The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-01-06
A Queer Case of Somnambulism.

A very curious and remarkable case of |
somnambulism, says the st. Louis Globe
Den1ocrdt-the heroine of the adventure |
being well known in society circles-has |
just come to light, though it occurred |
several weeks since,
The facts are tlese--but let the young
gentleman who furnishes the information |
tell the story in his own way. Mr.. |
Booths statements are supposed to be
reliable. In answer TO question, he
says:
81 am the operator lefton watch after
the regular business of the night is over
From two in the morning until seven
am generally alone. L have no objec
tions to relating the particulars of the
strange affair that lately happened in
my presence. There can be no impro-
priety in my doing SO, as I shall not di-
vulge the name of the young lady, hav-
ing given a solemn promise to that effect.
1t WAS in this way
"About month ago, warm and
very brilliant moonlight morning, be-
tween two and three o'clock, was sit
ting in one of the windows to get little
fresh air, preparatory to setting down to
writing, which would keep me busy un-
vi lcllSNtu by tllS IlOIulD8 luSus Az
was exceedingly quiet, not an instrument
working nor any sound without. There
came faint knock at the door, which
somewhat startled me, for it is very rare
to receive call-indeed, / do not re-
member of ever before seeing an out
side party since l have been in this po-
sition. The door was partially open. l
said, Come in To my great surprise,
there entered one of the loveliest of be-
ings. She was richly dressed, as if for
an afternoon promenade. L was so taken
aback, it was a moment before 1 offered
her seat. She politely declined to be
seated, saying that she was pressed for
time-that she had called to collect my
subscription in aid of - society, l
glanced Mt the little book she offered me,
then at the young lady, who met my
, gaze with an air of exceeding sweetness
and intelligence.
"Ihere was no sign Of insanity i'll that
face q had not thought of somnambu-
lism), and l could not account for the
proceeding. Isaid: Miss, there is some
mistake; 1 do not see my name on the
. list. She replied: 'Then it must be in
, the other book; and have left it at
home. 1t is five dollars monthly, 1 be-
. lieve; you can hand it to me, and l will
give you credit for the same in the pro-
! per place. My time is so much oecu-
pied i'll this work 1 do not know whom |
can call again.
) 4" She appearrd so earnest, SO ingenu-
| GUS in her remarks I felt there must be
delusion somewhere Eit er she or l
, was dazed. | looked at my surroundings
| to make sure of myself. All seemed
right. There were the implements OF
. my profession the clock recorded 2:4t
A. Il. There was but one conclusion
(; my visitor was evidently temporarily de.
, RAJ Ged. On such an errand at that hour
3 Of the morning! What could be the so.
D luton of this mysterious behavior
$ was becoming really alarmed. I turned
t to her again and said: L am very sorry
: to Inconvenience you, but 1 have MOI
r the money with me- very well;
will call again. Good evening, sir
t Gas the lady was retiring, her hant
+ accidentally came in contact with one o
n the instruments Immediately connected
l with the battery, by which she received
i. a severe electric shock. Instantly there
!. was change in her manner-such
! change. l will never forget it. Sh'
screamed: where am l ? Where am I
What place is this Who are you
Half faintipg, but conscious, and trelnb
q ling with fear, she sunk into chair
3 Quickly as possible I brought her
# glass of water, at the same time a surint
l. her that she WAS in place of safety
q that there was nothing to fear.
+. "In few moments she became calm
4 and seemed perfectly free from alarm
if yet extremely anxious to be conveyed t.
" her home One remark she made
Is have been walking in my sleep again :
\. let ms into the secret of tho affair. Afte
> giving me directions as to the place O
# her residence, left her alone till l ooul
:. find carriage or obtain other assistance
" Fortunately I met the policeman VIII
y patrols the Olive street beat. This Office
j came with me. As she seemed satisie
J. to be placed under his protection, bi
( my charming visitor good-morning
=. and returned to my duties.
g. Z" Having her address, l natural
N callAd the very next day to inquire
is she reached home in safety. met wit
q a cordial reception. Herself and all tn
= members of her family were profuse i
a thanks. [ learned that, escorted by tn
o. policeman, she arrived home about 3 :8(
Is Her departure had not become known
,r Her entry was alike unheard. Only G
3, breakfast did the family hear of he
a strange adventure.