The Osceola times., 1886-02-06
THE IRON VAULT.
Incident in the Lie Of a locksmith
and its Startling Revelations

Incident in the Lie OF q L0cksm'tn,
and its Startling Revelations
Fernandez Navarette lived in the city
of Mexico in 1880, and was locksmith
BY trade. His calling was to him q
strange one. and possessed certain fas-
cination, rendering 1t one OF the most
agreeable of pursuits. Many who fol-
lowed II, saw nothing in it but labor
thought Of nothing but its return in god
and silver. To Navarette it had otaer
charms than the money it produced.
Nsvare,te was called upon almost daily
to open doors and peer into long neglect
ed apartments; to spring the stubborn
locks Of safes, and elo,t upon treasures
pied within f; to quietly enter the apart
meats of ladies with more beauty than
discretion, and 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 father, in possession of
the missing key 10 force the fasteninus
o. cash boxes, aud repositories Of records,
telling of men made suddenly rich, Of
corporations plundered, Of orphans
robted. Of hopes crushed, Of families
ruined. Was there o charm in this?-
no food for speculation?-no scope for
the range of : ieasaht fancy? Then, who
would not be lo:ksmith, though his
face be beerimmed with the SCOT Of the
forge, and his hands stained with rust?
But of Navarette there is an interest
ins story 10 tell-not exactly story.
either-for story implies the compile
ton as well as the beginning Of a nara
tive-and Nsvarette's is scarcely more
than the introduction Of one.
IN THE SPRING OF 1860,
N,varette opened little shop in the
city Of Mexico, and soon work, d himsOlf
into ia,r business. Late one evening
lady, closely veiicd, entered his shop,
and pulling from beneath cloak small
Japanned box, rcqlested the locksmith
to open 1t. Tae llck was cIriously con-
structed, and all of al. hour was occupied
in fitting 1t with key. The lady seemed
nervous at the delay, and at length re-
oues,ed that the dor of the shop be
closed. Navarette was little surprised
ut the suggestion, but ofcourse complied.
Shutting the door an returning to his
work, the lazy withdrew her veil, dis.
closing as swee. face as could well be
imagined. There was restlessness in
the eye, aud pallor in the cheek, how.
ever, which plainly told Of a heart i'll at
ease.
perhaps you are not well, Sonora
and the night air ls too chilly?" said the
locksmilh rather inquisi,ively.
Navarette ielt a rebuke in her reply
"In requesting you to close the door,
had no other object than to escape the
attention of passers."
NdVdrtVc uu hot NPiy, Vut TX
tbourh.fsilly continued his work. She
resumed:
"Tnat little box contains valuable pa
pes-privatc papers-and l have los
the key, or II has been stolen. ! shoult
not wish ~ have you remember that
ever came here on such an errand," sh,
continued, with some hesitation, and
giving the locksmith look which wa
NO difficult matter to unde, stand.
Certainly, Senora, if you desire it.
0nno. forget your face, ] will at leas
attempt to lose the recollection vf eve
seeing it here"
The lady bowed rather coldly at wha
was intenued fine compliment, an,
the lockslnith proceeded with his work
satisfied that . suddenly discovered par
tiality for him had nothing TO do will
the visit. Having succeeded, after mucl
filing and fitting, in turning the 'ocE
Navsrette was seized with curiosity b
get q glimpse at the precious contents q
the box, and. suddenly raising the lit
discovered a handle Of letters and
sguerreotyp pc as he slowly passed tn
box TO its owner. Size seized It hurried
ly, and, placing the letters and picture
in her pocxet. locked the box, and draw
ing the vail over her face, pointed I
the door. II was opened for her. and {
she passed out into the street, she mer'
ly whispered, "Rsmeinberl' Tue partis
met again, and the reason Of thus pa
e1raslly osssitips ~ ladys vislt
- = - sonose rss1ahle -
s'2s \ oan fnotz,1ne spz