Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-09-05

mSn& OF creaklng stairs.
SIS it possible you live in place like
this2" said I, secretly wishing myself
safely out of it.
SIN Paris beggars cannot be choosers, !"
replied the girl
'fBut even in PARIS it is not necessary
for the living to take up their abodes in
sepulchers," I rejoined with some as
per1ty, being vexed at myself for suffer
ing my good nature TO lead me into den
from which 7 might never come out
alive.
To this my fair guide deigned no reply.
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, lying very still.
81 have brought doctor, mother"
said the girl as she closed the door behind
me.
AS there was no reply to this she
turned to me, saying:
''Will Monsieur lie Docteur please be
seated minute? ~ think mother is
asleep"
II beg mademoiselle will bear in mind
that l can only spare few moments to
this case tonight, as have another call
1 wish to make Immediately, returned,
feeling very anxious to depare from the
subterranean quarter as soon as possible.
~''Monsieur shall not be detained long
by me-" rejo;ned the girl, passing out of
the room by another door.
I did not sit down, but walked over to
the bed, where the patient was lying
very still-so still, indeed, that I could
not detect any breathing. A womans
cap was on the head, and the end of
sheet concealed the face. ventured to
turn this down carefully, and beheld the
eyeless sockets and grinning teeth of a
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.
I knew at once, then, that I was to be
robbed, and probably murdered. Iwore
a heavy diamond pin and ring, carried
valuable gold watch, and had in money
about my person some 500 francs, but
not single weapon of any kind. Re-
sistance being therefore out of the ques-
ton, 1 felt that my only chance-if in
deed there was a chance-was to con-
ciliate the ruffians and buy myself Off
With presence of mind for which |
still take to myself considerable credit, I
said at once:
81 understand 1t 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 one
have, and [ can not replace it-that is
my life. Everything else Of mine is at
your service, even beyond what I have
with me-"
They were undoubtedly surprise to
hear me speak in that cool, off-hand man
ner, but they marched forward and sur
rounded me before either returned
word.
Chow much have you with you then2"
inquired one in civil way, but in a low,
gruff tone.
1 Immediately mentioned the different
articles of value, and the exact amount
Of money.
"All of which I shall be pleased to
present you with, if one of you will be
kind enough to escort me to the street
above" [ asked.
"You said you had more, monsieur"
eyes, gentlemen, have 10, 900 francs
in the Bank of France, and will willingly
add check for half that amount"
''Checks do not serve our purpose very
WE'LL" said second voice.
''Then J pledge you my honor that I
will tomorrow draw out 5000 france and
pay the amount over to any person who
may approach me with this bouquet in
his hand" said I, holding out the flow
ers 1 had purchased of the fair decoy.
"And have him arrested the next
minute, 1 SUPPOSE
"No, on my honor he shall depart
unframed and unquestioned; and no
other human being shall be informed of
the transaction for week, month or a
year"
"Let us first handle what you have
here" said the irst speaker.
I Immediately took out my pin, took
off my ring, drew out my watch, pro-
duced my pocket-book and purse and
placed them all in his extended hand.
"You make me present of these
now," he said.
eyes, on condition that one of you
will forthwith conduct me to the street,"
replied
monsieur is a very liberal gentleman,
eh, comrades?" said the mask, turning
to the others.