The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-11-05


myself upon the mercy OF the inmates
OF the toomP could apologize and ex-
plain. My blindness would account
for the mistake. Some one would, no
doubt be kind enough to put me on my
right road home. Yes, this was the
best thing to do. I could not go on
creeping into strange houses like a mid
night thief. Perhaps each house in the
row had an equally common lock and
my key might open all. II so the end
would be that some alarmed house.
holder would put bullet into me be-
fore had time TO assert my innocence.
just as l raised my fingers to tap at
the door l heard another voice-a
woman's voice. 1t seemed to come
from the back room and was singing to
an accompaniment played softly on q
piano. Ipaused and listened.
have been so occupied with COM
planning of the hardships of my lot l
have not told you had one solace to
my misery; that merciful gift, so often
bestowed on the blind, music. Had it
not been that could pass many weary
hours away playing to myself, that 1
could be taken to concerts and hear
others play and sing, my days would
have been unbearable, and / shudder
to think of what aid l might have
called in to render them less burden
some.
waited and listened to the song. It
was taken from an opera recently pro-
duced on the Continent, an opera not
yct popularly known in England, and
the song was one that few amateurs
would dare to attempt. The singer,
whoever she might be, sang 1t softly
and under, her voice, rs though fearing
to throw it out with full force. The
lateness Of the hour might well account
for this restraint. Nevertheless, any
one capable OF judging must have
known he was listening to no ordinary
singer. 1t was easy to recognize the
trained skill and dormant power, and
imagine what, under favorable circum-
stances, that voice might accomplish.
| was enchanted My idea was that |
had stumbled into a nest of profession
als-pcople whose duties ended so late
that TO enjoy any evening ut all, night
must be greatly encroached upon. All
the better for me! Bohemians them
selves, my unexpected nocturnal in
truson might not frighten them out Of
their wits.
The singer had now commenced the
second verse. | placed my ear close to
the door to catch every note. | was
curious to hear what she would make
OF the effective bu: trying finale, when
oh horrible contrast TO the soft sweet
liquid notes and subdued words OF pas
sionate Lowell heard gasp, u spas
modic fearful gasp, that coulu convey
but one meaning. ] heard it succeeded
by a long deep groan, which termina ed
in a gurgling sound which froze my
blood. heard the music stop sudden
ly, and the cry, the piercing cry of q
woman ring out like frightful change
from rlelodyt TO discord, and then u dull
heavy thud on the floor!
waited to hear 10 more. l knew
that some dreadful deed had been per-
petrated within few feet Of where
stood. My heart beat wildly and fierce
ly. In the excitement of the moment
forgot that | was not like others--lor-
got that strength and courage could
avail me nothing--forgot everything
save desire 20 prevent the &c ,omplish.
ment OF crime the wish TO do u man $
duty in saving life and succoring the
ones in peril / threw open the door
and rushed headlong into the room.
Then, as l became aware OF the pres
ence Of strong light, but light which re.
vealed nothing to me, the folly snd
rashness of my proceedings came fully
home to me, and like flash IL crossed
my mind that unarmed, blind and help.
less, | had rushed into that room to
meet my death.
hesrd an oath-an exclamation oI
surprise. In the distance | heard the
cry Of the woman, but il sounded
mullled and faint; II seemed Co me that
a struggle was going on in that part OF
the room. Powerless though was ta
aid, | turned impulsively and took
couple OF steps in the direction whence
the cry came, my foot caught in some.
thing and fell PROSTATE or tho body
OF n man. Even in the midst of the
horror that awaited me shuddered as
felt my hard, lying Oh the fallen man.
grow wet with some warm fluid which
slowly trickled overit.
Before | could riss strong muscular
living hands were upon nv throat,
holding me down. whilst short dis.
tance oil | heard the sharp click of o
pistol-lock. Oh, for light for u sec.
ond! II only to see those who were
about to take my life IL only-straugd
fancy-to know In what part OF me TO
expect the fatal bullet. And I, who
some hour or two ago lay and wished
for death, felt at this moment that lie.
even my darkened life, was as dear I'd
me rs any creature under the sun. so
l cried aloud. and my voice sounded to
me like the voice OF stranger:
"Spare mel | am blind! blind
blindr'
CHAPTER /
nu.txu ..,