The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-18
A NIGHT OF HORROR.

| My prematureIy wrinkled face, and
my gray hair, have often been the source
Of wonder and question. And while
always had the inclination to impart q
knowledge of the facts to the curious
never. until tonight, have l had su1li.
cient strength and courage to tell the
story that, even at this distant time,
thrills and fills me with vague horror
and alarm.
About ten years since, had occasion
to go to Anselmo, little town oui
West.
1t is, even to this day dsagreeable
and dangerous journey to perform, and
then it was particularly so. But, when a
wife recognizes the predominant duty of
her life to be strict and unquestionine
obedience to her husband, neither rough
fare nor fearful road can deter her in the
prosecution Of the set purpose OF her
soul.
My husband had invested his ready
funds in piece of property near Ansel-
mo, and although he was not by any
means man of wealth, he was able to
surround me generously with all the
comforts, ifnot The luXuries Of life.
My marriage with him had met with
the extreme opposition Of my entire fam
lily, but genuine affection had predomi-
mated over any proposed worldly consid-
erati0nS.
My husband being, however, unpopu-
lar amid the domestic circle, because of
his financial inability to conform to
their universal ideas OF what was re-
quisite in lite OF civilization and refine
ment, determined he would 60 out W est,
and, il he found any inducement to set
tie, he would invest his means, and ap-
prise me in due time where and how to
Join him.
We had one child, the idol of our
hearts, and, as l remember the parting,
now, it seemed mnch more difficult to
my husband to say goodbye Eddie than
to me.
Well, he went away, and tried to be
cheerful and happy, and succeeded.
Every day Eddie displayed new ac-
compiisbment OF an unexpected power,
or an unimagined grace, and | eagerly
anticipated the time when his father
could see him again.
The winter, the spring, the summer
passed away in successive seasons be-
fore one word summoned me from our
native village.
do not think that my relatives real
lied how dear my child were to them
until we left them.
They were extremely averse to my
proposed attempt to make the journey
alone.
For long time there was in their op.
position, bitterness against my hus-
band, but this feeling was finally over
whelmed by indignation against me for
my persistent determination to adhere
faithfully to Clarke's expressed desire
that l should lose no time in joining
him.
There were many hundred miles to
travel by rail, but finally was directed
to stop at particular station and there
hire conveyance and proceed to road
side inn. where was to await the arri-
val of my husband who would join me as
expeditiously as possible.
The rail travelling was pleasant and
easy, and, more than all, replete with in
West, had never been more than fifty
miles from home.
l took note Of every thing, and had a
heartful Of pleasantly and gossip to tell
him when we We're costly treated by our
own tireside.
Arriving at the station, l found a
which, at an eXorbitant
price, was hired to me for the journey to
the roadside tavern.
This latter part of my travel was dis.
agreeable.
A great, burly, countryman with the
crossest and sulkiest face 1 have ever
seen, drove the vehicle, which was a
rattling machine of broken springs, and
Worn-out leather seats, and ragged STUFF
fy smelling Curtains.
Nevertheless it was all so much bet
ter than expected that was in quite a
state of delight.
The driver was my dread along the
NM nIy nd 7 nl
in my arms and putmy trust in God, with
see Clarke that night; and the visions
were fair that my fancy conjured up,
while the distance was slowly Travelled.
1t was nearly dusk when we reached
The FOrks-the name of the tavern to-
wards which we had been journeying-a
name which became applicable from the
fact that the high road fOrked to the
right and to the left, just at that point.
TWAS tall, narrow three-story frame
house, in very unpainted and dilapi.
dated condition. The outside present
ment, however, was, if anything, more
agreeable than that which beheld with
in doors.
The landlord met me at the door and /
introduced me into gloomy little room
on the left Of the cold, dark, uncarpeted
nail. IL was Close III structure, ana In
too, having that disagree
able, stuffy odor which impregnates the |
air, in all apartments which are not fire. |
luently open to sunshine and breeze.
: TIE evening Was cold and dreafy,
and my disappointment at not meeting
Clarke, according to his promise, made |
me so down hearted that felt ready to
burst into tears; but the curious eyes
that peered at me from doors and WIN
dows were incentives enough for an ex-
hibition Of strength rather than weak
ness.
The landlady came in after while
and invited me into low, damp room,
where supper was set. The fare was
bomely, but indeed acceptable after our
Journey, to both Eddie and myself.
My nervous presentiment of danger.
however, seemed to gather strength ev-
cry moment.
At table was served by man whose
hideOus cOuntenance was worse than
the nightmare by jealousy bred.
lie eyed me with persistent curiosi-
ty in his gaping sensual mouth, and
pale inflamed blue eyes, that almost
drove me to distraction.
AS often as / met his gaze I shud- !
dered, as from loathsome touch, and
how wildlyl-tor Clarke's
arm.
This abhorred creature with his hor- |