Connecticut western news., 1885-03-04
VOL. XIV.

J J where you liveP" I asked. "We must have gone half mile instead of quar- ter"
 "That is the house," said he, point ing to wretched building only few steps distant.
 ''In for penny in for a pound" thought I. 1T will see this adventure through, even if am late for the thea tre."
 My guide entered the house, and l followed him up a rickety staircase rather up three-until We reached the fourth story. It was pitch dark all the way. When he had mounted to the third landing he fumbled at the door and opened it. followed him in. -~asStop moment, kind gentleman, and I will light candle" said the old man.
 stopped, and in moment the dim light of farthing dip illuminated the apartment.
 I had scarcely time to take nasty glance at the room and it's appurtenances than the old man stepped behind me and closed the door. There was | click audible. It fastened as it closed. What did l see? Of course l expected to see miserable den, with broken down furniture and every evidence of the direst destitution and wretchedness. Instead of this my gaze rested on aroom comfortably furnished; Kidderminster carpet, not much worn, covered the floor. There were few neat chairs, mahog- any table and comfortable bed.
 'You have deceived me, said I, stern- ly, turning upon the old man. Turned as I said this, but what was my bewl- derment at perceiving that the old man had disappeared and in his place there stood before me quite different person. age.
 The gray hair, the bowed form, the marks of age had vanished. My guide was no longer old and decrepit, but a man in the prime of life, strong and vigorous. His gray wig, for it was 8 wig, lay on the carpet, whither he had care lessly tossed it.
 "You seem little surprised, he said, in a mocking voice; strange miracles sometimes happen nowadays." "What does this mean ?" asked, in bewilderment.
 "What does it meanP" repeated the man, coolly. "It means that I will trouble you for that watch of yours. It appears to be 8 valuable one," he con- tinued with bold impudence. "I will take the liberty to borrow it of you for an indefinite period. Just now, unfor- tunately, my watch happens to be at the | jewellers, so that am unable to be on time in my fashionable engagements. l shall be compelled to trouble you for the loan of yours"
 'Is there anything else you would like?' asked hotly, indignant at hay ing been so cleverly outwitted, and that, too, by man whom had been in- tending to succor. It seemed the worst kind of an imposition, playing upon my feelings only to work me in jury.
 "Yes," he replied carelessly, 'I am out of money just at present. Slightly overdrawn at my bankers. Awkward, isn't it? I will take the additional lib- erty of borrowing your purse. Though don't generally do such things, will, if it will be any satisfaction, give you my note of hand for the amount, due say in ninety years"
 Again he laughed mockingly.
 "You are an atrocious villain p said I, indignantly.
 "Oh, no doubt. You're quite welcome to call me so. We're all sinners, you know r
 The mans insufferable coolness and impotence quite took away my breath I felt that discussion could do no pos- sible good. He had me in his power and of course that gave him the entire advantage.
 "Let me out !" exclaimed, advancing toward the door. "Not yet, said he resolutely, display
 ing pistol. "Not till you have com
 piled with my very reasonable demands Do that and you shall go freely, and no a hair of your head shall be harmed Come, what do you say ?" , What could say? How was I, sin gle handed and without a weapon, t. contend with this man, my equal il strength and armed with pistol? Thi
 makes the weak equal with the strong , If I only had that pistol-if could onl, , snatch it from him. But that scene , impossible. He was watchful and wary , Should make the attempt and fail h would probably kill me without mercy Yet that attempt meant to make. A lucky thought came to my assist f ance. I was something of ventrilc , quist and had been from my youth f that is, could throw my voice to ar z other part of the room so that some on f else might seem to be speaking. N & sooner did I think of this than resolve
 upon my plan. v "Wel1," said he impatiently, "hay : you decided2"
 @ "Wretch 1" said voice just behin I him.
 He turned suddenly, and at that nc ment snatched the pistol from h T grasp.
 o "Now it is my turn," said exultine . ly. "Open that door or I fire" I He looked at me in stupid surprise. a repeated my command ? He advanced step toward me.
 "Make the slightest attempt to retah ? this weapon and fire" 0 He glared at me with look of baffle v ferocity, and looked undecided. @ repeated my order and he sullen q 1 o,,nnnd fha Ioor