The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-05
"a House OF HorrOrs."

ga house of horrors" is to be found in
New York, in Baxter street, not far from
Mott street. 1t Is low, rambling, rickety
building, once painted white, but now re-
duced to dirty yellow by the pelting
storms of fifty winters. Half century
ago 1t was called '"The Thrce-,nile House, -
but for many years, as at present, il has
been used as an italian hotel.
Some thirty years ago the premises were
owned by Misunderstanding Frenchman,
and then as now frcqucntcd by the most
degraded criminals. Rum was sold in the
basement. In the upper room was a gam
bling g-saloon. At a late hour one wild,
dark night in January, the inmates were
startled by a rap at the side door. The
proprietor approached ncrvously, removed
the pondcrous bars, shot back its massive
bolts, opened cautiously the door, and
peered forth 'tnto the outer darkness. "
Before him stood two figures, partially re-
vealed by the flood of light that poured
through the half-open-door. 1t was a man
and woman demanded shelter for the night.
The Frcnchman had few spare rooms,
and occasionally responded to these requests
for nights lodging. In this instance,
however, something caused him to hesitate
for moment. This was noticed by the
stranger, whose form was wrapt in tho
ample folds Of long cloak, while his fca-
lures were concealed by the slouching brlm
OF o black felt hat. He appealed to his
hosts cupidity by slipping into his willing
hand large gold pieco. Monsicur's love
OF lucre conquered discretion, and his noe
t,lral visitors were proffcred such hospita-
Titles as the place afforded. They entered
the dingy tap-room and passed quickly
through the uninviting crowd there congre-
gated, ascending the crazy staircase at the
other end. Under the Frcnchman's gui-
dance they reached q small, dingy room at
the rear of the building, into which he
ushered them. It was remarked that the
woman was closely veilcd, and both seemed
anxious to avoid observation. Many were
the surmises, suggestions and gucsscs in
dulged IN by the motley crowd. Something
over an hour perhaps had elapsed, when
the man again appeared at the bar, saying
he was going out, but would return shortly.
He then left the room, as carefully dis
guised as when he entered. Hours slipped
away, but no was not seen again. AS the
night waned into the day, the inmates of
the den suspected that all was not right.
A number OF them, led by tho host, ascen-
ded the stairs and stopped before tho little
room. The door was locked and the kcy
was gone. Entrance was requested, then
demanded. No response was received
They forced 1t open and entered.
The sight that met their eager gaze,
shocked even their scared hearts. Upon
the filthy bed was the half-nude form of a
lovely female. The bed-clothing was
drenched with blood, and great pools stood
upon the floor. Three ugly wounds In tho
region OF the heart told the story, and In
one OF them was still buried the cruel blade
which had done the deed. The form wos
faultness In contour, and the face of that
pure Grecian type 80 rarely seen. The skin
was OF dazzling whiteness, and the hair
was as black as the ravens wing. Her un
dergarments were of the finest quality of
finish, while about her neck was Suspended
golden chain and chased cross. The other
wearing apparel was of coarse texture, and
had been doubtless procured for the pur.
poses Of disguise. The authorities were
Immediately notified and the body con.
veyed TO the nlorguo to await indentifca-
lion. strange to say 1t was never re-
claimed. The Frenchman and his coadiu-
tors were arrested, but all efforts to appre-
nend the murderer proved fruitless, and to
the present day the whole affair is mys-
tery. Some years subsequent to the trans.
action above related, this same house was a
neted br0thel. The so-called drawing
room was sometimes converted into gam
bling-hell for the accommodation of the
male occupants. One evening 1t was visited
by two men bearing numerous evidence of
disguise, such as wigs, false whiskers and
eccentric dress. They called for liquor