Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1896-05-08

seat directly opposite to the corner
one in which placed myself liz
his hand | noticed that be carrie
a small, oblong parcel, inrased in
brown paper aud tied with strip
of thin string, so arranged as to
tOrm loop for the fingers that
held it.
On starting, my fellOw-traveler
made few commonplace remarks
about the weather, and later on,
with an air of decided sOciability,
offered me his haSs. | am aware
that 1t is not ordinarily advisable
to accept hospitality in this way
from a stranger, and 1t is thing |
always set my face against, but,
in this instance, l broke through
my custom aud took the proffered
dIiL X, and then drawing my wraps
closely around me, snuggled into
my corner, and tried TO make my
self comfortable for the rest OF the
ride.
l had not been long thus en-
Sconctd when a kind OF drowsy
stupor began 10 creep over me,
which steadily increased despite re.
peated efforts on my part to shake
it off. As sat IN this semi con-
sciOus state, my thoughts reverted
to the nihilistic literature had
been reading, and instantly it oc
curred tome that the brandy | had
been drinking was drugged. The
thought was not a pleasant one,
and somewhat alarmed by it |
made a farther attempt to rouse
myself from the lethargy into
which | was falling, but without
success. Suddenly | lost con
SciouSness entirely, and every
thing became a blauk.
1t was only tor a few moments,
however, for nv senses returned
as quickly as they had left me, al
though my power of action vas
quite gone. seem al like a per.
soa under the influence of some
mesmeric spell, from which there
is no escap'. In this condition
ing gaze instiuctlyeIv turned to my
companion, aud | noticed, as
thought, mysterious change in
his appearance. Ills complexion
assumed a malignant air, bis eyes
worr a wild look, and round his
mouth there curled cunning
smile.
AS l sat watching him, he began
to undo the parcel in bis hands,
and drawing away the paper III
which 1t was inclOsed, exposed to
view a box apparently made OF
tin. A little hinged door on one
OF its sides, which he presently
opend, showed that the interior
was filed with species of clock
work arrangement, and instinct
lively l guessed that the thing l
beheld was one Of those diabOllcal
inventions which have come to be
known by the term OF internal
machines.
Ga beholding this horrible en-
glne of destruction, which, for
anght 1 knew, might be fused
ady for its dreadful work, my
first thought was to stretch out my
haud tor the communication cord,
and, bS stopping the train, let the
authorities know the manner OF
man they were carrying; but, on
attempting to rise, | found that my
limbs utterly refused their oihc',
and l was as helpless as though l
had been bound hand and foot.
Ny companion, evidently diyinir G
my intention, spoke.
"You are powerless 20 move,' be
said, addressing me. The potion
lmbibed frOui my flask is a special
decoctlOn which will prevent &C.
ton on your part for some time to
come. 50 sit stilland listen! You
know, doubtless, What this Is" he
continued, pointing to the box,
which he had placed on the seat
beside him, "and most lik-ly you
guess what | am at the same time
In case YOU do not, will tell You
at once that | am one Of that noble
band who have for their object IN
lite the emancipation of mankind
from the tyranny of authority"
In other words, you ate a
nIhllist-a dynamitardW | sug
gestrd.
sUse thar term If you like" he
replied. There is nothing IN a
uame. Acts are the things where
by men are judged. Hear what !
have to sall The society to which
belong mas decreed the immediate
doom of au authoritative Iule, and