New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-03-18
ENVOY.
a MYSTERIOUS SUMMONS.
A MURDER AND IT'S RESULTS.

and of great information though somewhat &c,
centric. She had heard the story, with aates ana
names of persons. These she had torgoIIen anu
had never been able to supply them .
She declared however, that she was positively
assured that all the details had been Veflneu ny
the French public authorities where the events
related had occurred, and that the records still
existed somewhere, if the place could only be
found.
During the first French Revolution, two French
men of high birth, Count A. and Nscount b. were
dispatched by the Rcyalst party Oh mission TO
England.
During their journey on horseback 20 northern
port of France, where vessel awaited them, they
were on one occasion bcnighted in the middle OF
wide heath. Riding slowly forward they per
ceived light from what turned out to be large
and solitary chateau. After some knocking, steps
were heard slowly coming in the yard within, and
at last the door cautiously unlocked. A porter
or caretaler pcered through the narrow opening
and asked the reason Of the knocking
We have lost our way and are tired and
hungry. We require shelter and food Tor our
selves and our horses
Impossibiei" was the churlish reply, and the
door was about TO be closed when one OF the
travellers intercepted 1t with his foot and, pro-
ducing pistol, said
We are quite ready to pay for our lodging
and supper, but cannot go further tonight
The caretaIcr paused for moment as though
rejecting, and at last he said
l will give you shelter for the night, and food
for yourselves and your beasts on one condition,
viz, that you give me your word OF honor rs
gentlemen which / am sure you are, that nothing
will induce you to leave the room give you, and
journey without asking any questions
The promise given, the door was opened ana
the horses taken to the stables which were WITHIN
the court. The porter then led the two travellers
upa splendid staircase and through long corridor
hung with tapestry. at length turning into large
empty room furnished as drawing room, and
evidently belonging to the dwelling OF wealthy
noble.
Near the door was large fireplace in which q
fire soon blaZcd. Candles were lighted. and the
travellers saw two large and luxurious beds with
ia1 mean Ia q
other. table was placed near the fire, and
before long a substantial supper was brought, the
utensils supplied for the meal and all the belong
ingS of the house showing considerable luxury.
After eating their supper the two travellers went
to rest. The elder took the bed nearest the door,
leaving the other. at some feet off, to his com
panion. Logs had been placed on the fire sufficient
for the night the door was locked. and the way
farcrs gladly betoolS themselves to sleep.
About an hour after going to sleep the elder
suddenly woke, starting in his bed lie could
not account for this sudden waking The room
was strongly lighted by the fire there was no
noise and Count A. was about TO lay himself once
again the pillow. when remarkable sight met
him. A man of striking appearance with gray
beard but dressed in blouse, walked slowly
toward the bed. When he had approached within
few feet he beclloned three times to the Count,
though wanting him TO follow.
The Count gazed at him without moving, when
the figure. bovine couiteously turned round ana
wallycd slowly away. stopping from time 10 time
and looking hack, repeating his beckoning gesture
with an imploring gaze till be reached the door,
when he disappeared. Naturally startled at this
unusual appearance. Count 4. rose from his bed
and walked 10 the door if il had been
tempered with but il was stu locked. Very
weary, he turned in his bed and once more fell
asleep About an hour later ne asain started in
the same sudden manner. Again he saw the same
figure this time nearer the bed Again did IL
bcckon him to follow. and, moving toward the
door turned with great eaeerncss, and still oftener
than before to repeat the same motion with his
hand. The hand that Of gentleman, small
and white, and with ring on one OF the fingers
ffru
Count A. this time woke his companion and
narrated what had passed. Nonsense replied
the latter; you ate too much supper and have
been awoe by nightmare. / really too
tired Ia talk about IT,"
The nervous carnestness with which the elder
traveller repeated the story however. impressed
the younger until he proposed that tho curtains
OF the Counts bed should be tied to the bedclothes
OF his 50 that in the case Of third visit he
fastening the curtains Of one bed to the coverings
OF the other. each returned TO his own couch.
third time the Count awakened in the
same startling manner. The figure stood close
on that Of tho awakened sleeper. The features
Of the apparition were plainly marked. They ex-
che hangings! The appartion held M his hand.
The Count ierlIed at his curtains, but they fell
back without resistance, for the knot had become
fully. turning hut seldom to heckOn as though the
attempt had been given up in despair.
1t now near daybreak. The Count awolye
his companion, and they sat up together till
morning
Shortly after dawn the carcfalyor according to
previous agreement knocked at the door, which
the Count unlocked without difficulty, and the
morning meal brought I'm. The caretakcr
looked curiously at the two visitors as though
inclined TO ask questions. He however did not
carry ont this intention.
The travellers, mindful Of their promise made
no remark. The horses, well groomcd and re
freshed, were ready for their journey and the two
companions left the chateau the caretaker re-
two men rode away, reached their port OF en-
6arkation and arrived safely in England.
Not many years later the elder Of the two
turned to France and accepted the new state Of
things. The BOnaparte Government offered him
on administrative post in the north This the
Count accepted and among the other inducements
which led to his acceptance was the chance Of
Calculating the mystery which constantly REQUIRED
to his memory. A very snort time elapsed after
assuming his duties when he made inquiries as to
the chateau and its owners.
The story told him was that the chateau he
ION ged TO the Marquis de- IA gentleman of great
wealth and of retired habits When somewhat adj
Vanced in life he had married girl OF low eX-
fraction but Of great beanly-the daughter of the
peasant who now took care OF the chateau. year
Or two after their marriage hali-brother OF the
Marquis had left the army and come TO reside with
his brother, and some months later all three dis
appeared from the country together without leav-
{ng any address, the chateau being placed under
Che care OF the father Of the Marquisc, an old
Gamekeeper The rapid succession of incidents IN
Che Revolution, by absorbing public interest, had
prcNcntu inquiry Inc leu u gloomy
totaTy life at the chateau. He was little
except when he went out to make purchases; but
he always appeared to be well provided with
money.
Aiming himself with the necessary legal
ehority, which probably lent itself easily to the
functionarics Of the State, the Count prepared 10
Investigate the mystery. He accordingly repaired
to the chateau with the agents Of the law, and
priest well known in the neighborhood, TO whom
the story had been told.
On arriving at the house the carctal<er en-
dcavored to withstand the intrusion but yielding
to force the gate was opened and the Count and
the priest proceeded straight TO the room where
the Incident had occurred.
Think" said the priest. this affair at present
belongs more to me than 10 the law. Allow me
TO spend the night here alone All require is a
lantern and pistol There will be force within
hearing but believe the mystery can be solved