The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-09-03

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change since those days ofDublin's prosperity
The west quarter of the city is now the abode
of thankless toil--of famine, disease, misery
and sin. During the latter part of the last GEN.
tury, one of the most retired and perhaps gloomy
streets in the city contained several of the
wealthiest commercial houses in the city Since
few years after this period, when business be-
gan to fall, one of the houses in this street re-
mained uninhabited, until it became ruinous for
even to poorest of the Irish ,poor--and heaven
knows, that is poor indeed! A foolish story
has gone abroad that it was haunted by spirits
If any at that time dwelt therein, they were
the makers of 'fict whiskey," for | am of
| opinion it had its foundation in an event which
once happened in it, and which am now about
to narrate as | had it from an aged person who
was alive when it occurred.
The house of which speak, was well known
at the Office of the banking firm Of Messrs.
-. - 1t stood between two imnsnse mass
es of buildings, exclusively appropriated to the
storage of goods, with loft above loft, to the
height of seven stories The banking offices
were ON the ground floor and the upper portion
of the house was furnished for the convenience
of trustworthy CLERK, ,>who resided on the spot,
and who had in charge the whole of the premi.
ses, when the business Of the day was over.
The name of this clerk was Henry Macreadv.
He had been taken into the Office at an early
age His talents for business and we'll tried n.
deity, by degrees raised him to the highest post
under the heads of the establishment; and on
his marriage with young and amiable woman,
he was installed in suite of handsomely fur.
nished apartments in the Bank, and made sole
manager of the concern.
1t was about year after his promotion to
this important trust, that a deposit was lodged
in the Bank to very large amount in cash. and
diamonds and plate, of the value Of several thou.
sand pounds. The lodgment had been made
by nobleman who was going abroad. The
transactions took place in the presence of the
partners of the clearinghouse, Henry Macrea.
.iy, and a book keeper named Luke Fame. The
gold and diamonds were placed along with the
bank cask. in strong fre-proof Golfer, the key
of which Niacready always kept about MS per-
SON. The plate was kept in a separate Golfer.
The bank closed at the usual hour that day {;
but Macready remained in the Office to balance
tine cash, which had been very heavy. Some
slight difficulty occurred in his task, which he
was unable to owe come and he was one of
those genuine accountants to whom the frac-
tional part OF iarthing was as dear, as the
thousands of pounds which stood before it. 1t
was a day in the depth of winter, and the even.
ing was Ear advanced before Macready had
found out his error. He pushed the book from
him, and threw himself back in his high chair,
in a musipg posture, trying to recollect the va
rious transactions Of the day-at least so it may
be presumed--and at length wea'ied with con.
lecture, fell fast asleep When he awoke, it
was late. and strange glmmer was in the
apartment, as if from a dark lantern. He tried
to move, but TO his astonishment and dsnay,
he found himself tied to his seat with strong
cords, in such a manner that though he felt no
considerable pressure, to use his arms for any
purpose was impossible He uttered an angry
exclamation, and in an instant two men were
at his side. One Of them held a lantern in his
hand, by the light Of which Macready percciv.
ed that their faces were blackened. The man
who held the lantern desired him to be quiet.
"What do you want here, and why am thus
pilIioned9" 7" said Macready, upon whose mind
the whole meaning Of the scene began to break:
{" BE quiet, and you shall know"
81 will not be silent-I will alarm the house.
Ho! Thieves Kobers~ shouted the poor cash
ier, as he writhed upon his chair, aud in all the
agony oil eonstraint
"Another shout, and you die," said the Sc.
cond burglar, advancing closer to him, and
drawing pistol from his coat pocket.
"'ihat is the voice of Luke Fane-I know
you now; comprehend your villainy."
off you do, then deliver your keys, and let US
despatch the business"
Nlacready again shouted with redoublcd en-
ergy.
4 pause ensued. No one came to his assis-
tance from the house, and the street outside
seemed to be quite deserted.
Since you know me" said Luke, "know al
so that shouting will avail you nothing, for
have contrived to send your wife and servants
out of the way"
"hionster! is it thus you repay the kindness
of your employers" said the confidential clerk.
aListen to me-" said Luke, "tell me where
the key of yonder Golfer is-tell me quickly
am playing desperate game, and will not be
trihed With"
Macready had the key suspended from his
neck within his vest; STOPPING suddenly over
the chords which crossed the chair in front, he
contrived to brngit within the grasp Of his pin-
ioned right hand Luke observed the motion,
and guessed the object.