The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-11-30
ATALE OF GRENADA.
pY WASHINGTON 1RvIN.

There was once poor mason or brick-
layer in Grenada, who kept all the saints
days ahd holy days, and st. Monday in
the bargain, and yet he grew poorer, and
could scarcely earn bread for his numerous
family. One night he was reused from ois
first sleep bya knock at the door. He
opened it, and beheld before him tall meas
gre cadaverous looking priest
"Hark ye, honest FRIEND" said the sttana
ger, 81 have often observed that you are a
good Christian, and one TO be trusted will
you undertake job this very night %
"Wilh all my heart, Senor Padre, on
condition that am paid accordingly"
That you shall be, bnt you must suffer
yourself to be bIindfolded.
To this the mason made no objection; SO
being hoodwinked, he was led by the priest
through various rough lanes and winding
passages, until he stopped before the portals
of house. The priest then applied key
turning crcaking lock, and opening wha,
seemed TO be a ponderohs door. They
quickly entered, the door was closed and
bolted; and the mason was conducted
through an echoing corridor and spacious
hall, into the interior part of the building
Here the bandage was removed from his
-eges and b tfggtsd fgtad dAiy 6y isdiagEess'ns Ut
In the center was the dry basin Of an old
Moorish fountain, under which the priest
requested him to form small vault; bricks
and mortar being at hand, for that purpose
He accordingly worked all night, but wiiha
cut finishing the vault. Just before day
break, the priest put a piece of gold into
his h and, and having again blind(olded him
conducted him back to his dwelling.
"Are you willing to return and complete
your work ~
'.Gladly, senor Padre, provided l am
well paid"
"Well, then, to morrow at midnight /
will call again"
"Now.'' said the priest, "you must help
me to bring forth the bodies that are to be
buried in this vault"
At these words, he followed the priest
with trembling steps into retired chamber
of the mansion, expecting to behold some
ghasty spectacle of DEATH but was reliev-
ed on seeing three or four portly jars stand+
ing in one corner. They were evidently
full of money land it was with great,dfiiculty
that he and the priest carried them TO the
tomb. The vault was then closed, the pavea
ment replacedi and all traces Of the work
oblilerated.
The mason was again hoodwinked and
led forth by arome different from that by
which he had come. After they had vans
dered for long time through perplekod
maze of lanes and alleys, they halted. The
priest then put two pieces of Gold into his
hand. "Wait here" said he, ''u Until you
hear the catedral bell toll for mathis. Ifyou
presume to uncover your eyes before that
time, evil will befalI you" So saying he
departed.
The mason waited faithfullyi amusing
himself by weighing the gold pieces in his
hand and clinking them against each other.
The moment the bell rung its nialin peal,
he uncovered his eyes, and found himself
made the best of his way home and retelled
with his family for whole fortnight on tho
profits of his nights work, after which he
was as poor as ever. He continued to work
a good deal, to keep Saints days and holy
days from year to year; while his family
grew up as gaunt as a crew Of gipsies.
AS he was seated one morning at the
door of his hoyel, he was aceostcd BY a