The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-02-29
SELECT STORY.
ENT0MBED ALIVE.
A LocKsMITn's ADVENTURE.

In the summer OF 1873 Senior Hon
randez opened little locksmith's shop
in the city of Mexico, and soon worked
himself into prosperous business.
Late one evening lady, closely yelled,
entered his shop, and pulling from be-
meath cloak small japanese box, re-
quested Honrandez to open it. The
lock was curiously constructed, and an
hour had elapsed before key could be
made to fit it. The lady seemed ner.
vous at the delay, and at length re-
quested the locksmith to close the door.
This suggestion occasioned some sur
prise on the part of Honrandez, but he
willingly complied. Shutting the door
and returning to his work, the lady
withdrew her veil, disclosing sweet
and intelligent face. There was
restlessness in the eye and a pallor in
the cheek, however, which plainly told
of heart ill at ease, aud in a moment
every emotion for her could give place
to that of pity.
perhaps you are not we'll, madam,
and the night air is too chillyi' said
the locksmith inquisitively.
'1n requesting you to close the door
l had no other object than to escape
the attention of passers by" said the
lady.
Honrandez did not reply, but
thoughtfully continued his work. She
resumed:
"That little box contains valuable
papers-private papers-and have
lost the key, or it has been stolen. /
should not wish to have you remember
that | ever came here on such an er-
rand" she continued, with some hesi-
tation, at the same time giving Hon.
randez look which was no difficult
matter to understand.
Certainly, madam, if you desire it.
If cannot forget your face ] will at
least attempt to lose the recollection of
ever seeing it here" said Honrandez.
The lady bowed rather coldy to this
remark, and Honrandez proceeded
with his work. Having succeeded
after much filing and fitting, in turn
ing the lock, he was seized with curl
osity to get glimpse at the precious
contents of the box, and suddenly
raised the lid, discovered a bundle of
letters, and a daguerreotype, as he
slowly passed the box TO its owner.
She seized it hurriedly, and placing the
letters and picture in her pocket, lock-
ed the box, and drawing the veil over
her face, she passed into the street,
whispering as she passed Honrandez-
"Remember."
About two o'clock in the morning,
in the latter part of May following,
Honrandez was awakened by a gentle
tap upon the window of the little room
back of his shop, in which he slept. In
a moment he was at the window.
Who's there 2" he inquired, peering
out into the darkness.
"Hist!" exclaimed figure, stepping
in front of the window; "open the
door. have business for you"
''Rather past business hours, should
say but who are you?'
'No one that would harm you,' re-
turned the voice, which Honrandez
imagined was rather feminine for a
burglars.
Pushing back the bolt, and slowly
opening the door, Honrandez discover
ed the stranger already on the steps.
'What do you want?" abruptly
asked Honrandez.
81 will tell you," answered the same
soft voice, "if you dare open the door
wide enough for me to enter"
'Come in,' said Honrandez, reso-
lutely, throwing the door open, and
proceeding to light candle. Having
succeeded, he turned to examine his
visitor. He was a small and neatly
dressed gentleman, with a heavy cloak
around his shoulders, and a blue navy
cap drawn suspiciously over the eyes.
AS Honrandez advanced toward him,
he seemed to hesitate moment, then
raised the cap from his forehead, and
looked Honrandez curiously in the
face. The latter did not drop the can
die, but acknowledged to little ner-
vousness by hurriedly placing the can
die npon the table, and investing him
self with two or three necessary articles
of clothing.
Smiling at Honrandez's apparent
discomfort, the visitor said:
disguise is useless; l presume you
recognize me?'
81 believe told you, madam, when
| opened the little box for you some
time ago, l should not soon forget
your face. In what way can l serve
you? p
"By doing half an hours work be.
fore daylight tomorrow, and receiving
$500 for your labor" was the reply. =
at is not ordinary work." said Hon
randez, inquiringly "that commands SC
munificient compensation.
st is. a labor common to your call
ing" returned the lady. "The price
not so much for the labor, as the con-
dition under which it must be perform
ed"
"And what is the condition ?" in
quired Honrandez.
"That you will submit to being con.
veyed and returned to your own door
blindfolded."
Ideas of murder, burglary aud al
most every other crime presented
themselves in succession as Honrande2
politely bowed and said:
81 must understand something more
of the character of the employment, as
well as the conditions, to accept your
| Offer"
"Will not $500 answer in lieu of an
explanation 7" she inquired.
"No, nor five thousand"
"Well, then, if it is absolutely nee.
essary for me to explain" she replied
81 must tell you that you are required
to pick the lock of the vault, and"
"You have gone quite far enough
sonora, with the explanation" inter
rupted Honrandez. 81 am not at your
service"
"As l said," she continued, "yor
are required to pick the lock of vaul
and rescue from death a man who has
been confined there for three days"
"To whom does the vault belong 2
inquired Honrandez.
"My husband" was the somewha
reluctant reply.