the stable. 1t was a bright, moonlight
night and soon saddled my horses. ]
9 galloped about ten miles, when met 8
b party of wagoners, and in their compan,
# returned to the house; but, despite Of oul
g rigid search, not even as much as tn,
y williams body could be found. But IL
: can lay my hands upon him, If It cost m,
"a my life, he shall die the death of a dog.
% AS the stranger concluded, he rose an,
d caught the Spanard by the throat, an,
J. tearing open his shirt collar, showed IN
mark of wound ON his neck
al Three weeks afterward Joseph Come
n was hung on his own confession Of hayin
ot murdered no less than five travellers in tina