The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-14
~ House or Horrors ~

GA house of horrors is to be found in
New York, in Baxter street, not far from
Mott street. 1t is a low, rambling, rickcty
building, once painted white, but now re-
duced to dirty yellow by the pclting
storms of fifty winters. Half a century
ago 1t was called 'Thc Three mile House." !"
but for many years, as at present, it has
been used as an Italian hotel.
Some thirty years ago the premises were
owned by Misunderstanding Frcnchman,
and then as now frcqucntcd by the most
degraded criminals. Rum was sold in the
basement. In the upper room was gam
bling-saloon. At a late hour one wild,
dark night in January, the inmates were
startled by rap at the side door. The
proprietor approached ncrvously, removed
the ponderous bars, shot back. its massive
bolts opened cautiously the door, and
pccrcd forth "Into the outer darkness. I"
Before him stood two figures, partially re-
veaicd by the flood of light that poured
through the half-open-door. 1t was man
and woman demanded shelter for the night.
The Frenchman had few spare rooms,
and occasionally responded to these requests
for nights lodging. In this instance,
however, something caused him to hesitate
for a moment. This was noticed by the
stranger, whose form was wrapt in the
ample folds OF a long cloak, while his fca-
lures were concealed by tho slouching brlm
of black felt hat. lie appealed to his
hosts cupidity by slipping into his willing
hand large gold piece. Monsicur's love
of lucrc conquered discretion, and his noe
tural visitors were proffercd such hospita-
litics as the place afforded. They entered
the dingy tap-room and passed quickly
through the uninviting crowd there congrc-
gated, ascending the crazy staircase at the
other end. Under the Frcnchman's gui-
dance they reached small, dingy room. at
the rear of the building, into which he
ushcrcd them. 1t was remarked that the
woman was closely veilcd and both seemed
anxious to avoid observation. Many were
tho surmiscs, suggestions and gucsscs in
dulgcd in by the motley crowd. Something
over al hour perhaps had elapsed, when
tho man again appeared at the bar, saying
he was going out, but would return shortly.
Hc then left the room, as carefully dis
guiscd as when he entered. Hours slipped
away, but he was not seen again. AS the
night wancd into the day, tho inmates of
the den suspected that all was not right.
a number of them, led by the host, asccn-
ded the stairs md stopped before tho little
room. The door was locked and the key
was gone: Entrance was requested, then
demanded. No response was received.
They forced it open and entered
The sight that met their eager gaze,
shocked even their scared hearts Upon
tho filthy bed was the half-nudc form of
lovely female. Tho bcd-clothing was
drcncled with blood, and great pools stood
upon tho floor. Three ugly wounds in the
region of the heart told the story, and in
ono of them was still buried tho cruel blado
which had done tho deed. Tho form was
faultness in contour, and the face of that
pure Grccian type so rarely seen. The skin
was Of dazzling whiteness, and the hair
was as black as the ravens wing. Her I'm,
dergarments were of the finest quality of
finish, while about her neck was suspended
a golden chain and chased cross. The other
wearing apparel was Of course texture, and
had been doubtless procured for the pur-
poses of disguise. The authorities were
Immediately notified and the body con-
vcyed to the morg,le to await indcntiflca-