The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-12-03
TEE DEVIL ANp RE ARoHIEECE.
oGnrOUs IEsIsD OF THE paDaE or Epl


country then, to build them brlge; and he
advertised for builder.
So they came from all over Switzerland;
hut when they saw how the Renss rOared and
foamed over the rocks, they shook their heads
and went back home again; only two re-
NAMED.
One was a tall, handsome man in black,
and the other apoor young fellow, q very eleV-
ar mill-Uright, and well known in the eoun-
try, = n,.,I
young Christian, for he had the some name
that | have, gentlemen.
$50 it appears, said the tall man; "are
you the arehitectf''
81 have only built mill-dams as yet" re-
piled the Other" but came TO look at this.
But cannot do It; | have studied il for two
days, and can make nothing of it; aud now
give it up. II had gotten the reward -
and he stopped, and sighed, as he thought
Of the blue-eyed maiden at home, who was
poor as he was.
at is left for me then4'' said the tall man.
"Ah, you fancy that you can do itf''
ooh, yes, | am certain; | have done sew
eral tasks harder than that. !"
"And what plan have you, may ! ask2"
"Ishall throw an arch simply across the
torrent"
"Iudeedl and when will y ou fiuishH'
81 think will do it this evening" said
| the tall man carlsssly--
"Ah, said Christian laughing; "Why you
| must be the devill
"At your service, y he answered, politely.
Christian looked at him, but saw nothing
particular about him, except that his eyes
we're very brilliant.
"lf you would like the credit, will do the
work for a consideration.
"And what may that be, prayf'
"lf you will sign scontract, giving me your
soul"
Christian did not exactly like that. A cold
chill ran over him, and he was Just going to
begin his prayers, when young peasant girl
passed along the mountain singing.
The poor young fellow thought OF the sweet
voiced, blue-eyed maiden at home; thought
too, that the other was some architect amusing
himself with his country simplicity, and half
afraid, half laughing, he signed the contract.
The tall man folded it up and put il in his
pocket, raised his hat politely, and disap-
Peared.
passed the night. He had half forgotten what
| be had done, and regarded the wholesas Joke
but, in the morning, as he wicked out to take
last look at that place, Judge OF his horror,
when he saw the bridge built, and his own
name on it as architect.
He flew to the Cure, where the Abbot was
staying, told him all, and besought his help.
"We will do all we can" said the Abbot
| Gerald.
In half an hour afterwards there came a
knock at the door, and the tall man in black
was there when the good monk opened it.
"Good morning, said the former, you have
piece Of my property here, they tell He
abbot"
Now Abbot Gerald was no more afraia
the devil than Swiss of an Austrian.
"Hush," said he quickly, don't wakeu
the young man; let us talk the matter over
| Come in.
The devil glanced into the room, and saw
nothing but aud old woman; and in bed al
the other end, form which he recognized fol
the young mill -wnght's by his clothes.
''fake a seat" said Abbot Gerald, ant
he pointed to chair beside the table"
'You are very polite, said the devil, sitting
down. 81 thank you kindly and he no
ticed there was a chess board e. the table.
"You play then, Abbot Gern said he.
"a littIe,'' said the Abbot; 'bat it is no
J worth speaking Of. The chief matter is yoI
cannot have that youngster.
"Oh;" said the devil, eve will see about
that. The contract is in perfectly good
form"
at is little that care about that said the
Abbot. "But the scandal Of the thing; and
havea tough time of it.
81 don t think that your conduct is decent," "
said the devil.
''Not decentl you scOundrel" said Gerald,
in passion.
"Well, there, then, | ask your pardon,
spoke hastily; but be reasonable now. Come,
| I'll play you for him"
Two souls from my parishes, said the Alb
bot, thOughtfully; ''it's too much.
GTWol Who then2' cried Satan.
Abbot Gerald pointed at the old woman.
"Ah thought the other, 81 did not know
that had any claims upon her. But don t
mind her much, and always get one game
out of two;' he then added aloud, I'll play
| you for bOth and that's fair"
''Well, don't like to be too hard said
Abbot Gerald. 81 agree; but it is dry work
| playing chess"
Ile touched little bell, and monk came
went out, brought in bottle Of wine, and
disappeared.
"f thank you" was the answer. 81 carry
little bottle of spirit with me. Dare offer
drop to your lordsbip2'
1--WE stick to light wines here, faid the Alb
| bot drily. 81 am getting too old to change.
| Sit down here, you old sinner" said be to
the old woman, showing her into chair by the
stove.
at your first move, and we play for this
one first
After YOU" said the devil politely.
"By no means; am at home, )" said Abbot
Gerald.
SO the devil took the move, and after pref
ty tough game, the Abbott check mated him
} completely.
"fou are strong at chess, Abbott Gerald
You have won that one there;" and he point
ed to the old woman.
$50 you give up all claim, now and forev.
er?'
"Oh honor bright; would you have mt
cheat you after so much politeness? yielC
every inch. But now for the other.
81 am tired, )" said Abbot Gerald; 81 thinl
that will not play any further. III give yo'
the other-only take him quietly: =,
"YOu are very courteous" said the devil
as he walked to the bed, aud tapped the sleep
er, who breathed heavily.
"Come, get up," said the devil.
Hump" said the sleeper"
"That's g not the best Of good manners
said the other; "get up when bid you'll AM
hepulled away the clothes.
: The sleeper--was q huge gray pig! with tn
mill-wright' clothes ranged about it; and
Satan turned round he saw the old womal
stripped of her mask, and there was Christian
pale enough, but smiling.
"That's shabby trick you have played me
Abbot Gerald" said the devil, ''but Ill bat
ter your bridge again.
+ ''rry it, said Abbot Gerald; laughin
5 heartily, as the other flew out, banging tA
, door in a rage.
The devil got half way to the plaee, whe
| he met the nrocpssion retuFning They ha