Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1876-01-27
4 Commercial Travellers Romantic
Adventure.


A representative Of one of the business
houses of this city had an unexpected and
thrilling adventure at residence within
200 miles Of Nashville few nights ago.
Overtaken by darkness and being alone IN
locality which had been the scene OF
several deeds of horror in days gone by,
he was naturally very anxious 70 reach
some shelter from the fury OF the storm
which the increasing blackness OF the SIX
and the moaning Of the wind through the
Ieafess trees bctokened.
After riding rapidly for an hour he de-
tected light cleaning from farm house
= few rods distant He hurried on, and
reaching the gate passed on through to
the house. His approach being heraided
by watchful dog, negro came 10 the
door, and after our commercial friend had
explained the cause of his visit the serv-
ant conducted him to the door OF the
parlor, and, knocking at IT, returned and
took the horse to the stable. The rap AT
the door was answered by young lady,
to whom the Nashville young man related
his mission, and was invited in.
The lady explained the reason OF her
being alone by saying that her parents had
been summoned to the bedside OF sick
neighbor and she had been left to take
care Of the house. The hours swiftly
glided by, and il was with spirit OF gen
uine reluctance that they parted. The
Young man was shown to room by the
negro who had cared for his weary steed.
Taking seat beside the cheerful nre
he sat until after "the witching time Of
night" thinking Of home, but principally
Of his new female friend, and listening 10
the deep mutterings OF the distant thun-
der and the beating of the rain against the
window. In the midst Of his meditations
he was startled by scream which seem
ingly proceeded from the parlor down.
stairs. Hastily grasping his revolver he
dashed down the steps and sprang into
the parlor just as bullet whizZed past
his head. BY the reflection of the fire he
observed the lady struggling with the ne
gro who had met him at the door upon his
arrival ut the house. With well-directed
blow he hurled him across the room, and
as the dusky assailant sprang through the
door several leaden missiles followed him
in quick succession.
Turning his attention TO the young lady
he discovered that she had tainted. APP
plying restoratives, which he happened
to have with him, he was soon very much
gratified to see her open her eyes. In a
few moments she had fully recovered,
and after thanking him for his oprortune
aid related her story. She had fallen
asleep and slumbered until she suddenly
awokc and saw the negro servant endeay-
oring to open her fathers desk, In which
large sum OF money was kept. Being
of timid nature, she had placed pistol
under her pillow when she retired, and
rrasping this she rose, and in doing SO
made a slight noise. The burglar turned
around, and when she saw him draw a
glittering knife from his belt she screamed.
He sprang toward her, but she eluded
him and ran around the room, the negro
following. He finally caught her, and as
the young man entered the door she fired
| at her assailant, but unfortunately missed
him.
1t is perhaps needless to say that the
Young couple chatted away until the re-
turn of the parents in the morning.
They had been compelled to remain al
| their neighbours house all night on &C
count of the storm, and when their
| daughter recounted her adventure IL was
no wonder that the old folks were very
| grateful to her deliverer.
In compliance with the request OF the
| trio the young man remained much longer
than he at first intended. But before he
| left he obtained the promise of the lady
to devote the life he had saved TO making
| him happy as long as he lived So, when
| they stand before the altar In few weeks,
| he will doubtless bless the storm that
proved such source Of joy to him.
! NdshptlLe (1eHn.) 15nerteGn.