The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-16
CHAPTER I,
TIE HOUSE IN THE REAR.

A wild night-the rain beating upon tho
'arth III torrents, and flooding the streets
nd sewers, No moon, no stars-not a
iisn of the planetary lights. The equi.
lox was on. Dull, dreary weather, with
scarcely any Cessation of the pouring ele-
neut.
In an upper room of neat frame bouse,
IN one OF the suburban streets of Brooklyn,
sat number of men and two women. The
men were fashionably dressed and fit COM
pany for their companions of the opposite
sex. Four of them well-knowr throughout
the country, the others known to certain
public officials only.
One of the women, fair to look upon,
seemed strangely out of place and i'll at ease,
but the other had bold face and reckless
air.
All were at sumptucusly-spread table,
eating and drinking.
Now and then burst of laughter ascend
ed to the frescoed ceiling.
Jolly parties frequently gathered here,
whose hilarity caused no comment when its
sounds reached without for the house stood
some distance in from the street and was
surrounded by we'll kept garden, the shrub
berry of which almost hid the lower portion
of it.
To the left was summer-house of quaint
design, over which clambered vines and
flowers Opposite the house stood little
wooden church, in the midst of a large un-
cultivated field. Few houses there were in
the vicinity, and the street was never light
ed save by the moon tor the city authorities
seemed yet to be blind to the interests of the
suburban inhabitants and allo owed no lamps.
In this upper room sat the gay party for
several hours, talking, eating and drink
ing, when one of the four men, putting
down his wine-glass, and wiping his lips,
asked:
"Ricker, what news have you received
from the country to-day?"
The man addressed as Ricker-short,
stout, and baze-tossed off his glass Of
Mumm before answering:
"None-a fact for which l cannot &C.
count"
"Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about, my
dear Georgew cried the bold faced woman.
There is no danger. The men in that sec
ton are secure enough. They are able to
take care of themselves. We must be cau-
tious here"
Il believe Jess is right" said another Of
the four. while we have here a pretty
buIo ItlICht, VIC AaFe tlo vi q
near police-stttion. We are enjoying our
selves and making considerable noise, totally
regardless of consequences.
mot So" sad Kicker. "Our very hila-
rity disarms suspicion"
A colored servant entered. He stood still
near the door and, without uttering word,
placed his finger upon his lips.
In an instant the lights were out and the
/. I 4 Il
The man Kicker caught the fair, timid
woman by the hand and silently drew her
into the hall and down one flight Of stairs
into n small room, where q wax taper afford
ed dim light
"Im afraidr' shivered the woman. "What
is wrong?"
Nothing, l think" whispered Kicker.
''The signal given was one OF warning ouly.
We are obliged to be careful Remain here
till my return"
He left her seated on luxurious settee,
trembling and sick. In few minutes he
returned, pleased look On his countenance.
After lighting the lamp, he took seat be-
side her.
Everything is well, my good girl, Sam
saw an officer stop in front OF the gate and
gave the notification which we require in
any such event.
Tie Young woman was sobhing violently,
and paid little attention TO what was being
said.
"Oh, George Kicker" she moaned, why
do You not forsake this villalnous course OF
living and be honest? Here you are in con.
slant danger Of being arrested and sent tc
prison, perhaps for life, while, If you were
honest, there would be no need for secrecy
and you cou mingle with the world unsus
picous of any. l have come here at grea
peril, purposely To ask you to stop where
YOU are-to leave this place and become 6
man. Will you not do so?"
The man laughed lightly and gave her
quizzical look.
"Came here for that, eh? Well, Sis,
don't care to quarrel but l must say don
believe you. You came here for advice
You are timid bird sometimes, but you
never hesitate to have your own way whel
it came to the pinch There's something
on your mind. II my parent hadn't repro
bsted me, you would not be forced to com
SO far to seek counsel which l am quit
ready to give. Don't let scruples stand il
the way. Be willing to dare and to dc
How did you succeed in getting here?'
Father thinks l have gone to visit
friend )" said the woman.
"There is no danger of his seeking your
"He would not think of it. l told him
should return in the morning"
"And don't ever come here again, beg,
replied Kicker I'm bad because there
wicked blood in me, but don't want you t
be what am. Yet as to prosperity, yo
must be rich, and, if your father cant sur
ply your cultured tastes, why the next be,
step is I'll close the door that the whol
house may not hear my plans for your II
ture welfare"
. Then followed well-concocted schem'
. the details at times sending shudde
through the listener; but she made little oil
lection. A mans advice to weak woman
who was already following in his own sinfl
footsteps. The recording angel in Heave
, must have written dire condemnation again
his name, aud he would surely have pause
could he have comprehended the enormit
of his sin and its results; but his heart wa
, calloused and his vision obscured.
The house was still; there WAS no or
awake-the hilarious men and the woma
of bold address had retired each to the
: several apartments hours passed befol
| the man Kicker and his female companlc
: separated.
, A dark night, indeed!