Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-30
WHOLE NUMBER 653.

chamber, but this was firmly fastened, and the
window Of that room carefully boarded over
The strong shUuer which secured the one light
I ing the miser's apartment, was seldom opened,
and then only from the top.
! Ii was about ten O'Clock the morning follow.
/ ing the miser's first introduction TO the reader,
that, after Pariakng very sparingy Of the oysters
sIll remaining, and ndmoisieninghis parehed throat
with drink Of water, Richard Clinch removed
the luscious fruit from the closest, placed it in
small basket, threw an old iauered cloak over
his shoulders, and, after frs, narrowly examin-
\ ing around to see that all was secure, Withdrew
the bolt, unlocked the door, removed The KEY and
went out, carefully re-locking il on the outside.
| lie had not been gone many minutes, ere n key
was softly inserted within the lock, the door par
TALLY opened, and two men springing quickly into
she room, Immediately re.cosed and bDlted il.
"Hey, Bill" said one, tossing his cap up to the
ceiling and catching il again, 'here we are safe
and snug in the den Of the old miserl Now for
the god-for gold there is, I'll be sworn, and
enough Of itl As old Hays says, well search
the premises he Bill"
"But remember, Jake, hands of this time"
interrupted the other, "we are only to find out if
I there is any, and then we'll take our own way
JOu uHueIStdhu-tO se[uIe tle NhOle sHluluB
booty"
Thetwo men then proceeded to search for their
anticipated plunder.
"As misery a hole" cried the first speaker,
"as one would wish to see! Come, Bill, haul
down these old cracked dishes; your misers are
very fond Of such traps. Eh, all emPty-not e.
nough inside TO feed flea. What's this! Oys.
ters! ha! ha! ha! The old rascal don't lack for
cheer, after oll!' tasting them as he spoke.
His companion had by this time approached
the bed, and began finging aside the tauered GOV.
erd and~orm.eaten blanket. Al length, with a
loud shout, he exclaimed:
"Hilo, Jake here it is. All right-look at
the beauties!" and running his hand within the
straw, he drew it forth filled with gitterng gold
and silver. "By Joye, did any one ever sleep on
a richer couch then this same old hunkl This is
TOO good to lose, comrade!"
Say you So" replied the other, "Ihen sup.
pose we take it now, Bill"
"No, no, Jake; only enough for chaw and
a glass Of grog" Then dividing few pieces
with his companion, he carefully replaced the
clothes, and the two, seating themselves upon the
edge Of the bed, commenced arranging their hor.
rible plans, carelessly Tipping the gold between
their fingers as they did so.
| "Well, tonight, them" said Jake, "must fin.
ish the business, for hang me if shall sleep un.
I'll this" slapping the bed, sis our own. But
look here, Bill, how shall it bel hate blood.
Blood! bahl it tells taesl What say you, com.
rade, 10 tight grip around the throat! His old
carcass has not much breath in twill be an
easy job"
"No, no." interrupted the other, "fngsrs leave
| n N nnh aDdcpnna npcE apa IN he htpC
round ones own throat! Let me see. All,
have it'll season his oysters hal hal ha ! The
old fellow shall have good dinner for his last"
Then rising and taking down the bowl of oys-
ters, he shook a white powder over them, and
after carefully stirring them round said:
"There, old Clinch, many better man than
you has supped from The same broth! Now look
here, Jake, and mind what tell you-always
do such business as genteey as possible; this
will be natural death! poor old man dying
from age, peacefully in his bed! know just
how long to wait for this medicine-we'l be on
the spot in time, and then, comrade, we're made
for life! Well retire, gentlemen Of fortune!
ha! ha! ha'
ala! ha! hal" echoed his companion, and
casting another eager glance at the bed, the ruff.
ans departed.
Little suspecting the foul deed which had been
done during his absence, the old man returned to
his dreary abode. There was hideous smile
upon his wasted features, for he had sold the gift
of his grand-chiId at good price, and now after
carefully weighing each Bit of silver, and even
the copper coin, he added the trfing amount TO
his treasure with all misor's delight. The wea.
ther was still piercing cold, the old mans teeth
chartered, his fingers were benumbed and his
frame shook as with an ague. Once he took up
charred brand, and striking light, was about
to kinde fire, but relinquishng his intention,
he carefully replaced it. saving:
"No, no, wood is scarce, two pennies saved,
III go to bed, sleep is cheaper! he he he!-
Two pennies saved! two pennies suved!" He
was about TO lie down, when his eye fell upon
The bowl of oysters. "Good girl, very good
GIRL" he continued, an cat, they cost nothing,
nothing! All, the wood! yes, The wood! waste
Gul youth" Then taking down the bowl, he
greedy partook OF its contents, draining the broth
TO the bottom. Now throwing himself upon the
bed, and drawing the clothes closely around his
chilled frame, he lay for some time talking and
muuering to himself, as if counting over some
vast amount At length he slept.
/ CHAPTER v.