The Osceola times., 1886-04-10
THE IRON VAULT.
incident in the Life Of a locksmith
and its Startling Revelations

incident In the Life Of a locksmith,
and its Startling Revelations
Fernandez Navarette lived in the city
of Mexico in 1880 and was a locksmith
BY trade. His calling was to him
strange one. aud possessed certain fas-
cination, rendering 1t one of the most
agreeable of pursuits. Many who fol-
lowed il, saw nothing in 1t bnt labor
thought Of nothing but its return in god
and silver. To Navarette it had other
charms than tha money it produced.
Navsre,te was called upon almost daily
to open doors and peer into long neglect
ed apartments; to spring the stubborn
locks of safes, and gloit upon treasures
piled within tC quietly enter the apart
ments 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
q husband, or q father, in possession of
the missing key f; to force the fasteninvs
cash boxes, and repositories of records,
telling of men made Suddenly rich, of
corporations plundered, of orphans
robbed. OF hopes crushed, Of families
ruined. Was there 10 charm in this?-
no food for speculation?-no scope for
the range of r Ieasaht fancy? Then, who
would uot be lo,ksmith, though his
face be berimmed with the SCOT of the
forge, and his hands stained with rust?
But of Navsrette there is an interest
ing story to tell-not exactly a story,
either-for story implies the compile
ton as well as the beginning Of a nara
tive-ar.d Navarette's is scarcely more
than the introduction of one.
IN THE SPRING OF 1860,
Navarette opened a little shop in the
city Of Mexico, and soon worked himself
into fair business. Late one evening
lady, closely veiied, entered his shop,
and pulling IRON beneath cloak small
Japanned box, n rqrested the locksmith
TO open 1t. Toe lock was ciriously con-
stiucted. and all Of al hour was occupied
In fitt,ng it with key. The lady seemed
nervous at tn delay, and at length re-
quested that the door Of the shop be
closed. Navarette Was little surprised
at the suggestion, hit Dfcourse 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. and a pa,lor 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 is too chilly?" said the
locksmiih rather inquisiiively.
Navarelte ielt rebdke in her reply.
I'm requesting you to close the door, |
had no other object than to escape the
attention of passers."
Navareue did not reply, but he
thoughtfully continued his work. She
resumed:
"That little box contains valuable pa
pers-private papes-and have lost
the KEY, or it has been stolen. should
not with 10 have you remember that
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, IL you desire 1t. 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 intenued 6ne compliment and
the locksmith proceeded with his work,
satis6ed that suddenly discovered par
tiality for him had nothing to do with
the visit. Having succeeded, after much
Cling and fitting, in turning the 'ock.
Navarette was seized with \ curiosity to
get glimpse at the precious contents Of
the box. and. suddenly raising the lid,
discovered bundle Of letters and .
daguerreotype as he slowly passed the
box 10 its owner. Size seized it hurried
ly, and, placing the letters and pictures
in her pocEet. locked the box, and draw
ing the vail over her face, pointed to
the door. 1t was opened for her, and as
lne passed out into the street, she mere
ly whispered, "Rsmelnber!" The parties
~ sealn, and The reason Of thus par.
1lr1uuly 1oac<ihlne ~ ladys WIT b
r r. - ~ lcql1hls : suhss-