Connecticut western news., 1896-04-30
\ QUEER ADVENTURE

It happened about seven years ago. rad been transacting some business in london, and was returning by the after loon mail to my home in the country. Being the only occupant of the carriage n which rode, broke the tedium of he journey by reading, in the dim light ihe chlli December day, some of ths everal periodicals with which I had furnished myself at the bookstall pre- ,ious to my departure from the station.
 The papers at that time were full of accounts respecting some startling out rages committed just previously by a ,and of desperate Nihilists, who, in heir own particular manner, were levy ng war upon civilization in we'll xnown European capital. The reports were alarmingly graphic, and an air of insecurity was engendered by reading hem, for rumor had it that che rami- icatiuns of these champions of assassi- iation were we'll nigh limitless, extend ng into other lands besides their own, md it was plainly hinted that England vas shortly to receive special share of heir attentions.
 read on until the growing darkness andered the operation too difficult to be jpger indulged in, and then unused upon . hat had read until. half my journey eing accomplished, it became necessary pr me to change my train. With guar 1f to IT ha Juffet attached to the station at which [ had stopped, with the object of obtain ng some needed refreshment. Having 'aten nothing since breakfast, was lungry, and looked round for something ubstantial wherewith to appease my ap- ,etite.
 The only available thing besides the sual sandwich was @ German sausage, mich I began to tackle without the ,ast compunction. Although not an edi- Dle that usually indulge into be cor ect, I had never before tasted it-the ,nelegant polony seemed to my sharpen d palate quite toothsome food. and .te vigorously, and felt, as l believed, III the better for it when the time came o resume my journey.
 had a companion this time, a man who, like myself. was closely wrapped, nd who occupied the seat directly oppo- ite to the corner one in which placed lyself. In his hand noticed that he arried small, oblong parcel. incased brown paper and tied with a strip ot hin string, so arranged as to form g cop for the fingers that held it.
 On starting my fellow traveller made Cow commonplace remarks about the weather, and later on, with an air o1 lecided sooiability, offered me his flask.
 am aware that it is not ordinarily ad
 isable to accept hospitality in this way rom a stranger, and it is thing al vays set my face against, but in this in tance broke through my custom an6 ook the proffered drink, and then, draw lg my wraps closely around me, snug led into my corner and tried to make nyself comfortable for the rest of the ide.
 had not been long thus ensconced when kind of drowsy stupor began tC 'reep over me, which steadily increased iespite repeated efforts on my part tt hake it of. As sat in this semicon ciors state my thoughts reverted to tn, lihilistic literature had been reading md instantly it occurred to me that thu brandy I had been drinking was drug ged The thought was not a pleasan )ne, and, somewhat alarmed by it, I mad | further attempt to rouse myself iron he lethargy into which I was falling put without success. Suddenly los consciousness entirely, and everythini became blank.
 It was only for a few moments, how yer, for my senses returned as quickl s they had left me, although my powe # action was quite gone. I seemed lik l person under the influence of som nesmeric spell, from which there was n escape. In this condition my gaze in stinctively turned to my companion, an [ noticed, as I thought. mysteriou l hange in his appearance. His complex ion had assumed a malignant air, hi yes wore wild look and round hi mouth there curled cunning smile. As I sat watching him, he began t indo the parcel in his hands, and draw ng away the paper in which it was il | losed exposed to view 8 box apparent made of tin. A little hinged door on on # it's sides, which he presently opened | howed that the interior was filled wit ! | species of clockwork arrangement, an
 nstinctively I guessed that the thing
 oeheld was one of those diabolical il ventions which have come to be know by the term of internal machines.
 On beholding this horrible engine ( destruction, which. for aught l knew might be fused ready for its dreadfr work, my first thought was to stretc out my hand for the communicable cord, and, by stopping the train, let th authorities know the manner of ma
 Ley were carrying; but, on attemptin to rise, I found that my limbs utterl refused their office, and was as helI less as though I had been bound han and foot. My companion, evidently di vining my intention, spoke:
 "You are powerless to move, he salo addressing me. "The potion imbibe from my flask is special decoctio which will prevent action on your pal for some time to come. So sit still an listenl You know, doubtless, what tn is," he continued, pointing to the bol which he had placed on the seat besi6 him. land most likely you guess whi