Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-06-05
ANABDUCTED BRIDEGROOM.

1t was on cold, gloomy. rainy after
noon in the month of November, 1856,
that Mr.. Septimus Clock, retired Ger
man biscuit baker, took cab from the
rank in the Bayswater Road. He lived
in the immediate neighborhood; and as
he was about to be married on the fol-
lowing day, he had made up his mind
to treat his bride to a wedding breakfast
at the Crown and Sceptre, at Greenwich.
He was now going down to that re-
nowned and somewhat expensive,
though excellent hostelry, to give the
order for it, and also to command the
especial preparation Of certain little
toothsome, succulent dainties of Water
land in which his soul delighted.
While looking out for the best horse
and vehicle on the stand, he did not OBJ
serve that one of the drivers gazed at
him very markedly, strangely and
sharply, and then Immediately pulled
eagerly out of the rank to the sidewalk,
with even more than a claimants usual
energy; but nevertheless, such was the
fact, and as the mans turnnut''-a re-
markedly we'll appointed hansom-
seemed to be in all respects suitable, he
got into it without the slightest hesita-
ton, snugly ensconced himself in one
corner of the very comfortable seat,
gave the order, Crown and Sceptre,
Greenwich" dropped the blind, to keep
out the driving sleet, and then, as he
found himself bowled smoothly along
his destination at good round place,
lay back at bis ease, resolving to take a
pleasant little nap during the journey.
When Mr.. Clock awoke, he found, to
his surprise, that it was getting dark.
He looked very hastily out of the win
dow, and became still more astonished
to see that he was travelling, at the rate
of at least ten miles an hour along a
lonely country road, without the vestige
of house in sight. Good Gracious!"
said he to himself; what does all this
mean? I'm sure [ gave the direction
plainly enough; the man must be
drunk So, throwing up the little trap
door in the roof, he bawled out, Hi!
hi! cabman; you're going the wrong
road! Stop-pull up your horses!"
To this appeal, powerful, rich, mel
low voice, replied, in commanding &C
cents, "Pullup your tongue, be quiet or
you're dead mani" And at the same
moment. a hand, grasping a six barreled
revolver, made its appearance through
the opening, and took up its position
within six inches of Mr.. Clocks head.
We need scarcely say that this pow
erIul persuasive was not without its ef-
feet The terrified biscuit baker became
perfectly quiet, and the armed hand,
aftor MON Ulth6 ra yVn
Meanwhile the horses were urged TO
sharp gallop, the cab ratified on at an
accelerated pace, and after turning
down a long narrow lane, drew up at
retired cottage, WI ich stood in court
yard little back from the road, and was
completely hidden from view by an
unusually thick and high .blackthorn
hedge.
The cabman, in leisurely manner,
descended from his seat, and with a
stern, sharp, decisive "Come along"
assisted his bewildered fare to alight;
then taking a key from his pocket he
unlocked the outer door of the cottage,
and ushered the trembling Mr.. Clock
into well furnished apartment on the
first floor. -....
When this had been accomplished
with difficulty, and few bruises on the
poor biscuit-baker's shins, owing to the
darkness of the passage and the winding
of the awkward, old-fashioned narrow
stairs, the mysterious Jehu produced a
box of lucifers, and lighted a pair of
candles which stood on the mantel peice,
Next he brought forth the six-cham-
bered revolver, and placed it on the
table. Then he handed his afrighted
guest q chair. and politely requested
him, with strong spice of humor, g to
be seated and make himself AS comfort
able as possible, while they had little
business conversation together"
THANK ye,"' said the trembling Mr..
Clock, as he sat himself down.
And, now" proceeded the cabman,
oblige me with your hat your watch
and chain, those rings see on your
fingers, your purse, and any other little
va luables, which you may chance to
nave about YOU" sess-4 s.s
" / amgin a robbers den," muttered
the victim, as he delivered up the artic-
les specified. ga55~raa est t aaa
But he retained one ring-a plain gold
One-which he wore on the little finger
or MS 1e1J mana. observing this, the
cabman pointed to it significantly; but
when he saw that no notice was taken
of this silent hint, he cooley proceeded
to remove it from the bewildered bis
cuit-maker's hand.
"No, no! can't part with that" said
Mr.. Clock
90 yes you cam
But-but [ won't p s.y .f.sz.
Indeed you will p responded the
cabman, taking up his six-chambered
revolver with marked significance.
. But it belonged to my dear dead
and gone first wlfe-it was our wedding
ring-it is a wedding keepsake!" inn
plpred Mr. Clock. : ssaog 90 as8ssks
Precisely,so; and III value it, and
keep it for Your sake ?"
Was there ever such stony-heart-