The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-08-12
an european Oalc.
TIE HAUNTED GARDEN.
lConcLmLeI.l

/
September Goth, 1913. Anzcl Costa, suspect
ed of reasonable correspondence with SOL
dicr. Sentenced to three years surveillance.
December "a, 1913, confined in the town Jail,
for habitually breaking the sanitary laws of
the STATE in reference to the infectious dis
cases. The man shut the book and turned
away into an inncl room to enjoy the rest of
his pipe in peace.
| Martin returned to the inn a prey to the
bittc:cst thoughts. Perhaps he told his news
! too abruptly, for Oh hearing it, the old sol
dicr became almost frantic Bred from child
hood amidst scenes Of strife he had never
known the consultations of religion, nor how
to exercise those influences of self control
which lessen diSappointmcnts and check the
violence Of passion. The imprccations he
uttered, not only against his daughter, but
upon that destiny which had denied him
, death in battle terrified even the hardened
/ landlord. lie ravcd like mailman. els it
! for this day." he exclaimed THAT | have
hoped and strivcn? Have fought and bled
| lOF ncT, 10 llllu her II tidlLTcSS
: Brandt and those around could only with
difficulty restrain him. When. however. he
/ had sufficiently recovered. he determined to
go at once to the suspected house i'll which
the girl was said to live. lie would wrcak a
full measure of revenge upon her. ".At least"
he exclaimed, II can die-how it matters
not!" a terrible resolution which he had
formed was no mere outhurst of passion. Had
there been an Opportunity, he would have
: fulfilled it, Yet this old mana compound
of lcvity and impulse, in whom the iiercicst
passions were easily rouscd-had entered
Saluzzo, with the hope of settling down in
easy contcntcd retirement.
/ Brandt, drcading his intention of wrlaking
a sudden vengeance upon his daughter, could
he find her, held him, to prevent his escape.
Costa, however, strong in his rage, broke
! away, and ran towards the Turin road. Pas
sion seemed to give the old soldier nerve, and
+ he sped so fast that it was long time before
/ Martin was able to Ovcrtakc him. Having
passed the ruins of the Castle, the young
pursuer came up with him opposite the Cob
Inns Keep. At this place Costa, completely
exhausted. fell, and, on reaching him Brandt
found him in state of inScnSibility. y gate
in the wall stood partly open. Looking in,
he behold lovely garden. lie enturrd, and
laid the exhausted old sergeant on rustic
scat, while he returned to the town for assis-
lance.
! When he recovered his senses Costa thought
he had been dreaming. lie ic'lcld before him
a beautiful garden. He looked at the ruined
castle, and remember that opposite to it he
! fell. The scene was so enchanting so tran
! quil, that it calmcd and soothcd him. lie
tried to rise, but his strength was gone. lie
rubbed his eyes. Was it vision? Had he
suddenly passed away into regions oflovc and
hcau,itudc! For the first time for years he
muttcrcd prayer.
| In the midst of rcvcric, his eyes suddenly
caught the figure of man, whose face was
concealed by huge slouchcd hat leaning
! against tree, with his hands crossed, in de-
vOut contemplation.
Away, away" said the man, in tone,
not of anger, but the deepest sorrow, 81 am Il
lcpcr."
"And I am an old soldier, continued Costa.
why should I slun you Z"
'Bccausc the law DEGREES imprisonment to
whoever is found here; so great is the dread
of Infection"
81 love misery, and those who arc miscra-
be-" said the soldier, 'for am wretchcd
old man myself Besides, though longing to
: fulfil wrctchcd GRAND, am exhausted.
Let me rest here little longer"
, "lou are welcome" said the lcpcr, "for it
is seldom hear the sound of IL human voice.
Human sympathy has long been denied me.
! But again warn you that, should you be
discovered, you will yourself be made to suf-
fer imprisonment, as one infected"
Nothing dautcd, however, the soldier soli-
cited permission, when sufficiently recruited
to remain, and to explore not only the garden,
but the f;.r-famed COLLINS Keep. The deep
melancholy and resignation of the lcpcr, the
quiet beauty of the garden. had worked pow
crfully on the soldiers mind. For the time,
! he forgot his daughter, and his own troubles
concerning her.
When Costa was able to rise, the lcpcr, dis
posing his ample slouchcd hat so as to COM
plctcly hide his features, carefully fastened
the gate.
PASS on" he exclaimed. Examine my
flowers. Some of them arc rare. Gather such
as you may deem worthy ofacceptance.
Although Costa felt the deepest pity for the
lcpcr in his cherries solitude, yet the mclan-
choly tones of his voice and his gentle man
ners inspired the rough campaigncr with
respect for the calm contcntmcnt in which he
appeared to live. a." thought the old man,
'am now equally solitary. There is no being
whom have to live for. Would could feel
as this leper feels" The unfortunate being
looked on Costa with pleasure as he pluckod
the flowers, for he seemed to read his
thoughts. *. ....--
''You love flowers 2" he asked -.