Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1885-01-10
THE IRON VAULT.
Incident in the Life OF a locksmith
and its Startling Revelations

Fernandez Navarette lived in the city
of Mexico in 1860, and was a locksmith
by trade. His calling was to him a
strange one. and possessed certain fas-
cination, rendering it one of the most
agreeable of pursuits. Many who fol-
lowed it, saw nothing in it but labor
thought of nothing Tut its return in god
and silver. To Navarette il had CtIer
charms than tin money it produced.
Navareite Was called upon almost daily
to open doors and peer into long neglect,
ed apartments; to spring the stubborn
locks of safes, and glolt upon treasures
piled within tC quietly enc the apart
ments of ladies with more beauty than
discretion, aud pick the locks of draw
ers containing peace-destroying missives,
that the dangerous evidences of wander
ing affection might not reach the eye of
husband, or fathr r, in possession f
the missing key 10 force the fastcnings
o. cash boxes, and repositories of records,
telling OF men made suddenly rich, If
corporations p!unlered, of opi,ans
robbed, of hopes crushed, Of families
ruined. Was there . charm in this?-
no food for speculation?-no scope for
the range of pleasant fancy? Then, who
would not be locksmith, though his
face be begrimmed with the SCOT OF the
forge, and his hands stained with rust?
But of Navsrette there is On interest
int story 10 tell-not exactly a story,
either-lor story implies the compile
ton as well rs the beginning Of a nara
iive-ard Navarette's is scarcely more
than the introduction of one.
IN THE SPRING OF 1860,
Navarette openea little shop in the
city of Mexico. and soon workt d himself
into a far business. Late one evening
lady, closely vciied, entered his shop,
aud pulling from beneath cloak a small
Japaaned box, req icsted The lucksmith
to open 1t. TIE Lick was .riuusly cor-
s1ncte1. aud all of al hour was occupied
in fitting it with KEY. The lady sremcd
nervous at tn delay, and at length ic-
quested that the d Dor of the shop be
closed. Navarctte vas little surprised
at the suggestion, bat ofcourse complied.
Shutting the door and returning to his
work, the lady withdrew her veil, dis
closing as swee. face as could well be
imagined There was restlessness in
the eye, and a palor in the cheek, how
ever, which plainly told OF a h,a i'll at
ease.
Perhaps you are not well, Sonora,
and the night air is too chilly?" said the
locksmith rather inquisilively.
Navareite felt rebuke in her reply.
"In requesting you to close the door, |
had no other object than to escape the
attention of passers."
Navaretie did not reply, hut he
thoughtfully continued his work. She
resumed:
"That little box contains valuable pa
pers-private papers-and / have lost
the key, or it has been stolen. should
not wish 70 have you remember that I
ever came here on such an errand," she
continued, with some hesitation, and
giving the locksmith look which was
no difficult matter 10 understand.
Certainly, Sonora, if YOU desire it. II
cannot forget your face, / will at least
attempt TO lose the recollection of ever
seeing it here"
The lady bowed rather coldly at what
was intenOed fine compliment, and
the locksmith proceeded with his work,
satisfied that suddenly discovered par
tiality for him had nothing to do with
the visit. Having succeede d, after much
filing and fitting, in turning the 'ock,
Navarette was seized with curiosity to
get glimpse at the precious contenis of
the box, and, suddenly raising the lid,
discovered bundle Of letters and q