Year: 1870

such large sum OF money secure IN our
safe when suddenly saw in the mirror
sight that made my heart stand still A
hand appeared between the curtains, drawing
them slowly apart, and grasping cautiously
the head-board. IL was a mans hand, large
and coarse and dark, as If belonging to
mulatto, or to one greatly tanned by exposure
to the weather.


My first impulse was to start from the bed
and scream for help. | reprcssed it by a
strong effort of the will, and lay perfectly
motionless, except that partially closed my
eyes, keeping them only sufficiently open TO
watch the mirror As quick as lightning my
mind took in the situation. In the few min
utes Of my absence from the room, while talk
ing to Dnah in the entry, thief, robber,
possible murderer, had stolen in by the pi-
azza-wndows, and had hidden himself either
under the bed or behind its draped head lie
was doubtless armed and, if | cried out or
attempted TO escape from the room, he could
easily reach the door before | could, and for
his own security would probably put me to
death. Dnah was too distant, and too feeble
and clumsy, to afford me any assistance, and
besides was by this time fast asleep in the
third story The man doubtless knew that
my husband had that day received large
sum Of money, and had gone off across the
river, leaving me alone, or nearly alone, in
the house. lie had entered, caring only for
the money, and anxious, above all things, to
escape undetected and unrecognized. If
let him know that | was aware Of his pres.
ence, should expose myself to murder, and
perhaps to outrage worse than murder. My
obvious policy was, to keep quiet and to
feign sleep. 1 thought also Of the money,
and was not altogether willing to resign that
without an effort to save it, aud to have at
least some clew to the identity of the thief.
| confess, however, that this last considera-
ton was not a very strong one, and am
afraid that if | could have seen my way
clear to an escape from the room aud the
house, should have fled incoutinently, with
out stopping to see more than that terrible
hand.


A moment which seemed an hour passed
while these thoughts rushed through my mind.
lay perfectly still, with my half-closed eyes
watching the mirror. Slowly and noiseless-
y the frightfu hand pulled up its owner, un-
til | could see the head and face reflected in
the glass, aud glaring at me with fierce yet
wary eyes. The man was mulatto, very
dark, with evil passions written in every
lineament. | could scarcely refrain from
shuddering at the sight of his hateful Wis
age, and speedily closed my eyes to shut
it out.


was not yet quite ready for the ordeal
through which | knew | must soon pass
wanted to move my lightstand little out of
the way, and to so arrange the bedclothes
that could spring from the bed without
impediment | therefore gave a little sigh,
and moved, as if about to awake, slightly
opening my eyes at the same time. The head
and hand instantly disappeared. then
composedly made the desired changes in the
position Of the arrangement Of the clothes,
put my watch with the key of the safe under
my pillow, so near the edge that they could
easily be taken out, as knew they would
be, extinguished one of my candles, said my
prayers, and closing my eyes, resigned my
self to my fate, with no very sanguine or de-
finite hope Of extrication from my perilous
position.


made my breathing regular, and little
louder than when was awake, and lay with
my cheek on my hand, counterteiting sleep
AT last the stiffness became more terrible
than even my first agony of fear. Several
times | fancied heard a soft step approach
from the place of conccament. AS often
was deceived. Then again that dreadful still.
ness, in which l counted the ticking of the
watch through the pillow 1t was positiv,
relief when he came out from behind the cur
tain, stopped at the table, and stood looking
at me, as | was well aware, though my eye,
were closed | forced myself to breathe
regularly and audibly. He came closer he
bent over me. He passed the lighted candle
slowly before my face two Or three times
felt the heat and saw the light through my
closed lids, which must have quivered, though
he did not seem to observe their motion


Heaven gave me strength not to move or CITY
out. Satisfied, apparently, he put back the
candlestick on the stand, and his hand crep


softly and slowly under the pillow, and, on'


by one, he removed my watch and the key o


the safe. He stood SO long looking at M


that felt impelled to open my eyes suddenl.


upon him.


As he walked softly toward the safe, di,


partly open them, and cautiously watched hin


through my eyelashes heard him fumblinj


with the lock, and once he looked over towar,


the bed My eyes were wide open, but


closed them in time not to be detected
Watching him steathi!y, saw him open tn
door of the safe, which he entered wthou


Withdrawing the key from the lock.


Here was the opportunity for which ha'


waited and watched. spraDg lightly iron


the bed, with one bound reached the safe


dashed the door to, turned the key, and wit
one loud Shrek fell prostrate and senseIess OIL
the floor Of the dark room.


How long lay upon the floor, do no
know--probably for few minutes only y--bu


as was unconscious, it seemed, when | cam
to myself, as if the interval had been a lon
one. was aroused by his blows upon tn


iron door, aud found myself weak after tn
long nervous tension, but still calm. re
member the satisfaction with which thought
while | lay there before rising, that he eoul'
not escape, mingled with vague and FOOLS
dread that he might in his rage burn the val
, liable contents of the safe. lie pounded des
perately on the door, and swore fearfully d
finding himself entrapped. But, as | took n
notice of his outcries, he soon grew quiet.
! Presently rose, and lighting candle
dressed myself with all possible haste an


with trembling fingers, turning often to loo


at the safe from under the closed door Q
/ which | more than half expected to see bloc
trickling- why, cannot tell, except that m
mind was full of images Of horror. | wa


soon in readiness had no means Of ascer
I tanning the time, as he had my watch IN hi
pocket, aud there was no clock in the room
| Taking the candle, hastened to arouse d
/ nah, who, as shook her, slowly opened he
eyes, and with scarcely any more than he
! usual slowness pronounced her formula
Well, Miss Lille, what shall hy--Lord
massy what's de matter wild de chile ? Yo
} amt seen ghost-haye you, honey ?"
"No, Dinah but I've seen somcthin
worse than ghost. Two caught robbel
and he's in the safe. What time is il ?" AM
looking at the clock, that licked slowly an