Smyrna times., 1883-09-26

shown into back parlor, and. SEATING
myself at table, waited patiently for
my supper to arrive.
MY supper was brought in by a pref
W damsel of eighteen, who wore such
an innocent, good-natured face. that 7
was surprised to find her in a house Of
so bad repute.
The supper proved a good one. and
as II was getting late, told the land
loru would like to be shown to nv
room. Without replying, he led me
up 10 a room situated in the second
story, near the front of the house, and.
leaving lamp on the dressing-stand'
he slOuched out.
l was Just about to prepare for bed
when distinctly heard footsteps ont
IN the hall. Presently there came a
knock. :"
Who is there ?" l demanded.
Don't speak so loud" a womon,s
voice answered, "or you will discover
me. open the door; 1 want to speak
opened the door. 1t was the youup
lady who had served me nv sumner
she was standing in the hall ali of n
tremble, and her face blanched with
fear. WIN
. why, my dear girl, " asked, "what
is the matter?"
:, -, Your life is in DANGER" she replied.
he men down stairs mediate Wrono
to you. You cannot leave the house
now, but pray be on your guard. Are
you armed?"
pointed to revolver that was living
on the dressing stand.
Then you may be able to defend
yourself. Hank ~ she whispered. CLAN
eng suspiciOusly back toward the
stairway; there is a stealthy step. If
L am discovered it will be nv ruin. and
yours too"
She was gone before I had time to
thank her for the kind service she had
done me. / closed my door and locked
The light began to burn very low r
1are not go down stairs for another
lamp. | must meet my foes in the
dark If they chose to visit me.
| don't know how long | silent.
had a terrible dream. 1t is not distinct
now, but l remember l Woke up in a
fright. 1t was some time before 7
again realized where | was and the
danger l had apprehended. 1 listened
intently. There was noise-a creal<-
ing at the end of the room where
noticed the panel. Creak! creak
2reak! The noise of the opening of a |
door, the hinges of which had Grown
SUN ana rusty from disuse. 1 sat up
IN bed and seized my revolver. In an
instant | comprehended the situation. |
Inc panel was secret door. There
was light from small lantern one of |
the lntruders held, and by it distinct
~ recognized the features of NV Grim
Soa-headed landlord. | raised nv re-
volver and pointed it at him. Horror
my revolver would not work IshOuld
Iall helpless victim to the rueians
Three of them had already entered.
sprang from my bed and seized the
foremost villain by the throat But il
was three to one. My useless revolver.
winch L was using as a club was
"renched from my hand and turned
upon me. l was felled to the floor
md the ruffians held me down.
Stick your knife into him. Rilln
NASSSO lllCAl bSlI NO tales. ~
While they were debating whether |
should be killed or not, there came the
oud talking or shouting of MANY
I,olces, the tramping of heavy boots.
mere came blows on the door. as bv
IN ak, and my prosecutors left the
Dom by the secret door quicker than
hey had come into it.
was saved by a vigilance commit
zee, though owed my first thanks to
he gentle girl who had warned me of
ny danger few hours before. She
lad been furtively listening to the con-
'ersation OF the ruffians, and had learn
'd their plans. She finally concluded
o arouse the nearest neighbor and ask
l'm TO get help and come to the rescue.
Now, vigilance committee was in SEES
ION at this neighbours house debatinp
what punishment should be awarded to
ny landlord and his accomplices for
peir past crimes.
On hearing the girls story they i'm
, ieulaGeiy rushed to the rescue, and
hey ala not come a moment too soon.
The three ruffians who had broken
ato my room were captured before
ney could escape from the house and
AIKEN to a lonely place near by and
Xecuted.
With u grateful heart arrived at the
ouse OF the widow Clarke and execut-
d my mission. OF course she was
realty surprised and greatly pleased ,
men 1 handed her the money. and ,
ala she was as thankful as could be
nat L hadn't been robbed and murder
q" was not at all surprised to hear ,
mis-. "O'''