Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-11-22

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I'LL. She was seen in various cities, but
always escaped apprehension. What
her life was during this period one can
only surmise.
Now, about this old niger, Jezebel,
and her cohort Of followers. can re-
member when was a mere lad thinking
the old bag, soothsayer and fortune
teller was a century old. don't be-
lieve any one knows just how old she is.
Sidonie. for some reason, was always
crazy to be with her, and while she
looked down on all the other niggers
would slip away and spend hours in
Jezebers hut. The old devil fiattered
her vanity and prophesied a roseate fu-
ture for the girl. You won't always be
a slave, honey she would tell her, and
inch by inch she turned her foolish head.
seven in those days Jezebel was popu-
larry supposed to be in league with sa-
tan. She was said to have the evil eye
and to be able to work charms and cast
spells. The darkies applied to her for
potions and doses to cure all manner of
ailments. Jerlnyn tells me that for the
last two years she has not slept on this
plantation, but has lived in that wretch
ed hut in the swamp.
81 heard whispers and rumors among
the negroes here of these midnight or
gies and determined to Titness one for
myself. went out night before last,
and having easily found the path came
plump up against the wall and the CLOSED
gate. While l was Illuminating what
plan to pursue, I heard footsteps and
saw q woman approaching. l quickly
ii -. H., \
when l saw our hostess let herself
through this gate resolved to follow
her. easily scaled the wall and took
the path she was pursuing and presently
found myself where we were last night.
This imposter mingled with those naked
niggers, and while she did not dance
herself encouraged them in their de-
bauch. After they were stupefied from
their frenzy, she and old Jezebel enter
ed the hut.
~ hastened to the window and peered
in. heard faint moan and saw some
thing move on that filthy pallet. Then
the old woman brewed some diabolical
mess and forced poor Portia to drink it
while this Sidorie stood by looking on
with triumphant smile.
II saw it all in an instant-how by her
wit and cunning she had caused the
transfer of identity while JerInyn was
in England. The slave had become
the mistress, and the poor mistress was
q captive in the hands of Sidonie's fellow
conspirator. 1 don't know how kept
from rushing in then and denouncing
her, but feared if did Sidonie might
escape. And was determined she should
not elude me-
81 took Jake partially into my conf
dence. told him to guard the gate and
not to permit any one to pass through
it save you and me, and if Mrs. March
mont attempted to open it to Summon
the colonel or me at once, that foul play
was being done, and would be respon-
sible for any consequences. Jake is a
singularly reliable man, and having
been told just enough did his duty.
81 know Sidonie could not leave the
house without my knowledge. 1 was
confident she would try and waited for
that attempt which You know was
made.
when she tainted, carried her into
her room, locked that pair of handouts
on her soft, pretty wrists and secured
the door behind me. The rest you
know. When Portia RECEIVERS, she will
tell us more which will doubtless sup
ply all the missing details. A terrible
story, is it not? No stranger, though,
than many n wild tale of the south-the
land of romance and revenge. But how
weary you arel Come, insist you
shall go in and rest. Don't worry about
Portia. She will live. Those fiends did
not succeed in killing her, and the good
God will restore her to her husband and
child"
As we rose to return to the house Jake,
the overseer, came running up the path
from the swamp. He was greatly e1-
cited.
Sir, Mr.. Raymond" he cried, waving
his hat as he came on, what do You
think has happened now?"
For Gods sake, don't tell me you have
let that creature escape" shouted Maui
rice angrily.
mo, no, sir. She's fast in the hut and
George on guard, but the old woman,
sir, is stone dead"
"DeadT' we cried.
Yes, lying there on her throne dead.
An awful sight, sir. Do you know I'm
thinking the snake she was playing with
may have bitten her. Anyway she has
gone to the devil, where she belonged"