Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1890-12-19

ply. On reaching the foot of the stairs,
she pushed open door into a small,
dimly lighted room, and I followed her
into it with some secret misgivings.
There was bed In one corner, and on
it appeared to be human form, living
very still.
Il have brought n doctor, mother, /"
said the girl as she closed the door be-
hind me. As there was no reply to
this, she turned to me saying: Twill
Monsieur lie Docteur please be seated y
minute? l think my mother is asleep"
II beg mademoiselle will bear in
mind that l can spare only few mo-
ments to this case tonight, as [ have
another call L wish to make immedi-
ately," ] returned, feeling very anxious
to depart from that srbterranean quar-
ter as soon az possible.
"Monsieur shall not be detained long
by me" reioined the girl, passing out
OF tho room by another door
i did not sit down. but walked over
to the bed where The patient was lying
very stilI--so still, indeed, that l could
not detect any breathing. A woman's
cap was en- the head, and the end of a
sheet concealed the face. 1 ventured
10 turn this down carefully, and beheld
| the eyeiess sockets and grinning teeth
of human skull.
/ started back in horror. and at the
same moment the door by which the
girl had left was thrown open, and in
! marched, one after the other, four tall
human figures, in black gowns and
masks. ] knew at once, then, that I
was to be robbed. and probably MUIR
dered. wore heavy diamond pin
AVID ring, carried very valuable gold
watch, and had in money about my
person some five hundred francs, but
not single weapon of any kind. Re-
sistance being therefore out of the ques-
ton, I felt that my only chance-if, in
deed, there We're chance---was to con-
ciiate the ruflians, and buy myself off.
With presence OF mind for which /
still take to myself considerable credit,
1 said at once:
Il understand it all, gentlemen, and
you will find me very liberal person
to deal with. There is one thing I
value very highly, because it is the only
ono have, aud cannot replace it
that is my life. Everything else of
mine is at your service, even beyond
what have with me"
They were undoubtedly surprised to
hear me speak in that cool, otf-hand
manner; but they marched forward and
surrounded me before either returned q
word.
How much have you with you,
then?" inquired one in u civil way, but
in low grutf tone.
! Immediately mentioned the different
articles OF value, and the exact amount
of money. "AlI OF which I shall be
pleased to present you with, if one of
you will be kind enough to escort mo to
the street above" I added.
"You said you had more, monsieur"
Yes, gentlemen. 1 have ten thou
sand francs in the Bank of France, and
will willingly add q check for half that
amount"
"Checks don't serve our purpose very
we'll, said second voice.
Then pledge you my honor that 1
will, tomorrow, draw out five thousand
francs, and pay the amount over to any
person who may approach me with this
bouquet in his hand,"' said 1, holding
out the flowers I had purchased of the
fair decoy.
And have him arrested the next
minute, / supposed
No, on my honor he shall depart I'M
harmed and unquestioned, and no other
human being shall be informed of the
transaction for week, a month, OF a
year"
Let us first handle what you have
here, said the first speaker.
1 Immediately took out my pin, took
off my ring, drew cut my watch, pro-
duced my pocket-booll and purse, and
placed them all in his extended hand.
"You make us present of these,
now?" he said.
yes, on condition that one of you
will forthwith conduct me TO the street
above" replied.
Monsieur is very liberal gentle
man! Eth, comrades?" said the mask.
turning to the others.
"a very liberal gentleman, indeed I"
was the response.
They then drew off together, scrutin-
lied the articles by the light of a
smoky lamp, and conversed together in
low tones. felt that they were hold
ing consultation that involved my
life, and, to speak the honest truth, it
seemed as if every nerve in me quiv-
cred. and it was with difficulty I could
stand.
At length the principal spokesman
turned to me and said, in very cool
and methodical manner:
Monsieur has acted more like gen.
tleman than any other person we eve,
had dealings with, and if we could, con.
sistent with our business, oblige him,
we should be happy to do SO; but nn.
fortunately We are governed by rule,
which is a law with us, that dead men
tell no tales, and We think it will not
do to make an exception in this case.
We will, however, in consideration OF
monsieur's gentlemanly behavior, be as
mild and lenient as possible in doing
our duty, and grant monsieur five min.
ntes for saying his prayers.
You have then resolved to murder
\ ,,,o 30 o,ocro1