The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1883-01-27
CHAPTER !.
TIE HOUSE Is The REAR.

Avid nlght-tne ram betting upon the
earth in torrents, and flooding the streets
and sewers. No moon, no stars-not a
sign Of the planetary lights. The equi-
no1 was on. Dull. dreary weather, with
scarcely any cessation of the pouring ele-
nent.
In 81 upper room Of neat t-.Eio house,
On one 0. the suburban streets Oh brooklyn.
nt number OF Nell and two women. Tbs
men were fashionahlv dr sse. and TT co.a-
pany for their co,nlm aio,l.' II the opposite
sex. Four of them well-l,..ovn throughout
The country, the Others l.aown to certain
public officials only.
Ono OF the women. flir to lcok upon,
! esned strangely o,lt O: placc ana III Mt ease
but the other had bold face aud reckless
sr.
Ali were at sump.uously-sprcad table,
0ting and drinking.
Now and then burst Of laughter ascend
q to the frescoel ceiling
Jolly parties frequently gathered here,
vhcse hilarity caused no comment when is
sounds reached without, for the house stood
some distance in from the street and w;ss
surrounded by well-kept garden, the shrub
bery Of which almost hid the lower portion
Of it
To the left Was summcr-house Of quaint
design, over which clalnbered vines and
flowers. Opposite the house stood little
wooden church, in the midst Of q large un-
cultivated field. Few houses there were in
The vicinity, and the street WAS never.lis III
ID save by the moon, for the city authorities
seemed yetto be blind to the interests Of the
suburban inhabitants and alloS Scd no lam,s.
In this upper room sat the gay party for
several hours, talking, eating and drink
hg when one Of the four men, putting
down his wine-glass. aad wipiog his lips,
nked:
"Ricker, what news have you received
6om the country today"
The man addressed as Ricker-sho,t
stout, aud tossed of his Glass Of
Gumm before answering:
'None-a fact for which l cannot 90
count"
'Oh, its nothing to be alarmed ahort, my
6eaf Georger' cried the bold-faced woman.
"There is no danger. The men in that sec
6cn are secure enough. They are able to
hke care of themselves We must he czu-
6ous here"
Il believe Jess.is right" said another of
Che four. while We have here a pretty
sre retreat, we have the disadvantage of q
nnr police-station. We are enjoying our
EgardlesS OF consequences.
mot so, said Kicker. 'OU- very hi!a-
hty disarins suspicion"
Acolored servant entered. He stood still
near the door and, without utteri1g q word,
placed his finger upon lis lips. Sc
In an instant the lights were out ard the
house was enveloped il darkness.
The man Kicker caught the fair, tirnid
woman by the hand and silently drew her
INTO the hall and down one fight OF stairs
into small room, where wax taper afford
da dim Light.
'Tmafraid" sh;verod the woman "Wkat
twrone?'
Nothing, I think" whispered Kicker.
THE signal given was one of warning OILY.
We are obliged to be careful. kenaln hcxa
6l my return"
He left her seated on q luxurious settee,
trembling and sick Ia few minutes he
Mturned. a pleased look Gu bis countenancc.
After lighting the lamp, lie TOOK a SCAT be-
SIDE her.
'.Every.h;ng is well. my good girl. Sam
0w a. officer stop ia front of the gate and
gave the notification which We require in
sny such event"
The young woman was soh5ins violently,
and paid little attention to what was being
nid.
'Oh, George Kicker" she mcaned. ''why
90 you not forsake tAs vil!aDous course OF
living and be honest? Here you are in co.s-
sAnt danger OF being arrested and sent to
prison, perhaps for life, while, ii you were
honest, there would be no need for secrecy,
md you could ningle with the world unsus-
plclous OF any. l have come here at great
peril, purposely TO ask you to stop where
you are-to leave this place and become q
man. Will you not do SOP
The man laughed lightly and gave her a
9ulzzical look
'Came here for that eli? Wei, Sis, !
ent care to quarrel, but must say don't
believe you You came here for advice.
0ou are timid bird sometimes, bat you'd
ssses hesitate to have your own way when
came to the pinch. There's something
Seeyour mind. Ii my parent hadn't repro
cated me- you would not be forced to come
far to seek counsel which l am quite
teady to give. Don't let scruples stand il
@s way. Be willing to dare and to DO,
now did you succeed in getting Iere?'
=. Father thinks l have gone to visit 8
mend" said the woman.
There is no danger Of his seeking you??"
,'he would not thinh OF Z. | told him
mould return in the morning."
And don't ever come here again, beg,
ophed Kicker. I'm bad because there's
sslcked blood in me, but don't want you t.
y what | am. Yet as to prosperity, yor
sa be rich. and, if your father can't sup
Ey your cultured tastes, why the next bes
Yep Is I'll close the door, that the who..
eo0se may not hear my plans for your fn
Ure welfare"
1aen followed o well-concocted scheme
1e details at times sending a shuddel
e9gh the listener; but she made little OBJ