Litchfield enquirer., 1835-03-12
THE DEVILS BARN.
IrdnSiGted from e F0getga Publication.

The farm of Hamelghcm is still to be seen. 1t belongs to M. Hoogsworth, of whom it is hired by M. Stereux, brother of the Archbishop of Malinis-tt is a farm belonging to the commune of Ossilt. be- tween Myesse and Ophene, about league from Vilvorde, and three leagues from Brussels, on the way to Lacken. On this farm, as was saying, may be seen great { barn which passes for the largest in thas country; it is certainly very remarkable building, and is called the Devils Barn. l This barn has been standing for long time, and those who saw it built are now no longer in the land of the living. It is impossible to discover the precise period at which it was constructed. 4, that time, the farm was occupied by a laborious and active man, named John Me Meulans: He lived happily upon the productions of his farm, which he cultivated wish the aid of his brothers. He had married young wife, whom he loved dearly, and had al- ready two children. The harvest was rich and abundant, rarely had so fine a year been known; the gatherings were su- perb. The situation of John was prosper ous, and his fate enviablc, when on cruel night in the month of August, the lightning struck his barn, and reduced it to asres, without leaving a wreck of ratter. It was at the very moment when they were ready to bring in the grain., The rich harvest, the happy fruits oEthe years labor, of an indnlgent heaven, magnificent season, were all heaped up in inc fields, and all at once there failed place to shell ter them. John Meulans, who went to bed happy and rich, arose the next morning with prospect of complete ruin, for there was all his fortune exposed to the winds and weather, his harvest was his only wealth. He had no money wherewith to rebuild SO vast barn, and even if he had been master of full purse, there was no time now to build one, the month of Sep- tembcr was approaching with rapid strides, bringing with it the rainy season. John knew not to what Saint to address himself.
 Three days after the destruction of the barn, John being still in great afflicion, and not having discovered any resource in his trouble, was walking just before night fall, near cross road, some distance from home, meditating sadly upon his situation, when he saw man approaching of middle stat ure, dressed in iron grey velvet, with a cooked hat hoped ID with silver, short, ill., shapen feet, covered with light bootees, his hands enveloped ia black gloves. This person was tripping so lightly afong, that in the dusk ofthe evening he appeared all mos. to glide across the road.
 He drew near to John, bowed to him very politely, ,and asked the way to Myesse.
 We are not far from there, said the far mer, emerging from his reverie, will con duct you there myself.
 The unknown thanked him warmly He asked his guide several questions, which showed he took an interest inrhis affairs.- John answered him vaguely. There was something chilling to him in the paleness of the stranger and in his fixed and ardent gaze. He seemed however to be sensible of the distresses of the farmer, that stop. ping suddenly at the foot of an old nut tree, and leaning on his heavy cane, he de- manded of him in a formal manner the sub- ject of the care which seemed to be prey- ing upon him. John, suhdued in part, by his interest, hesitated no longer. He re- counted to the stranger all his misfortune. Is that all said the grey man slowly, you might have said that sooner. I am rich and powerful. can extricate you from the trouble into which you have fallen.
 A blessing upon you. if you do so, said the farmer. will never forget it in all my life long, and God willsee you. The unknown groaned--he cast down lis eyes, and was silent for moment then speaking again, though as if with an effort:
 can answer for the cost of the construc- ton of your barn, and I will manage so well, that it shall be the largest in the coun- try.
 | shall need such one said John, but time presses.-How soon could you have it finished aio
 have workmen enough-if it is neces- sary it shall be done tomorrow morning before the first growing ofthe cock. The farmer drew back with surprise. He ask ed himself who this man could be. He had heard of skilful master workmen, but an activity like this, which was offered to him, had never seemed possible.
 And what price do you ask for this ser vice said he, for I must not go beyond my strength.
 l A very modest price, said the stranger !; you shall give me your second son. whO has been lately born, you know.
 Give you my son, do you say, and what l would vou do with himT