The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1882-07-28
LIFE AND DEATH.
BY A DETECTIVE.

Shortly after the celebrated expedi-
ton ofLopez terminated so dsa tously
in the Island of Cuba, fashionlbl cir.
clcS i'll this city were thrown into a
II yu,uig Gilman, whose great wealth,
elegant manners, and fascinating ad-
dress, made him eagerly sought for in
society. The pecularity of his appear
ance aud character enhanced rather
than diminishd tine interest he excited.
Very youthful indeed al times girlsh
in personnel and physique there was
yet about him haughtiness of manner
and sternness of demeanor that re-
vealed anything but feminine spirit.
lie took lodgings at fashionable hotel,
and the splendor OF the style in which
he lived, the innate refinement and
elegance that he managed to infuse into
everything about him, went far to pre-
serve the interest which his exclusive
ness might otherwise have repelled.
remember to have seen him shortly
after he came here. II was an acciden-
tai meeting, but it struck me then that
there was something singular about
him. His face was smooth and beard
less; as soft and fresh in its outlines
as a womai's. The luxuriant hair and
small, beautifully shaped hand posses
sed none of the pecularilios of Il man
bonn ana reared under the fervcnt sun
OF the tropics. There was 10 lack OF
fire, however, in the great black eyes.
In short, The young strangers per-
sonal appearance struck me as that of a
beautiful woman apparelled as a man.
thought at the time that he could
readily have masqueraded as lady,
and pass undelected. These reflection
were, however, soon superseded by
more important duties, and the young
stranger and the peculiarities of his ap.
pearauce soon faded from my recollec-
ton,
They were destined, however, to
recur to me again with vivid force.
One night at a fashionable party 1
Young man named Paul Locey, a sol
dier in the army of Lopez, and ono Of
the few who escaped fom that ill-fated
expedition, was found stabbed to the
heart in the cloak-room. An no III
before, the deceased and the youns
Cuban had met for the first time. Stand
ing in the full glare of the chandelier
mutual acquaintanees had introduced
them. There was sudden and violen
agitation visible in boih-a recoil on tn
part of the American, and a cry o
something like horror escaped his lips
He had been absent in the North TO
several months, and knew nothing o
the strangers arrival until that moment
Now his livid face and unaccountabl
agitation revealed an excitement a
profound and strange, The friend
looked at each other wonderingly.. Blu
the Cuban, first rcgaining his presenc
of mind, stepped forward, and remark
ing, "Mr. Locey, we have met before !!
locked his arm in that of the .tarlle
man aud moved in the direction of th
cloak-room.
A circumstance so singular could no
OF course, pass without remark, an
the friends OF both OF them waite
anXiously for their reappearance, yC
restrained by feelings of deicac
from intruding on their conference
At last, however, the young strange
came out alone, carefully closing III
door. He said to the gentleman VIII
had witnessed the strange meeting
"Our friend is little agitated, an
desires to be alone for few mi
ments !"
lie then mingled in the crowd all
disappeared.
Waiting Tor Locey until their imp
/ tience could no longer be restraine'
they finally entered the room TO pc
J ceive spectacle of blood that almo
I froze them with horror. Stabbed TO Il
y heart with a long Spanish dagger tb
. yet clung to the wound, the young mi
. had been dead for an hour.
B., OF course tho widest confusion an
excitement Prevailed. Many had qu
the house in pursuit OF the stranger.
/ learned that the stranger had alrea,
been to The hotel, aud paid his boal
| and removed his effects. That he W
yet in the city was evident, since