The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-04-26

spread before him, and then requested
to be shown to his bedroom. The girl,
having again been summoned, and told
what was wanted, brought candle and
preceded the gentleman up stairs. When
they were in the bedroom, she deposited
the candle on the table, but did not
seem inclined to retire, and stared at the
officer with very inquisitive glance.
''That will do, my good GIRL sa1 the
officer.
Still she remained, and continued to
stare at him. He then imagined that she
waited for the customary largess, for
showing guests to their bedroom. Hav-
ing taken coin from his waistcoat
pocket he offered it to the girl, but she
refused to accept it.
''No, no" she said, II was rot waiting
for that"
"What. then, is your obiect?'
"You are an Englishman?" she said,
interrogatively.
"How do you know that?"
"Oh, by the way you pronounce Ger
man. Have you a mother" she then
asked.
Eyes, indeed, and one I love most
dearly, and her love for me Is I'M
limited"
"Poor mother-poor son. you will
never see each other again"
"What do you mean? hope am in
an honest house."
can honest housed" she sobbed. You
are in house of robbers and murder
ers!"
The officer looked rather surprised
when she spoke thus, but Immediately
replied: :;
me; but 1 am afraid of no man. Behold,
] am armed with a revolver and sharp
dirk, enough, should think, to keep all
those fellows at bay, even If what you
tell me be the truth"
She expressed by her looks what she
felt at having her veracity impugned.
"Come down with me, and will con-
vince you that 1 have told you the truth.
But let me hrst tell you that my master
and these four fellows, whom you saw in
the bar. room, are armed to the teeth and
tibet every one is match for you III
bodily strength. They are now keeping
watch outside, and you perceive that the
windows are secured like prison, so
there is no escape for you there. Leave
your candle still burning, SO they may
notice the light of it. Now follow me
gently and without noise."}
| They then descended the stairs, and
she led him to a cellar the door of which
she had no sooner opened than he re-
coiled with subdued expression of
horror, at the odor from human skele-
tons.
Arrived back in the chamber above.
she inquired:
care you convinced now where you
are? Oh, many poor traveller. after be-
ing robbed and murdered, have l seen
thrust into that foul and loathsome
den.:.
"Oh, horrible, most horribld, indeed !
But why do you, who seem to be neither
a confederate nor sympathizer with
their atrocious actions, continue to re-
main here?'
because it would be at the peril Of
my life to attempt making my escape. l
was kidnapped by my master when l was
about nine years old, and ever since l am
we'll watched from making my escape"
"And is there no escape whatever from
this placer"
Eyes, there is. At the bottom of the
stairs is heavy iron door, leading to a
subterraneous viaduct, which they had
dug out some years ago, and the mouth
Of which is covered over with branches
Of trees to afford them an easy escape in
case of q surprise by the police. But to
open that door.is beyond my ability.
You seem to be very strong, and you
might probably make your escape
through the cavernR
| my escape! our escape, you will say;
for l will never leave without having
you with me, and when successful will
bring you to London and make lady of
you"
Continue to walk about in your room
while l go down and see if the coast is
clear. mean il the old fellow is taking
his usual nap after his evening pota-
TONS"
She went down, but shortly after re.
turned with frightened countenance to
inform him that the old ruffian was fast
asleep, or appeared to be so.
Now take Off your boots, blow ont
the candle, give me your left hand and
follow me-"
They then descended slowly and sill
emily, treading lightly, lest their foot.
steps might be heard. Before descend
ing, however, the officer grasped the re-
volver in his right hand. Arrived at the
iron door, she placed his hand on the
handle, and then said, in o Whisper:
Nov. pull for your life and mine, and
God grant you SUGGEST"
He did SO, and his powerful effort was
so far successful that the door opened
suflicientlv wide for the GIRL 10 mass